Filling the water tank while on the road

[dpkimmel2001]

So far every place that I've ever 'dry camped', they've always had a place that I could fill when I arrived. In a couple weeks I'll be heading to a place that doesn't have that option. I don't want to tow the extra weight for the entire trip. I want to fill close to my destination point. Do truck plaza's have water available at the diesel islands? I'm just looking for any options. I know many Flying J's have a RV island but the one closest to my destination does not.

[msmith1199]

dpkimmel2001 wrote:
Thanks for those that really replied to the actual question that I had.

As far as why I don't want to fill up for the duration of this long haul..... I'd rather not tow the extra 1000lbs if it's not necessary but thanks for all of the advise.

Prior to purchasing my diesel pusher I had a gas class A. The water tank was under the bed right at the back of the motorhome. That means 800 pounds of water behind the axle. A full tank versus an empty tank was very noticeable in how the motorhome handled. A full water tank with some crosswinds and it was not comfortable to drive. I rarely traveled with a full water tank.

[Atlee]

I had no clue your trailer carried about 120 gallons of fresh water when completely filled.

dpkimmel2001 wrote:
Thanks for those that really replied to the actual question that I had.

As far as why I don't want to fill up for the duration of this long haul..... I'd rather not tow the extra 1000lbs if it's not necessary but thanks for all of the advise.

[dpkimmel2001]

Thanks for those that really replied to the actual question that I had.

As far as why I don't want to fill up for the duration of this long haul..... I'd rather not tow the extra 1000lbs if it's not necessary but thanks for all of the advise.

[Atlee]

Why not fillup at home? I'm still not sure why folks run empty until they get to their destination. What if you need to use the "facilities" on the way?

And if you're so close to the GVWR, that several gallons of water will put you over the top, I believe you have larger problems than whether fresh water will be available at your destination.

dpkimmel2001 wrote:
So far every place that I've ever 'dry camped', they've always had a place that I could fill when I arrived. In a couple weeks I'll be heading to a place that doesn't have that option. I don't want to tow the extra weight for the entire trip. I want to fill close to my destination point. Do truck plaza's have water available at the diesel islands? I'm just looking for any options. I know many Flying J's have a RV island but the one closest to my destination does not.

[BigRabbitMan]

You will use more gas stopping to fill the water tank than it will take to haul the water from home. And your internal system is used to the water from home!

[D___M]

Sea Dog wrote:
I have asked and been given water at Walmart garden centers.
They usually have hoses for watering the plants.

Cool. Good bit of info

[msmith1199]

dpkimmel2001 wrote:
So far every place that I've ever 'dry camped', they've always had a place that I could fill when I arrived. In a couple weeks I'll be heading to a place that doesn't have that option. I don't want to tow the extra weight for the entire trip. I want to fill close to my destination point. Do truck plaza's have water available at the diesel islands? I'm just looking for any options. I know many Flying J's have a RV island but the one closest to my destination does not.

Bring a long hose. Most gas stations and other businesses will have hose bibs somewhere on the building. Find one and get permission to get some water out of it. Or go to Walmart and buy five 5 gallon collapsible water containers. They fold up almost flat when not in use. The use your tow vehicle to go find water someplace and you can transport 25 gallons at a time back to the trailer.

[Sea_Dog]

I have asked and been given water at Walmart garden centers.
They usually have hoses for watering the plants.

[bikendan]

Jim-Linda wrote:
You will never know the difference in mpg with full or empty water tank. 17 years of FT research.

Jim

SO TRUE!!! the trailer frontal area's air resistance will affect your mpg, WAY more than its weight.

[D___M]

korbe wrote:
We will check and see where dump stations are. We will fill up there. We will also fill up at home before we leave - if it's just a weekend trip.

Be careful! Water used at dump stations is sometimes non-potable.

[john_b1]

Just make sure it is totally full or empty.. If you ever take a ride through the median because of water slosh in a partially full water tank you will understand my statement!
JMHO jb

[Homer1]

For health and safety's sake haul your water when you know there will not be any at your final destination. I would still shock the tank, even with your own water supply, who knows what was in the last fill up. Just sayin

[Tom_N]

You can get water at almost any municipal water plant.

-Tom

[goducks10]

I have a 54 gal fresh water tank in the 5'er. Have hauled empty and full. Makes no difference that I can tell. Actually tows better full as the weight is directly over the two axles. I used to do the fill up when I got there thing with our last TT because the tank was behind the axles and made it handle poorly. I love being able to fill at home and just pull in to our spot ready to go. Plus the water usually tastes better.