Water

I don't drain my hot water tank when traveling.  I like to keep that tank full from the time I dewinterize in the spring until I winterize in the fall.  I feel that the possibility that I will forget to turn off the electric water heating element, drain the tank, and then plug into shore power at the next stop and burn out the heating element outweighs any savings that carrying the extra water will accrue.  The six gallons of water in the hot water tank is included in the trailer's specified water capacity of 36 gallons -- 30 gallons in the tank and 6 gallons in the water heater.

Originally posted by Tars Tarkas I've never heard of anyone draining the hot water heater while traveling.  The larger debate is how much fresh water to carry in the main fresh water tank.  The consensus seems to be anywhere from 5 to 30 gallons.  I sure don't know how to do the math but that extra rolling weight doesn't have nearly the impact on MPGs as you might think. And if you're that close to your weight limit you are cutting it too close.

We carry the water gated mostly by the destination. If we know water  is going to be in short supply (e.g. boondocking) we will take water. If we're going somewhere with full hookups, we take none. YMMV.

I drain my hot water tank after each trip.  Gets me a good look at the anode. Also gives me a chance to clean out all of the debris in the bottom of the Hot water tank.

I agree regarding the anode.  Looking at it once a year is plenty.  I can't remember the last time I checked the anode rod on my water heater at the house. The water heater will function fine without an anode rod -- though it will probably last longer with one.  Point being, if you check the anode once a year and it's gone when you check, you aren't too late to replace it.

TT