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KE6IRJ's avatar
KE6IRJ
Explorer
Mar 06, 2016

How do I tell the size of black, grey, and fresh tanks?

Okay, I have come across my first question.
After taking delivery on our new-to-us Springdale Bunkhouse, the paperwork and information we got does not give the specifics to my trailer.
The underside had a plastic protective sheet so I can't measure physical volume.

How can I find my capacities? Can the VIN help here? I don't have a portable water meter to tell fill volume, is there any way?

19 Replies

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  • KE6IRJ's avatar
    KE6IRJ
    Explorer
    Mar 07, 2016
    Okay guys, I get it. I was trying to avoid a gallon jug because where it is stored it would be a drive for each fill.

    Anyway, thank you all for the hand.
  • mtofell1's avatar
    mtofell1
    Explorer
    Mar 07, 2016
    K Charles wrote:
    Water meters don't cost much. A 5 gal pail holds 5 gal and a gal jug holds 1 gal.


    I'll pay you $100 to come "measure" my black tank after a weekend trip with my 3 kids using the gallon jug :) :)
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Mar 06, 2016
    Huntindog wrote:
    I have found that the specs are often wrong... Oh it may state a 40 gallon tank, and measure out at 40 gallons, but because of the way it is plumbed, can only hold 36 gallons.


    SoundGuy wrote:
    Manufacturers also often "conveniently forget" to mention that when quoting fresh water capacity the number they're quoting includes the water heater tank, in which case you'd want to subtract that amount from the stated capacity to get the true capacity of the fresh water holding tank itself. Measuring the tanks yourself avoids this potential for error.


    Huntindog wrote:
    Both of my new TTs "mentioned" it... So they told the truth... But what many newbies don't realize is that water in the water heater cannot be used in the TT... When the freshwater tank empties, whatever is in the WH stays there.
    So the totally honest thing to do, would be to not even bring it up as part of the freshwater capacity... What a concept..LOL.


    I just checked Coachmen's spec sheet for my Freedom Express 192RBS and it says fresh water capacity is 36 gals. It's not, the fresh water tank capacity is actually 30 gals, the other 6 gals are in the water heater tank.

    As you say - "what a concept". :S
  • Huntindog's avatar
    Huntindog
    Explorer
    Mar 06, 2016
    SoundGuy wrote:
    Huntindog wrote:
    I have found that the specs are often wrong... Oh it may state a 40 gallon tank, and measure out at 40 gallons, but because of the way it is plumbed, can only hold 36 gallons.


    Manufacturers also often "conveniently forget" to mention that when quoting fresh water capacity the number they're quoting includes the water heater tank, in which case you'd want to subtract that amount from the stated capacity to get the true capacity of the fresh water holding tank itself. Measuring the tanks yourself avoids this potential for error.
    Both of my new TTs "mentioned" it... So they told the truth... But what many newbies don't realize is that water in the water heater cannot be used in the TT... When the freshwater tank empties, whatever is in the WH stays there.
    So the totally honest thing to do, would be to not even bring it up as part of the freshwater capacity... What a concept..LOL.
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Mar 06, 2016
    SoundGuy wrote:
    KE6IRJ wrote:
    I don't have a portable water meter to tell fill volume, is there any way?


    Why would you need a water meter? If you're not satisfied with the information you find online simply fill a container of known capacity with water and pour that into the tanks, multiply by how many times you have to pour from this container to fill each of the tanks, and you'll obviously then know how much each tank holds.


    Even easier, use your watch / smart phone timer. Time how long your hose takes to fill a 1 gallon jug, then time how long it takes to fill each tank. Simple math will tell you the rest.
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Mar 06, 2016
    KE6IRJ wrote:
    Here is the complete number.

    2010 Keystone Springdale SG294BHSSRWE10


    Include that in your SIG so in future when you post everyone will know exactly which model you have.
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Mar 06, 2016
    Huntindog wrote:
    I have found that the specs are often wrong... Oh it may state a 40 gallon tank, and measure out at 40 gallons, but because of the way it is plumbed, can only hold 36 gallons.


    Manufacturers also often "conveniently forget" to mention that when quoting fresh water capacity the number they're quoting includes the water heater tank, in which case you'd want to subtract that amount from the stated capacity to get the true capacity of the fresh water holding tank itself. Measuring the tanks yourself avoids this potential for error.
  • Huntindog's avatar
    Huntindog
    Explorer
    Mar 06, 2016
    SoundGuy wrote:
    KE6IRJ wrote:
    I don't have a portable water meter to tell fill volume, is there any way?


    Why would you need a water meter? If you're not satisfied with the information you find online simply fill a container of known capacity with water and pour that into the tanks, multiply by how many times you have to pour from this container to fill each of the tanks, and you'll obviously then know how much each tank holds.
    ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
    This is the best way. I have found that the specs are often wrong... Oh it may state a 40 gallon tank, and measure out at 40 gallons, but because of the way it is plumbed, can only hold 36 gallons.
  • KE6IRJ's avatar
    KE6IRJ
    Explorer
    Mar 06, 2016
    Here is the complete number.

    2010 Keystone Springdale SG294BHSSRWE10

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