Fresh Water Tank Filling

Mike R · 07-19-2010, 07:24 PM

We are getting ready to head out from New Jersey to the Grand Canyon which is a 2,400 mile run. We will be on the road for 4 days driving and we typically pull into rest areas or Walmarts for overnight stays until we reach our planned destination.

I was wondering how many people completely fill their fresh water tank before they head out on trips? Does the increased weight significantly effect MPG's?

Your comments would be appreciated.

Mike

RVDude · 07-19-2010, 07:40 PM

If I am boondocking a long haul (which I always do) I always run full water. It can be a challenge - or just plain inconvenient - to find reliable water when boondocking such a haul so why bother trying to? Enjoy the self-contained feature of your rig. Run with it full. Especially true in the winter.

**"007"** · 07-19-2010, 07:41 PM

Some people dry camp with full water tanks, looks as though your coach can handle added weight may lose some mileage but not that much to worry about.
Not sure but Flying J may have water fill ups.

RVDude · 07-19-2010, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by "007"

Not sure but Flying J may have water fill ups.

They do but can be unreliable as to if they are operating or not. Very especially true in the winter when most are turned off. It makes water access more of a game that I choose not to play by running full from the start and lasting until I get to the end.

pkendzor · 07-19-2010, 07:51 PM

We travel with full fresh water. Tracked it thru the years and really never noticed a difference so now we travel full.

Paul

wa8yxm · 07-19-2010, 08:08 PM

On a 2,000 mile plus i'd fill the tank, how much effect depends a lot on how much your total weight is... My tank holds 80 gallons, that's about 640 pounds the rig is about 22000 pounds. so, you do the math.

That is what, less than 3 percent of the weight of the rig.

mudpuppy · 07-19-2010, 08:17 PM

Always run full. That's why I got the rig so i wouldn't be dependent on campgrounds every single night.

riggarob · 07-19-2010, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mudpuppy

Always run full. That's why I got the rig so i wouldn't be dependent on campgrounds every single night.

Yeah, what he said! Robbie

NALSO · 07-19-2010, 11:56 PM

I run full for other reasons. I rigged my "De-Super-Heater" into the fresh water tank. It works great on those long climbs, towing.

Henry.

**Gary RVRoamer** · 07-20-2010, 05:48 PM

The weight of the water is only significant when climbing hills - you have to tote the extra weight to the top, then brake the extra momentum coming down. On the flats, the extra weight just adds an infinitesimal amount to the rolling resistance of the tires. You would need lab instruments to measure it, so no impact on mpg on the flats and maybe 1-2% on steep grades. No big deal.

Fill your tank with as much water as your family will need as you travel - you don't know if you can easily get water along the way or not.

PNWGirl · 07-20-2010, 06:09 PM

I will fill up, if where I am heading does not have water but if they do, I won't bother.

However, the difference- in MPG- has been very slight. Therefore, for me, if there is any possibility of no water at my destination, I just fill up at home.

Of course, I also am one that likes using my own shower- in my rig- too

Sheila

ninos · 07-21-2010, 07:24 PM

just fill up at home. When you get there let us know how long the drive is and how is the trip I also want to go from Jersey to the west coast. Good luck on your trip. Joe

FreshAir · 07-22-2010, 08:51 AM

I can't tell any difference in MPG or performance when empty or full. For me it just depends on availibility and quality of water along my route. Always have at least one or two days supply on hand in case.