Can I Travel With Water In The RV Freshwater Tank?

RV Freshwater Tank & Travel

One question that often arises for new RV owners is if it’s ok to travel with water in the RV’s freshwater tank.

To answer the questions quickly, yes, it’s ok to travel with water in your RV freshwater tank.

Related Product: Keep your RV freshwater tank clean with a Camco TastePure RV Water Filter (click to view on Amazon)

But be warned, there are a few cons to doing this. As full-time RVers we actually try to travel without water in our freshwater tank.

In this article I’ll explain a few things, including the pros and cons to traveling with water in the RV water tank and the basics of an RV freshwater system.

Hopefully, this will answer any questions you have regarding the RV water tank.

See Also: Best RV Water Hose For Drinking Water

RV Freshwater System Overview

Before delving into the pros and cons of traveling with water, it’s good to understand the basics of your RV’s freshwater system.

The freshwater system in an RV typically consists of:

• A freshwater tank (capacity varies by RV model)
• A water pump
• Plumbing lines
• Faucets and fixtures

The freshwater tank is designed to store potable water for your RV’s sinks, shower, and toilet.

It’s filled through the freshwater fill port, not to be confused with the city water port which bypasses the freshwater tank.

See Also: Do I Need To Use RV Water Pump When Connected To City Water?

You should know the capacity of your RV’s freshwater tank and holding tanks. This will help you a lot whenever you plan camping trips, especially if you’re dry camping/boondocking or traveling long distances.

Knowing how much the freshwater tank weighs when full is also a very important part of packing and managing weight capacity. Especially if your tow vehicle is close to its tow capacity.

Traveling with Water in the Tank

Pros

Traveling with water in your RV’s freshwater tank offers several advantages.

1. Convenience – Having water readily available means you can use your RV’s facilities with no need to connect to an external water source immediately upon arriving at your destination. This is useful for long travel days, overnight stops, and boondocking.
2. Emergency Preparedness – A supply of fresh water can be invaluable in case of unexpected delays or emergencies on the road.
3. Flexibility in Choosing Campsites – With water onboard, you’re not limited to campsites with hookups, opening up more options for where you can stay. Dry campsites are often cheaper as well, which is a bonus if you’re camping on a budget.
4. Improved Travel Comfort – Access to water for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene can make a better travel experience, especially during long drives.

Cons

While there are benefits to traveling with water in your RV freshwater tank, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks.

1. Reduced Fuel Efficiency – Water is heavy (about 8.3 pounds per gallon), which will significantly increase your RV’s weight and affect fuel efficiency.
2. Reduced Weight Capacity – A full water tank will limit weight capacity for other items, especially in smaller RVs.
3. Leak Risk – Movement during travel can sometimes cause leaks or spills, potentially leading to water damage inside your RV.
4. Potential for Bacteria Growth – If water sits in the tank for extended periods, especially in warm conditions, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
5. Impact on Vehicle Handling – The added weight of water can affect your RV’s handling, particularly if the tank is only partially full, allowing the water to slosh around.

Factors to Consider

When deciding whether to travel with water in your freshwater tank, there are a few factors to consider.

1. Trip Duration – For short trips, a full tank might be fine. Longer journeys may benefit from an empty water tank to increase fuel efficiency and safety while driving.
2. Destination – If you’re heading to a fully equipped campground, you may not need to bring water. For more remote locations, having your own supply is crucial. If there’s a place to fill your water tank close to your destination, you could stop and fill there. Look for RV dump stations, gas stations, or other campgrounds with potable water along your chosen route.
3. Weather – In freezing temperatures, a full water tank can be at risk of damage if the water freezes and expands. At the same time, a full water tank will take longer to freeze than a partially filled one.
4. Vehicle Capacity – Ensure that carrying water doesn’t push your RV over its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
5. Terrain – If you’re traveling through mountainous areas, the extra weight could strain your RV’s engine and brakes.

Traveling with a Full RV Water Tank

If you decide to travel with water in your RV freshwater tank, follow these best practices:

1. Partial Fill – Consider filling your tank only partially (around 1/3 to 1/2 full) to reduce weight while still having a usable amount of water.
2. Secure All Connections – Double-check that all pipes and connections are secure to prevent leaks during travel.
3. Use a Water Pressure Regulator When Filling – This helps protect your RV’s plumbing system from damage because of high water pressure when you connect to external water sources.
4. Sanitize Regularly – Clean and sanitize your freshwater system periodically to prevent bacterial growth.
5. Monitor Weight Distribution – Ensure the added weight of water doesn’t negatively affect your RV’s balance and handling.
   • Difference Between Weight Distribution & Sway Control
6. Use Water Additives – Use water treatment products designed for RV use like the Camco Drinking Water Freshener (click to view on Amazon) to help maintain water freshness during travel and at the campsite.

Alternatives to Traveling with a Full RV Water Tank

If you’re concerned about the drawbacks of traveling with a full freshwater tank, consider these alternatives.

1. Bottled Water – For short trips, bringing bottled water for drinking and cooking can be a lightweight alternative.
2. Use Collapsible Water Containers or Bags – These can be filled at your destination and take up less space when empty.
   • How We Store & Transfer Extra Water To Our RV When Camping
3. Plan Stops at Water Fill Stations – Research and plan your route to include stops where you can fill up your tank as needed.
   • How To Find Nearby RV Dump Stations & Fresh Water Fill-Up
4. Use a Water Filtration System – This allows you to safely use water from various sources, reducing the need to carry large quantities.
   • Best RV Water Filter Systems & Cartridges Reviewed

To Wrap It Up

The decision to travel with water in your RV’s freshwater tank ultimately depends on your specific circumstances, travel style, and preferences.

While it offers convenience and flexibility, it also comes with considerations such as added weight and potential maintenance and driving issues.

By weighing the pros and cons, considering alternatives, and following best practices, you can decide based on your planned travel and camping style for each trip.

See Also: The Best Way To Do Laundry When Camping With Limited Water

Water management is a huge part of RV camping, remember you’ll need to monitor the waste water tanks as well.

Whether you choose to travel with a full, partially filled, or empty RV water tank, the key is to plan, maintain your water system properly, and always prioritize safety and water quality.

Have any questions? Leave a comment below.