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Question regarding water tanks

dspencer
Explorer
Explorer
I have a 2013 Forest River Gray Wolf 26BH and were preparing a trip to Texas in a few days. Once we arrive at our destination we will have full hookups but the question is for on the road. We will be breaking the trip up over 2 days. My question is we of course want to have some water on board to use just for potty breaks and that one night just for bathroom purposes. Is it better to tow with the tanks full or just partially full? I have a capable TV so weight isn't a problem. Thanks in advance for your help.
37 REPLIES 37

sh410
Explorer
Explorer
Towing hundreds of pounds of water will make no measurable difference in MPG.

BubbaChris
Explorer
Explorer
I'm biased towards about 1/2 tank of fresh if I'm going to have hook-ups at my CG's.

My reasoning is to eliminate a little of the stress on the TT for supporting the tank itself. I've dug into enough threads about people beefing up their tank support to have me a little worried about traveling with a full load when it isn't necessary.
2013 Heartland North Trail 22 FBS Caliber Edition
2013 Ford Expedition EL with Tow Package

2oldman
Explorer II
Explorer II
dspencer wrote:
. Is it better to tow with the tanks full or just partially full?.
Better in terms of having water? Yes. Better in terms of towing additional hundreds of pounds uphill? No.
"If I'm wearing long pants, I'm too far north" - 2oldman

beemerphile1
Explorer
Explorer
I always leave home with full fresh water. On the road of course it varies between full and empty. I've never noticed any real difference in towing.
Build a life you don't need a vacation from.

2016 Silverado 3500HD DRW D/A 4x4
2018 Keystone Cougar 26RBS
2006 Weekend Warrior FK1900

diazr2
Explorer
Explorer
wildtoad wrote:
Two thoughts... Only carry enough to get you there as like you said you'll have full hookups. Thought two is take enough just in case the camp water is horrible, or out of service. I have experienced both.


Oh man me too. I use to always balked at carrying a full load of water just didn't seem necessary till I got into our camp spot late one night to find the camp water had been turned off due to a pipe rupture. Well the wife always wanted me to carry water I always laughed at her and said oh yeah I am sure we just wont have any water at the camp sight. We will have wifi and electricity, sewer and cable and night lights but water Oh yeah probably not going to have any of that. Yeah right,,,, now I always carry a full tank. Its much cheaper than listening to her tell me I told you so 😞

K_Charles
Explorer
Explorer
I can't think of one reason not to have a full water tank.

diazr2
Explorer
Explorer
Really makes no difference. Full half full ¼ full or empty. Just your own preference.

wildtoad
Explorer II
Explorer II
Two thoughts... Only carry enough to get you there as like you said you'll have full hookups. Thought two is take enough just in case the camp water is horrible, or out of service. I have experienced both.
Tom Wilds
Blythewood, SC
2016 Newmar Baystar Sport 3004
2015 Jeep Wrangler 2dr HT