Towing with full tanks

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Sep 16, 2019 | 07:26 PM

pspc271

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Joined: Jan 2018

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Towing with full tanks

So this isn't really a truck question but hopefully someone can still answer. I'm trying to clean out my holding tanks, black and gray. We have 5 tanks totalling about 190 gallons which is close to 1,600 lbs of water. My question is, is it safe to pull the camper with that much water on board? With that much weight and my bad luck I can almost envision one of the tanks falling out while riding down the highway. I just need to go about 10 miles to the dumping station. Thoughts?

Sep 16, 2019 | 08:19 PM

senix

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From: Frederick, MD

Go dump it. I run with the tanks all the time. It happens.

I am usually fairly full of fresh water all the time, Never know if you will need it. That means there is also at least some in the black or gray tanks too.

Sep 16, 2019 | 08:48 PM

HRTKD

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From: Wyoming

After having to replace multiple bent crossmembers from my 120 gallon fresh water tank, I'm reluctant to drive with a full tank. The exception would be a short trip over known good roads.

Sep 16, 2019 | 11:34 PM

Army RET

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Joined: Nov 2010

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From: Alabama

I suppose there is no one answer that fits everyone - but I will offer what I do.

As we only camp in places that have amenities (power, water, sewer, wi-fi, etc) we take advantage of it. Before departure I dump all the used water tanks - but then add enough back in the black tank to keep anything left behind moist (I don't want it to harden in to a poop pyramid). I also ensure there is a small amount of clean water in the fresh water tank - enough to provide several emergency roadside flushes, if need be.

And to justify your concerns, last year a friend purchased a new Reflection 5th, soon after one of its tanks fell out - fortunately he wasn't under way when it happened. He also (separately) had a tire blow out - while under way.

Now tell us ... what is your tow buggy? and what is your load? Don't forget some pics.

Sep 17, 2019 | 02:51 AM

scraprat

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From: Itinerant

If no one took any short cuts with the build you should be good.
This Thursday will be our 1,000th day of continuous boondocking and every 12-16 days we'll travel with full tanks (62 gallon grey/ 62 gallon black) to dump anywhere from 15 - 100 miles depending on location of dump station and destination.

Sep 17, 2019 | 01:28 PM

Sous

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Joined: May 2014

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From: Lake Hartwell, GA

We travel cross country, on forest service roads, BLM land, etc with full tanks a lot. Although, as Scraprat eluded to things should have been done properly at the factory.

We have owned 2 5th wheels and a TT that we boondock on rough terrain with. Each of those trailers I have peaked into or removed the underbelly to inspect the tanks and support structure of the tank.

There should be straps directly under the tank in order to help support them when they have fluid in them. They normally have a Ridge around the top that holds them up as well.

If the trailer needs any upgrades regarding insulation, SeeLevel tank monitors, etc.

So, there should be zero issues towing with all of the tanks full, but there could be problems if the work/installation was not done properly.

Sep 17, 2019 | 04:02 PM

Shovelheadrob

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Joined: Nov 2009

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From: Cambs, England

If we're heading somewhere that I know that 100% I can fill with freshwater I will travel with a minimal amount of fresh water on board, just enough for anything on the journey. Likewise if I can dump the grey & black tanks before travelling, providing that the black is over half full, I'll dump them. If not then it can wait until I get home.