Grey/Black Water Tank Capacities

[BeBop]

The search narrows...

I need some feedback on tank capacities. We intend to boondock with the A/S we hope to buy, but need to know what would be considered adequate tank capacities for the following:

2 Adults w/ 2 Children (10 & 13 yrs)
4-5 day...at most!

We hope to buy a recent "used" unit. After following a number of threads, it appears Airstream has changed their tank sizes for fresh/grey/black over the years and any practical observations would be greatly appreciated. Our trailer size is ranging from 19-25' (We cruise on our sailboat, comfortably, with similar space).

If you are a couple with kids in tow...we sould REALLY appreciate the input.

[uwe]

4-5 days with a couple of kids means a trip to the dump station or two, in my experience.
We have cose to 50gal fresh, and about 40gal grey, with 15gal black.
The black tank is usually good for 2-3 days, while the grey tank lasts 2 days, fresh water about 2-3 days also. Stretching this means being very frugal with the water.
If you boondock, you might be able to drain the grey water on the ground...maybe. Don't get noticed, though.
It largely depends on your individual needs. Some people can go very long with very little, others not.

[j54mark]

The more recent models usually have larger black tanks - 30 gal. or so. But this is not true across the board, and in fact you may need to go to a 25' unit to get one that large. This should serve a family of four for four days. Maybe five.

You will likely use all the water in the fresh water tank as well (don't forget to fill the water heater when you fill fresh water - another six or 10 gal.!), but it is fairly easy to carry supplimental fresh water in extra tanks. The big problem, as noted above, is the grey water capacity. We are two adults and unless extreme measures are taken, will fill a 35 gal. grey tank in four days.

Mark

[87MH]

Bigger is better when it comes to gray water.

The 345 carries 80 gallons of fresh water and about 40 each in the gray and black tank. Obviously, the black tank does not fill as quickly as the gray, but I have experienced (once) the "brown mountain" phenomenon in the black tank - now I leave at least 5 to 10 gallons of water in the black tank to prevent THAT problem from ever happening again.

A lot depends on the circumstances (environment) where you are boon docking as to dumping the gray water. If you use mild soaps (no phosphates and easily biodegradable), and the area is remote, I have no problem with "watering a tree" with the gray water, on the other hand, if there are others in the immediate area (such as at a rally), steps should be taken so that camping does NOT affect the enjoyment of others - that usually means NO gray water dumping at all - an easily handled blue boy might be the solution.