Extra Water Tanks in Pickup Bed/Tow Vehicle

[Morgan7600]

Hi guys,&nbsp; I am still planning out my adventure for next year and have pretty well settled on a fiver.<br>One of the reasons for this is larger tanks.&nbsp; I have some medical conditions I won't go into but<br>suffice to say, my shower availability when I need it is really important.&nbsp; So I began thinking about adding<br>extra water storage on the truck.&nbsp; I found some sites that even make a large tank that goes all<br>the way across the pickup bed and has a big "V" in the middle to match the tow gate shape.<br><br>Does anyone do this kind of thing?&nbsp; I envision a pump system with a switch so you can pump water<br>over to the main tank to keep it filled since that's the one that the RV systems will need to use.<br><br>Also, along the same lines, for full timing, it would seem that you'd want to use all the storage space<br>you have available which would include the pickup bed below the plane of the RV.&nbsp; <br>I would imagine truck boxes for fiver people are in production and available for purchase.&nbsp; Any info appreciated,&nbsp; Morgan

 

[RJCooper]

If a fiver is a fifth wheel, it will be taking up some space in the bed for turning radius, hitching etc.&nbsp; The hitch plate alone is heavy and big.&nbsp; Not sure if your bed is short or long.&nbsp; As for water storage, water is heavy and it shifts weight around when driving.&nbsp; <br><br>I would try and get creative in my water needs.&nbsp; (Well, I have for myself and my condition/area)&nbsp; Not knowing where and how far you will be from water and the expense of obtaining the water, I say plot it out so you don't have to carry as much.&nbsp; This is something I learned when I through hike the AT.&nbsp; While researching and planning I found that water sources were about 8 miles apart.&nbsp; Needing 2-3 gallons of water a day for cooking, cleaning and drinking, I planned on stretches of about 16 miles a day.&nbsp; Camping near a source for the night gave me the ability to have water close for my dinner cooking and clean up, morning wash up and enough to get me to the mid-day replenishing source, which piggy backed me to the 2nd water source of the day which in turn started the cycle all over again.&nbsp; <br><br>You could apply this same train of thought in your problem/solution system, only on a larger scale.&nbsp; <br><br>Years ago when I took wilderness survival/first aid and rescue&nbsp;classes one thing that stuck in my head was this saying, "The more you carry in your head, the less you have to carry on your back."&nbsp; <br><br>Learning to conserve water is also high on your priority list.&nbsp; Brush teeth with a few shot glasses full, wash hair less often or use waterless soaps.&nbsp; Keep yourself clean is of utmost importance to health and does use a bit of water, just find ways to lessen the amount and still fit the bill.&nbsp; I keep my hair short, where military BDU (instead of jeans), where less cotton clothes, etc. All these things help conserve water.&nbsp; Little and often make much.<br><br>I carry 15 gallons with me.&nbsp; Two 7 gallons and a one gallon container.&nbsp; But water is always close and with my stores, I can go a week if need be.&nbsp; Look into a Sawyer water system.&nbsp; For $80 your potable water needs can be solved and is the best utility system I have found for potable water needs there is.<br><br>Good luck, hope this got the wheels spinning for your issue.

 

[sparky1]

Morgan;<BR>adding&nbsp; a large horizontal water tank,surely will change the center of gravity of your truck raising the front .changing steering and front braking as well.<BR><BR>I have a motorhome also,that has a (1)100 gallon tank-just aft of the rear wheels,-there are big differences in control depending on how much water is in it--I wish it were (2) 50 gallon tanks,thus less sloshing effect. There are portable (Water Brick) tanks that hold 3.5 gallon that can stand up-less sloshing effect,just a idea.when i go vanning, i use it &amp; a small 10 gallon tank.<BR>good luck in your fiver.<BR>sparky1 in s.va.

 

[Morgan7600]

Hi guys,&nbsp; I like the more in your head idea.&nbsp; Unfortunately, I'd rather just add more suspension and pay closer attention to truck and fiver handling and balance.&nbsp; The tanks have partitions which eliminates sloshing.&nbsp; Just thinking out loud at this point too.&nbsp; What do I know about any of this stuff.&nbsp; Thanks for all the great info.&nbsp; I'm a water child.&nbsp; Morgan

 

[Ken in Anaheim]

RJCooper, which Sawyer system do you use ?&nbsp; I've heard talk about their low flow rates; whats been your experience ?<br>Thanks<br>KinA

 

[RJCooper]

The 4 way and I also have a Pro- hiker from my backpacking days, made by Katadyn.&nbsp; Hands down the Sawyer is better. As for slow, the hiker and most hand pumper the best you can get is a quart a minute.&nbsp; The filters are half as much as the pump and only do 200 gallons or so.&nbsp; The Sawyer is as fast or faster and last many lifetimes more.&nbsp; I have dunked a five gallon bucket of water and screened it through an old t- shirt and hooked up the system.&nbsp; Went for a trap check or hike and can back to five gallons of potable water.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I would have had to hand pump for 20 minutes or more to get that let alone the tired arm.&nbsp; <br><br>Hope this helps.&nbsp; Plus, it is 10 dollars cheap for thousand of gallons more in the long run.&nbsp; The pump filters are made for rich, yuppie hikers that have more money than brains.&nbsp; I know I was one of them.&nbsp; Experience is a great teacher.

 

[Zil]

Please keep in mind there are many harmful things dissolved in water than can not be filtered. Just a few, mercury, nitrates, lead, MTBE, organic poisons and herbicides. My municipal system analyzed for 90 different contaminates. Just be careful of your source.&nbsp;

 

[Morgan7600]

<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <wunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <wontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]--><p class="MsoNormal">Hi Guys, I seem to have created a monster by initiating this string.<br> First, what's a Sawyer system?<br> <br> Next point, I'm a water snob! I would only ever drink the water from an RV holding tank if it was the end of the world and the infrastructure was completely taken out <br> or a massive weather event that caused the same.<br> <br> What can I say, I'm a health nut and only drink bottled distilled water.&nbsp; I know you'll say well isn't that<br> a huge expense but I love the taste and after a lifetime of research, most fitness folk swear by it.<br> <br> Last point ::: My situation is moving along.&nbsp; I have an attorney thing in early August that will be a biggy <br> on what happens to me here in the family home.&nbsp; After that day, I could be looking at impending foreclosure <br> and forced into making a confidence building decision ::<br> <br> 1.&nbsp; Keep the F-250 Super Duty (which I dearly love) and slide-in camper?<br> 2.&nbsp; Keep the F-2 and fiver?<br> 3.&nbsp; Older model used C-Class and sell my truck?<br> 4.&nbsp; Older model&nbsp;&nbsp; "&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "&nbsp;&nbsp; and buy a car trailer and pull my truck behind it with my camper shell on<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; for more storage.<br> 5.&nbsp; Go sit under the freeway bridge with my iPhone in my hand and a single burner "on bottle" cooker in front of me?????</p><p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;}</style><![endif]-->

 

[Kevin H]

I've seen this exact setup. &nbsp;I wish I had taken pictures. &nbsp;The interesting thing on the setup I saw was that the auxiliary tank was for black water, not potable. &nbsp;That allowed the people the ability to extend boondocking stints for many days longer. &nbsp;They used a macerator to transfer the stuff from their 5er (fifth wheel trailer) to the aux tank on the truck.<br><br>I was considering your idea for potable water recently as we are transitioning from a motorhome and truck camper to a fifth wheel. &nbsp;I looked at Tractor Supply and found a few tank candidates that would fit the bill well.<br><br>One thing in your posts was a design that had a "V" to compensate for the hitch pin. &nbsp;That makes it sound as if you are planning on placing the tank at the rear of the truck bed. I would advise against that as it will really change the weight distribution of the rig. &nbsp;I suggest you place it at the front of the bed. &nbsp;That will distribute the weight better. &nbsp;A front location will also negate the need for a "V" as the pin will never encounter the tank, just ensure the physical height of the tank does not go higher than the sides of the bed. &nbsp;That eliminates the possibility of the trailer hitting the tank on turns or inclines.<br><br>I really liked the head vs back quote. &nbsp;I'll be keeping that in mind.<br><br>Good Luck with all that you are facing. &nbsp;Keep us posted!

 

[James AKA Lynx]

"Sawyer" is a filter system. Check REI's site for info's.<br>http://www.rei.com/product/801824/sawyer-3-way-inline-water-filter<br>One of the best if you can backflush correctly.<br><br>This is a cheep RV living site. Go with the truck and Slide in. Look for a FWC or ATC slide in to replace yours.<br><br>The other options have more room but when you get used to "Living Small" it should be no problem. Unless you want to live in an RV campground and listen to all the ........<br><br>Yes, you should go out and find a bridge, canyon, forest, BLM ..... and sit for some days, find another and repeat, repeat repeat .........<br><br>James AKA Lynx

 

[Morgan7600]

OK James you're making a lot of sense here and the Sawyer system is inexpensive and logical.<br>I think I'm causing myself a lot of unnecessary concern over what type of RV to choose.<br>I don't know how the chips will fall for me until they do!&nbsp; If the bank wants my home, I'll be<br>much more focused and able to make the decision based on what I find that is the best<br>value for the cash I will have in hand at the time.&nbsp; One thing I have noticed is the amazing<br>regularity of new.. used RV listings&nbsp; just hours apart all day every day on Craig's.<br>So there must be one whole lot of RV's in production and the constant change in<br>folks lives continuing to create the flow of available of units.<br><br>As for what I would choose, I love the slide in camper concept but I've read<br>articles and posts on the Ford Truck forums where guys are saying that it makes your<br>truck like a big sail and that it's like sticking a billboard on your truck!<br><br>I know the balance has to be right so I guess when set up correctly, they should be great!<br>Add to that, it is unnerving to me to have a fiver and all that weight constantly behind me<br>and backing up...&nbsp; oh man :::

 

[Morgan7600]

Forgot to mention: Yes agreed on the stealth parking, Casino's and Wally World.&nbsp; If I wanted to spend money on lodging, I would rent or buy another home.<br>There is no way that is going to happen.&nbsp; I've had it!&nbsp; I want my pension to provide me with a fun life and not the drudgery, anger and frustration I have now.<br>I've really been studying the River areas.&nbsp; I'm pretty sure I may just drive straight over to the water if this happens :::&nbsp; Parker, Laughlin, Havasu&nbsp; Oh yeah!

 

[Morgan7600]

Kevin,&nbsp; I thought about the V tank doing that too but now I can't find the link.<br>It was clearly in a fiver hitch pickup bed but don't remember the exact placement.<br><br>Here's a site :::&nbsp; http://geocustomplastic.com/?page_id=39<br><br>Another one :::&nbsp; http://www.ameri-kart.com/rv.asp<br><br>One more :::&nbsp; http://www.tank-depot.com/product.aspx?id=162<br><br><br>Here's one place for <br>all sorts of tanks :::&nbsp; http://www.all-rite.com/custom-holding-water-tanks-hours-p-103.html

 

[James AKA Lynx]

The pop-up slide-in's trouck camper save about 2 feet and only about a foot higher. You are driving a tall van. The FWT and ATC are designed to handle rough roads without damage. Used prices are about 5% less per year old.<br><br>Any RV you decide on will have wind problems. Using a van or truck camper you can park for free. Most people park trailers in paid campgrounds. Almost no free around for trailers. Some would disagree. The advantage to trailers is that you can work camp from them and still use your truck to drive around not moving your home. <br><br>James AKA Lynx

 

[Morgan7600]

James, One thing for sure...&nbsp; my working days are over so that is not a concern.<br>I agree that one single unit, the truck I've been driving since it was new in 2005<br>is the way to go.&nbsp; Since I have been on this site, I have seen lots of places here<br>in San Diego East County where I now notice something I may not have before.<br>Trailers, Class A's and campers all parked and all with the curtains tightly drawn.<br>It's a movement enhanced by greed!

 

[Kevin H]

<span style="line-height: 16px;">"This is a cheep RV living site..." &nbsp; Good point. &nbsp;Were I to find myself in a singular situation I would definitely go smaller - most likely a van or perhaps a small travel trailer and pickup.<br><br></span>Regarding stealth - I've been mobile pretty well all my adult life and do not recall any situation where I felt stealth was needed. &nbsp;Walmarts, Home Depots, BLM Land etc, anyplace where it is LEGAL to park does not require stealth. &nbsp;If for some reason you want to park in a neighborhood or something similar, trust me, the cops and the neighbors will know you are a stranger. &nbsp;Stealth will not help. &nbsp;Personally, it's not worth the effort to park somewhere I am not supposed to be.<br><br>Case in point, at the moment we are working in Yellowstone - I had a conversation with a Ranger the other day and asked what do campers do who cannot find a spot in a campground. &nbsp;Stealth does not matter. &nbsp;If a rig is not in an approved spot they get a visit. &nbsp;End of story.<br><br>I really enjoy the design concepts and appreciate the cleverness and ingenuity that folks come up with to enhance stealth. &nbsp;They all contribute to amazingly efficient rigs but I think that designing for stealth's sake is not as necessary as some propose.<br><br>Many will disagree with me and I respect their opinions. &nbsp;Sharing opinions, matching and differing, is what makes this such a great and fun forum. &nbsp; --- &nbsp; Hmm... &nbsp;This could a good subject for another topic "The Necessity of Stealth"

 

[Morgan7600]

Kevin,&nbsp; Stealth just appeals to my rebellious side.&nbsp; At my age, that is in thought only so once again I agree with your opinions.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Like so many things in life, everything has a balance.&nbsp; The idea of parking a fiver and then unhitching and being free to drive some place is extremely appealing to me.&nbsp; Regarding RV Parks, I have been in a totally secluded home for 10 years now so the thought of being side by side with people I don't know is not something I'd like to think about.<br>I have seen some TT's &amp; fivers in the Walmart lot but they may have just been day shopping.<br><br>I think my best place may be a fiver and "Primitive" river site.&nbsp; Free for up to 14 days and then you move again.

 

[twokniveskatie]

The best part about this lifestyle is that there is no one right way to live! Some of our tribe come in little tiny cars, some in tents, some in huge RV's. There is ninja stealth, there is no stealth, and there is big orange kayaks on our roofs and hitch hauls that look like the Clampetts are coming

Our diversity is what makes us unique.

 

[Morgan7600]

twok, and that is one of the things I love about it as, in this there is a deeper vibe and that is that just being out there (can't say out here yet as I'm still wrestling the (Chase) tiger) is where the freedom exists.&nbsp; Don't you think that as humans do, bit by bit, over the years we have become more and more a slave to something we would long ago have had no part of if offered then!

 

[Morgan7600]

I'm sorry Kate...&nbsp; Let's begin again with twoknives...