H2O etiquette/educate

[doitdaily]

Every time I look for good advice someone recommends to haul without water in the tanks... So when I leave California and arrive in Utah to boon dock where do I fill up with 106 gallons of fresh water?

[BamaBob]

As a best practice, we never leave home without at least a 1/2 tank of water (you NEVER know) and especially in your case when you are out west in the high desert, that 20 or so gallons of water might literally be a life saver!


If you are truly heading out to boondock and not just dry camp in a campground, fill 'er up at home! A lot of Pilot/Flying J truck stops (that have RV dump stations) also have fresh water stations.

[rana]

With a 106 gallon tank I probably wouldn't leave home without at least 30 gallons (water lines and WH filled). That would be right around 240 pounds which isn't going to be terribly significant in your MPG.

That being said... I can be anal about my axle weights and even distribution on long trips. I would load my 30 gallons (or whatever I am comfortable towing with) then with a fully loaded rig (ready to go) I would hit the scales. I would add or drain water in my FW tank until my rig is riding level and the best possible weight distribution. After you do it once, you get a pretty fair idea about how much to carry for optimal towing with your "regular" loadout.

[Pipeman]

When we boondock, my 60 gal fresh water tank is full along with my 50 gal tank that sits in front of the 5th wheel in the truck before leaving home. I know where I can get fresh water once set up in the bush but that happens later on when my spare tank gets emptied. When on the road and using campgrounds I put about 1/3 of a tank of water in. Good for the toilet and whatever else water is needed for at the time.on the road.

[5er_tom]

Does CA have 105 gallons of water? 💦

You might need to do an overnighter in NV and fill the water tanks.


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[grumpyer]

Originally Posted by 5er_tom

Does CA have 105 gallons of water? ��

You might need to do an overnighter in NV and fill the water tanks.


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[doitdaily]

DUH! I was going to fill it with sea water- use it - and bring 106 fresh back to Ca.

[Jjs2000z]

Always plan your trip for filling water. I do not recommend traveling long distances with water and fuel tanks full on the trailer.

There are many truck stops on the way you shouldn't have an issue filling your toy hauler

[Pipeman]

I have being RVing for 38 years or more and have always filled the water tanks when we were boondocking, which is 95% of the time. The TH I had, carried 100 gallons of water plus hot water tank.All the other trailers I had, carried full water tanks. The 5er I have now carries 60 gallons of water. I have hauled full tanks in the Rocky Mountains and Michigan, traveling hundreds of miles & I have never, ever had a problem. So for arguments sake, why do some people recommend not filling the fresh water tanks when traveling? Are the trailers made today that flimsy that they can't haul what they are meant to haul? Not trying to start an argument but would really like to know the answer. Thanks

[Jjs2000z]

Yes the trailers built now are not the same as 10-20 years ago. With full water, fuel, toys, food, the trailer will come fully maxed out. Especially if Hauling a Polaris Rzr 4 seater or any other 4 seat side by side. Also depends on where you live and how the roads are. Me in California there are many roads that are terrible for hauling trailers with dips and huge bumps.

[Mountndream]

Originally Posted by Jjs2000z

Yes the trailers built now are not the same as 10-20 years ago. With full water, fuel, toys, food, the trailer will come fully maxed out. Especially if Hauling a Polaris Rzr 4 seater or any other 4 seat side by side. Also depends on where you live and how the roads are. Me in California there are many roads that are terrible for hauling trailers with dips and huge bumps.

My trailer has a cargo capacity of 968 pounds. I don't really want to add 240 pounds of water to weight.

Not to hijack the thread, but what happens if i have a bunch of people in my camper riding out the storm? Does cargo capacity translate to weight limits when sitting at camp?

[Pipeman]

You haven't driven through Detroit yet. There are pot holes that will swallow you up..... . Last time out my total weight with TV & 5er was 23,600 lbs. I mention Michigan because that's where we boondock all the time unless we're out west. Those backroads and trails aren't the best but still no problems.

[Pipeman]

Originally Posted by Mountndream

My trailer has a cargo capacity of 968 pounds. I don't really want to add 240 pounds of water to weight.

Not to hijack the thread, but what happens if i have a bunch of people in my camper riding out the storm? Does cargo capacity translate to weight limits when sitting at camp?

IMHO no problem.

[Ford Idaho]

Originally Posted by Mountndream

My trailer has a cargo capacity of 968 pounds. I don't really want to add 240 pounds of water to weight.

Not to hijack the thread, but what happens if i have a bunch of people in my camper riding out the storm? Does cargo capacity translate to weight limits when sitting at camp?

When set up in camp you have the tires, stab jacks, and the landing gear/front jack holding things up.

So unless you have 12 people all standing around inside I would not sweat it.

[Mountndream]

Originally Posted by Ford Idaho

When set up in camp you have the tires, stab jacks, and the landing gear/front jack holding things up.

So unless you have 12 people all standing around inside I would not sweat it.

Thanks everyone for the info. Its been one of those things that I just wonder about while camping, then i open another beer and worry about something important, like dinner and if we have enough beer


Side note, i did have 8 people and two dogs in my little 21 foot trailer for about an hour after a float trip during a storm. It was surprising comfortable all things considered

[Pipeman]

Amazing how comfortable a couple of wobbly pops can make you feel......hehehe

[ryanq55]

I always have, and always will continue to top off my tank prior to leaving...I don't care what anybody says...we usually head through some desolate areas because we dry camp/boondock for the most part so I would rather have my 160gal than not! I don't really care if I spend a little more in fuel hauling it...it's worth it to me...

[mud yapster]

Ours hold 130 gal. I carry about 1/3 to 1/2 fresh water and I always fill the toy hauler tank with 30 gallons. You never know I might need the genny along the way.

[PopBeavers]

Originally Posted by Jjs2000z

Always plan your trip for filling water. I do not recommend traveling long distances with water and fuel tanks full on the trailer.

There are many truck stops on the way you shouldn't have an issue filling your toy hauler

Half of 106 gallons of water is 53 times 8 (round figure) is 424 pounds of water sloshing around, disturbing the balance. A full tank of water does not slosh.

Just my thoughts.

[PopBeavers]

I camped one at Laguna Seca, a Monterey County park. I had full hookups.

After getting set up I walked up to the nearest restroom. On the door was a sign that said to boil the water before drinking.

Back in camp I disconnected the water hose and we lived off of the water we brought from home.

I wonder what others did.

For those that never use campground bathrooms how would they know to boil the water?