Water Tank Filling

DurangoTaB

We plan on doing at least 50% boondocking, ie no water, electric, or sewer. Maybe I'm lazy...although I'm in good shape, hoisting a plastc 5gal water can (45lbs) up and holding it while my wife holds the funnel to fill the tank is a bit of a pain. I'm wondering if others have found an easier way. Use 1gal bottles? Portable 12V water pump? Fill before you leave?

jkjenn

Great question!

Verna

While I do have a Silver Shadow, not a T@B, here's what I do.  I carry two 2.5 gallon jugs in the galley--lighter than 45 lbs, and so much easier to take with.  I do fill these up before I leave home.  And, they do have spigots on them so I can use them easily.  Since I use them, I don't have to worry about stale water in the water tank, nor do I have to fill the on-board water tank.  I also have four 4 gallon blue Reliance jugs (with spigots) for boondocking.  I keep those in the tow vehicle, but I only fill them if I plan on boondocking.

When I had the water tank on the Silver Shadow, I used a collapsible 2.5 gallon jug and a funnel to fill the on-board water tank.  Lighter, and less likely to spill very much. And, actually, a 12V pump to fill from a portable tank sounds like a good idea..... 

XPADREX

You can also buy a portable siphon, the type used for gas. Hook it up to plastic tubing, put your portable tank on the ground, and go to town.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001VLK0RA/ref=pd_aw_sims_4?pi=SL500_SS115&simLd=1

XPADREX

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00APU2X8M/ref=pd_aw_sims_4?pi=SL500_SS115&simLd=1

Wanderoo

Now, THAT sounds like a great solution.  I have nothing better to offer!!! )

DurangoTaB

Only $9 and not electric...excellent!

Lisa33

Or you can just hookup a hose. If the spigot isn't threaded, you can use one of these water bandits. Another option is to get yourself a 10 year old boy to do the lugging . Gives my son a chance to burn off excess energy after sitting in the car for hours. . http://www.amazon.com/Camco-22484-Water-Bandit/dp/B000EDOSKG

XPADREX

What size is that, 00?

TABaker

I also use a 2.5 gallon portable with a spigot.  I usually tow the T@B with less than 1/2 a tank, and then add after arriving at the campground (not boondocking).  I use a plastic funnel so I don't have to bend down as far or remove the onboard tank while filling.  I then refill the portable and keep it on the picnic table for outside use.

tabasco

I was going crazy, never knowing how much water was in the tank, so I teed into the line between the bottom of the tank and the sink and ran a clear plastic hose up under the sink inside the cupboard

and clamped it to the inside of the frame next to the door. I then marked the frame with a marker pen full-half-empty. I now have only to open the door to see how much water is in the tank. Instant sight gauge!

jkjenn

We need photos, Tabasco

tabasco

Sorry, will try and get some photos,and work out how to post them, how do you do that anyway?

tabasco

dont know if this will be visible or make sense,  I hope so, any questions please feel free!

do

DurangoTaB

Nice! Cedar on the doors? Also nice!

jkjenn

Thanks for the pics, Tabasco. I wish we had some type of gauges on the grey and black tanks. If I get the larger under T@b mounted water tank mod, I will seriously consider doing soemthing like this. 

Deltaboy59

Try this...works every time... No drip no mess...
6 bucks for hose at wal mart 
screw into spigot hole on water jug
leave it on for future use
use other half of your cut hose to screw on your fresh water hose when using it to fill your tank

Deltaboy59

Learning to post pics... Sorry.

Deltaboy59

And then...lol

Deltaboy59

Use the other end of your hose that you cut to fill tank with your fresh water hose 

Bgkirk

I have made a similar adapter to Deltaboy59's for the water jugs. I then modified the plumbing a bit under the sink in our CS-S to provide a connection for the other end of the hose. I then use the water pump to fill the water tank while the jug sets on the counter. 




Also allows for the filling of the tank from city water connection. I also modified the area under our front sink (we have a S model front counter and sink in our CS-S) so that we can fill the water tank from the city water connection. You can see the tank is full from this spot as the vent tube coming from the tank is clear vinyl tube. 

ChanW

Nice work! 

Bgkirk, what is this fitting, just a plug?

Bgkirk

Chan, I have a cap on the garden hose fitting just in case the valve above gets turned on inadvertently. 

Michigan_Mike

Good looking conversion work above Kirk!   Well done and certainly looks handy!  

I love the valves with handles and have them built into my water softener system....  Very handy indeed!  

T@B Forum Area

Deltaboy59

Nice work

jkjenn

http://www.amazon.com/ZODI-Outback-Battery-Powered-Shower/dp/B002L9A4BI/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1420064047&sr=8-9&keywords=camp+shower

I forgot I had a Zodi battery powered camp shower pump that would be perfect for this. I had already replaced the original hose with a food safe one.

RZRBUG

Deltaboy, I tend to like simple solutions, and I especially like yours.  I have tried various funnels with unsatisfactory results, and I did not really want to mess with various pumps.  It never occurred to me that a water hose would fit the lid on the jug.  Nice.

Tweedrvr

I'm heading out solo glamping tomorrow for two days (need trailer practice and need getaway) and I am getting myself totally flustered with the water issue.  I thought I might try to heat water.  I see where the "city water" goes on my CS-S, but what can you do with it?  You can't drink or cook with it, right?  So what's it for?  And Deltaboy 59 posted some fantastic photos (see above) of filling the other tank, which I assume is the potable water.  But where does that come out and can you drink that?  Sorry if these questions seem a bit duh to some, but I'm a newbie.  I have tried to search for answers, but when I think I have it figured out, I get all confused again.  Help!
Martha in VT w/Mahit@ble, my CS-S Max

Bgkirk

Tweedrvr,

As long as the water going into the trailer is drinkable and the trailer water system has not been contaminated by non-drinkable water, the water from any outlet is drinkable.  The water from the city connection and the water from the tank are the same water system. When connected to city water the system supplies water to all the outlet from the city water connection. When there is no city water connected and the pump is on, the system supplies water to all the outlets from the tank. 

The Alde hot water system has a cautionary note not to use for drinking or cooking. However, you will find this same cautionary note on any home hot water system.  Many, including ourselves, use the hot water for anything including consumption. 

Hope this helps and happy camping. 

Nomad

Yep - What BGkirk said - If it's potable, I drink it.

bgualtieri

You know your body best, but if you drink tap water at home you should be able to drink it when hooked up to city water. If you drink bottled water at home, bring it with you. But I would use the trailer water at least for cooking and washing and teeth brushing. We always do and have had no problems