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
__________________
IF I say something Dumb.. Just Smack me..
I'm full of Knowledge.. I don't profess to know EVERYTHING, but I'm constantly Learning new thing's..
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?
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.
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
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
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.
__________________
PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
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.
__________________
Life was meant to be enjoyed Australia was meant to be explored
Happily doing both to the Max.
Life is like a camera, focus on what's important & you will capture it every Time
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
__________________
Why is it so? Professor Julius Sumner Miller, a profound influence on my life, who explained science to us on TV in the 60's.
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.
__________________
P B Crockart EX RAAF Electrician,
Aircraft Avionics tech. Senior high school teacher.
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...
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.
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.
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
__________________
2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 SE Auto - 2008 23ft Golden Eagle Hunter Some people feel the rain - the others just get wet - Bob Dylan
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.
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
Likewise here John agree 100%
__________________
Why is it so? Professor Julius Sumner Miller, a profound influence on my life, who explained science to us on TV in the 60's.
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.
