Filling fresh water tank before trip, good or bad?

[Jerry_L]

We're new to the RVing world and are planning on a trip to a National Park that has no water hookups. Traveling with 40 gals of water for 300 miles bad for 5th wheel trailer and truck. I have a 3500 HD, one ton Silverado. Thanks for your input. Jerry_L - SLC


Thanks to all those to replied. I was being told by 5th wheel owners in SLC, Ut., not to travel with the fresh water tanks filled. I always thought that was weird advise. I feel better knowing my idea of leaving home with a full water tank is not "weird".

[drfife]

john&bet wrote:
Mine is in the very rear of the trailer and it is full most of the time. Holds 60 gal. I do not see it as affecting fuel mileage at all. Speed and wind affect it more.

I agree. I've towed all over the country with tanks full, empty and everything in between. Makes little or no difference in fuel economy.

Speed and wind are what effect mpg's.

[john_bet]

Mine is in the very rear of the trailer and it is full most of the time. Holds 60 gal. I do not see it as affecting fuel mileage at all. Speed and wind affect it more.

[Coach-man]

LOL, thats what I get for trying to multiply 7.5 x 50 in my head! Sorry, I should have at least written it done on paper! But 375 lbs is still a lot and I could think of a dozen others things weighing that much to bring with us instead of water!

[Veebyes]

More than just the security of having water when needed I carry water as ballast.

A TT or 5er is not much more than a box of air very suceptable to wind, especially broadside wind. The weight of water down low makes for a more stable trailer whether it is in wind or going into a corner too fast. It lowers your center of gravity & does not affect fuel milage much unless doing alot of mountain driving. On the flat once the weight is moving, it takes little effort to keep it moving unless you are one of those who like to cruise at 65 plus. Then it is air resistance, not weight that is killing your milage.

[Rancher_Will]

For over 55 years, with 5 RV's, we have always filled our Fresh Water Tank before leaving home on our ranch. Our ranch well water is pure, without Chlorine, other chemicals that may be found incampground hookups, city water, other unknown water sources as we travel. We alsways use our own well water for drinking, coffee making, etc.

In campgrounds We often hook to the local water connection for showers, washing dishes (using our soap and washing liquid, toilets, plus at dumping stations in campgrounds, etc., I hook to the local water outlet to rinse the holding tanks and drain hoses. We have a sanitary hose hookup to use just for rinsing the holding tanks and drains.

[zedd]

Coach-man wrote:
... 50 gallons of water weighs 750 lbs. ...

Uh, no...water weighs a little more than 8lb/gal so 50 gal would be about 400 lb. Not trivial but quite a bit less than 750.

[Coach-man]

We have been camping for 10 years, I know that does not automatically make me an expert, but here is my opinion. One, if you use your tank for drinking water, you need to sanatise it correctly, failing to do so may expouse you to serious illness or wourse. We allways travel with bottled water for drinking, no problems with taste or other problems! Two you need at least some water in your tank for flushing and washing. We always carry at least 10 gallons as we travel. We usually do not dry camp, so getting water at the destination is not a problem. If you dry camp check first about getting fresh water first before you go! Internet, phone ect. If not available at the destination, somewhere close is an option. 50 gallons of water weighs 750 lbs. that is a lot of weight to be hauling around. Save the gas millage, or consider 750 lbs. of other stuff to haul with you instead of water?

[the_vfox]

5er, we carry about 10 gallons
The motor-home, we carry 40 gallons since we can stop anywhere for overnights.

[jnharley]

We always travel with water. When the water is out at a campground, we always have water available.

[sue_t]

We drycamp 99% of the time, rarely stay at locations with hookups.

So our water tank is always filled before we leave home and then filled as we need it, usually at the same time we're dumping the tanks.

[laknox]

Jerry_L wrote:
We're new to the RVing world and are planning on a trip to a National Park that has no water hookups. Traveling with 40 gals of water for 300 miles bad for 5th wheel trailer and truck. I have a 3500 HD, one ton Silverado. Thanks for your input. Jerry_L - SLC


Thanks to all those to replied. I was being told by 5th wheel owners in SLC, Ut., not to travel with the fresh water tanks filled. I always thought that was weird advise. I feel better knowing my idea of leaving home with a full water tank is not "weird".

Personally, I travel with a minimum of water on the road, maybe 10 gallons. We do a family boondocker every year up in the mountains. Why carry an extra 350 lbs up several thousand vertical feet if I don't have to. I've got a spot about 30 miles from our camp where I can water down, including 2 7 gal jerry cans. Costs me $5 and the water is =much= better tasting than our city water, even if we only brush our teeth with it. 🙂 If I know I'm going to an area with a water hookup, then no need to carry water; if I'm not sure, then I'll carry more than I usually do, but not a full load. Again, that's the way I do it; YMMV...

As others have said, having a full tank can help with ride, especially if you're otherwise traveling light. Also, if you know you're going to be running through windy conditions, especially crosswinds, having a bit of weight in =all= your tanks, helps to lower the CG of your FW for stability. That, and running slower.

Lyle

[rhagfo]

Started keeping at least 3/4 full tow smoother! I don't worry about the extra weight as I am over GVWR already. What is a few more pounds on the pin still well under rear GAWR.

[Sea_Six]

Full-up to overflowing before the TV goes into D (tow/haul).

Ever' tAHM.

🙂

[DrTanTodd]

Very seldom do we travel full. Usually almost empty. The tanks are in the front of my camper now and that adds to my pin weight with 87 gallons .