Partially filling fresh water
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Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9381
Printed Date: 06 May 2024 at 5:26am
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Topic: Partially filling fresh water
Posted By: GlibGuy
Subject: Partially filling fresh water
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2017 at 10:32am
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Does anyone have a way to accurately measure how much water you're putting in (when you don't intend to fill completely)? When I head out on an adventure I try to put in just enough water (say 10/12 gals) to allow me to stay overnight at a Walmart but save the towing weight of a full tank. I have tried pouring water in a gal at a time - messy and very time consuming. Lately I have timed how long it takes me to fill a 5 gal container and run the water that long (or twice for 10 gal etc.) using my hose and water tank filler attachment (a great invention BTW). Works OK but takes a little extra time and wastes some water. I see on Amazon that I can purchase a farm funnel that I could attach the tank filler attachment which would allow me to pour in maybe more than a gallon at a time(?). I also see a couple of inexpensive water flow instruments that attach to the hose to measure the flow going through in gallons. Any experience out there with either of these? Suggestion/ideas are welcome. Mick ------------- MICK |
Replies:
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2017 at 10:54am
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I use a 1 gallon jug and a funnel. Usually carry 5 galls. when travelling
------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2017 at 10:58am
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You don't need to be perfectly accurate for this by any means. I've used the time method. As you say, time how long it takes to fill a 5 gallon bucket and do the math. Do that once and remember the time for next time. There's some debate over how much extra water weight really impacts gas mileage anyway. It has to have some impact but probably not nearly enough to spend a lot of time worrying about whether you have 8.4 gallons in the tank or 13.7. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: Bugout
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2017 at 11:16am
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They have a flow neater at home depo it gos on the hose tells how many gallons.look by the garden hoses ------------- Jk Aiken South Carolina 2016 178 Toyota Tundra 2017 4.6 |
Posted By: Retiree-Pod
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2017 at 11:24am
| Another solution is to use your homes water meter and a helper with a cellphone at the meter and you filling with another cellphone. |
Posted By: voisj
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2017 at 2:20pm
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GlibGuy, I have two of these 5 gallon water cans I use. I put 1 in before we leave so I know how much is in the tank and then carry two in my truck, I fill up the tank as near the campsite as i can, and put them in when my wife yells from the shower that we are out of water. This happens more than I like to admit. rgds John  ------------- http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9426&title=slopod-180-mods-johnsue - SLOPODMODS John&Sue,SLO,CA 2016 180 HRE, 2013 F150 Eco Boost 
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Posted By: Our pod
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2017 at 2:43pm
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I carry two water containers in the back of my tow vehicle, and tow with my r-pod tanks empty. Look up free surface effect to consider how free surface may impact towing. ------------- Life is good. |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2017 at 7:44pm
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If we were on the water or trying to tow sideways on a 45 degree slope, then free surface effect might be something worth considering. Most of us will tow on roads which are relatively flat side to side so the sloshing of the liquids in the tank are not going to capsize the trailer. Add pontoons to your R-Pod and take it out on the ocean, and it might be something to be worried about.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2017 at 10:03pm
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I'm not an engineer, but my sense is that the free surface effect on an RPod is probably more theoretical than anything to be too concerned with. There are times you might be able to feel the liquids sloshing as you go down the road under extreme conditions, but the likelihood of tipping the trailer is probably pretty durn small. Maybe if you lost your brakes and were speeding out of control down a mountain road with a lot of curves, and you were probably going to die anyway, the free surface effect would add the last 3% of force needed to cause you to roll over. Considering how low the tanks are, their shape and configuration, and volume of water they can hold, they may even act as more of a stabilizing factor than otherwise. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: ChetC
Date Posted: 26 Feb 2017 at 9:03am
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I used to worry about water weight all the time, but then I sat down and gave it some critical thought. In my humble opinion, unless you are completely maxed out on the capacity of your tow vehicle, it is not necessary to worry about carrying a complete load of freshwater. On my 180, the fresh water tank holds 36 gallons at max capacity. Water weighs approximately 7 lbs per gallon, so a completely full freshwater tank is roughly 250 lbs or the equivalent of one large adult male. Using this scenario, imagine a large adult male in your trailer while towing. They could completely run amuck while you were traveling down the road and you would be in no danger of an ill handling trailer as a result, nor would you see a noticeable change to your mpg. That's not to say you wouldn't feel them tumble to the front if you slammed on the brakes, but they would be traveling a lot further than water in a confined space. ------------- Former 2017 rPod 180 owner Now in a 2019 Little Guy MAX Full timer who logs more than 35,000 miles per year. |
Posted By: GlibGuy
Date Posted: 26 Feb 2017 at 9:57am
I would be interested in a couple of these IF. Does that snout fit down into the fresh water intake? If yes, what are they called and where did you get them? I haven't done an intensive search but I'm not coming up with anything. (I agree I'm probably over concerned about weight but I could use a couple of these when I'm on extended primitive camping.) Thanks! ------------- MICK |
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 26 Feb 2017 at 10:05am
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ya, i like these!! hogone
------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 26 Feb 2017 at 10:19am
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Those are pretty efficient looking!
------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: voisj
Date Posted: 26 Feb 2017 at 10:20am
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GlibGuy, Hogone, & leo, Any motorsports store, (think motorcycle ATV). Yes, the hose fits down the fresh water filler. I put the stuff on top, (on/off valve and hose) myself, It comes with a large cap with a 3/4 " plug on top, I removed the plug and put the attachments in the plug hole. It's best if you go to the store and play with them, some are more ergonomic than others with the handle on one side and the breather cap next to it. It's 45 lbs full and if its not easy to hold it's a pain while filling. here's a link http:////www.motosport.com/product?psreferrer=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.google.com%252F&pssource=true&segment=badger&key=LC-5-Gallon-Jug&cc=us&adpos=1o5&creative=109325391265&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&product_id=5-LC-WH&gclid=Cj0KEQiAlsrFBRCAxcCB54XElLEBEiQA_ei0DBTZ7dwhjDuvIdrJvbCqLrGtleqIGPZNR_ee5DE-rT4aAraP8P8HAQ - http:////www.motosport.com/product?psreferrer=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.google.com%252F&pssource=true&segment=badger&key=LC-5-Gallon-Jug&cc=us&adpos=1o5&creative=109325391265&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&product_id=5-LC-WH&gclid=Cj0KEQiAlsrFBRCAxcCB54XElLEBEiQA_ei0DBTZ7dwhjDuvIdrJvbCqLrGtleqIGPZNR_ee5DE-rT4aAraP8P8HAQ Rgds John
------------- http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9426&title=slopod-180-mods-johnsue - SLOPODMODS John&Sue,SLO,CA 2016 180 HRE, 2013 F150 Eco Boost
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 26 Feb 2017 at 2:03pm
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The only problem I see is that these are not made for potable water. That means that they might leach chemicals into the water. I would prefer one that is made for potable water. On our winter trip, we used this one which we got at our local Wal-Mart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/10098756?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227000002660&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=56737310696&wl4=pla-63103689294&wl5=9009718&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=10098756&wl13=&veh=sem - Reliance Products Hydroller 8 Gallon wheeled water container The local store price may be higher than the online price. With the proper fittings, this could be adapted to a hose which could then be used to fill the R-Pod's tank. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 26 Feb 2017 at 3:09pm
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If we do a short weekend trip we bring 10 gallons of well water with us. Yes, we did the math, takes 40 seconds to fill a 5 gallon bucket so. . . . . put the hose in the hose filler and let it run for 80 seconds and we are done. Longer trips we always fill to the max before leaving. Rather not have to put city/ municipal water in our tanks, don't care for the taste or the chemicals in them. Actually we have always had well water in our tanks and on the advice of furpod did indeed sanitize our tanks for the first time last year after owning our 177 for 5 years. ------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: GlibGuy
Date Posted: 27 Feb 2017 at 8:27am
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Thanks for all the good posts. I plunged ahead and ordered the "LC" 5 gallon jug with hose from MotoSport. I may order another if I'm happy with their product As far as whether the product keeps water potable, I usually camp alone and carry water separately for drinking, cooking (don't do much) and personal hygiene (other than showers). Great folks on this forum! ------------- MICK |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 27 Feb 2017 at 10:09am
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I use one of these upstream of the water filter.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0058EOC5M/ - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0058EOC5M/ There's so little water contact with plastic that any chemicals that might leech into the water would be insignificant. |
Posted By: voisj
Date Posted: 27 Feb 2017 at 11:33am
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Here's a 6 gallon water can that is bpa free and only $14 at online, (+$6 shipping). The handles look good and would work for easy pouring. I don't see an air vent though which makes a huge difference when your holding 50lbs. http://www.tooltopia.com/null-mwc6700.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=paid_search_google_pla&scid=scplpMWC6700&sc_intid=MWC6700&gclid=CjwKEAiAuc_FBRD7_JCM3NSY92wSJABbVoxBCLEbZaC7UB2c6WKBl9itq9FlxpLUhc-Xotg0cwtDzBoCdx3w_wcB - http://www.tooltopia.com/null-mwc6700.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=paid_search_google_pla&scid=scplpMWC6700&sc_intid=MWC6700&gclid=CjwKEAiAuc_FBRD7_JCM3NSY92wSJABbVoxBCLEbZaC7UB2c6WKBl9itq9FlxpLUhc-Xotg0cwtDzBoCdx3w_wcB I don't cook with or drink water from the fresh water tank, but i do understand potable water containers are a better option. My LC 2 is left empty until I travel and then keep out of the sun under a shell in the back of my truck while traveling, Long term storage freezing and/or storage in the sun could be an issue. From the study i just read, " If you are using a plastic water bottle, you should avoid drinking from any that have been frozen and/or exposed to sunlight or high temperatures". ------------- http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9426&title=slopod-180-mods-johnsue - SLOPODMODS John&Sue,SLO,CA 2016 180 HRE, 2013 F150 Eco Boost
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Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 27 Feb 2017 at 12:25pm
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Two comments, largely based on previous posts. Freshwater tank capacity is 36 gals. That is roughly close to 300 lbs. That weight negates tongue weight. The aft water tank is on the other side of the axle, the fulcrum. It is possible to decrease tongue weight to the point where sway is significantly increased. From my experience there is a larger amount of sway with full water tank and no sway control. I don't tow without sway control, so for all purposes I can cover the weight. Comment 2 - I urge you if you haven't to inspect your tank holding crossbars. The unwelded ones are held on by #14 sheet metal screws. Some have found these screws to be pulling out or missing. Tanks have fallen out of TTs. Also make sure your securing cross bracket goes all the way to the frame rail, not screwed on with a gap. Some of us have bolted out brackets thru the frame, eliminating the screw loosening issue. Thanks. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 27 Feb 2017 at 1:19pm
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On the 179 and probably 180, the fresh water tank is forward of the axle, so it adds to tongue weight.
As for drinking from plastic bottles frozen or exposed to heat, that really only applies to #1 plastics. You'll notice if you buy reusable plastic microwave cookware that they're almost always made of #5 plastic, which doesn't have the chemicals that leach out of #1 plastic. |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 27 Feb 2017 at 4:31pm
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Bum, thanks, is the tank on a 179/180 close to the axle. On the 178, the tank is the last thing on the aft of the trailer (behind the gray water tank), with the pass through above and behind it.
If interested - the post on tank issues is from JUL 2014, posted by CasaJack, named Water Tank Beams. I do not know if FR has addressed, maybe a new owner can comment. My 2015 178 had the issue as described, I added new 1 1/2 #14 screws and a bolt thru the frame at each support beam. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: Hayduke
Date Posted: 01 Mar 2017 at 9:14am
In order for two loads of the same mass to apply equal force to a lever, they must be equidistant from the fulcrum. Yes, having a full water tank behind the axle when unload some tongue weight. But the water tank is closer to the axle than the hitch, so it adds less force to the lever. ------------- 2012 177 HRE 2017 Tacoma Double Cab |
Posted By: Irish Tom
Date Posted: 01 Mar 2017 at 9:51am
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I have a 178 and do not carry water. The water tank is on the tail end of the pod. Tried to carry water and virtually had NO tongue weight which made towing unstable. Never again, travel with tank empty. Irish Tom 2015 178 Rpod 2014 Ford Explorer
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Posted By: voisj
Date Posted: 01 Mar 2017 at 11:19am
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This has turned into an interesting thread. I never really thought about water tank locations and how it could effect travel, just thought about full and empty as far as weight goes. The water tank in my 180 is way forward of the axle, the black hangs at the very back as far back as it can go and the the grey is snugged up to the black aft of the axle. So theoretically if i just fill the front fresh tank I've added 36 gal or 300 lbs near the tongue. Then while camping, run out of water, and add 20 gallons using my water jugs, (i have done this). Before i go home I leave the campsite with 56 gal or 450 lbs hanging off the back in the grey and black. I've driven hundreds of miles like this, on freeways, on mountain roads, and up to 9000 ft. If my TV was anywhere near it's limit of tow capacity, with no sway or weight dist, this could be really dangerous. Even though I have a TV with an 11,400 lb tow capacity I don't think I will do this again. rgds John  ------------- http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9426&title=slopod-180-mods-johnsue - SLOPODMODS John&Sue,SLO,CA 2016 180 HRE, 2013 F150 Eco Boost
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Posted By: texman
Date Posted: 01 Mar 2017 at 11:45am
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this is an interesting discussion. I always leave home with a full water tank (182g is in the front)because we are in well water and prefer the taste to chlorinated water. I have never thought about traveling with the extra weight. Return trip is whatever is left in water and empty gray/black if dump available. I guess i have no idea if i am at the pods max weight or not since i have not weighed anything. i have a bunch of "stuff" in there. i did experience some sway an the last trip, but i had a 20mph side wind both ways on I-40.
------------- TexMan 2015 182g 2018 Sequoia http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9122&title=texman-182g-mods - TexManMods |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 01 Mar 2017 at 1:12pm
Gray is behind the axle, probably because of the rear kitchen. Black is immediately forward of the axle (middle bathroom) and fresh is forward of that. |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 01 Mar 2017 at 4:55pm
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Thanks Bum, glad this post generated some discussion. I personally will not travel with a full freshwater tank on a 178. My TV can handle the capacity, personally I want to ensure I have an adequate tongue weight, has nothing to do with slosh or water movement, as Hayride said, the farther you get from axle the less the effect. Good discussion. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 01 Mar 2017 at 5:01pm
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Hayduke I called you by wrong name, sorry. Irish Tom - exactly what I experienced with my 178. 300 lbs on aft end makes a difference. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: malkbean2
Date Posted: 06 Mar 2017 at 8:47am
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I have a 178 pulled with a 2016 grand caravan. It has the microwave, AC, TV, battery, and 20# propane, the calculated weight is 2700#. The tongue weight empty is 300#. When I add 170# of cargo at the door the tongue# goes to 351# and to 384# one step forward. The tongue # van spec is 360#. The empty rig rides level with a 4" rise ball mount. No WD or SC. Would you be so kind as to provide tips on how to rig and load cargo and water so as not to exceed the tongue # spec and avoid trailer sway. Thank You so much. 2016 RP178 2016 grand caravan avp 3.6L (the caravan comes with electronic anti sway control, heavy duty radiator and alternator, engine cooling, trans cooling and Touring Suspension |
Posted By: Our pod
Date Posted: 07 Mar 2017 at 9:53am
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Stephen H and Tars Farkas: my concern re free-surface effect would be on its impact to traction from increased weight on the outside of the turn, perhaps result ing in a skid. I don't worry about capsizing (flipping) very much. ------------- Life is good. |
Posted By: Irish Tom
Date Posted: 07 Mar 2017 at 10:22am
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Just for information, I did add a large rack to the front of my 2015 178 that was designed to carry a generator. It bolts directly to the frame and is available on line. I do not usually carry a generator, but put a large cooler or other bins on this rack in addition to the spare tire. This helps my tongue weight. I use the receiver on the back to carry two bikes. I only use a anti-sway bar. (no WDH) and the Pod tows just fine. The fresh water tank supports do scare me a bit. Will look into adding the screws and bolts through the frame. As we both know FR puts these RPods together fast and I have experienced many construction flaws. Seeing that we both have 2015 178's, sharing information is awesome. Happy Camping! Irish Tom 2015 178 2014 Ford Explorer
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 07 Mar 2017 at 8:09pm
Given my experiences towing, I don't think you will have a problem. Experience 1: Las Vegas headed northbound on I15. Needed to take exit and did not know how sharp that turn was. Had to really step on the brakes to make the turn and avoid hitting the wall. There were plenty of marks from people who had not successfully made the turn. If the water we had in the tank would have been an issue, then that is one place where it surely would have manifested itself. Experience 2: December, I80 in western Wyoming: Crosswind gusting to 40 mph. Road turned to ice as we approached a bridge overpass. We started to fishtail and it got worse. We might have recovered if the back end of the trailer had not hit the bridge guard rail and kicked us around in a 180 degree spin leaving us facing the wrong way on the bridge. The fresh water tank was empty and the black and gray water tanks had minimal content at that point as we were dry camping due to travel in sub-freezing temperatures. In both cases, the contents (or lack thereof) in the tanks did not determine the outcome. The water is, after all, just a fraction of the weight of a loaded R-Pod. Drive sensibly and you should be fine. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 08 Mar 2017 at 6:03pm
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For 178 owners: Malkbean2 and Irish Tom. The configuration of 178 tanks is different than other Pods. They have their own towing characteristics. 330 lbs is a significant weight when placed at the opposite end of the hitch. Malkbean2, you are already over the spec for your tongue weight for your TV. You could add water to your rear tank to offset the tongue weight to get your rig within spec, evidently you have capability to weigh tongue. You can also balance your loads between front and rear storage areas. I would suggest you go with a friction sway bar at minimum. Just makes sense. Irish Tom, my Pod is modded close to what you added, I do carry a genset on my Aframe mount. I'm at about 377 on tongue weight. I have modded my tank support beams. I removed all the 1" #14 sheet metal screws and did bolt them thru frame. I repaled the 1" screws with 1 1/2" screws. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |