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water tank? Anyone using a rather large water tank on their DIY built trailer?
- Thread starter Purpony
- Start date
Advocate III
22 gal water tank here, under the trailer, above the axle, armored.
Tank is baffled to keep water from all sloshing to one side if off camber, maintaining center of gravity more than without.
- Fill spout cap is inside the trailer (forward of wheel well in image above); overflow tube comes out underneath the trailer there.
- On demand propane fired water heater in trailer rear of wheel well, armored from cargo.
- 12v pump adjacent to the water tank underneath, access plate through armor at rear.
- Easy to drain and winterize or sanitize, with central drain plug through armor.
- Water lines all mil spec pex style.
- Plumbed to front right with single line from water heater for shower hookup. Adjust temp/pressure at the heater.
- Plumbed to left rear with separate hot/cold for faucet.
Water lines hook up with quick-release fittings, plugs when not using.
Faucet mounts through fender step.
Been a dream to have, especially when off-grid for long periods. Having hot and cold running water in camp changes the way I cook, clean, relax, and stay out longer.
I'm planning on adding a similar system to my van for those times I'm away from, or not using, my trailer, and for when I'm out working or shooting somewhere.
.
roaddude.com
Tank is baffled to keep water from all sloshing to one side if off camber, maintaining center of gravity more than without.
- Fill spout cap is inside the trailer (forward of wheel well in image above); overflow tube comes out underneath the trailer there.
- On demand propane fired water heater in trailer rear of wheel well, armored from cargo.
- 12v pump adjacent to the water tank underneath, access plate through armor at rear.
- Easy to drain and winterize or sanitize, with central drain plug through armor.
- Water lines all mil spec pex style.
- Plumbed to front right with single line from water heater for shower hookup. Adjust temp/pressure at the heater.
- Plumbed to left rear with separate hot/cold for faucet.
Water lines hook up with quick-release fittings, plugs when not using.
Faucet mounts through fender step.
Been a dream to have, especially when off-grid for long periods. Having hot and cold running water in camp changes the way I cook, clean, relax, and stay out longer.
I'm planning on adding a similar system to my van for those times I'm away from, or not using, my trailer, and for when I'm out working or shooting somewhere.
.
Roaddude - On the Road In North America - ROADDUDE
Roaddude - Traveling Photographer/Writer/Artist On the Road In North America. Gear, reviews, people, places, and culture.
roaddude.com
Contributor III
I have a 21gal tank and water pump on my M416 build. I keep it in the tub. Works well as long as temperatures are a over freezing.
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Member III
My M-100 has a 15 gal and my teardrop has an 11 gal. Both have very good water filters on them.
I opted for smaller tanks to keep the weight down. I've gone a bit more than a week on my 15 gal still doing a quick shower when I feel I need it. I also carry 6 gal of water on my rig. In my opinion, worse case is topping off water as I go. I spent 5 days in Death Valley two months ago in my teardrop and had to drain the tank for the trip home.
Ask yourself how much water do you use on a trip? Even though I have a filter, my drinking water tends to be bottled water. If you have a shower and a water heater, don't leave the water running and do a quick shower. You will be surprised how little water you use if you conserve.
I opted for smaller tanks to keep the weight down. I've gone a bit more than a week on my 15 gal still doing a quick shower when I feel I need it. I also carry 6 gal of water on my rig. In my opinion, worse case is topping off water as I go. I spent 5 days in Death Valley two months ago in my teardrop and had to drain the tank for the trip home.
Ask yourself how much water do you use on a trip? Even though I have a filter, my drinking water tends to be bottled water. If you have a shower and a water heater, don't leave the water running and do a quick shower. You will be surprised how little water you use if you conserve.
Contributor III
I am using a 40 gallon tank with filter and skid plated.
Family of four with showers can last a week. I wanted a set up like ROAD posted above, but the cost of the custom tank was double of what I paid. so I made due.
Family of four with showers can last a week. I wanted a set up like ROAD posted above, but the cost of the custom tank was double of what I paid. so I made due.
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Member III
I guess the first question I have is what does a rather large tank mean to you?
I have a 22 gal under the frame on my little yellow trailer, a 52 gal in my tent on wheels (camper) and 850 on the trailer I haul water on.
Valid question... I was thinking of 40 to 60 gals. Im looking to do a trip to the outer banks and spend some time at cape lookout. I havnt verified it water is radially available there or not yet. I was looking to install a long thin tank in my trailer, but the more i was thinking about it, it make make more sense to install a few smaller tanks mated together. This way i could have a couple valves and if i want to carry a smaller amount of water i could, or have a small amount in all 3 and it would act more like a baffled tank. Water would be mostly used for washing, rinsing dishes, hands, and quicky showers/rinse downs.
Off-Road Ranger I
I run a pair of these inside the trailer. I’ve a build write up in the diy trailer forums here at OB https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.com/en/us/water-solutions/front-runner-upright-water-tank-flat.html
NMBruce
Rank V
Advocate II
I have been thinking of doing this to my trailer, as I start to redo the inside, thought it would be great to add in some water.
I think i have a UP TO of 3’ wide by 5’ long and 3-5” high area I could use, but I want baffles to keep water from sloshing around. Haven’t found the tank I am looking for.
I think i have a UP TO of 3’ wide by 5’ long and 3-5” high area I could use, but I want baffles to keep water from sloshing around. Haven’t found the tank I am looking for.
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I have the same tank in my m416 (mine has a top on it) and insulated the tank with rigid foam and then put a 12v RV tank heating pad under it. Runs off the trailer batteries and keeps it from freezing at night.
Alanymarce
Rank IV
Trail Mechanic III
850 gallons? That's 3 tonnes...?
We carry a 44 L Frontrunner tank across the floor behind the front (and only) seats, when we're on a "big trip".
lugantom
Rank III
Pathfinder II
I have an M416 military surplus trailer. I use four (4) five (5) gallon jerry cans, one in each corner of the trailer. Two are old steel military surplus cans - I use those for non-potable water. Two are plastic Scepter plastic cans - I use those for potable water. So far it has worked out. I use the non-potable for dishwashing, showers, etc. I use the potable for cooking, drinking, etc. More water is more weight, so I'm happy with this approach. If I'm ever in the desert I may grab a couple of more cans.
I like to winter camp, so I also bought a couple of military surplus jerry can insulated blankets/covers. They have worked out nicely.
Member III
@Purpony are you still needing a tank? i used to design hydroponics and used tanks up to 300 gal and i used US Plastics who has a great selection. i have a 5x8 camp trailer with a 30 gal tank. that is a decent size that lasts the two of us for a few days. if you have the room, go with a 30 gal and you just dont have to fill it up all the way if you dont need to. might be nice to have the extra 10 gal versus a 20 gal tank. only thing i noticed is that my tank has a flange around it and that sits in between the frame members and when full, the bottom bows out a LOT. i took ratchet straps and made an X under the tank to give the bottom support. i'm sure it was designed to hold OK, but with bouncing and rough roads, i really wanted that bottom support. you will need a drain on the bottom, so i would find one with a drain port molded in at the bottom versus getting a drain kit and doing it yourself...doing it after is a better chance of leaking.
good luck with your build!
good luck with your build!
