How important to have a FW holding tank?

[live2dive]

The PO removed the fresh water tank from our "new" '69 Overlander. Most of our camping will be at sites with city water supply, so do we really need the FW tank?
If so, any info on a source for finding one would be appreciated. How difficult are they to re-install?

Lori

[overlander64]

Greetings Lori!

Welcome to the world of Vintage Overlander ownership!

Originally Posted by live2dive

The PO removed the fresh water tank from our "new" '69 Overlander. Most of our camping will be at sites with city water supply, so do we really need the FW tank?
If so, any info on a source for finding one would be appreciated. How difficult are they to re-install?

Lori

There are several things to consider when looking at the need of a fresh water tank. Among the issues to be considered:

• One of the fun activities for many while RVing is to stop along the route at roadside rests for lunch. Many of these places where I have stopped do not have facilities so it is very nice to have full use of the Kitchen and Bathroom - - a bit difficult without a fresh water tank.
• If you plan on staying in state parks with any frequency, you may find that there won't always be water at every site - - I know that is the case at a number of the parks that I have encountered in the Midwest.
• If you plan on much early or late season camping where overnight temperature may drop below freezing, you won't have to worry about a hose if you are operating from the on-board water supply.
• Depending upon your travel style, you may find as I have, that you don't always want to drag out anything more than absolutely necessary for a quick overnight stop on a longer trip. Not having to deal with the water hose saves me close to 30 minutes between setup and put-away when in "travel-mode".

While I am not a do-it-yourselfer, the water tank in my Overlander had to be replaced shortly after I purchased the coach as the original was fracturing all along the mold lines. Since the tank is a fairly standard rectangular size, my dealer was able to install a new tank that is very similar to the original for much less than I had expected (less than $300 installed). I suspect that Inland-RV will have a readily available replacement tank, and you may find that your nearest Airstream dealer may be able to help you with sourcing a tank - - unfortunately, not all Airstream dealers are familiar with our Vintage coaches and may not be anxious to assist you with your project.

Good luck with your Overlander!

Kevin

[InsideOut]

Another source for FW tanks is: Inca Plastics

While we haven't had to replace ours, I know of several do-it-yourselfers that have gotten tanks from IP and installed them themselves very successfully.

We tend to go 'dry camping' at least two or three times a year, which we would never be able to do without a FW tank. And those are some of the best trips out...away from it all!

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

Shari

[Stefrobrts]

We were very glad to have the freshwater tank on our long trip around the country this summer, because on the second day out we found a leak in the water pipes under the bathroom sink. We noticed it because the water pump would run every few minutes, even when we weren't using the water, which told us there was a leak somewhere. We were unable to fix it on the road, so for the rest of the trip we used the onboard water so we could de-pressurize the system between uses and keep the drip to a minimum until we were able to get home and get it fixed.

I use the onboard water far more than the city water, which we only use if we are hooked up for a few days in one place. Which hasn't been very often yet...

Good luck with your new toy!

[Silvertwinkie]

I agree. If you boondock, fresh water tank is a must. If you don't boondock, then it is a big conv.

We've used ours every single trip since we started Streamin' in 2003.

Additionally, some folks believe that a filled fresh tank makes an Airstream have better road manners. I tend to agree, as ours seems to tow a bit better when the tank is at least half full.

[live2dive]

Thanks for the info. We'll shop around to see if we can find a suitable one locally. I imagine freight would be expensive.

Lori

[Pahaska]

Water is needed for potty breaks and for our animals. We stay off the interstates when possible and our rest stops are wherever we can get off the roadway ... grocery stores, shopping malls, schools, churches, you name it. The biggest thing I missed when I had a folding trailer was the ability to use my own failities during brief stops.