Water management for longer stay campsgrounds/locations

Topic: Water management for longer stay campsgrounds/locations (Read 1572 times) previous topic - next topic

Water management for longer stay campsgrounds/locations

July 30, 2021, 11:59:10 pm

I was reading an older thread about abandoning campground water hookups directly and just filling your fresh tank. This made me wonder, how do you handle longer stays at campgrounds and/or other locations?

Currently, I am building a house on our property. We have a well and is hooked up to our travel trailer. The FT is taking it's place. I do not want to risk a water mishap and leaking all over the coach. I would prefer not to fill up the fresh water every other day due to use.

Any suggestions? Is there any risk to just leaving the city line connected directly to the coach like I am doing now with the trailer? How do you manage water when staying at a campground for a month or couple of months?

Re: Water management for longer stay campsgrounds/locations

Reply #1 – July 31, 2021, 01:11:05 am

You can leave it hooked up like your trailer and you will probably be OK. I prefer
to run off the tank and fill it up when needed. If I was staying at a place steady I
would hook up the water line and open the valve when ever I need to add water
and shut off the valve and leave everything hooked up. I also shut the pump off
when I don't need water.

Re: Water management for longer stay campsgrounds/locations

Reply #2 – July 31, 2021, 01:37:29 am

In my opinion, do what your comfortable with. The Foretravel is designed to handle city water pressure connected continuously, just like your house. But just like your house, mishaps can occur and result in flooding.
I prefer to run off the tank with city water turned off and shut off pump when leaving the coach. Except on laundry days when washing all day will run off city water and leave grey valve open. Normally I leave the grey closed and dump as needed.
These are just my preferences. Others will do things differently. I would hate to come home to my coach and basement flooded because I didn't turn off the water or pump.
Years ago, before we were full timing, was camping at nearby state park for the weekend and got a call from a neighbor saying water was running out of our house. One of the hoses to the washing machine, on 2nd floor of course, had burst and flooded a good portion of the upstairs and all of downstairs. Repaired the hose and all else. But still never turned off the water to the house when we left. It's all about doing what your comfortable with.

Re: Water management for longer stay campsgrounds/locations

Reply #3 – July 31, 2021, 07:11:34 am

With careful use we have gone two weeks on one tank of water.

Re: Water management for longer stay campsgrounds/locations

Reply #4 – July 31, 2021, 08:39:02 am

Quote from: movingman – July 30, 2021, 11:59:10 pm

I would prefer not to fill up the fresh water every other day due to use.

You use 50 gallons of water a day?

Re: Water management for longer stay campsgrounds/locations

Reply #5 – July 31, 2021, 08:41:40 am

Quote from: movingman – July 30, 2021, 11:59:10 pm

I would prefer not to fill up the fresh water every other day due to use.

I think you'll find that the fresh, grey, and black water tanks are good for 5 days of normal use, 7 days with some awareness paid to water use.

We live the glamorous life of the full-timer here, with the majority of our time spent in a trailer park. The park water is on all the time and the fresh water tank is full. The black water valve is closed and the grey left open until time to empty the black water. I do try to turn off the park water the first week of the month to run down the internal storage, just to keep it fresh.

Re: Water management for longer stay campsgrounds/locations

Reply #6 – July 31, 2021, 08:45:57 am

I believe Movingman is judging his water consumption on the minuscule fresh water tank capacity of a trailer and not the much larger capacity of a Foretravel.
Can anyone enlighten him as to the fresh water tank capacity of coaches in the age range he is contemplating.
For example, our 1989 GV holds 75 gallons of fresh water, I believe.

Re: Water management for longer stay campsgrounds/locations

Reply #7 – July 31, 2021, 09:20:30 am

Most 90's and early 2000's model have 100+ gallon fresh water tank.

Re: Water management for longer stay campsgrounds/locations

Reply #8 – July 31, 2021, 09:37:50 am

Quote from: nitehawk – July 31, 2021, 08:45:57 am

I believe Movingman is judging his water consumption on the minuscule fresh water tank capacity of a trailer and not the much larger capacity of a Foretravel.
Can anyone enlighten him as to the fresh water tank capacity of coaches in the age range he is contemplating.
For example, our 1989 GV holds 75 gallons of fresh water, I believe.

Foretravel Specifications, Floorplans & Brochures [ForeForums Foretravel...

1996:

Fresh water capacity: 102 gal.
Gray water capacity: 110 gal.
Waste water capacity: 54 gal.
LP Tank: 270 lbs.
Water heater: 10 gal
Fuel capacity: 148 gal.

2002:

Fresh water capacity: 102 gal.
Gray water capacity: 110 gal.
Waste water capacity: 54 gal.
LP Tank: 270 lbs.
Water heater: 10 gal
Fuel capacity: 148 gal.

2003:

Fresh water capacity: 112 gal.
Gray water capacity: 115 gal.
Waste water capacity: 56 gal.
Fuel tank capacity: 180 gal.
LP tank capacity: 17 gal.

Re: Water management for longer stay campsgrounds/locations

Reply #9 – July 31, 2021, 09:43:46 am

Many of us fill the tank when necessary with city water, disconnect and use the pump in the coach.

The concerns center around a leak in the coach plumbing anywhere and having the city water supply cause a continuous flood in the coach and the coach basement. So not being connected to city water helps with that issue.. Using the coach water pump to minimize flood risk assumes you are diligent and always turn off the water pump when not using water and especially when you are not at the coach. The same plumbing leak with the pump left on will empty your fresh water tank, maybe only a hundred gallons but still a significant flood.

See Automatic Electric Valve at The City Water Connection for some ideas about an automatic shutoff timer on the water pump and an automatic electric shutoff valve at the city water connection.

There are also links to a hot water recirculation to save water and depending on your coach an automatic fill valve shutoff and a toilet flush switch link to the water pump.

All of these add convenience and security.

10 days is pretty easy for the two of us. We have done 14 if we are careful but by then we are at holding tank limits. Access to CG bathrooms and showers helps a lot.

Re: Water management for longer stay campsgrounds/locations

Reply #10 – July 31, 2021, 10:29:23 am

Thanks for the info. We currently use our trailer like Old Toolmaker- hose on all the time, gray tank open except to empty black. We're a family of 5, so between showers, washing machine (which we do not have currently but have LOTS of laundry), and normal usage, I suspect that 100 gallons would be used pretty quickly. We do not have aquahot. If we were boondocking, our usage would be different, but this is what we do at our home.

For those that can go 5-7 days, is that 2 people?

I also saw a couple months back about a water alarm in an older thread, I need to find that and get that as well. But if someone has a link or input on that, that would would appreciated. Good insurance for sure.

Re: Water management for longer stay campsgrounds/locations

Reply #11 – July 31, 2021, 10:36:02 am

How bad is it? Input needed on water damage

https://www.homedepot.com/p/IDEAL-Security-Flood-Water-and-Overflow-Alarm-SK606/203445904

Re: Water management for longer stay campsgrounds/locations

Reply #12 – July 31, 2021, 10:42:57 am

We travel with about 25 gallons in the tank and fill when we arrive at our destination. We never keep hooked up to city water as I don't trust the plumbing not to spring a leak and flood the coach. We almost never are at an RV park anyway so it's not an issue.

Learning how to get by on 102 gallons a week takes time if in dispersed camping where water is hard to come by. We use a lot of paper plates in many locations and take short showers or take the toad to where there are showers.

So, you have to be flexible and do a little planning, especially for dump stations. In Baja on a beach, it's conserve the water and fill when you get a chance. Ordering water is also a possibility in Mexico as many campgrounds have propane, waste trucks and water delivery each day. In the U.S., most of our campgrounds have one or two water spigots in each loop and you can ask the campground host for everything else.

Lots of apps for your phone and internet maps of many campgrounds showing where the water is along with restrooms, showers, etc.

With a little thought and planniing, 102 gallons goes a long way and does not effect the quality of the RV experience.

Pierce

Re: Water management for longer stay campsgrounds/locations

Reply #13 – July 31, 2021, 11:16:21 am

Because our fresh water tank is only 75 gallons and I didn't want to break camp when boondocking I rigged a 12V HF water pump up front and plumbed into the vent drain for the fresh water tank. We carry two or three 6 gallon water totes (empty) so if we do need extra water we can go get some at an outlet or pump. The pump will empty the tote in about 12 seconds.
We do not drink the tank water and there is just me, the DW, and Rocket (and he insists on cold refrigerated water)

Re: Water management for longer stay campsgrounds/locations

Reply #14 – July 31, 2021, 11:22:52 am

I mounted a spare water pump (carried a spare in Mexico, as they were impossible to find there) with 5' of hose on inlet and outlet with hose connections on each end. Cigarette type plug on leads and 12 VDC cigarette type outlet in the wet bay.

Could pump directly into the regular potable water inlet.

Re: Water management for longer stay campsgrounds/locations

Reply #15 – July 31, 2021, 12:29:46 pm

Quote from: movingman – July 31, 2021, 10:29:23 am

Thanks for the info. We currently use our trailer like Old Toolmaker- hose on all the time, gray tank open except to empty black. We're a family of 5, so between showers, washing machine (which we do not have currently but have LOTS of laundry),

The washer will use much more water than anticipated, AND the manual will tell you not to operate it without the grey valve open (connected to an approved sewer connection) lest it fill and overflow the grey tank. Not an issue at your house, obviously, but don't plan on using the W/D when boondocking.

Re: Water management for longer stay campsgrounds/locations

Reply #16 – July 31, 2021, 03:40:14 pm

Does anyone add a roof mounted tank? Bag ..

Re: Water management for longer stay campsgrounds/locations

Reply #17 – July 31, 2021, 03:59:28 pm

Quote from: Protech Racing – July 31, 2021, 03:40:14 pm

Does anyone add a roof mounted tank? Bag ..

Imagine a partially filled water tank on the top of the coach. Make a turn to the right and the water moves quickly to the left side of the tank and with the coach leaning over in the turn...

Full tank would be almost as bad. Not good to have a tank 13 feet off the ground. That's 8.35 lbs per gallon.

City buses do put 270 gallons of CNG on the roof but don't operate in the same environment as an RV.

Pierce

Re: Water management for longer stay campsgrounds/locations

Reply #18 – July 31, 2021, 04:58:29 pm

Quote from: Michelle – July 31, 2021, 09:37:50 am

Foretravel Specifications, Floorplans & Brochures [ForeForums Foretravel...

1996:

Fresh water capacity: 102 gal.
Gray water capacity: 110 gal.
Waste water capacity: 54 gal.
LP Tank: 270 lbs.
Water heater: 10 gal
Fuel capacity: 148 gal.

2002:

Fresh water capacity: 102 gal.
Gray water capacity: 110 gal.
Waste water capacity: 54 gal.
LP Tank: 270 lbs.
Water heater: 10 gal
Fuel capacity: 148 gal.

2003:

Fresh water capacity: 112 gal.
Gray water capacity: 115 gal.
Waste water capacity: 56 gal.
Fuel tank capacity: 180 gal.
LP tank capacity: 17 gal.

Interesting. The numbers from our 2002 U270 34" are close on all but the fuel tank. Owner's Manual says 175 gallons, so I've been going off of that. Is is possible there was a changeover midway between 2002 and 2003?

Re: Water management for longer stay campsgrounds/locations

Reply #19 – July 31, 2021, 05:55:18 pm

Quote from: Joe Phebus – July 31, 2021, 04:58:29 pm

Interesting. The numbers from our 2002 U270 34" are close on all but the fuel tank. Owner's Manual says 175 gallons, so I've been going off of that. Is is possible there was a changeover midway between 2002 and 2003?

I believe the numbers in the Wiki came from the original brochure, which would have been printed in late 2001, I believe. I would definitely go off the owner's manual that matches the coach.

Re: Water management for longer stay campsgrounds/locations

Reply #20 – July 31, 2021, 08:37:58 pm

Quote from: Protech Racing – July 31, 2021, 03:40:14 pm

Does anyone add a roof mounted tank? Bag ..

We have friends with a 30 gallon water bladder. Put it in the truck, drive to where water is, fill it up, pump or gravity fill to add to the tank.

Amazon.com : Water Storage Tank - Bladder - Bag - AQUATANK2 Stores Water For...

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Water management for longer stay campsgrounds/locations

Reply #21 – July 31, 2021, 09:35:14 pm

Quote from: Joe Phebus – July 31, 2021, 04:58:29 pm

The numbers from our 2002 U270 34" are close on all but the fuel tank. Owner's Manual says 175 gallons, so I've been going off of that.

No need to guess - simply look at the tank. Should have a metal plate specifying the capacity.

On our coach, the plate is on the aft side panel, upper corner, just to the left of the filler neck (which is on the curb side).

Re: Water management for longer stay campsgrounds/locations

Reply #22 – July 31, 2021, 10:46:37 pm

I'm a full timer who is rarely hooked up. I always fill my fresh water tank, then use the onboard pump which I only turn on when I need water. Was a boondocker for 14 years, often in remote locations, and learned to be very frugal in my use of water. Being a bachelor I got by with a marine (sponge) bath using a couple quarts. When I want hot water I heat it on the stove and never use the hot water heater. I keep my hair short so it is easy to rinse. I don't use paper plates but I can clean a ceramic plate with a few drops of water. Washing hands is basically the same as the plate. A few drops of water, bar soap, then a few more drops of water to rinse.
I do most of my cooking on a portable Weber grill.
In the last few years I've done a lot of casino camping and if at all possible I use their public toilets. Some even have perks like free rooms, free campground stays, pools, hot tubs, showers and beaches and free slot play but I still watch my water use.

Re: Water management for longer stay campsgrounds/locations

Reply #23 – July 31, 2021, 10:51:42 pm

I always leave home full of water . Drives fine ,esp now with the added shox .
I used to use a rooftop shower bag when we raced with the Chevy van as support .
I'm sure that 20 gals of water on the center of the roof would travel fine .

Re: Water management for longer stay campsgrounds/locations

Reply #24 – August 01, 2021, 12:18:31 am

Dakota,

I've also learned that when you buy more than 50 gallons of diesel, you get free showers for two people. They even supply towels.

I would probably fill with water but then I would have to lift about 800 lbs up ever one of dozens of grades and hills before we get to our campsite for the night. East of the Rockies, why not?

Pierce

Affiliate Notice