Water in tank while traveling?
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5326
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Topic: Water in tank while traveling?
Posted By: Luv2Q
Subject: Water in tank while traveling?
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2014 at 3:46am
Question: Is it ok (safe) to have at least 5 or so gallons of water in the fresh water tank while you're on the road? We'll be bringing our 171 home (~1150 mi) in another week or so & it sure would be nice to be able to wash hands, etc when we stop. But .. I also think I've read that the weight moving back & forth is hard on the tank mounts & can contribute to sway. (Doesn't seem like ~40 lbs should cause much of a problem but I've guessed wrong before!  )What do y'all do? Thanks, John
------------- John & Teri Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180 E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3 |
Replies:
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2014 at 6:04am
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When we had our 171 we traveled with a bout 10 gallons of fresh water in tank. With the Vibe we have traveled with about the same. Its nice as you said to be able to wash hands and dishes etc. We have taken showers in rest areas a couple of times. As long as your TV can safely handle the extra weight no problem. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2014 at 7:52am
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We will usually throw in 4-5 gallons of water if we are on the road and going to stop at a rest area or Flying J for a night or two. Haven't had a problem yet ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2014 at 8:45am
| Good question, I am planning to do the same, travel with 4-5 gallons of fresh water. One good thing with the distribution of the weight in this situation is that the tanks are low so it shouldn't rock the center of gravity much. |
Posted By: ToolmanJohn
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2014 at 10:35am
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I routinely fill the tank at home ( yep all 30 gallons plus 6 in the hot water heater ) and travel 236 miles to my destination camping area. No issues with my tank mounts, and the Pod is still barely half of the tow rating of my TV. The overhang from my rear TV axle to the tow ball is VERY short (a great thing) compared to most SUV's.My only beef is that the fresh water tank is mounted behind the axle, and unloads the tongue weight. I can notice a difference when towing, but it's not a big deal. It wouldn't make sense for Forest River to have a tank mounting system that couldn't handle the extra weight of full tanks while transporting. The gray tank especially can become full during a camping trip, and when dry camping, you must tow to a dump station, wherever that may be. ( I live about 9 miles from a public dump station at a highway rest area here in CT, open from late Spring to Late Fall, free ) |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2014 at 7:00pm
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As mentioned, the only consideration is if you are on the edge of your towing limits (hitch weight and towing weight) for your TV. We always travel with at least 5-10 gallons for on-the road needs, and we've traveled at least 9 total weeks on the road with a full water tank. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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