R-pod Owners Forum : Water tank capacity and molding http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : I need HELP!!! : Water tank capacity and molding Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 24 Apr 2026 07:27:31 +0000 Tue, 18 Sep 2018 14:02:15 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=12171 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Water tank capacity and molding : Keith-N-Dar, to clarify, the 6... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=115238#115238 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12171
Posted: 18 Sep 2018 at 2:02pm

Keith-N-Dar, to clarify,  the 6 gallons in the heater tank doesn't disappear, its just not accessible, and neither is the water in the lines.  Once the pump has pulled all 30 gallons out of the fresh water tank it will lose pressure and no more water will be available at the taps, leaving 6 gallons in the heater tank plus whatever is in the lines. So, if you pre fill the heater tank and the lines and then top off the fresh tank you will have 30 useable gallons. If you don't pre-fill, you'll have about 23. ]]> Tue, 18 Sep 2018 14:02:15 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=115238#115238 Water tank capacity and molding : We are quite fortunate in northern... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=115201#115201 Author: jato
Subject: 12171
Posted: 17 Sep 2018 at 9:50pm

We are quite fortunate in northern Michigan.  Still have our original anode rod and it still looks almost new after 7.5 years.  Water stays in the tank from April through most of October before getting drained out.  With only a couple exceptions it has only seen our well water and the couple other times  received well water from other sources; never municipal water.]]> Mon, 17 Sep 2018 21:50:02 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=115201#115201 Water tank capacity and molding : Originally posted by furpodYou... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=115149#115149 Author: TheBum
Subject: 12171
Posted: 17 Sep 2018 at 11:07am

Originally posted by furpod

You must have some pretty bad water.


Most water in Texas is pretty hard.]]> Mon, 17 Sep 2018 11:07:11 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=115149#115149 Water tank capacity and molding : Originally posted by DavidHeck....I'll... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=115061#115061 Author: furpod
Subject: 12171
Posted: 15 Sep 2018 at 10:05am

Originally posted by David


Heck....I'll give you a +2!!!   

Words of appreciation are rarely spoken enough - here or anywhere in life. You folks make Rpod Owners Forum what it is. Thanks to each of you, we'll be celebrating our 10th anniversary in 2019!



PS - Yes a lot of the same topics come up from time to time. That's OK/fine. We were all "newbies" once and needed "a little help up the trail".





+2 and +3

LOL
]]> Sat, 15 Sep 2018 10:05:39 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=115061#115061 Water tank capacity and molding : Originally posted by codycountryI'm... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=115060#115060 Author: Guests
Subject: 12171
Posted: 15 Sep 2018 at 9:50am

Originally posted by codycountry

I'm really proud to gratefully acknowledge that I finally got a +1 after my few hundred comments, and it was from Mike who is a sage around these parts, along with a few dozens others.  Thanks pard.  
This site is absolutely wonderful and so helpful, over and over again sometimes on the same old topics.  Thank you folks for your patience at answering the questions, and helpful advice giving to others.  That's what is so special about the  Rpod owner's group here.  And of all the Rpod owners I've met.  We are kindred spirits for the most part.
I pray for all those in the Carolina's suffering all the rain and wind and floods.  
Steve, in Cody, Wyoming.



Heck....I'll give you a +2!!!   

Words of appreciation are rarely spoken enough - here or anywhere in life. You folks make Rpod Owners Forum what it is. Thanks to each of you, we'll be celebrating our 10th anniversary in 2019!



PS - Yes a lot of the same topics come up from time to time. That's OK/fine. We were all "newbies" once and needed "a little help up the trail".



]]> Sat, 15 Sep 2018 09:50:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=115060#115060 Water tank capacity and molding : You must have some pretty bad... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=115059#115059 Author: furpod
Subject: 12171
Posted: 15 Sep 2018 at 9:49am

You must have some pretty bad water.]]> Sat, 15 Sep 2018 09:49:38 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=115059#115059 Water tank capacity and molding : As the rod degrades it leaves... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=115058#115058 Author: Andy
Subject: 12171
Posted: 15 Sep 2018 at 9:44am

As the rod degrades it leaves sediment in the bottom of the WH.  One trip last year the kitchen faucet stopped running but the bath was OK.  I finally removed the aerator on the faucet and a great deal of white sediment poured out allowing the water to run freely.  When I removed the rod the first time not only was it for the most part gone, there was a lot of sediment that drained out of the WH onto the driveway.  Looked like beach sand.  ]]> Sat, 15 Sep 2018 09:44:49 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=115058#115058 Water tank capacity and molding : Andy's post reminded me of... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=115056#115056 Author: mcarter
Subject: 12171
Posted: 15 Sep 2018 at 8:23am

Andy's post reminded me of my time in TX and water. The water on my place was well supplied and had an issue with sulphur bacteria and hydrogen sulfate. It smelled like rotten eggs. Many areas of the country have the same issue depending upon water supply. My opinion if your anode rod is lasting a year or less, try switching to an aluminum rod versus a magnesium rod if you are using magnesium. Magnesium reacts faster to the above water conditions. Some believe this will effect your tank, I don't have that opinion. Operative word is opinion:) If you do sanitize your water system with bleach or chlorinated water it will kill sulphur bacteria. You can tell a lot about water you are using by condition of anode rod and time.]]> Sat, 15 Sep 2018 08:23:10 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=115056#115056 Water tank capacity and molding : Rod condition is based upon water... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=115055#115055 Author: mcarter
Subject: 12171
Posted: 15 Sep 2018 at 7:59am

Rod condition is based upon water used mainly. It is sacrificial. I'm on third season of same rod, might get a fourth. I pull it during winterization and keep a spare.]]> Sat, 15 Sep 2018 07:59:59 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=115055#115055 Water tank capacity and molding : I remove the anode rod after every... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=115049#115049 Author: Andy
Subject: 12171
Posted: 14 Sep 2018 at 9:35pm

I remove the anode rod after every trip and use a compressor (25-30 PSI) to blow out the lines.  As mcarter explained, always active the pressure relief valve before unscrewing the rod.  Trust me!  I left the anode rod in the trailer for ~ 1 year and had just a piece left attached to the threads.  I sawed it off and use it as a plug when the RPod is stored.  If you do it this way it should last you for several years.]]> Fri, 14 Sep 2018 21:35:55 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=115049#115049 Water tank capacity and molding : I'm really proud to gratefully... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=115045#115045 Author: codycountry
Subject: 12171
Posted: 14 Sep 2018 at 7:00pm


I'm really proud to gratefully acknowledge that I finally got a +1 after my few hundred comments, and it was from Mike who is a sage around these parts, along with a few dozens others.  Thanks pard.  
This site is absolutely wonderful and so helpful, over and over again sometimes on the same old topics.  Thank you folks for your patience at answering the questions, and helpful advice giving to others.  That's what is so special about the  Rpod owner's group here.  And of all the Rpod owners I've met.  We are kindred spirits for the most part.
I pray for all those in the Carolina's suffering all the rain and wind and floods.  
Steve, in Cody, Wyoming.
]]> Fri, 14 Sep 2018 19:00:11 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=115045#115045 Water tank capacity and molding : +1 - try using the pressure relief.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=115044#115044 Author: mcarter
Subject: 12171
Posted: 14 Sep 2018 at 6:06pm

+1 - try using the pressure relief.]]> Fri, 14 Sep 2018 18:06:44 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=115044#115044 Water tank capacity and molding : Do not EVER remove the anode rod... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=115043#115043 Author: codycountry
Subject: 12171
Posted: 14 Sep 2018 at 6:01pm

Do not EVER remove the anode rod if the water is still hot, and make sure you turn off your water pump.  If you do that once with hot water in the tank, and survive the "explosion", you won't do it twice.  I know someone who did that one time, and no, it wasn't me.  That is how you have to drain you water heater.  ]]> Fri, 14 Sep 2018 18:01:59 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=115043#115043 Water tank capacity and molding : I think most people just remove... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=115036#115036 Author: TheBum
Subject: 12171
Posted: 14 Sep 2018 at 3:07pm

I think most people just remove the anode rod to drain the water heater tank.]]> Fri, 14 Sep 2018 15:07:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=115036#115036 Water tank capacity and molding : How do you get the water out of... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=115024#115024 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12171
Posted: 14 Sep 2018 at 12:07pm

How do you get the water out of the water heater tank? As you draw it out it is replaced from the fresh water tank by the pressure pump. Once the fresh tank is empty the pump runs dry leaving water in the heater tank and no more water pressure. Result is that you leave and return with 6 gal water in the heater tank. So 30 gal is it unless you get at the water heater via the hot water drain. Guess you could do it in an emergency if you had to but it wouldn’t be fun or practical.]]> Fri, 14 Sep 2018 12:07:48 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=115024#115024 Water tank capacity and molding : The object was to bring ~ 2/3... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=114854#114854 Author: Andy
Subject: 12171
Posted: 10 Sep 2018 at 8:48pm

The object was to bring ~ 2/3 of a tank since we were only going to be out 3 nights and our altitude change was from 4,000 feet to 9,600 feet.  I just didn't want to schlep the other 80 lbs of water if I didn't have to.  I did buy a water meter that was recommended earlier in the post and will see how that works.

Thanks to all for the ideas and suggestions.  A really great thing about this Forum!
]]> Mon, 10 Sep 2018 20:48:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=114854#114854 Water tank capacity and molding : Originally posted by jatoIf... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=114853#114853 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 12171
Posted: 10 Sep 2018 at 8:38pm

Originally posted by jato

If you know how much you want to bring, say for a weekend trip, and don't want to bring more than necessary try this.  Take your white fill water hose and grab a 5 gallon plastic bucket.  Time how long it takes to fill the 5 gallon bucket, for us it is 25 seconds.  Using that info you may only want to bring 15 gallons with so put the hose in the fill tube and let it run for 25 x 3 or 75 seconds and you have your 15 gallons.  As furpod so aptly stated if you are boondocking for an extended time, just fill er up. After being in third world countries where water is at a premium, we have learned, when boondocking to do those 60 second showers, even with 2 showering daily we can go a whole week with 1 tankful of water.
Oh jeez! All this time I've been using a measuring cup; 80 cups per gallon. I ususally lose count around 200...Confused
]]> Mon, 10 Sep 2018 20:38:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=114853#114853 Water tank capacity and molding : If you know how much you want... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=114840#114840 Author: jato
Subject: 12171
Posted: 10 Sep 2018 at 7:35pm

If you know how much you want to bring, say for a weekend trip, and don't want to bring more than necessary try this.  Take your white fill water hose and grab a 5 gallon plastic bucket.  Time how long it takes to fill the 5 gallon bucket, for us it is 25 seconds.  Using that info you may only want to bring 15 gallons with so put the hose in the fill tube and let it run for 25 x 3 or 75 seconds and you have your 15 gallons.  As furpod so aptly stated if you are boondocking for an extended time, just fill er up. After being in third world countries where water is at a premium, we have learned, when boondocking to do those 60 second showers, even with 2 showering daily we can go a whole week with 1 tankful of water.
]]> Mon, 10 Sep 2018 19:35:40 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=114840#114840 Water tank capacity and molding : +1 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=114833#114833 Author: Leo B
Subject: 12171
Posted: 10 Sep 2018 at 5:54pm

+1]]> Mon, 10 Sep 2018 17:54:26 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=114833#114833 Water tank capacity and molding : The water in the water heater... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=114820#114820 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 12171
Posted: 10 Sep 2018 at 1:56pm

The water in the water heater and lines is still water available.  It dowsn't disappear, so the total water capacity is 36, not 23,  The secret is easy and said before: fill the wh and lines when you fill the tank.]]> Mon, 10 Sep 2018 13:56:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=114820#114820 Water tank capacity and molding : That's what I thought, the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=114818#114818 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12171
Posted: 10 Sep 2018 at 1:14pm

That's what I thought, the magic of marketing turns 30 gallons into 36, or really 30 into 23 as was likely in the OP's case.  

I don't want to offend any marketing types on this forum but please, some honesty for once would be greatly appreciated. But I guess if we engineering types wrote marketing copy no one would buy the products....

It is quite possible to take < 1 gallon showers, especially if like me you're too lazy to hitch up and run into town for water and a dump station.  10 sec wet down, then off.  Light on the soap so less rinsing, scrub as long as you want. 30 seconds rinse. Done. 
]]> Mon, 10 Sep 2018 13:14:44 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=114818#114818 Water tank capacity and molding : You ain&#039;t tricking me with... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=114817#114817 Author: furpod
Subject: 12171
Posted: 10 Sep 2018 at 1:01pm

You ain't tricking me with that... Wink

]]> Mon, 10 Sep 2018 13:01:20 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=114817#114817 Water tank capacity and molding : Originally posted by furpod  ... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=114811#114811 Author: Guests
Subject: 12171
Posted: 10 Sep 2018 at 11:37am

Originally posted by furpod



  Because someone who will remain nameless filled the grey tank in one shower, first time out.







Yours did that too, eh?   

]]> Mon, 10 Sep 2018 11:37:35 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=114811#114811 Water tank capacity and molding : As usual, I agree with Charlie.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=114807#114807 Author: Guests
Subject: 12171
Posted: 10 Sep 2018 at 11:28am


As usual, I agree with Charlie. The best way to know your water level is to get down on hands and knees and look at the tank. After a time, you'll learn about how much you use each day (for a rough estimate), also. There is a formula to figure volume/gallons capacity* - think Google, as I don't remember. However, your fresh tank is 30 gallons, as mentioned. Sales literature/specifications seem to always add in the water heater and, sometimes, an additional gallon for piping. I've never seen a tank that was not in multiples of 5...5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, etc. gallons.

I do nothing special to the vinyl trim. To me, it is a "wearable" item that requires periodic maintenance. It is easy and inexpensive to replace. It is just a "cosmetic" thing to hide the screws. Your cover (mentioned) will help with the entire exterior.

* Length X Width X Height of the tank = cubic inches, so many cubic inches in a gallon of water



]]> Mon, 10 Sep 2018 11:28:15 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=114807#114807 Water tank capacity and molding : I use one of these when filling... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=114806#114806 Author: TheBum
Subject: 12171
Posted: 10 Sep 2018 at 11:27am

I use one of these when filling the tank. I doesn't tell me how much is in the tank, but I can at least tell how much I'm putting in.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0058EOC5M/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1]]> Mon, 10 Sep 2018 11:27:48 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=114806#114806 Water tank capacity and molding : That was the same molding that... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=114801#114801 Author: Andy
Subject: 12171
Posted: 10 Sep 2018 at 10:20am

That was the same molding that I ordered and will replace.  Do you put anything on the other outside plastic molding (e.g. door frame, spoiler)? Like Armoral?]]> Mon, 10 Sep 2018 10:20:33 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=114801#114801 Water tank capacity and molding : Originally posted by offgridIf... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=114799#114799 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 12171
Posted: 10 Sep 2018 at 9:55am

Originally posted by offgrid

If so, then if you start off with a full water tank but empty heater tank and water lines, you would only have about 30-6-1=23 gallons of useable water on board.

You've got it exactly right. The extra 6 gals counts for total weight but not for usable water. If you want max usable water on board you should make sure the WH is full before topping off the FW tank. If boondocking and you want to save weight by not filling the WH you must close the WH input bypass valve. If not the pump will pump some of your precious usable water into the WH anyway. 
]]> Mon, 10 Sep 2018 09:55:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=114799#114799 Water tank capacity and molding : For the vinyl strip, the factory... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=114794#114794 Author: StephenH
Subject: 12171
Posted: 10 Sep 2018 at 8:23am

For the vinyl strip, the factory strip is thin and will break down. I ordered a heavier strip from Amazon:
JR Products Premium Vinyl Insert - Black.
This is a much thicker vinyl strip that also feels more flexible than the original strip. The original strip we had split down the middle in the southwest heat earlier this year. The JR strip looks to be holding up much better.
]]> Mon, 10 Sep 2018 08:23:44 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=114794#114794 Water tank capacity and molding : Yes the &#034;36&#034; gallons... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=114790#114790 Author: furpod
Subject: 12171
Posted: 10 Sep 2018 at 7:35am

Yes the "36" gallons is the 30 gallon holding tank and the WH. (all manufacturers count the WH as "storage")

But why, if you plan to be boondocking/dry camping, NOT fill the WH when you are filling the FW tank?

As far as "used all the water in one shower".. that tells you nothing about how much water was in the tank to start.

Why do I say that? Because "one showers worth of water" means different things to different people, esp. new campers who don't realize how much water they use when at home. And why do I say that?  Because someone who will remain nameless filled the grey tank in one shower, first time out.

Navy showers.. they are how you stay out +7 days, with 2 people showering daily...
]]> Mon, 10 Sep 2018 07:35:39 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=114790#114790 Water tank capacity and molding : CharlieM, your comment about the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=114788#114788 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12171
Posted: 10 Sep 2018 at 12:28am

CharlieM, your comment about the water heater reminded me that I have a question on the true  fresh water capacity. As the weight sticker on my 2015 179 says that filling the fresh water tank adds 250 lbs, and water weighs 8.34 lbs per gallon, I took this to mean that the fresh water tank is actually 30 gallons just like the black and gray tanks. The 36 gallons fresh water spec is carefully worded as "total capacity" which I took to be Forest River's marketing sleight of hand by including the unuseable 6 gallons in the water heater. Do I have that right? 

If so, then if you start off with a full water tank but empty heater tank and water lines, you would only have about 30-6-1=23 gallons of useable water on board. 

As far as checking whether the tank is full or not, putting eyes on works very well. The other thing I notice is that the fill line is pretty low so attempting to fill the tank quickly results in blocking air from escaping from the tank, causing water to spit back out.  I can usually get an additional half to full gallon or so into my tank if I allow the tank to vent and then trickle the last bit in slowly.  




]]> Mon, 10 Sep 2018 00:28:22 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12171&PID=114788#114788