weight of water too much?

Kind of a side topic, but there are highly chlorine resistant pathogens (viruses, bacteria and micro-organisms). Giardia and Cryptosporidium for example are highly resistant. Two implications - chlorinating a holding tank does not kill all the nasty stuff lurking in the tank and when using the city water connection, using an exterior inline filter that reduces chlorine levels will allow any pathogens getting through the filter to multiply. The only way to remove Giardia and Cryptosporidium is to use a filter that has a rating of 1 micron absolute (not "nominal") or better. Most of the inline filters are more than 1 micron.

Anyway, another story for another day...

CDC on chlorination

jaycocreek wrote:
Not all water is created equal, there's some nasty tasting water out there that I don't want in my water tank.I could never just fill it up just anywhere.

It is a good idea to flush out and run some bleach through the lines once in a while to keep it tasting the best it can be.

I would recommend everyone treat their potable water tank as if you would drink out of it. If it is so bad that you won't drink out of it, why would you wash dishes or take a shower with it? Think about it!!! Potable water is safe for drinking, washing and bathing with. If you don't keep your fresh water drinking tank up to potable water standards you can have issues even if you don't drink it.
The reason I fill up at home is because I mainly boondock. Where am I going to fill up when I'm on the road? I take a quality filter and a good regulator with me just in case, but I know the quality of water that I have at home. When I fill up at an RV park, the filter and regulator is always used. For me, carrying 666# for 80 gallons of water vs. 166# for 20 gallons of water makes no difference in my towing or fuel mileage.

As far as trailer quality goes, there are some of the most expensive units out there that have had issues with folks towing the trailer with full fresh water, gray water and black water tanks. This issue isn't necessarily a cost issue.

The recommendation of folks checking their water tank mounts is a great idea.

I carry about 15 gals in my fresh water tank and it often has a slight odor of chlorine to it from the sanitizing process. We use it mostly for washing our hands or dishes or for flushing the toilet on those rare stops with no hook-ups.

15 gals. is about 120 lbs. I see no reason to carry more as most camps offer water and electric. We have a 3 gal container for our cooking and coffee water which we fill at the campgrounds. I have never had an issue with camp water but others do.

mosseater wrote:
I've seen the pictures of some units when uncovered and the support system on some is minimal at best, but to my knowledge, they are all meant to be towed with water in the tank. I almost never tow without a full tank since we do State Parks a lot. I'm going to have a look at mine this spring for a venting issue but you can bet I'm checking the support too while I'm there. I'll add support if I think it's needed.

You bring up an EXTREMELY IMPORTANT point about the supports for tanks especially with the enclosed underbellies. I have read more than just a few threads about various tanks letting go with often disasterous results. When I looked at mine I found the two supports on the fresh water tank loose and both my holding tanks needed extra support. While as you state they all should be capable of being towed when full I would recommend folks check out the condition of the supporting structures and fix, add to whatever BEFORE TOWING WITH THEM FILLED. This is the time to be proactive and not reactive.


Larry

jaycocreek wrote:
Not all water is created equal, there's some nasty tasting water out there that I don't want in my water tank.I could never just fill it up just anywhere.

It is a good idea to flush out and run some bleach through the lines once in a while to keep it

tasting the best it can be.

Tasting?

I wouldn't drink out of an RV holding tank if you paid me!:B:B

Not all water is created equal, there's some nasty tasting water out there that I don't want in my water tank.I could never just fill it up just anywhere.

It is a good idea to flush out and run some bleach through the lines once in a while to keep it tasting the best it can be.

.....Even if there is water, I know that the water from my house is OK. Not always true elsewhere.....

The longer you RV you will get that it is not where the water comes from.

An RV Fresh water tank is not your house plumbing. It is a non-sterilzed "holding tank".

Doesn't matter what water you put in it it WILL get spunky. It is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria because it IS a holding tank.

Keeping your tanks always full never removes the sediment and bacteria.

I full time and I completely drain the fresh tank once a week. Add water and drain again. Only put 1/3 in for traveling. If going where there are no hookups I will fill up somewhere close to destination.

The argument that we drive with are gas tanks full doesn't hold water!! You are not PULLING the extra weight that is in your gas tank in your truck! :W

69 Avion wrote:
I usually travel with full tanks. Since we camp without hookups most of the time, I want clean water that I can count on. My 19-1/2' trailer has about 80 gallons of water capacity. In AZ, we are accustomed to making sure we have water.

Remember, there are some trailers that can't handle the weight of full tanks, including gray and black water. I wouldn't own one like that, but they do exist.

And those types of trailers cost less and weigh less... that is why I will only own one like that.

Sure it would be nice to have a better trailer, but that comes with a much higher cost. I already spent 20K on a 1/2 ton used truck, and the trailer was almost another 10K

I usually travel with full tanks. Since we camp without hookups most of the time, I want clean water that I can count on. My 19-1/2' trailer has about 80 gallons of water capacity. In AZ, we are accustomed to making sure we have water.

Remember, there are some trailers that can't handle the weight of full tanks, including gray and black water. I wouldn't own one like that, but they do exist.

I do a lot of dry camping Fill fresh water tank in camper and a 50 GAL tank in back of truck. That makes me good for about a week if we use sparingly. If I need more can refill tank in truck.