Full or empty?

Submitted: Friday, Nov 28, 2008 at 16:17

ThreadID: 63862 Views:4372 Replies:5 FollowUps:2

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Water Tank

Water storage is a critical issue for all four wheel drivers. Not only do you need to carry large amounts of fresh water, you also need 2 alternate supplies in case of contamination from one source.

Moose

Just wondering what others with plastic water tanks do with respect to the camper trailer in between trips. Or on a caravan, or camper van etc. Do you empty it out or leave it full?

I've always worked on the principle that being plastic if the water sits in there for a few months it's more likely to "absorb" a plasic taste. So I've emptied it out as much as possible. Never had any taste issues so maybe my theory is OK. But then again perhaps the plastic doesn't impart any taste to the water anyway and I'm just wasting my time.

I imagine that an emptied water tank would not really dry up since it is essentially sealed so what are the chances of bugs growing in there with no light?

Also to empty my tank I either have to disconnet the bottom fitting and let it drain out, or pump it out. I should probably add something to facilitate emptying (if this is the best option) - has anyone else done this and if so what have you used? Would need to be immune to stones, sticks etc so something flush fitting would be ideal.

Thanks from the Moose

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Reply By: Member - Oldplodder (QLD) - Friday, Nov 28, 2008 at 16:27

Friday, Nov 28, 2008 at 16:27

We tend not to use our CT tank for drinking. Just cooking and washing. Have one or two 20 l containers for drinking.
But on a long trip between good water stops we fill up with good water and top up the drinking containers.

At home, if it is going to be more than a month or two between uses, I empty the tank. Have a drain bung on the side of the camel tank. Know then we have fresh water then at the start of a trip.

AnswerID: 337297

Reply By: Max - Sydney - Friday, Nov 28, 2008 at 16:39

Friday, Nov 28, 2008 at 16:39

Moose

The manager of tastes in our family absolutely insists that water left in a tank acquires a plastic taste, so we have always (CT then caravan) emptied the tank at the end of each trip.

Even then we had to put in a small quantity of water and carb soda when the CT tank got older - drove it around for a way to slosh it everywhere, then drain it all out, flush and fill. It seemed to sweeten it again.

As for a drain facility. The commercial tanks have a small (about 12 mm) outlet somewhere on the bottom. A plastic elbow from a hardware store, with a fitting to screw into the tank one side and a barbed fitting the other is the usual way. Then run a bit of 12 mm clear plastic hose to a tap with a barbed fitting near the side. A couple of saddles to hold the tap & hose and you should be in business.

A trip to a caravan / RV dealer, or to Bunnings should get you set up.

Tucked up out of the way, this should be both accessible and safe from damage.

Max

AnswerID: 337303

Reply By: helping - Friday, Nov 28, 2008 at 17:33

Friday, Nov 28, 2008 at 17:33

I think 16 drops of bleach per US Gallon is the go to kill creepy crawlies to make water drinkable for survival purposes.

I have an electric hot water heater at home and a thermostat that heats the water to what's ideal for showering. I have to remember to heat the water way above this every 2 or so weeks otherwise Amazonian type creepy crawlies multiply light or no light.

AnswerID: 337314

Follow Up By: Peter_n_Margaret - Friday, Nov 28, 2008 at 18:23

Friday, Nov 28, 2008 at 18:23

Bugs will grow in the dark, especially if warm and especially if there is any crud in the water.
4ml of liquid pool chlorine per 100L will fix them.
We do this with all (non pre-chlorinated) water that we pick up.
I give tanks an extra strong dose after non-use, then slosh around and drain.
Also make sure that you flush 10 litres through any fine filters if they have not been used for a few days. They are great places for bugs to grow.

Cheers,
Peter

FollowupID: 604968

Reply By: kcandco - Friday, Nov 28, 2008 at 21:14

Friday, Nov 28, 2008 at 21:14

Hi Moose

I installed a black plastic water tank about 2 yrs ago. I started off using it only for cooking and carrying 10 litre containers for drinking water. I have found though that there is no hint of plastic taste even after this time and i do not flush or drain the tank after each trip. So as a result I carry one 10 litre for emergency use and drink straight from the 60 litre black plastic water tank. I am pretty fussy when it comes to the taste of my water, but to date there is no taste. When installing hoses to and from the tank I made sure all were black so no light gets into any part of the water system.

regards Kc

AnswerID: 337347