towing with water in tank

[MommaMia]

Mommamia,
 
If you ever want a real easy way to fill up your tank while camping, refer to my freshwater system. I've been using it for about two years now and it's great!
 
http://sactocampers.tripod.com/sactocamperswebpage/id9.html

Pretty nifty!  I was also thinking I could make the DH stand and hold the jug... (he's 6'5" so standing holding it at his waist height is above the water fill hole) and I could use a fish tank syphon.

The whole thing that i find inconvenient about having to fill at the cg is hauling it to the camper from the spigot.  Those spigots never seem to be in a convienient stopping place.  And I'll be alone with the kids the first day, so I'll be stuck doing it.

[SactoCampers]

Pretty nifty! I was also thinking I could make the DH stand and hold the jug... (he's 6'5" so standing holding it at his waist height is above the water fill hole) and I could use a fish tank syphon.
 
The whole thing that i find inconvenient about having to fill at the cg is hauling it to the camper from the spigot. Those spigots never seem to be in a convienient stopping place. And I'll be alone with the kids the first day, so I'll be stuck doing it.

I got tired of lifting and pouring. Once you bilge pump, you'll never go back!;) . You'll only wonder why you waited so long to do it.
 
Sometimes it's a long walk from the spigot to the camper, but with a bilge pump, at least you don't have to also lift it once you get there!:D  It's SOOO easy.

[abbear]

I never tow with water.  Use a goodie called a "water thief" to hook up to faucets that don't have threads.  Tried hauling water - no thanks.

[Venatic]

I've towed our Coleman Westlake with and without water and have not had any problems that some have mentioned. I did on one occasion tow without the sway bar and loaded with water on a short trip and did experience some sway on the highway. When I tow with water and have the sway bar on there, I don't experience any sway problems.

Where we camp for deer season, there isn't any water available except for pond water. We drive three hours to get there, on the interstate and two lane country roads.

My point is, if you are set up correctly, you shouldn't have any problems bringing water with you. This doesn't mean you can go flying down the road without any worries. You still have to take it easy. Remmber, you're towing a trailer behind you.

[Ab Diver]

Is it generally thought to be better to tow with the tank either empty or full but not part filled due to sloshing?

Correct. The sloshing is what plays havoc with the trailer's stability. Other than that, the weight of the water itself has no more affect on sway than anything else in the trailer. You just have to keep the *Big Three* within safe parameters: GVWR, GAWR, and TW.
 
BTW... I've found having a hundred feet of cheap RV water hose rolled up and tossed in the back of the truck to be REAL handy at campgrounds with water spickets located every 150' or so. A five gallon bucket holds a lot of hose if it's rolled up neatly. If you've got the space, it might save you having to move any water containers at all.

[MtnCamper]

The whole thing that i find inconvenient about having to fill at the cg is hauling it to the camper from the spigot.  Those spigots never seem to be in a convienient stopping place.  And I'll be alone with the kids the first day, so I'll be stuck doing it.

I also use the Bilge Pump, If you can find a folding luggage cart, (Wal-Mart) and just use that to wheel your jug.... Don't carry. It's small folds up and handles the blue aguatainers nicely. Cost ~$10.

[mowalker]

Cindy,

Where are you going that does not have water hookups?  Just curious, I dont want you to end up in a bad place since you are new the the area.

Brenda

[MommaMia]

Cindy,

Where are you going that does not have water hookups?  Just curious, I dont want you to end up in a bad place since you are new the the area.

Brenda

Hey Brenda...

We are headed for Huguenot Memorial Park.  Leaving in about an hour.  Stop later if you feel like it.  Site 19.

[mowalker]

Nope havent been to that park yet.  How long are you going to be there?

[MommaMia]

Update...

I made the trip with a full tank.  I didn't notice any difference towing full vs. empty.

On the way home, we still had 3/4 tank.  Instead of draining it empty before the trip home, I decided to try towing with 3/4 tank.  I noticed no difference between full and 3/4.  

I think it was very convenient to fill up at home and not have to have one more thing to do with set up at the cg. BTW... I set up by myself and it took about 45 mins. start to finish.

[wynot]

We used to tow with a full water tank all the time.  I rarely use the tank anymore, so it is only a couple of trips that we need to put water in.
 
We have a Utah, so you know we have a light tongue weight.  Something in our life has changed enough that we now have a lot more sway happy camper than we used to - even with an empty tank.  Ironically, we probably have more weight in our cargo box than ever.
 
Although I understand the sloshing of an unbaffled water tank, I have never had a problem towing with part full (half or less) tanks.