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.

I would much rather tow with an extra 500 lbs. (it really is not that much) than risk using water from a questionable source.

Fill the tank before leaving home?

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.

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.unless it would cause your RV to exceed it's GVWR go ahead and fill at home. I keep very precise mileage records and I've recorded a very negligible decrease in MPG while hauling 85-gal of fresh water. beyond that you can fill your tanks at many truckstops although the spigot may not be as conveniently placed as those found at Flying J. is there a Pilot near your destination?

Twice I have depended on water being available when I got to where I was camping. Twice I found their water was contaminated. I haul my water and know what i have will be good.

Filling the water tank while on the road | Good Sam Community

msmith1199
Explorer II
Jul 12, 2013
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
Explorer II
Jul 11, 2013
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
Explorer
Jul 11, 2013
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
Explorer II
Jul 11, 2013
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
Explorer
Jul 11, 2013
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
Explorer
Jul 11, 2013
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
Explorer II
Jul 10, 2013
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
Explorer
Jul 10, 2013
I have asked and been given water at Walmart garden centers.
They usually have hoses for watering the plants.
bikendan
Explorer
Jul 10, 2013
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
Explorer
Jul 10, 2013
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.