That is my tank configuration..
-- the amount of water I carries depends on what I'm doing..
for example over Easter I expect to be carrying All tank's full..
IF I don't use the Lot, I know that I'm going to be covered.. Heading to SA to meet up with a few People..
Juergen
Santa said
12:20 PM Apr 2, 2014
SnowT wrote:
for example over Easter I expect to be carrying All tank's full.. IF I don't use the Lot, I know that I'm going to be covered.. Heading to SA to meet up with a few People..
Juergen
SA is reputed to be the driest state in the driest continent Snow, however we ain't that dry, why would you drag 350kg of water from Vic to SA when you can fill up at most service stations over here?
Collo said
12:25 PM Apr 2, 2014
My main question I guess is....is there any difference in the drive ability/tow ability of the van with tanks either full or empty?
thanks,
Collo.
aussie_paul said
12:45 PM Apr 2, 2014
Being new to this I had not really thought about this topic. Dragged full water tanks to Portarlington a couple of weeks ago to stay in CP and use their water!!!!
We are sticking our GN toes in the water with several Travel Auctions to use this year. 10 days at Loxton SA, 10 days at Apollo Bay and 10 days at Portarlington. These can all be used as 2 x 5 day stints. Got my generator yesterday so will try the free camping in between the Travel Auctions.
Now to ponder on the "Water tanks and traveling?"
Aussie Paul.
deverall11 said
01:19 PM Apr 2, 2014
There are a number of issues about water tanks.
1) I understand that tow ball weights are quoted with empty water tanks. I think empty or no gas bottles.
2) Depending on where the water tanks are located, aft of the axles, on top of the axles or behind the axles or a combination, when travelling with full water tanks one needs to consider where the weight is. I would imagine that having full tanks on top of the axles or behind will affect the ball weight less significantly then if your tanks are aft of the axles.
3) Lastly, unlike a fuel tanker, caravan water tanks do not have baffles. Being the size that they are and the location, I would imagine there would be negligible affect from sloshing water.
This is my humble analysis and as usual I stand corrected.
Larry
aussie_paul said
01:23 PM Apr 2, 2014
My Jayco book says that there is an isolation tap between the two water tanks that must be turned off for travelling. I had a look for it and I would have to lay on my back and squirm my way under to open/close this tap. Not user friendly at all.
Aussie Paul.
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Wednesday 2nd of April 2014 01:46:57 PM
SnowT said
02:48 PM Apr 2, 2014
I think the Quality of water is my issue with SA water..
Juergen
PeterD said
03:51 PM Apr 2, 2014
I fill my tank before storring the van. I believe that is the safest way to keep the water clean and no bad taste. I don't empty the tank before travelling. This gives me more options for camping as we travel. It also assists keeping the centre of gravity lower than having an empty tank.
aussietraveller said
04:25 PM Apr 2, 2014
I travel in all areas that I know there will be decent quality water available and have a 20 litre container of water for coffee etc we crossed the Nullabor with both tanks full 180 litres and arrived the other side with most of it still in the tanks.
If you are traveling in a remote area always carry a couple of days extra water
Traveling with full tanks is in my case an extra 180 Kg and this must have an impact on fuel consumption.
Baz421 said
05:34 PM Apr 2, 2014
In regards to fuel economy our ATM is 3000kg and we carry 180 litres of water this is a mere 6% of our weight. This would not have any significant effect and probably almost nil effect on fuel consumption.
Plus Juergens 350 litres in a motorhome would be the same IMHO.
-- Edited by Baz421 on Wednesday 2nd of April 2014 05:34:39 PM
justcruisin01 said
08:26 PM Apr 2, 2014
Water is survival, can do with out a lot of other stuff for a long time.
PeterD said
10:59 AM Apr 3, 2014
aussietraveller wrote:
Traveling with full tanks is in my case an extra 180 Kg and this must have an impact on fuel consumption.
Yes, you probably will use a couple of cups full more. Is that savings worth it for risking being stuck without water?
Phil C said
09:12 PM Apr 3, 2014
I cant resist this one. Its best (Im told) to keep the CofG (Centre of Gravity as low as possible thus fill the water tanks, however from the perspective of fuel economy its cheaper to drag 160Kgs less than more. We carry 2 or 3, 10 Lit packs (from woolies) for drinking and the aft tank is full for everything else, if needed both tanks get a fill, if water is short we have tissue like baby wipes for a quick top and tail until we get to a park with a hot shower. We have made a pact that we will never be short of drinking water. Safe and happy travels friends.
Legendts said
07:54 PM Apr 8, 2014
Collo wrote:
My main question I guess is....is there any difference in the drive ability/tow ability of the van with tanks either full or empty?
thanks,
Collo.
Collo, in a word no. I've never experienced any tow issues with full, part or nearly empty. I have three tanks in our van.
Legendts said
08:01 PM Apr 8, 2014
aussie_paul wrote:
I had a look for it and I would have to lay on my back and squirm my way under to open/close this tap. Not user friendly at all.
Aussie Paul.
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Wednesday 2nd of April 2014 01:46:57 PM
I re piped mine to the side of the van and no more issues.
aussie_paul said
08:04 PM Apr 8, 2014
Legendts wrote:
aussie_paul wrote:
I had a look for it and I would have to lay on my back and squirm my way under to open/close this tap. Not user friendly at all.
Aussie Paul.
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Wednesday 2nd of April 2014 01:46:57 PM
I re piped mine to the side of the van and no more issues.
What is Jayco's reasoning I wonder. I guess if you parked on a hill the higher tank would run thru to the lower tank and possibly overflow some of the precious water...
Aussie Paul.
TowBall said
11:27 AM Apr 9, 2014
Hi - My van rides better with full tanks & I love my Melbourne water..
carpaidiem said
10:57 AM Apr 18, 2014
I'm a Southern Australian and have been all of my so far life. The water quality is now good. We used to get what looked like coffee through the pipes. Now its clear chemicals. As far as water tanks I have towed empty and full for me jury's out. Although some one said keep some water in them or they dry out and when refilled all the gunk on the bottom gets mixed in the water not good. Would not use for drinking take water bottle. Beware some parks I know along the Murray river pump direct, this is ware you need your own H2O.
Gerty Dancer said
11:17 AM Apr 18, 2014
It depends on the weight of your van:weight of tug's rated towing capacity. If you are "on" (or over) the towing capacity, then you need to tow with empty water tanks. If you have plenty to spare then fill your tanks with good water whenever you can, as there's plenty of places where there isn't very much water, or you would prefer not to drink it.
As we understand it, the tanks are at the lowest point in the van to enhance stability.
rockylizard said
11:31 AM Apr 18, 2014
Legendts wrote:
Collo wrote:
My main question I guess is....is there any difference in the drive ability/tow ability of the van with tanks either full or empty?
thanks, Collo.
Collo, in a word no. I've never experienced any tow issues with full, part or nearly empty. I have three tanks in our van.
Gday...
In answer to your question - I agree with Legendts .. I travel full-time (for the past five years), average about 20,000km a year and I camp away from towns predominantly.
As a result, my water tanks go from completely full down to nearly empty and all levels inbetween. I fill completely before I head bush, use it while camping and travelling between camps and often have almost empty tanks before I next fill them up.
I also carry a 20ltr and a 10ltr jerry for water - just in case I like a place too much and stay a bit too long for my tank water.
I have never experienced any different towing characteristic whether tanks are full or empty - or anywhere in between for that matter.
As for fuel economy - there far too many variables to determine whether the amount of water in the tanks has any affect. I have two 90ltr tanks - 180ltrs when full obviously. So if they are only half full (or half empty ) that is simply like having a passenger in the tug .. or not in the car.
Wind, speed, terrain, ambient temperature, road surface all would have a greater effect on fuel economy in my judgement. Weight does contribute ... but not the inclusion or not of a "passenger".
Just have the tanks filled to the level you think will be your requirement for the coming period of time, get out there and enjoy it all.
Cheers - John
Two Strays said
07:54 PM Apr 18, 2014
Hello All
I have had four vans and have maintained full tanks in each, whether travelling or storage. I find it assists in maintaining C of G, ensures that water is available when needed while travelling and it keeps the bugs out when being stored. I flush each tank (2 x 95lt) every three months and refill them.
Yes, fuel usage can be a topic of discussion with the financial adviser, however, when explaining Her needs and wants the subject disappears into the ether. Get my drift.
Cheers all
Baz421 said
08:05 PM Apr 18, 2014
rockylizard wrote:
Legendts wrote:
Collo wrote:
My main question I guess is....is there any difference in the drive ability/tow ability of the van with tanks either full or empty?
thanks, Collo.
Collo, in a word no. I've never experienced any tow issues with full, part or nearly empty. I have three tanks in our van.
Gday...
In answer to your question - I agree with Legendts .. I travel full-time (for the past five years), average about 20,000km a year and I camp away from towns predominantly.
As a result, my water tanks go from completely full down to nearly empty and all levels inbetween. I fill completely before I head bush, use it while camping and travelling between camps and often have almost empty tanks before I next fill them up.
I also carry a 20ltr and a 10ltr jerry for water - just in case I like a place too much and stay a bit too long for my tank water.
I have never experienced any different towing characteristic whether tanks are full or empty - or anywhere in between for that matter.
As for fuel economy - there far too many variables to determine whether the amount of water in the tanks has any affect. I have two 90ltr tanks - 180ltrs when full obviously. So if they are only half full (or half empty ) that is simply like having a passenger in the tug .. or not in the car.
Wind, speed, terrain, ambient temperature, road surface all would have a greater effect on fuel economy in my judgement. Weight does contribute ... but not the inclusion or not of a "passenger".
Just have the tanks filled to the level you think will be your requirement for the coming period of time, get out there and enjoy it all.
When traveling, should water tanks be empty or full? (I'm guessing half full is a no no!) If empty, that makes free camping more difficult.
Thanks,
Collo.
Hi Collo: - I always evaluate the availability of good quality drinking water along the route.
Here in Vic & Southern NSW I only add enough water to boil the kettle for smoko & enough to flush the toilet.
If I head to a area where the water quality is a bit suspect, I fill the tanks up (160 litres).
When heading bush I fill the tanks full plus fill a extra 20 lt black container.
In my van the tanks when only half full don't seem to travel any different to when there full.
Cheers, - John
If Going bush I try to have enough water to last me and have extra.
- With my current setup I'm Looking having 350lt of available water..
I have a 5 tank setup..
- 70lt main Drinking water..
Plus 2 combo tank set up of 140lt each..
-- Outer - 70
- Inner - 70
Drink - 70
- Inner - 70
-- Outer - 70
That is my tank configuration..
-- the amount of water I carries depends on what I'm doing..
for example over Easter I expect to be carrying All tank's full..
IF I don't use the Lot, I know that I'm going to be covered.. Heading to SA to meet up with a few People..
Juergen
SA is reputed to be the driest state in the driest continent Snow, however we ain't that dry, why would you drag 350kg of water from Vic to SA when you can fill up at most service stations over here?
thanks,
Collo.
Being new to this I had not really thought about this topic. Dragged full water tanks to Portarlington a couple of weeks ago to stay in CP and use their water!!!!
We are sticking our GN toes in the water with several Travel Auctions to use this year. 10 days at Loxton SA, 10 days at Apollo Bay and 10 days at Portarlington. These can all be used as 2 x 5 day stints. Got my generator yesterday so will try the free camping in between the Travel Auctions.
Now to ponder on the "Water tanks and traveling?"
Aussie Paul.
1) I understand that tow ball weights are quoted with empty water tanks. I think empty or no gas bottles.
2) Depending on where the water tanks are located, aft of the axles, on top of the axles or behind the axles or a combination, when travelling with full water tanks one needs to consider where the weight is. I would imagine that having full tanks on top of the axles or behind will affect the ball weight less significantly then if your tanks are aft of the axles.
3) Lastly, unlike a fuel tanker, caravan water tanks do not have baffles. Being the size that they are and the location, I would imagine there would be negligible affect from sloshing water.
This is my humble analysis and as usual I stand corrected.
Larry
My Jayco book says that there is an isolation tap between the two water tanks that must be turned off for travelling. I had a look for it and I would have to lay on my back and squirm my way under to open/close this tap. Not user friendly at all.
Aussie Paul.
-- Edited by aussie_paul on Wednesday 2nd of April 2014 01:46:57 PM
Juergen
If you are traveling in a remote area always carry a couple of days extra water
Traveling with full tanks is in my case an extra 180 Kg and this must have an impact on fuel consumption.
In regards to fuel economy our ATM is 3000kg and we carry 180 litres of water this is a mere 6% of our weight. This would not have any significant effect and probably almost nil effect on fuel consumption.
Plus Juergens 350 litres in a motorhome would be the same IMHO.
-- Edited by Baz421 on Wednesday 2nd of April 2014 05:34:39 PM
Water is survival, can do with out a lot of other stuff for a long time.
Yes, you probably will use a couple of cups full more. Is that savings worth it for risking being stuck without water?
Collo, in a word no. I've never experienced any tow issues with full, part or nearly empty. I have three tanks in our van.
I re piped mine to the side of the van and no more issues.
What is Jayco's reasoning I wonder. I guess if you parked on a hill the higher tank would run thru to the lower tank and possibly overflow some of the precious water...
Aussie Paul.
I'm a Southern Australian and have been all of my so far life. The water quality is now good. We used to get what looked like coffee through the pipes. Now its clear chemicals.
As far as water tanks I have towed empty and full for me jury's out. Although some one said keep some water in them or they dry out and when refilled all the gunk on the bottom gets mixed in the water not good. Would not use for drinking take water bottle. Beware some parks I know along the Murray river pump direct, this is ware you need your own H2O.
As we understand it, the tanks are at the lowest point in the van to enhance stability.
Gday...
In answer to your question - I agree with Legendts .. I travel full-time (for the past five years), average about 20,000km a year and I camp away from towns predominantly.
As a result, my water tanks go from completely full down to nearly empty and all levels inbetween. I fill completely before I head bush, use it while camping and travelling between camps and often have almost empty tanks before I next fill them up.
I also carry a 20ltr and a 10ltr jerry for water - just in case I like a place too much and stay a bit too long for my tank water.
I have never experienced any different towing characteristic whether tanks are full or empty - or anywhere in between for that matter.
As for fuel economy - there far too many variables to determine whether the amount of water in the tanks has any affect. I have two 90ltr tanks - 180ltrs when full obviously. So if they are only half full (or half empty
) that is simply like having a passenger in the tug .. or not in the car.
Wind, speed, terrain, ambient temperature, road surface all would have a greater effect on fuel economy in my judgement. Weight does contribute ... but not the inclusion or not of a "passenger".
Just have the tanks filled to the level you think will be your requirement for the coming period of time, get out there and enjoy it all.
Cheers - John
Hello All
I have had four vans and have maintained full tanks in each, whether travelling or storage. I find it assists in maintaining C of G, ensures that water is available when needed while travelling and it keeps the bugs out when being stored. I flush each tank (2 x 95lt) every three months and refill them.
Yes, fuel usage can be a topic of discussion with the financial adviser, however, when explaining Her needs and wants the subject disappears into the ether. Get my drift.
Cheers all
Likewise here John agree 100%