Traveling with a full water tank

[breezyhillfarm]

I normally travel with a quarter tank of water for roadside use and then hook up to water at the campground.

Going to a campground about 35 miles away with no water hookups. What are the thoughts on filling the tank at home before leaving?

Will I leave the tank behind on the road if I hit a good bump?

Not taking the Harley so weight is not an issue.

Thanks!

[Bama Rambler]

You should be fine toting a tank of water since you're not carrying weight in the garage.

I don't do it often, but I've hauled a tank full when I know there won't be any readily available at the final location.

[kevnval]

You shouldn't have a problem. I have done it countless times over the years...as much of our camping is boon docking at Bluegrass festivals where you can't easily access a water supply.

[breezyhillfarm]

Originally Posted by kevnval

You shouldn't have a problem. I have done it countless times over the years...as much of our camping is boon docking at Bluegrass festivals where you can't easily access a water supply.

Thanks to both of you.

[chrissybird]

I'll start by saying we've only used our TH two times so far, so I'm a newbie However, both times we went with a full tank of water, as the paddock area at the race track we go to just has electric, no water. We haven't had any problems, and both times we had two sport bikes in the garage.

[breezyhillfarm]

Originally Posted by chrissybird

I'll start by saying we've only used our TH two times so far, so I'm a newbie However, both times we went with a full tank of water, as the paddock area at the race track we go to just has electric, no water. We haven't had any problems, and both times we had two sport bikes in the garage.

Thanks for the info. Always helpful.


2014 XLR 27 HFS
2006 Ford F450 Dually Diesel
2015 Harley Freewheeler
2004 Harley Road King Custom

[Play Harder]

I always travel w full tank of water and my Cam Am Spyder in back no issues -

[mcmartinez]

I always travel with a full tank of fresh water. I need the additional weight on the tongue to help with sway control. Never had a problem.

[Tom48]

Originally Posted by kevnval

You shouldn't have a problem. I have done it countless times over the years...as much of our camping is boon docking at Bluegrass festivals where you can't easily access a water supply.

Carried 100 gal everywhere we went in the old TH and sold it at ten years old. Tanks were fine. Still secure. I did like that there were two 50s and have wondered about the new TH ---- that we will evidently finally get to pick up tomorrow---- as it has a single 100 plus a second 60 and neither appears to have mid tank support. Guess I might wind up adding an angle iron cross piece, but maybe FR knows what they are doing so we shall see.

[Pipeman]

My old Th carried 100 gals fresh water. I never had a problem hauling it with the tank full. Present 5er holds 60 gals and I don't have any problems hauling with it full, if we're going somewhere where there isn't a fresh water hook up. I also have 2, 50 gal collapsible water bladders that I use. When travelling to private campgrounds on a long 2000 mile trip I fill approx. 1/3 full for pit stops. My dually has a long box so the bladders fit just fine.

[5picker]

There are reports of folks filling their tank(s) and having them 'fall' out.
But... I also bet there are hundreds of folks who fill their tanks and never have a problem. Unless there is a way for you to inspect the tank and the brackets, the only way you will know is to try it.

[mtnlvr]

Ditto- OK driving w/ a full tank when no water will be available.

[mnoland30]

If you can't travel with it full, then there isn't really any reason to have it. I assume that is what it is for. I always travel with mine full. We mostly boondock.

[breezyhillfarm]

Thanks all. Tank is full and heading out!


2014 XLR 27 HFS
2006 Ford F450 Dually Diesel
2015 Harley Freewheeler
2004 Harley Road King Custom

[jkoenig24]

Here on Long Island, NY, we have excellent tap water. It's rare for me to leave with less than a full tank (110 gallons) of fresh water. Then again, my Super-C Class rig has a GVWR of 33,000 pounds. I have an insane amount of excess capacity / safety margin and, the 350HP Cumins diesel I have under the hood thinks it's on early retirement.

[Jakieboy]

Honestly, as an old Naval Officer, you are better off towing with either: (a) a full tank, or (b) an empty tank, than with a partly filled tank; because of what we call "the free surface effect". With a full tank, the center of gravity of the water in the tank will stay pretty close to the center of gravity of your trailer. With a partially filled tank, the center of gravity will shift every time you turn or swerve while driving. This could cause unwanted and unstable swaying of your rig as the water sloshes back and forth in the tank.

This "free surface effect" applies equally to black water and grey water tanks. Best to drain all tanks as dry as possible before heading out on the highway.

Anchors Away!!

[Stormrider151]

Originally Posted by Jakie-Boy

Honestly, as an old Naval Officer, you are better off towing with either: (a) a full tank, or (b) an empty tank, than with a partly filled tank; because of what we call "the free surface effect". With a full tank, the center of gravity of the water in the tank will stay pretty close to the center of gravity of your trailer. With a partially filled tank, the center of gravity will shift every time you turn or swerve while driving. This could cause unwanted and unstable swaying of your rig as the water sloshes back and forth in the tank.

This "free surface effect" applies equally to black water and grey water tanks. Best to drain all tanks as dry as possible before heading out on the highway.

Anchors Away!!

Exactly correct. That's why fire truck tanks are baffled. To minimize the movement of the water. The old tankers we used had no baffles. A half tank of water was almost not driveable. Granted that was substantially more water than an RV will hold but the principle still remains. RV tanks are not baffled and the water sloshing of a partially filled tank can affect cornering and braking.

[Tom48]

Originally Posted by Jakie-Boy

Honestly, as an old Naval Officer, you are better off towing with either: (a) a full tank, or (b) an empty tank, than with a partly filled tank; because of what we call "the free surface effect". With a full tank, the center of gravity of the water in the tank will stay pretty close to the center of gravity of your trailer. With a partially filled tank, the center of gravity will shift every time you turn or swerve while driving. This could cause unwanted and unstable swaying of your rig as the water sloshes back and forth in the tank.

This "free surface effect" applies equally to black water and grey water tanks. Best to drain all tanks as dry as possible before heading out on the highway.

Anchors Away!!

Thank you skipper,
Now I have the answer for my wife when she insists that with less in the tanks we could get better mileage.

Tom

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by Tom48

Thank you skipper,
Now I have the answer for my wife when she insists that with less in the tanks we could get better mileage.

Tom

That's a whole different issue - and she's probably right.

So now you have to decide - better mileage or better handling?

[Tom48]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

That's a whole different issue - and she's probably right.

So now you have to decide - better mileage or better handling?

Hey it's a 6.0 diesel so what's 800 lbs more or less? Full it shall continue to be.