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02-27-2014, 06:16 PM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 54
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New Roo 19
Hello all. New to this forum and new to Hybrids. My wife and I just closed a deal today on a 2014 Roo19. We did the popup thing for 5 years and while we enjoyed it and made many great memories, I am looking forward to less set-up and take-down work that the Hybrid should provide. This is our first TT of any kind so it will be a learning experience for us. I am a very mechanically inclined person, so I think I will be able to figure most stuff out but appreciate any advice from more experienced Roo owners. Couple questions right off the top...
1. I've read about water leaks from the bulkheads...is this common, or more related to earlier models?
2. I have to decide before our scheduled pickup day if the extended warranty is worth buying or not. It's $2500 extra for a total of 7 years of coverage, but still $2500 is not chump change.
3. We do mostly remote camping with no hookups, so is it worthwhile to have dual 6 volt batteries instead of the single 12 volt?
Thanks for any insight. I'm sure I will have more questions later.
RACKMAN
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02-27-2014, 06:29 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Walled Lake
Posts: 1,140
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I had a leak, FR fixed the bunk end and seals and I'm once again a happy camper. I can't help with the other questions, but welcome and congrats on your purchase!
__________________
Kristina
2016 Rockwood Premier 2317G
2021 F150 XLT
Previously:
2005 Fleetwood Seapine, 2012 Rockwood Roo
2015 Sunseeker, 2017 Fleetwood Pace Arrow
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02-27-2014, 06:40 PM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Goodyear, Arizona
Posts: 33,774
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RACKMAN
Couple questions right off the top...
1. I've read about water leaks from the bulkheads...is this common, or more related to earlier models? this has been an evolving issue since hybrids first came out. my '07 Roo has never had any such leaks. but FR has tweaked the seal/hinge setup over the years, as has other hybrid manufacturers. the current setup with the pre-attached canvas system, has probably been the best so far, with much less complaints. but remember a lot of leak issues were due to poor seal maintenence or improper canvas storage which allowed canvas to get trapped between the seals.
2. I have to decide before our scheduled pickup day if the extended warranty is worth buying or not. It's $2500 extra for a total of 7 years of coverage, but still $2500 is not chump change. neither i or most RV owners, are fans of 3rd party extended warranties. your dealer probably "failed" to mention that you can get a 2nd year factory warranty for only $150, which is what nearly all of us buy instead. dealers make commissions on the 3rd party ones and not the FR 2nd year one, therefore they "forget" to mention it.
3. We do mostly remote camping with no hookups, so is it worthwhile to have dual 6 volt batteries instead of the single 12 volt? we are the same, nearly dry camp all the time. we went with the two 12v deep cycle because the 12v are cheaper and if one goes bad, you can still have power, whereas the 6v golf cart batteries are better but they cost more and if one goes bad, you have no power. but they'll last much longer than the 12v ones.
we also have a Honda 2000 and a 400w inverter connected directly to the batteries.
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welcome to FRF and the "Roo Kroo"!!
__________________
Dan-Retired California Firefighter/EMT
Shawn-Musician/Entrepreneur/Wine Expert
and Zoe the Wonder Dog(R.I.P.)
2016 PrimeTime TracerAIR 255, pushing a 2014 Ford F150 SCREW XTR 4x4 3.5 Ecoboost w/Max Tow Package
4pt Equal-i-zer WDH and 1828lbs of payload capacity
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02-27-2014, 06:42 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 336
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We have a 2013 Roo 183. We have had no leaks around the bunk doors (I think that's what you meant by bulkheads). When closing up for home I always wipe the dirt off the seals and mating surfaces with a damp cloth and also clean the seals with a silicone based cleaner 2 or 3 times a season (owners manual). Also be mindful of not getting the canvas pinched in the door seal which allows water to enter.
We don't dry camp often but I'm not sure how 2 6-volt batteries is necessarily better than 1 12-volt. Its all about amp-hours. I know there are different classes of deep cycle batteries but I will let others chime in on that.
I hear that Forest River offers a 2nd year warranty for a pittance but apparently you have to be savvy enough to ask for it. We were not that savvy. If your dealer balks then call FR directly. The dealer would rather sell the $2500 plan. Most of the major components are warrantied by their OEMs for longer than one year so you can deal with them directly if a big problem arrises. I tend to fix the small stuff myself and stay away from extended warranties on everything but that is just me. If they are making money then someone else is losing.
We really like our Roo and I'm sure you will too. Welcome to the forum.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using Tapatalk 2
__________________
2013 Roo 183
Miles Driven/Nights Camped:
2012:1042/13 2013:2772/27
2014:2259/30 2015:1644/20
2016:1278/23 2017:2183/22
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02-27-2014, 07:05 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 10,907
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I have a 2012 Roo19 after 20 yrs with a Coleman Sequoia popup. We've been thru 2 seasons, no leaks (it has the permanently attached canvas, but the old closing latches - some folks have stated the new latch system is kind of cheap and may not last long). I had no idea about the 2nd yr warranty until I read it here on the forum; however, as I'm now at 2 years, I know it would have ended up being a waste of $150. We don't dry camp much, so I can't comment on the battery situation.
I've only had 2 problems: a cabinet latch that was off-kilter (a minute or two with a screwdriver) and the water bypass valve failed to close and began leaking the first time out last year - $11 for a new valve and a couple of hose clamps. Had to fix myself as I was at the campground and wanted to camp.
__________________
1988 Coleman Sequoia - popup (1987-2009) - outlasted 3 Dodge Grand Caravans!
2012 Roo19 - hybrid (2012-2015)
2016 Mini Lite 2503S - tt (2015 - ???)
2011 Traverse LT, 3.6L, FWD
2009 Silverado 1500 Ext Cab, 5.3L, 4x4, 3.73
2016 Silverado 2500HD Dbl Cab, 6.0L 4x4, 4.10
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02-27-2014, 08:10 PM
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#6
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 54
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Thanks for the heads up on the 2nd year warrantee that should be available. I will ask about it on pick up day. Definitely better route to go than 3rd party pricey extended warrantee. Also, regarding the "new" style latching system...ya, I noticed it right away and was immediately concerned and disappointed. The new latches don't look nearly as strong and dependable as the old style. I guess if they break or fail I will see about retrofitting the old style. Another question...
Have any of you lifted the chassis of the trailer to gain more clearance underneath? I did a spring over axle modification on my tent trailer to enable me to get into rougher more remote terrain and I wouldn't mind a bit more clearance under this Roo, but I've never dealt with this TorFlex axle system. Is there a simple way to get more clearance with these axles?
__________________
RACKMAN
2014 Roo 21ssL...towed by 2015 Ram Power Wagon
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02-27-2014, 08:12 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 336
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Out of curiosity, what are you towing it with?
Sent from my Kindle Fire using Tapatalk 2
__________________
2013 Roo 183
Miles Driven/Nights Camped:
2012:1042/13 2013:2772/27
2014:2259/30 2015:1644/20
2016:1278/23 2017:2183/22
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02-27-2014, 08:42 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 206
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We haven't picked up our Roo yet either. But like the price of the Roo the extended warranty price is not set in stone.
We have been quoted $1895 for 7 year Star Diamond extended warranty thru Interstate StarRV. Not sure who the warranty company is for you.
Might be worth talking them down some.
Congrats!!!! And happy camping!
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02-27-2014, 10:14 PM
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#9
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Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Goodyear, Arizona
Posts: 33,774
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the only way i know of, to get more clearance with a TorFlex, is to have spacers put or welded in between the frame and the axles.
__________________
Dan-Retired California Firefighter/EMT
Shawn-Musician/Entrepreneur/Wine Expert
and Zoe the Wonder Dog(R.I.P.)
2016 PrimeTime TracerAIR 255, pushing a 2014 Ford F150 SCREW XTR 4x4 3.5 Ecoboost w/Max Tow Package
4pt Equal-i-zer WDH and 1828lbs of payload capacity
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02-27-2014, 11:37 PM
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#10
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Southeast Wisconsin
Posts: 6,949
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New Roo 19
Warranty - I wouldn't buy the extended warrenty for $2500. I would save that money because its doubtfull you will have problems to fix that cost that much (usually). Most major issues (if there are any) would be discovered under warrenty in the first year.
Batteries - Two 6-volt batteries in series vs. two 12-volt batteries in parallel can provide the same capacity (just make sure to find the deep-cycle 12-volt).
6-volts have been generally golf cart or industrial machine batteries, which were designed to be more heavy duty (e.g., thicker plates) and be drawn-down repeatedly (hence the term "deep-cycle").
Be carefull when choosing a 12-volt, though. Most 12-volts that are available are essentially 12-volt starting batteries or dual purpose Marine batteries, which are not comparable to the 6-volts.
However, there are quality deep-cycle 12-volt batteries (not marine though) that will be the same quality as 6-volts. Those "true deep-cycle" 12 volts (for lack of a better phrase) can be just as good. Here's a list of Trojans.
But then the weight, cost and size of that 12-volt battery can be an issue. When I was looking almost four years ago at 12-volt vs 6-volt, I couldn't find comparable 12-volts that would fit on my trailer tongue. I opted for two Trojan T-145 6-volts because that was the largest I could get and still fit my battery tray.
These have 260Ah at the 20-hr rate and the closest 12-volt were two Trojan T-1260's. The problem was each added 2 1/2" in length and the combined 5" was too much. Also, they added 24 more lbs and more expensive.
I would have definitely considered the T-1260's if they fit but I didn't want to mod up the tray and the extra weight is a concern.
__________________
Scott
DW, 3 Kids and our Goldens
2012 Shamrock 233S
2008 Toyota Sequoia 5.7L 4WD
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02-28-2014, 12:09 AM
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#11
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 54
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Alright, thanks guys...you saved me from buying an extended warrantee that wasn't needed. I will buy the second year warrantee offered by Forest River. I will also go with two 6 volt batts for better performance in the dry camping situations we will be doing.
Any other advice about lifting the chassis up a little for better clearance? I can fabricate and weld, so if it's just a matter of spacers between axles and frame it shouldn't be an issue.
Also, anyone have a newer Roo with the newer style bed latches that don't appear very robust? Any issues so far with them? Should I be overly concerned?
__________________
RACKMAN
2014 Roo 21ssL...towed by 2015 Ram Power Wagon
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02-28-2014, 01:15 AM
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#12
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Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Goodyear, Arizona
Posts: 33,774
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be sure to get some Popup Gizmos or the generic solar blanket versions, #1 mod for hybrids.
also, Reflectix in the bunk end windows.
you may want to look at wiring in an inverter. my 400w one is plenty for what we would need dry camping.
you really can't go wrong with the two 6v golf cart batteries. we are fine with the two 12v because we have the Honda if they need recharging after 4-5 days.
also, look into getting a tote tank to dump the gray water in. we also have a 6 gallon plastic Jerry can to shuttle fresh water.
all these are very useful for being successful dry campers or boondockers.
__________________
Dan-Retired California Firefighter/EMT
Shawn-Musician/Entrepreneur/Wine Expert
and Zoe the Wonder Dog(R.I.P.)
2016 PrimeTime TracerAIR 255, pushing a 2014 Ford F150 SCREW XTR 4x4 3.5 Ecoboost w/Max Tow Package
4pt Equal-i-zer WDH and 1828lbs of payload capacity
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02-28-2014, 09:43 AM
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#13
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Boondocking Only
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Wyoming
Posts: 360
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Congratulation, that is a great camper. Does it have the offroad package? It may add a couple inches or just get some spacers welded in. We need a little extra clearance here in Wyoming also, the mountains can get a little rough & it helps with snow drifts. The door end latches should be fine just like anything don't force them & take care not to get any canvass pinched. We use a small solar panel with a 12v battery can go 4 days with very minimal generator use.
Oh & post some pics of it!!!
__________________
2014 Shamrock/Roo 21SSL
Complete LED Lighting
Off Road Package
2010 F250 Lariat 6.8 V-10 w/Timbren SES
Custom Tunes by 5 Star Tuning
Boondocking Only
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02-28-2014, 10:32 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 135
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I have always worried about raising a trailer, would this not make it more prone to rollover?
__________________
10 CTS AWD Wagon
10 BMW X5 35D
08 Mercedes GL320
08 Outback 21RS
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02-28-2014, 01:15 PM
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#15
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 54
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bikendan
be sure to get some Popup Gizmos or the generic solar blanket versions, #1 mod for hybrids.
also, Reflectix in the bunk end windows.
you may want to look at wiring in an inverter. my 400w one is plenty for what we would need dry camping.
you really can't go wrong with the two 6v golf cart batteries. we are fine with the two 12v because we have the Honda if they need recharging after 4-5 days.
also, look into getting a tote tank to dump the gray water in. we also have a 6 gallon plastic Jerry can to shuttle fresh water.
all these are very useful for being successful dry campers or boondockers.
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What do you mean by Popup Gizmos/generic solar blankets? What are these and what do they do? Also, what is the tote for? Just incase you camp long enough that the grey water tank becomes full? Sorry for the newbie questions...
__________________
RACKMAN
2014 Roo 21ssL...towed by 2015 Ram Power Wagon
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02-28-2014, 01:19 PM
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#16
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 54
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Talonman
I have always worried about raising a trailer, would this not make it more prone to rollover?
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Not really, as we are only talking about 3-4" here...comparable to what is already offered by many manufacturers when they sell trailers with off-road packages. There wasn't any Roo 19s available in my neck of the woods with a factory off-road package, so I just figured I could make the modifications myself if I feel that it's necessary.
__________________
RACKMAN
2014 Roo 21ssL...towed by 2015 Ram Power Wagon
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02-28-2014, 01:25 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Central New York
Posts: 1,165
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bikendan
you really can't go wrong with the two 6v golf cart batteries. we are fine with the two 12v because we have the Honda if they need recharging after 4-5 days.
also, look into getting a tote tank to dump the gray water in. we also have a 6 gallon plastic Jerry can to shuttle fresh water.
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Link for PUGS: PopupGizmos
X2 on the suggestion for the grey water tote. Great for dry camping, but also essential when you have water hookup & not sewer. We quickly found that even when using the campground showers just the sinks can quickly fill the relatively small grey water tank.
And on the batteries - we took the cheap way out and asked the dealer to just add a second, matching 12V battery. Not as good as the 6V's for sure, but because we were buying the camper, they set us up with battery, plastic battery box, and cables for under $100. Even that second 12v was a big help to extend battery capacity. When these go, we'll probably spend the extra on 2 new 6V's.
__________________
2022 Columbus 379MBC (Previous 2013 Rockwood Roo 23 IKSS)
2023 F-350 (Previous 2017 F250, 2005 F-150)
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02-28-2014, 01:35 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 135
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Sort of on topic.
We have a 40 gallon black and grey, how long will it take for a two adults and two small kids to fill those up?
__________________
10 CTS AWD Wagon
10 BMW X5 35D
08 Mercedes GL320
08 Outback 21RS
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02-28-2014, 02:10 PM
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#19
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Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Goodyear, Arizona
Posts: 33,774
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Talonman
Sort of on topic.
We have a 40 gallon black and grey, how long will it take for a two adults and two small kids to fill those up?
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there's no concern with the black tank since they fill waaayyy slower than the gray tank. the two of us can go a couple of weeks of camping before we even close to filling our black tank.
but the gray tank will fill in just a few days, especially with two kids. that's why a tote tank is important, along with a FW jug.
many new RV owners focus on the black tank, when it's the gray tank that they should be focusing on, if they don't have hookups.
__________________
Dan-Retired California Firefighter/EMT
Shawn-Musician/Entrepreneur/Wine Expert
and Zoe the Wonder Dog(R.I.P.)
2016 PrimeTime TracerAIR 255, pushing a 2014 Ford F150 SCREW XTR 4x4 3.5 Ecoboost w/Max Tow Package
4pt Equal-i-zer WDH and 1828lbs of payload capacity
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02-28-2014, 02:11 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Central New York
Posts: 1,165
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Talonman
Sort of on topic.
We have a 40 gallon black and grey, how long will it take for a two adults and two small kids to fill those up?
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Kind of a loaded question. Depends on how much you use it.
A short shower could still use 5 gallons... If you use paper plates and cook on the grill, you have a lot less dishes to wash.
With out using the shower, we have managed to fil the 30 gallon grey tank in 3 days. But 10 gallons of water per day isn't a huge amount - its not hard to use that much. Dishes twice a day, bathroom sink, kids washing their hands (if we're lucky).
The black tank is probably going to go much longer. We typically only use ours at night and even after a week, we dump it well before full.
__________________
2022 Columbus 379MBC (Previous 2013 Rockwood Roo 23 IKSS)
2023 F-350 (Previous 2017 F250, 2005 F-150)
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