So, how to refill fresh water tank during camping can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. There are a few ways that you can go about doing it, depending on the type of camping setup you have and the size of your RV’s fresh water tank.
If you are dry camping with no access to power or water, then you will need to bring enough fresh water with you to last the duration of your camping trip. The amount of water needed depends on the size of your RV’s fresh water tank and how many people are in your party. A good estimate is 2-4 gallons per person, per day. If you have a larger RV with a larger freshwater tank, you will need more water.
If you are camping in a place with hook-ups and access to potable water, then you can simply connect your RV’s fresh water hose directly to the site’s water supply and fill up your tank. Make sure that the hose is rated for drinking water before connecting it to any sources of water.
You can also purchase a jerry can and use it to fill your RV’s fresh water tank manually. This is a good option if you don’t have access to hook-ups or potable water sources nearby.
Finally, if you are staying in an area with no hook-ups but plenty of streams, rivers and lakes, you can use a portable water filter to clean the water and fill your RV’s freshwater tank. This is the most economical option but also requires more effort on your part.
How to Refill Fresh Water Tank During Camping:
Refilling Your Water Tank Using a Faucet
Refilling your RV water tank quickly and easily is possible with a faucet hookup. This method utilizes the power of water pressure to fill your RV’s water tank in no time at all. All you need to do is obtain a freshwater hose specifically designed for drinking water and then connect it to the city water hookup on the RV.
Once connected, you can then turn on the valve and open the water supply to fill your tank. Be sure to turn off the water once it has been filled to your desired level. Following these steps will help you quickly and safely refill your RV’s fresh water tank with a faucet or city hookup.
5 Most Common Places to Locate a Water Source
When it comes to acquiring a fresh water source on the road, there are five places you can check. These include campgrounds, rest areas, RV parks, convenience stores, and local fire departments.
At campgrounds and RV parks, usually for a small fee you can fill up your water tank with potable water right at the park. Rest areas are great for finding a potable water source as most of them provide access to outdoor spigots typically used for RVers and campers.
Convenience stores, such as gas stations, may also have a source of water you can use. It’s best to call ahead and make sure they allow you to fill up your freshwater tank at their location. Lastly, most local fire departments will provide a water source for free or a small donation in exchange for filling up your tank.
No matter which water source you choose when boondocking, make sure the water is safe and suitable to drink before use. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to bring extra containers, like jugs or water bottles, of potable water with you just in case your primary source runs out. With these five sources in mind, you’re sure to find a fresh water source for your boondocking adventure.
Freshwater Hookups at Campground
Having a full freshwater tank when camping is essential for many different reasons. Not only does it provide a source of water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, but it also keeps the weight of your vehicle within safe limits and prevents strain on the brakes and other components.
Filling up with freshwater at a campground is one easy and common solution to this problem. When you are camping in a site that offers water, just be sure you pull into the site close enough so that you can connect your hose to the water spigot. Some campgrounds also offer freshwater hookups at designated locations throughout the grounds.
If you find yourself dry camping and passing by a campground, there may also be an opportunity to pull in to top off your water system if needed. Be sure to ask the management of the campground for permission before doing so. Taking advantage of these opportunities can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your freshwater tank full during camping trips.
RV Dump Station
RV dump stations are a convenient and necessary part of recreational vehicle (RV) ownership, as they provide travelers with a safe place to dispose of their wastewater. While most RV dump stations offer access to non-potable water for flushing and cleaning, many are now providing access to potable water as well.
This can be an ideal solution for travelers who are in need of a potable water source, but it is important to keep in mind that this water should be at least 10 feet away from the dump itself, and it should be clearly marked as potable.
The water line next to the dump itself is not designed for drinking and should only be used for flushing or cleaning the area. It is important to be aware of the distinction between potable and non-potable water when utilizing an RV dump station, as consuming contaminated water could result in serious health consequences.
By being aware of the differences between potable and non-potable water at RV dump stations, travelers can ensure they are safely disposing of wastewater while also accessing a potable water source.
Travel Centers
If you’re planning an RV camping or road trip, large travel centers such as Loves and Pilot are great places to stock up on the essentials. They offer a wide variety of products, from snacks and drinks to auto supplies and camping equipment. Most importantly for RV owners, most travel centers have a water spigot outside that you can use to fill up your RV’s tanks with water.
This is especially useful right after you’ve topped off your gas tank, so be sure to check for a spigot as soon as you pull in! With the convenience of travel centers combined with their vast selection of items, they’re a great one-stop shop for all your road-trip needs.
Rest Stops
Rest stops are a convenient way for travelers to take a break, use the restroom, and get refreshments. Some rest areas have even more amenities to offer – like cold water faucets for filling up empty containers. This can be especially handy for those who are on the road and need to fill their fresh water tanks.
National and State Parks
Visiting a national or state park is an ideal way to explore the great outdoors and take advantage of the stunning natural beauty these areas have to offer. With so many parks located around the country, there’s sure to be one near you! One key amenity that many of these parks will have is water access.
Whether it’s a river, lake, or ocean beach, there is likely to be some type of water access within the park. If you’re not sure where to look for it, try visiting near restrooms, picnic areas, or campgrounds – these are typically the places that will have easy access to water sources. So go explore and make sure you take advantage of all a national or state park has to offer – including the water access!
How to Refill Fresh Water Tank During Camping Using a Pump
When camping and boondocking without access to a water hookup, it can be difficult to keep the freshwater tank full for use. However, refilling the tank is relatively easy with an RV pump. An RV pump is typically built into the utility areas of an RV and consists of a short hose connected to a valve that allows you to siphon water from a container or jug into the freshwater tank.
If your RV does not have a built-in pump, you can purchase one from most RV parts stores. When purchasing an RV pump, make sure to take measurements of your existing hose and valve setup so that you can buy the correct size for your unit. Additionally, some RV pumps will include a filter to keep debris and other particles from entering the tank.
Once you have your pump, attaching it to your existing valve is simple. Just make sure that all connections are secure before you begin using the pump. Then, fill up a container or jug with clean water and use the RV pump to transfer it into the freshwater tank.
Refilling your water tank during camping and boondocking doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming if you have an RV pump. With a few simple steps, you can keep your freshwater tank full even when you don’t have access to a water hookup.
Refilling Your Water Tank Using Gravity
Refilling your water tank using gravity is a great way to fill your tank while boondocking or if you don’t have access to a freshwater hook up or pump. Class B vans and many smaller travel trailers come with a convenient gravity fill, which makes the process simple and straightforward.
If you do have access to a spigot and a hose, you can just use the gravity fill to put water into the fresh water tank. Otherwise, if boondocking and there is no hose available, you will need a funnel to pour water from your external tanks into the gravity fill. Once filled up with some of your freshwater containers, you are then ready to keep on traveling.
It’s important to make sure you are aware of how low your water tank is getting, and to keep up with refilling it while out on the road. Refilling your water tank using gravity is a simple process that can help ensure you always have plenty of fresh running water in your RV.
What You Can Do If You Cannot Find Potable Water?
If you find yourself in a situation where you cannot find potable water, there are some things that you can do to make sure that your water is safe for drinking and use in food preparation. One of the easiest methods is to fill a bottle from a freshwater source and bring it to a rapid boil for one minute if at an elevation lower than 6,500 feet.
If you are located higher in elevation, boil the water for three minutes. Once the boiled water has cooled, store it in a clean and sanitized container with a tight lid. Another option is to purchase water purifying drops and keep them on hand in case of an emergency.
While neither of these methods is preferred, they are both viable ways to make sure that the water you use is safe and free of any potentially dangerous contaminants. It is important to remember that it’s always best to err on the side of caution and take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of your drinking water.
Therefore, if you ever find yourself in a situation where potable water cannot be found, you should try one of the methods listed above. This way, you can make sure that your drinking water is safe and potable.
How Often Should You Sanitize Your RV Fresh Water Tank?
Sanitizing the fresh water tank in your RV is a crucial part of routine maintenance that should not be overlooked, as it helps ensure safe and clean drinking, showering, dishwashing, and laundry water. Even though some manufacturers may suggest sanitizing the tank “after each use” this can be interpreted in two ways.
For most RVers, sanitizing their fresh water system once per year is sufficient, usually during the spring when dewinterizing their RV for camping season. On the other hand, if your RV has sat unused for 2-4 weeks or more, then it is a good idea to clean and sanitize the fresh water tank at this time.
This process is easy to do and doesn’t require any special tools or equipment – you can use either a bleach solution or an environmentally-friendly cleaning product. All in all, sanitizing your RV’s fresh water tank is something that should not be overlooked in order to guarantee safe and clean water while traveling.
Bottom line – How often should you sanitize your RV fresh water tank? If your RV has been unused for 2-4 weeks or more, then it is a good idea to clean and sanitize the tank at this time. For most RVers, a yearly deep clean in the spring when dewinterizing their RV is sufficient. Doing so will ensure safe and clean drinking, showering, dishwashing, and laundry water while you travel.
What Do You Need to Sanitize your RV Fresh Water Tank
Sanitizing your RV’s potable water tank is a simple process that doesn’t require any special tools. To get started, it’s important to gather the materials you’ll need: a measuring cup, funnel, 5-gallon bucket or water storage container, potable water hose, non-scented bleach or an RV tank sanitizer (never use colored or scented bleach), and a water tank filler (optional).
Once you have all the materials you need, it’s time to start cleaning your tank. Begin by filling the 5-gallon bucket or container with 1 gallon of water from the potable water hose. Next, add 1 cup of non-scented bleach or an RV tank sanitizer to the water.
Using a funnel, fill your fresh water tank with this sanitizing solution. Allow it to sit inside the tank for at least 30 minutes before flushing out and repeating the process in order to ensure that the entire interior of your water tank is sanitized.
Once you have finished the cleaning process, it’s important to rinse out your tank thoroughly with clean water. This will help to ensure that all of the bleach or sanitizer has been removed from the tank and prevent any potential health risks.
How To Sanitize RV Fresh Water Tank with Bleach
Sanitizing your RV’s fresh water tank is an important part of regular maintenance, as it helps protect against bacteria, viruses and other contaminants. Before beginning this process, it is important to be sure that you have access to a sewer connection and a fresh water source. You should also make sure to park your RV in a location that allows the water to percolate into the soil or run downhill safely – so as not to create a pool of water at your neighbor’s site.
Once you have reached your destination, follow these step-by-step instructions on how to sanitize your RV’s entire freshwater system with bleach:
Step 1: Turn Off Your Water Heater and Water Pump
In order to safely drain your freshwater system, it is important to turn off both the water heater and water pump before doing so. This will ensure that the tank is not over-pressurized, which can lead to serious damage. Additionally, running hot water for 1-2 minutes can help remove heated water from the tank and allow it for to cool before draining.
Once that is done, opening all the faucets in your kitchen and bathroom will help air naturally assist in completely draining water from your freshwater system. By following these steps, you can confidently drain your freshwater system without worrying about damage or over-pressurizing the tank.
Step 2: Drain The Fresh Water
Having fresh water access is essential for any RV owner to ensure a comfortable and safe journey. It is highly important to know where your RV’s freshwater tank drains are located, as well as the low-points in your plumbing lines. This is so you can regularly maintain and drain the freshwater tank to avoid issues like clogging or freezing.
Most RVs have a drain directly underneath the freshwater tank, but you may find multiple drains for the cold water system due to the locations of the low points in your coach’s plumbing. These drains can be identified by red (hot water) or blue (cold water) drains coming out from beneath your RV, though some manufacturers use white or opaque PEX.
If you have any difficulty in finding the drains, consult your RV’s owner’s manual for further instructions. Once found, open the low-point drain valve and let it run until all water has been purged from the lines. Additionally, be sure to check the fresh water tank regularly for any blockages or problems.
By occasionally draining the freshwater tank and checking it thoroughly, you can make sure that your RV will remain safe and comfortable throughout your travels. Avoiding any plumbing related issues is key to a successful RV journey. So make sure to locate the drainage points and maintain them as needed!
Step 3: Calculate the Amount of Bleach You’ll Need
When your RV’s fresh water tank is draining, it’s important to sanitize the system in order to prevent any potential contamination. To calculate how much bleach you need for this process, you can use either a 1/4 cup of bleach per 16 gallons of water ratio or an one ounce of bleach per eight gallons of water ratio.
For example, if your RV’s fresh water tank holds 20 gallons of water, you would need 2.5 ounces of bleach based on the ratio mentioned above. Once there’s no longer any water draining from the low-point valves, close them to prevent any additional contamination.
FAQ:
Can I fill my RV water tank with a garden hose?
No, you should not use a garden hose to fill the tank on your RV. Garden hoses are not made with materials that are safe for human consumption and can leech harmful chemicals, plastics, and heavy metals into the water which could be potentially dangerous. It is important to invest in a drinking-water-safe hose specifically designed for RV use, which will ensure the water you are using is safe and clean.
If you choose to fill your RV tank with a garden hose, it is important to flush out the tank afterwards to avoid any contamination. This could be done by running a stream of fresh water through the hose before and after filling the tank. The safest option, however, is to use an RV-specific hose or a water source from a campground hookup. Doing so will ensure you are drinking safe and clean water when on your travels. Read also…
How do you fill a fresh water tank for camping?
Connect a drinking water-safe hose to a potable water source, such as a spigot at a campground, and your RV’s fresh water inlet. Turn on the water source and let the tank fill until it’s full, periodically checking the tank level to avoid overfilling. Once full, turn off the water source and disconnect the hose.
Can you fill a fresh water tank with a hose?
Yes, you can fill a fresh water tank with a hose as long as the hose is drinking water-safe and you are connecting it to a potable water source. It’s important to ensure the hose is not used for anything other than fresh water and is properly sanitized before and after use to prevent contamination.
How long can you leave water in fresh water tank on RV?
It’s generally recommended that you do not leave water in your RV’s fresh water tank for more than 2 weeks to avoid the growth of bacteria and other contaminants. It’s best to use and refill the water tank frequently, especially during warmer months or if the water has been sitting for an extended period of time.
Is it OK to leave fresh water tank empty?
It is okay to leave your RV’s fresh water tank empty, especially during periods when you will not be using the RV or if you plan to use the RV for day trips where you won’t need the water system. However, it’s important to properly drain and winterize the fresh water system to prevent freezing or damage to the water lines and tank.
How often do you change water in fresh water tank?
In general, it is recommended to change about 10-20% of the water in a freshwater tank every one to two weeks.
Can you drink RV fresh water?
Yes, you can drink fresh water from an RV if it is properly treated and maintained. It is important to regularly sanitize the RV water system and use a water filter to ensure the water is safe to drink.