Water Use Life

[nmgoes]

So this is a newbie question; but I recently purchased my first Coachmen Prism 2150 and it has yet to be put to good use. It is brand new and has never had water in the system.

Once I fill the water tanks for use, how long can I keep water in the tank (pending the tanks are not full?) Is this something that I can keep in use for the entire year or is it good practice to empty it regularly, even if it isn't full?

I plan on doing some weekend RV'ing and don't plan on filling up the black water tank on one trip.

Any best practices would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Also, does anyone know the rules for having passengers not in seat belts while the RV is in motion for the state of Missouri? I know the logical answer and plan to have passengers in seat belts; but was curious as if anyone knew the letter of the law.

[Kaadk]

I'm sure other people can tell you better about the life expectancy of water in the tanks, but it would like to point out one tip:

More in the tanks = more weight = worse mpgs

[Weezer]

I plan on doing some weekend RV'ing and don't plan on filling up the black water tank on one trip.


*Always* empty your black tanks after camping, no matter how "un-full" they are. That stuff can set up like concrete, then you have a real problem. Wash and rinse well after each trip.

[Wiscampsin]

Some people put a bag if ice down the toilet after they empty/flush. While traveling the cubes will slosh around and help knock the 'stuff' off the sides.

[Duckogram]

Looks like you already received some good advice.
Here's some addt'l food for thought.
In KC, MO it freezes so you MUST winterize
if it's not parked in the caves when not in use.

Water in the fresh tank will grow mold when stagnant so you should drain
after use and sanitize before use if it sat for a few months.

Black and gray should be emptied, flushed and prepped after use. Black more so than gray.
If you leave a gal of h2o or antifreeze in the tank it will not turn into
the proverbial brick.

Don't forget your batteries.

Basically, common sense precautions and asking Q's will save you time and $$$'s.
My last suggestion is one where I took my own advice...
Get the heck out of KC, MO and never look back. LOL
Safe travels in your new MH.

[Roll]

Originally Posted by Duckogram

Water in the fresh tank will grow mold when stagnant so you should drain
after use and sanitize before use if it sat for a few months.

I would qualify this as a warning and though I agree completely with Duckogram's advice I would add that you need to think in terms of urgency.

We had a trip planned for two weeks out following a weekend trip in which I had filled the fresh water tank. It was summer in central Ohio meaning 70s to mid 80s. Two weeks would be here in a heartbeat so I didn't bother to drain the freshwater tank.

Two weeks later we set up at the campground and immediately noticed the sweet smell and odd taste of the water. In a short two weeks it had gone bad. The fix is not complicated but it is time consuming. a cup or two of bleach in the tank and fill it up with water, run all the water fixtures until you smell the bleach, then drain and repeat. Then flush until there is no bleach odor detected and taste is acceptable. I bought a gallon of bleach (you wont need a gallon for a single treatment) and handled it at the park but it certainly cut into my time with friends.

Drain that fresh water tank after every use. While you are using the tank (even if for several weeks or longer), its not an issue, but once you "park it"; drain it. "Park" meaning a period of non-use until the next trip.

Gary and Cindy (who was not happy about the water problem)

[Roll]

Originally Posted by nmgoes

So this is a newbie question; but I recently purchased my first Coachmen Prism 2150 and it has yet to be put to good use. It is brand new and has never had water in the system.

Once I fill the water tanks for use, how long can I keep water in the tank (pending the tanks are not full?) Is this something that I can keep in use for the entire year or is it good practice to empty it regularly, even if it isn't full?

I plan on doing some weekend RV'ing and don't plan on filling up the black water tank on one trip.

Any best practices would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Also, does anyone know the rules for having passengers not in seat belts while the RV is in motion for the state of Missouri? I know the logical answer and plan to have passengers in seat belts; but was curious as if anyone knew the letter of the law.

I don't know MO law but I have looked into other issues regarding driving a motorhome and camping in a motorhome. Typically (but not universally) when the coach is in motion, it is a vehicle and all laws pertaining to the use of vehicles apply; when the coach is parked and being used as a living residence, laws pertaining to a residence apply.

In my case I was looking at issues relating to firearms (which can get complicated) but I have found that the above is a reasonable approach to use as a starting point. You might want to consult with an attorney in your State.

That said, when we are traveling the one of us not driving will get snacks, make a cup of coffee, or go to the bathroom while we are moving. Perhaps not recommended but it happens.