Do You Travel With a Full Tank of Water?

[SAD]

Ok. One more question...

If I have a 21' trailer, is 10 gallons excessive? Whereas if I have a 40' trailer then 10 gallons is OK? Is that how it works?

[Ken / Claudia]

I used to travel with 1/3 tp 1/2 full thinking to safe wt. and get more mpg. I tested my Artic Fox several years ago across Oregon from West to East and back home. Followed same route, 70 gals water to get there, empty coming home around 300 miles each way. I found no difference in towing or mileage. Big uphills going east and down hills going west. I travel about 60mph either direction.

[JRTJH]

A number of people have commented on towing with diesels and said that they get the same mileage towing a 20' travel trailer and a 30' travel trailer. They indicate that headwinds and tailwinds affect mileage much more than weight. My experience towing with two diesels was that there was no difference in mileage whether the water tank was full or empty. Now, factor in a 25 MPH headwind and mileage would go down significantly, but a few hundred pounds of water made no appreciable difference.

I'm told (but not completely convinced) that with a gas engine, there should be a MPG drop with the added weight, however, so far in about 8000 miles of towing, I haven't seen enough change to even equal 0.25 MPG difference.

I'm thinking, if it makes you happy.................... Then do it whatever way keeps the smiles in the driver's seat.............

[SteveC7010]

Originally Posted by SAD

Ok. One more question...

If I have a 21' trailer, is 10 gallons excessive? Whereas if I have a 40' trailer then 10 gallons is OK? Is that how it works?

I think that question would be most applicable if one were towing at max payload and towing capacity numbers. 80# of water versus 400# of water might really matter. If you've got a comfortable safety margin between the truck's capacities and the trailer's numbers, then the extra water should not matter.

I've repeatedly stated that folks ought to compute their towing capacity using the GVWR of the trailer. Part of the reasoning for that is that sooner or later, most everyone has to travel with full tanks for one reason or another. So if the trailer and tow vehicle are properly matched, the amount of fresh water on board should not be an issue.

Length of the trailer by itself should not be a determining factor IMHO.

[jje1960]

Pulling out for Richmond shortly... Just finished filling the fresh water tank to the top..... Like always.

[Exsailor]

To each his own but remember that MPG isnt the only issue
ThAt is several hundred more pounds on the trailer tires and
pushing you when you hit the brakes. Anybody who carries cargo
from truckers to airlines always do whatever they to eliminate
weight. Theyre the pros I will follow their lead. Ive never been
anywhere that i couldnt find running water.

[JRTJH]

Exsailor,

Wanna come camping with me opening weekend of Bass season? I'll show you a campground that's at least 10 miles from anything but lakewater. It's quiet out there too. Cellphones don't work, no TV, only skunks, bears and an occasional moose. But no running water. There is a hand pump well, but it hasn't worked for the past 3 years, DNR keeps saying they are going to drill a new one. They just won't commit to when.

[Exsailor]

JR. I would gladly make an exception for that trip. Sounds great
Especially the no cellphone part. Just sayin if at all possible
i always travel empty.

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by Exsailor

JR. I would gladly make an exception for that trip. Sounds great
Especially the no cellphone part. Just sayin if at all possible
i always travel empty.

Meet us at the Mackinaw Bridge (north side rest area) about 1030AM on May 24th. Plan on bringing snow shovels, pick axes and lots of heavy winter clothing. We had another inch of snow yesterday morning and it was 18 this morning at 530. Of course, right now it's 58*F and heading back down. Supposed to be in the 20's tonight. I'm thinking we'll have to chip the ice off the boat ramp to get the boats in the lake, but once we get past the ice dam, it's open water or should I just yell, "YIPPEEEEE"

[warsw]

I used to travel with only about 10 gals in the fresh water tank just so we would have some water for rest stops if needed. With that small amount I found that unless I was parked on pretty flat ground the pump would have a hard time picking up the water. I now fill the tank to 1/2 or 2/3. I don't notice any difference in how the trailer tows or handles and I always have water if I need it.

If I'm going boondocking I fill her to the brim.