chametzoo
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Post by chametzoo on May 29, 2014 8:29:42 GMT -8
Hi all...
I'm updating my fresh water system with a new larger tank… It will go in the space under one of the front benches where the old steel tank resides, for ease of installation. I've consulted plastic-mart.com and plasticwatertanks.com. They both seem to source from the same tank makers because their tank size lists are identical and prices are similar as well. I am trying to optimize the space under the bench to yield maximum water capacity for off grid camping. There are 2 tanks that would fit the under bench dimensions nicely: one is 17 gallons and the other 25 gallons. The 17 leaves a little more working room around the tank and of course would weigh less. I've not had any experience with water consumption while boon docking, so I am reaching out to those of you who have. The trailer cabin is about 15' and has a bathroom with shower (and on demand water heater). I would probably carry separate drinking water, so the water demands would be quite modest. Some kitchen activity, washing up, toilet flush… I would expect that I would use the shower sparingly when not connected to city water. Do you think that 17 gallons would be sufficient and for what length of time given the usages described above. Also: does anyone know of another source for fresh water tanks besides the ones I mentioned above that has a wide array of available sizes? Thanks!
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chametzoo
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Post by chametzoo on May 29, 2014 18:58:48 GMT -8
Well…. I found a 20 gallon tank through Central Trailer Supply near me in Albuquerque. The tank is made by The Metal Company near Denver and it's in stock. The dimensions fit perfectly under the bench and maximize the volume. 20 gallons, I'm confident will give me a good amount of water for extended boon docking…..
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on May 29, 2014 19:50:31 GMT -8
Just make sure that the floor will support the extra weight. Might want to beef up the framing underneath. These things really bound around on the road behind you. Anything loose ends up on the floor real quick. Also make sure to beef up the straps holding the tank down.
Rather than increase the size of the tank I usually bring extra containers of water with me. Makes it easier to refill the trailer also because instead of taking the trailer into town for water you just go fill the containers. You can get them at Walmart pretty cheap.
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chametzoo
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Post by chametzoo on May 30, 2014 7:45:06 GMT -8
Just make sure that the floor will support the extra weight. Might want to beef up the framing underneath. These things really bound around on the road behind you. Anything loose ends up on the floor real quick. Also make sure to beef up the straps holding the tank down. Rather than increase the size of the tank I usually bring extra containers of water with me. Makes it easier to refill the trailer also because instead of taking the trailer into town for water you just go fill the containers. You can get them at Walmart pretty cheap. Great ideas for managing water… and the weight. Food (and water) for thought ;-) Besides making intermittent tank fill ups easier, bringing the containers also allows one to distribute the water weight around the trailer and tow vehicle optimally. I could see traveling with little or no water in the tank and just filling the tank from a few 5 gallon containers when arriving in a boon docking location. I would probably still go with the 17 or 20 gallon tank though… since I'm sure the frame can handle it when the trailer is camped and on its jacks. It would also minimize the fill ups if I'm in a spot for a few days. But a look at the frame and possibly simply filling in with some extra structure may be in order… or even a nice 3/4" piece of plywood underneath the tank to stiffen the floor and distribute the weight a bit better. If memory serves, the tank is right over where the steel members cross on the street side/front of the trailer. |
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azshastanut
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Post by azshastanut on May 30, 2014 8:43:28 GMT -8
There is a manufacturer in Tustin, Ca. where I had a tank made for a previously owned 59 Airflyte. They made it the size I wanted with all of the threaded holes, etc. for $85.00. I will look thru my receipts and post the name of the company later.
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azshastanut
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Post by azshastanut on May 31, 2014 20:55:07 GMT -8
The name of the company I used was Ron-co Plastics in Tustin, Ca. It took about a week and they custom made it for me. I was very happy with the tank, it fit perfectly. I am planning to order another couple of tanks from them in the near future.
There is also another tank manufacturer called Inca Plastics in southern California.
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on May 31, 2014 21:08:00 GMT -8
The name of the company I used was Ron-co Plastics in Tustin, Ca. It took about a week and they custom made it for me. I was very happy with the tank, it fit perfectly. I am planning to order another couple of tanks from them in the near future. There is also another tank manufacturer called Inca Plastics in southern California. Thank you for the info.
It's always good to find "local sources", because shipping is very expensive on items that are bulky.
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diymom
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Post by diymom on Jun 5, 2014 16:47:38 GMT -8
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augsburg
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Post by augsburg on Oct 13, 2014 11:48:37 GMT -8
My experience with water tanks is to be careful in making them too large. Besides the weight, there is the issue of the water sitting in the tank between outings and getting stale.
I like to use a water filter for the water from my tank so it tastes better for drinking and cooking (e.g., coffee). Just be sure to make the filter easily accessible for replacement - as the filters can become a slimy bacteria colony on the "outside" (inlet side), when they sit unused. This especially occurs if you use water from a well, and not chlorine treated water from a municipality.
I think the best solution to extend your water supply is a couple of 5 gallon jugs so you can top off your water tank between fills. The jugs can be loaded in the trailer for flexible weight management.
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Post by danrhodes on Oct 13, 2014 12:39:03 GMT -8
I think it was Vikx that recommended just sticking a hose into a 5 gallon water jug secured under the sink...That's certainly my plan, as I feel the benefits of a larger tank are outweighed by the cost and sanitation issues (old, plasticky water just seems yuck). You could have several jugs stored around the trailer, or just a few gallons for backup.
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Post by vikx on Oct 13, 2014 19:54:18 GMT -8
My water jug was only one gallon, easy to clean/replace/refill. I've seen hand pumps used with the Walmart containers as well. More water available, but also more weight to lug in and out...    The top is left on the jug for travel and hose inserted at the campground. A hand pump can easily prime in the short distance shown. |
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augsburg
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Post by augsburg on Oct 14, 2014 6:00:43 GMT -8
As far as the OP's original questions - that is, how much water consumption do people experience when "boondocking"? I find it is pretty easy to go through 3 -5 gallons of water a day when you use it for cooking, cleaning and washing dishes. If you really conserve, you can use less. It partly depends whether you have a camper large enough to have a toilet.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Oct 14, 2014 8:46:05 GMT -8
Let's face it. In small trailers like the standard 15 footers, there really isn't much room to do more than rinse out some coffee cups. I do my dishes outside. I cook outside for the most part. I CAN cook inside if need be like if it's raining but I carry a BBQ and a propane two burner fold up Coleman stove with me and run everything off of a 2 gallon propane tank outside. This way I don't smell up my trailer. For dish washing I have a small plastic tub large enough to do my dishes in. This chore is also done outside. So you really don't need much water stored on board. I also use the shore water when at a full hook up site.
Most trailers this size and without an electric pump come with an 11 gallon tank as standard equipment. With a hand pump it takes a long time to go through 11 gallons.
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chametzoo
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Post by chametzoo on Oct 14, 2014 11:14:05 GMT -8
As far as the OP's original questions - that is, how much water consumption do people experience when "boondocking"? I find it is pretty easy to go through 3 -5 gallons of water a day when you use it for cooking, cleaning and washing dishes. If you really conserve, you can use less. It partly depends whether you have a camper large enough to have a toilet. The proper calculation is: gallons on board, divided by number of days before access to potable water, equals number of gallons available each day  !! But seriously, as true as that is, you conserve… or carry extra water in your TV if you'll be off grid for a while so you can refill your on board FW tank, before next access to potable water. These types of containers are pretty handy for that: www.walmart.com/ip/Reliance-Products-Rhino-Pak/14550465#Product+Reviews. They're flat, interlock and fit well into extra space (like behind the front seats of your TV). Two 8 gallon containers add about 75 lbs. a piece to your towing load. I have a shower and toilet.. and the shower is really there for when attached to city water… or for really minimal showering, which is often better than the ol' pit wipe with the damp towel trick. Mobiletec is right… the hand pump systems are self regulating: your arm gets tired before you use too much water! |
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!! But seriously, as true as that is, you conserve… or carry extra water in your TV if you'll be off grid for a while so you can refill your on board FW tank, before next access to potable water. These types of containers are pretty handy for that: