Hi all.
The thread about grey water tanks and conservation made me think about my solutions for water use on my cross-country trip this Summer. I had bought my "new" '77
Sovereign in mid-June and set out for Arizona at the end of that month.
The trailer had not been properly winterized, so had some major ruptures in the city water line, as well as some problems with the water pump. Therefore, no onboard fresh water capacity. What to do?
First, I bought several collapsible 2.5 gal water jugs fitted with spigots. These I filled with fresh water and placed in the galley and head for sink use. Then I got a backpacker's eight-gal solar water shower. After a day in the back of the pickup, the water in it was too hot to use right off. These nifty devices have a thermometer right on them and the water always registered at +128 degrees.
For the toilet I took a five-gal pail, drilled a hole about an inch from the bottom and fitted it with a kitchen sink sprayer. I placed it on the cabinet next to the toilet and gravity allowed spraying and filling the toilet for flushing.
Fortunately, both the grey and black water tanks worked fine, although I grew to HATE to stinky slinky and am so glad to learn about alternatives. That was the one part of travelling with the A/S that was distinctly not appealing.
Because America's roads are so terrible, it was necessary to stow all the jugs and pail in the tub before setting out, then set them up again at each stop. All in all, though, it wasn't a bad solution, and I sure remembered to conserve on water use!
What has anyone else done in similar situations? I'm always looking for clever ideas to use when I go horse-camping.
Of course, I still plan to fix the plumbing problems. After reading these forums, I'll probably install all new lines using Pex tubing. But even if I can't get to it as soon as I'd like, I know I can continue to travel with my A/S (that I LOVE!!) in relative comfort. Sure beats a tent at my advanced age!
Eugenie