Choosing the Right Car Water Tank: Factors to Consider for Your Travel Needs
Van life is the new normal, with many people choosing this simple, minimalist, and adventurous lifestyle. It allows you to reduce expenses, travel freely, connect to nature, and leave off the grid. Whether you are heading for a weekend gateway or living on the road, van life has unlimited freedom and flexibility.
One way to make your home on the wheels comfortable is to have an intelligent water system, ensuring adequate water for all your travel needs. However, with many car water tanks in the market, choosing the best one for your campervan can be challenging. Read on to learn factors to consider when picking a car water tank, so you make an informed decision.
1. Type
Most people mistakenly think that campervans have only one tank. Well, there are many water tanks to suit various users’ needs. But in terms of purpose, three primary water tanks come in various designs: fresh water, grey water, and black water, based on the type of water they hold.
The freshwater tank holds tap water, which is helpful for drinking, cooking, washing dishes, and showering, while the grey water tank stores wastewater from the skin and shower.
Since not all water from your fresh water tank will end up in the grey water tank –think drinking and cooking water, your grey tank does not have to be very big. Most van lifers opt for small grey water tanks, typically half the size of the freshwater tank.
On the other hand, a black water tank holds human waste from the toilet, which should be stored separately and disposed of properly.
2. Size
Your water usage will determine the size of your car water tank. To establish how much water you need, several factors are essential. First, how many people are you traveling with? For instance, if you plan a road trip with friends, you will use more water than when traveling alone or with your significant other.
Second, how many outlets does your campervan have? A van with one galley skin and tap will use less water than one with a shower and a utility sink. Third, what climate will you be traveling in? Traveling during hot and dry summer months requires more drinking and showering water.
Lastly, how long will your trip take? A one-day trip will need less water than an extended weekend camp in an off-grid destination. For long trips, consider filling points to replenish your water supply.
Good places to fill water include campgrounds, RV parks, public parks, gas stations, and grocery stores for potable water.
3. Detachable vs. Fixed Water Tanks
A heated debate among van lifers is about choosing a detachable or fixed fresh water tank. Detachable tanks offer an easy and low-cost solution for storing water when traveling. They are easy to clean and set up and don't need special refilling equipment.
You can also refill the tank from any water outlet and don't need to position your campervan too close to the filling point. However, such a tank has a small storage capacity, requiring frequent stops to refill. Carrying the tank to and from the campervan can also be tedious.
On the other hand, a fixed tank is mounted internally or externally on your campervan and carries the highest water capacity. It can be installed on the vehicle's underside and is available in many configurations.
Nevertheless, fixed tanks need professional installation, are challenging to clean, and require special equipment to determine the tank's water amount. Also, you must carry a hose and connection adapter for refiling.
4. Location
Campervans are minimalists, and every millimeter counts. As such, you must be careful where you position your water tanks. Some van lifers wonder whether to place their water tanks inside or outside.
Mounting the tank outside saves interior space, and you can use it to store possessions. However, it becomes problematic during winter when the cold climate freezes the tanks and pipes. It is best practice to use both internal and external water storage. Look for creative places to position the tanks, such as over the wheel arches and inside a raised internal floor.
5. Weight
An overlooked yet essential factor when choosing a water tank is its weight. Driving around with a 30-gallon water tank means adding 250 lbs to your payload, increasing fuel consumption, and reducing efficiency.
Weight distribution is critical when positioning your water tanks. Ensure that the tanks don't overwhelm one side of your vehicle. Many campervan owners mount their tanks on the driver's side of the wheel wells if their batteries are on the van's passenger side, and vice versa.
6. Accessibility
The right car water tank should be accessible for filling, venting, draining, and maintenance. For instance, drinking water tanks need to be drained occasionally to promote safety. Subsequently, they should be positioned in an easy-to-reach area with a drain valve.
Easy accessibility ensures that a tank can be accessed for maintenance –inspection, repair, and cleaning to keep it functioning correctly. A water tank with a good inspection hatch is crucial, and two hatches are preferable for long tanks.
7. Material
Typically, car water tanks are made of plastic and stainless steel. Most vans have plastic tanks since they are readily available, cost-effective, and sold in different sizes and shapes. For greater safety and durability, a good water tank should be made from food-grade plastic. Low-quality plastic tanks wear out faster and taint water with a plastic smell and taste.
8. Cost
Water tanks vary in cost depending on their size, material, and features. Large tanks with a high water capacity are costlier than smaller ones. Similarly, bespoke tanks, customized to different shapes and sizes, are more expensive than standard ones. Your budget determines your water tank's size, shape, and features.
Conclusion
A water tank is crucial to a campervan, supplying water for all your travel needs. By considering your water consumption, available space, weight, cost, and accessibility, you choose the best water tank for exciting and hassle-free trips. Ultimately, a car water system can make or break your van life, so use the factors above when shopping for one!
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