Forum Discussion

jimmy63's avatar
jimmy63
Explorer
Sep 20, 2013

fresh water tank

bought a new 5th wheel and ran out of water on all 3 trips, 2 days into my stops each time. The RV is suppose to have a 44 gal fresh water tank??? To prove that I wasn't losing my mind, I got it home, leveled it, and filled it until it came out of the overflow (like I've always done). Waited until it quit and proceeded to empty it into 7 gal containers until the tank was empty. I got a grand total of 25 gals. out of the tank.... Could I possibly have a smaller fresh water tank than they said I was getting???????????
  • scotthas's avatar
    scotthas
    Explorer
    Sep 21, 2013
    Same prob, supposed to be a 55gal tank and I did the same thing and got just 37gal. Dealer is currently looking into it. My guess is the inlet, overflow and suction placement from what I could see from underneath. Oh 12gal hot water tank. I'm making the dealer make it right before the warranty is done... good luck!
  • TakingThe5th's avatar
    TakingThe5th
    Explorer
    Sep 21, 2013
    You should have a low point drain on the fresh water tank. See how much water comes out at that point. That should tell the story.
  • Snowman9000's avatar
    Snowman9000
    Explorer
    Sep 21, 2013
    An inch or two in the bottom of the tank won't be a problem in the winter. The tank is quite flexible. At least, it hasn't been a problem in ours, and we get below zero too.
  • jimmy63's avatar
    jimmy63
    Explorer
    Sep 20, 2013
    Snowman9000 wrote:
    The hot water heater is usually included in the mfr published spec. You should check into that.
    Next, it's likely they used a tank with the pickup and drain tubes coming out of the side instead of the bottom. That can leave several gallons you can't access sitting at the bottom. A lot of companies are cheaping out like that. If you have that situation, there is a DIY fix. I can post it if you need it. I hope this wouldn't be the case as any excess water left behind would be very bad during the -20' temps i face every winter

    Edit: Here is the link
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Sep 20, 2013
    Couple of things......
    Does the fresh water tank drain come off bottom or side of tank?
    Off side...then some water may still be in tank. How much,,,depends on where on side of tank drain is installed.

    Pump suction line may not go completely to bottom of tank leaving some water in tank. How much,,,,depends on length of pickup line

    Water heater tank capacity is normally included in fresh water total.

    All that being said.......even with a 10 gallon WH tank plus the 25 gallons you drained out of fresh water tank (total 35 gallons) you are still short 9 gallons

    Contact MFG. (not dealer) and discuss your lack of fresh water capacity.
    With your VIN they should be able to give you all specs. as built.
  • Snowman9000's avatar
    Snowman9000
    Explorer
    Sep 20, 2013
    The hot water heater is usually included in the mfr published spec. You should check into that.
    Next, it's likely they used a tank with the pickup and drain tubes coming out of the side instead of the bottom. That can leave several gallons you can't access sitting at the bottom. A lot of companies are cheaping out like that. If you have that situation, there is a DIY fix. I can post it if you need it.

    Edit: Here is the link
  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Sep 20, 2013
    Possible, but not likely that your very nice, brand new 33 foot, full featured rig only has a 25 gal. fresh tank...

    Could be wrong, but it sure would surprise me and be very unusual.
    I'd be looking for some other reason...like a faulty pump pick-up.
  • avvidclif1's avatar
    avvidclif1
    Explorer
    Sep 20, 2013
    Most mfg also count what the water heater holds. Kinda cheating to me.

    Mine shows 58 gal which includes the 8gal HW heater. Never measured it, seldom use it...

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