On a recent stay down in Oregon at Honeyman State Park a situation developed that made us glad we had fresh water on board. We normally travel with some water so we can use the bathroom or wash up when on the road. In this case it was a longer trip so we brought a bit more even though we would be at full hookup sites the whole time. Glad we did!On the 3rd day the water was cut off due to a leak in the water main supplying the campground. We shut off the spigot and headed out for the day to see the sights. When we came back they were unloading honeybuckets all around the campground for people to use because the water was still off. I've never been so glad to have water in the tank! The water ended up getting turned back on later that afternoon, but it was probably off for a good 8+ hours. I'll always be sure we have at least 20 gallons or so from now on!

We always have the tank at least 50% full. A couple of years ago, there was a cold snap in Texas. We were in one RV park where the water was frozen the 3 nights were were there. At the next park, their well head had been damaged and there was no water overnight. We were really glad we had water onboard.

Same here- we recently stayed at a campground where a storm came through and the water went out. We were able to continue on, do dishes and all that jazz with no issue.I was, however, very happy when water came back on in time for me to dump + flush my tanks and get a quick shower before heading down the road.

We carry around 25 gallons when on the road but I fill the 100 gallon water tank up as soon as we arrive in Az for the 6 months. Something to do as the tires cool. Anything can happen.chevman

Way to go, but don't haul a full tank around, that cost big $$ in fuel.

We always travel with a full tank of fresh water.

Glad we had water on board! | Good Sam Community

jnharley
Explorer
Aug 07, 2013
We always have the tank at least 50% full. A couple of years ago, there was a cold snap in Texas. We were in one RV park where the water was frozen the 3 nights were were there. At the next park, their well head had been damaged and there was no water overnight. We were really glad we had water onboard.
ependydad
Explorer
Aug 07, 2013
Same here- we recently stayed at a campground where a storm came through and the water went out. We were able to continue on, do dishes and all that jazz with no issue.

I was, however, very happy when water came back on in time for me to dump + flush my tanks and get a quick shower before heading down the road.
larry_barnhart
Explorer
Aug 07, 2013
We carry around 25 gallons when on the road but I fill the 100 gallon water tank up as soon as we arrive in Az for the 6 months. Something to do as the tires cool. Anything can happen.
chevman
Homer1
Explorer
Aug 07, 2013
Way to go, but don't haul a full tank around, that cost big $$ in fuel.
RognBon
Explorer
Aug 07, 2013
We always travel with a full tank of fresh water.
frankdamp
Explorer
Aug 07, 2013
We have such good quality water at home (in the top five nationwide) we always leave home with the tank close to full - just enough short of full to avoid any siphoning out of the overflow. I don't see that 600 pounds additional payload on a 22,000 pound GVW rig that isn't close to its max, is going to make a significant difference in gas mileage.

Even if it costs 0.1 mpg, it's worth it to avoid drinking some of the skanky city water we've encountered. We usually fill a Brita jug from the potable tank when we aren't on city water at the CG, or turn the city water off temporarily to get drinking water from the tank.
powderman426
Explorer
Aug 07, 2013
Homer wrote:
Way to go, but don't haul a full tank around, that cost big $$ in fuel.

That may be true depending on the type of rv. On my fiver I see no difference whether full or empty. I believe the frontal area of mine is the biggest fuel eater but nothing I can do about that. JMO
ependydad
Explorer
Aug 07, 2013
Homer wrote:
Way to go, but don't haul a full tank around, that cost big $$ in fuel.

I'd be interested in knowing if this is real or not. My camper came in weighing at 14,820 pounds at the last scale stop. I figure I had 1/3 to 1/2 of a tank of water in it (14-21 gallons of water). So, if I topped off the tank, I'd be adding 175 - 234 pounds. Would I really see a noticeable different in fuel economy by going going to 15,054 pounds?

(Edited for typos; no numbers changed.)
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Aug 07, 2013
WE always travel with 1/3 tank.
Got caught ONCE and had just enough water on board until water service was restored.
After that I always fill tank upon arrival and then we use most of it up just before travel day.

As for the impact on mileage.......I don't notice any difference between traveling with a full or empty tank.
70 gallons of water vs 13'4" 5'vr @ 14K.....the frontal area has more resistance at speed than the overall weight.
Greentow
Explorer
Aug 07, 2013
Ependydad, I think that you mileage difference over the next 5,000 miles is going to be down .005 MPG. This is just a SWAG, not backed up with any substantial basis:D