Water Supply

rjap

Advanced Member
Joined
Jan 14, 2025
Posts
45
Location
PNW
What resources do folks use to replenish water tanks while on the road?

Between electrical power, propane and water, I think water is the biggest constraint to autonomy.
 
I use iOverlander to find water sources. I generally use the "verified in the last six months" filter when looking for watering locations. So far it has worked well for me and you can access that information without a subscription.
 
Carry an inline filter for water sources (ie faucets). Have also used a Katadyn filter when in remote country. For just two people it is easy to filter enough water for our use (which we are careful about) and not have to worry about it
 
Carry an inline filter for water sources (ie faucets). Have also used a Katadyn filter when in remote country. For just two people it is easy to filter enough water for our use (which we are careful about) and not have to worry about it
We always have an inline RV filter with us, as well as a Katadyn gravity flow filter for water sources that are questionable.

Our travel trailer has a boondocking port that allows us to add water from any source (that you consider safe) by changing a valve. The water pump then pulls from that source. I’m surprised other manufacturers haven’t done something similar
 
We have the 20 gallons on-board, another 6 gallons in rotopaks and another gallon in the 'coffee water' container. In addition we have scouted half a dozen clean-reliable water sources around the west, which we fill via the camper by hand using roto-paks. (this is good lifting exercise.) If need be, we will supplement with gallons of bottled water from a store. We never use site hook-ups so our filtered hose connection has gone unused.
 
I use a five gallon water jug (or if bought in supermarkets 2.5 gallon suitcases) I always have a 3 step ladder for strapping canoes on. very light. I use that to place the jug on the roof on its side over the fill door. a 2 ft plastic hose from jug into camper.
 
7 gallon water container to compliment our 20gal. We also use ioverlander for water sources. Looking at a 10 gallon 2 1/2" thin long tank to fit in the 3" gap between camper and front of bed. Additonally, mama always has 2 gallons of water in the camper under the table for daily cooking use.
 
7 gallon water container to compliment our 20gal. We also use ioverlander for water sources. Looking at a 10 gallon 2 1/2" thin long tank to fit in the 3" gap between camper and front of bed. Additonally, mama always has 2 gallons of water in the camper under the table for daily cooking use.
Hey! I also interested in a 2.5” water tank. Where did you find it?
 
Hey! I also interested in a 2.5” water tank. Where did you find it?
I found a couple...here are the links:


 
Thanks all for the recommendations and thought provoking. I have a couple of water filters for backpacking/hunting, so I am good for basic needs. I do like the convenience of the 20 gal onboard water supply. Just picked up an inline filter for filling it. Keeping it topped up is the challenge for me. The AllStays app does not seem to have info on water sources (maybe I need to pay up for that). I'll check out iOverlander. I have a 22l (6 gal) Wavian water tank, but lifting that up to fill the tank, even half full, seems like a chore. I am thinking a 12v DC water pump with inline filter might be what I am looking for.
 
7 gallon water container to compliment our 20gal. We also use ioverlander for water sources. Looking at a 10 gallon 2 1/2" thin long tank to fit in the 3" gap between camper and front of bed. Additonally, mama always has 2 gallons of water in the camper under the table for daily cooking use.
That space certainly seems wasted, and is an ideal spot for heavy items.
 
I've had no problems with filling up at RV dump stations or gas stations. I use an RV filter on the inlet to my hose, and have 3m filter in the camper that will take out viruses and chemicals.
 
I've had no problems with filling up at RV dump stations or gas stations. I use an RV filter on the inlet to my hose, and have 3m filter in the camper that will take out viruses and chemicals.
I'm curious--do you fill up at RV sites where you have not paid to stay? Are you stealthy about it, or do you ask permission (I am entirely ignorant of RV park etiquette)?

Also, how critical is a filter on fill hose? I always wonder if it's really needed.
 
We've only gotten water at a few RV campgrounds (without staying there), but sometimes they charge for water. It's worth asking permission to get water, just in case. But government campgrounds sometimes you can find an empty site to get water, or at a central water station.

If we're willing to drink the water, we don't filter it, although some water sources aren't all that tasty, like Las Vegas water where our parents live. We only use a (white) potable water hose.
 
I'm curious--do you fill up at RV sites where you have not paid to stay? Are you stealthy about it, or do you ask permission (I am entirely ignorant of RV park etiquette)?

Also, how critical is a filter on fill hose? I always wonder if it's really needed.
We usually pay for some kind of facilities once week or so for showers. So, filling isn't an issue. The filters are insurance, and do make the water taste better.
 
I'm curious--do you fill up at RV sites where you have not paid to stay? Are you stealthy about it, or do you ask permission (I am entirely ignorant of RV park etiquette)?

Also, how critical is a filter on fill hose? I always wonder if it's really needed.
We don't ever stay in RV parks, but we do fill up there. I ask the manager if I can buy 10 - 15 gallons of water from them (our tank is 20 gallons and, so far, we've never run it dry on a trip). The usual response we get is for the manager to chuckle and to tell us to fill up and not worry about it.
 
I have found Pilot/Flying J a pretty good option if there are any on your route. We always run an inline filter between the fill source and the tank. As some of our fill sources may be questionable, we do not drink the water from our storage tank.

We carry our potable water in rotopax with AT Overland holders. These mount to the jack brackets. We have found that water is the best thing to put in there as the rotopax filled with fuel swell and are impossible to get out! Water jugs do not have this problem.

We also have a water bandit that allows us to "borrow" water from any sink or those pesky hose bibs that have no threads.

I recently purchased and have been using an inline fill meter. We need to be mindful of our weight and the readings from our water tank gauge in the camper are inaccurate and vague at best. This unit allows me to see how much water I put in. This is helpful on short one or two day trips when 5 gallon or so is a sufficient amount for dishes and quick "navy showers".
 

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