Fresh Water Holding Tank - Do I need to keep water in it?

[tommygun714]

Hi,

New 5th wheel owner. Wondering if I need to keep water in the fresh water holding tank for any reason other than, I might need water to drink or flush a toilet in an emergency. But today I struck camp to head home from my first trip out with out new cougar 5th wheel. We were only a few hours drive from how and I was thinking of draining the 60 gallon tank for the drive home.

Is there a reason for priming the water pumps of other that I should or should not completely drain?

[rjsurfer]

Tried carrying 1/3 or less when travelling for emergencies but more often than not when I needed water when stopped on the side of the road or anywhere when hitched the water pick up failed.

I'm thinking the angle of the trailer when hitched prevents water from getting pulled into the pump. Side to side angle can effect it also.

Now I dont travel with less than half.


Ron W.

[Dave_H_M]

I also let her rip. Why sit there and watch water drain out?

[JesLookin]

shadows4 wrote:

Super_Dave wrote:
I've always found emptying the tank to be a 1/2 day job and not something I want to do on the day I'm trying to get out of camp.

I just drain mine going home. It is just plain water, open the valve and let it go as I drive home. Works for me.

I'll bet the guy behind you on the motorcycle doesn't appreciate that!!

[shadows4]

Super_Dave wrote:
I've always found emptying the tank to be a 1/2 day job and not something I want to do on the day I'm trying to get out of camp.

I just drain mine going home. It is just plain water, open the valve and let it go as I drive home. Works for me.

[Veebyes]

There is no good reason to run around empty. The amount of extra fuel needed to get the extra weight moving is not worth talking about. Likewise extra braking to stop it. What weight in the tank does help is add stability, especially in windy conditions or if you go into an exit corner a little too fast. Lowers the center of gravity of what is mostly a box full of air, most likely with heavy stuff like a loaded fridge on one side.

If I know I am going to be dealing with wind I try to be full. 100gal/800+# for me. If I know I will be dry camping or a night at Walmart on the way somewhere I have water onboard accordingly.

[nevadan660]

If you know your destination camp has water why carry a full tank, keep less than a 1/4. Don't forget to drain system including water tank in winter when temps go below 32.

[hotpepperkid]

I keep mine full, never know when or if you have to bug out. I change the water every 60 days or so if I havent used it

[Community Alumni]

I full time and keep my fresh water tank full. But I also run the water off the fresh tank using the pump. This way I do not have to worry about a pressure regulator on the hose or high water pressure from the RV park. It's just me so I have to fill the tank about 3 times every 2 weeks. Plus you never know when there will be a problem with the park's water lines. I also have a power fill setting on my rig so it doesn't take long to fill the tank.

[laknox]

BarneyS wrote:

Super_Dave wrote:
I've always found emptying the tank to be a 1/2 day job and not something I want to do on the day I'm trying to get out of camp.

Next time, try opening your low point drains and turn on the pump in addition to the drain in the bottom of the fresh water tank being open.
Barney

My old Komfort had a 1.5" drain in it, with a blade valve. =Loved= that feature! (As well as the gravity fill.)

Lyle

[toedtoes]

There are certain variables for the answer:

Size of the tank. Someone with a 100gal tank may only do a partial fill, while someone with a 36gal tank will do a full fill.

Type of use. Those going to full hookup sites are likely to just maintain a minimal amount in the tank for "while on the road use", while those dry camping are more likely to fill it.

Frequency of usage. Those who use their RV on a frequent basis year round are more likely to not drain than those who store it for a season.

Location during non-use. Those who store their RVs off-site are more likely to drain and/or not fill completely than those who store at home.

I had the privilege of talking to a sewer and water treatment employee for a park system. He showed me photos of the parks' potable water tanks. I'm not inclined to fill away from home. I know my water is clean and safe - I don't know what the water is like somewhere else.

I have a 40gal tank and I do not see a difference in mpg when it's full or empty.

As I also live in an area subject to drought and water restrictions, I would prefer folks coming from regions with no water shortages to bring their own water. Just seems to make sense to get water where it's plentiful rather than wait to fill in a place where the public restrooms are closed because there isn't enough water to operate them.

[TxGearhead]

I drain after our last planned trip of the fall. Sanitize and re-fill in the spring. Sometimes drain and re-sanitize mid summer if we travel in the summer. It gets so hot here no telling what kind of bugs are growing in that tank. We don't drink from it. Just flush, wash, and shower. Keep bottled water to drink.

[padredw]

You are obviously going to find every possible variation of personal opinions and practices about the fresh water tank. Here is another:

+ I always drain the fresh water tank when we return from a trip, unless we have another trip planned in a few weeks.

+ I never fill the fresh water tank completely. I travel with the tank between 1/3 and 1/2 full for a long trip. That has proven sufficient and I see no reason to carry extra weight. If we go to a campground without water hook-up, we have always been able to add water to the tank before arrival.

There you have it--another opinion and practice.

[BarneyS]

Super_Dave wrote:
I've always found emptying the tank to be a 1/2 day job and not something I want to do on the day I'm trying to get out of camp.

Next time, try opening your low point drains and turn on the pump in addition to the drain in the bottom of the fresh water tank being open.
Barney

[Runaway]

I've always kept the tank full, even when in RV parks. Only time I emptied is when I stored for the winter.