Forum Discussion

oil8390's avatar
oil8390
Explorer
Feb 21, 2019

new to the TT world

We just purchased a 2019 Catalina 172BHS and are super excited to use it. I have a couple of questions.
Do you recommend driving with the water tank full? if not, how easy is it to fill up at campgrounds?
Also any tips on locking the propane bottle and battery box to the frame of the trailer while its in storage?

Thanks.
Justin
  • You'll want a battery disconnect (if it doesn't have one) when not in use or you'll have a dead battery in a week from parasitic drains. Depending on how secure your storage area is you might want to take the battery and propane tanks off and store them in the garage. Most campgrounds you can hook up the water directly to the camper and not use the water tank unless you want to. Water adds a lot of weight 8 lbs per gallon. Congratulations on your new trailer.
  • Welcome to the forum and congratulations! First, driving with the water in the holding tank can be done but many don't. Water is 8 lbs a gallon so that extra weight can impact your towing experience and fuel economy. Tow your camper to the CG with the water tank empty and fill it there (about a 20-40 minute process depending on your tank size and water pressure at the campground). You can also get a site with water and just use your city water connection that directly pressurizes the water lines in the camper.

    For the propane bottles, I have a long, bicycle lock cable that I wrap around the frame and bottles. I don't lock my battery, I just remove it when it goes in storage.