Water storage

[Hvacow1]

I've searched the internet until the end. :-)

I'm looking for an auxiliary water tank. Something in the 25-30 gallon range. I was hopping to find one I could put in the bed of my tuck. Has anyone seen something similar to an auxiliary fuel tank that tucks up towards the front of the bed behind the rear window? I've seen the giant bladders that can be filled but they almost take up the whole truck bed leaving no room for stuff. In the end I may have to just use a bunch of 5 gallon jugs, but I would like the other option if anyone has seen it. Also if its not out there somewhere, why haven't we invented this yet lol.

[pdavitt]

Flexible water tanks have been used in the marine industry for years. Below is a link to some examples.

https://www.westmarine.com/flexible-water-tanks

Pat

[OTRA15]

Why not a hard plastic one, like many DIY RV converters use when they make a van into an RV, for instance?

FDA-approved:

http://www.plastic-mart.com/category...er-waste-tanks

They will install fittings to your specifications.

You could size it to fit exactly in the front bed of your pickup as you suggest, where the load would be easy to handle, and mounting would be simpler.

Good luck!

Peter

PS -- Google search results: https://www.google.com/search?q=hdpe...utf-8&oe=utf-8

[Mollysdad]

Lets assume you find a 30 gallon rigid tank. It shouldn't be too hard, just find one designed for a boat or RV.
How do you propose to move the water out? Siphon or pump?
30 gallons weighs about 240 pounds added in your truck bed.
I think six 5 gallon plastic jugs are more practical.
When I had my boat, we carried a translucent 5 gal container lashed to the rail.

[1973Argosy]

I use two 15 gallon food grade barrels. They weigh next to nothing empty and aren't to heavy to move around full. A simple siphon hose, I use a 8 foot section of garden hose, can empty one from the back of my SUV into my fw tank in about 10 minutes.

[Hvacow1]

1973Argosy:

I just ordered up 2 15 gallon tanks like what you suggested. Looks like that is the way to go. I really appreciate the help!

[OTRA15]

This shaker siphon is a pretty handy tool for transferring the water:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EH0ORI...=3SAV4I5ZC3VMY

Good luck!

Peter

[1973Argosy]

Not a problem at all. I actually carry three of the barrels when boondocking, two for water and one for generator fuel. I never tow with them full as my SUV is a halfton. I have learned to beg for access to a water spikot if needed. I made an electric pump for my fuel barrel that consists of a Delphi in tank fuel pump, 8 feet of rubber fuel line, 6 feet of wire, and a small 10 amp hour 12 volt agm sealed battery. Simply drop the pump into the barrel and make the battery connection.

[OTRA15]

How do you transport the 15 gallons of gasoline from the gas station to the campsite?

[1973Argosy]

On a hitch cargo carrier

[OTRA15]

Thanks. We have a large hitch carrier, but do you know of any small enough for just the 15 gallon bucket plus or minus? Thanks

[1973Argosy]

Mine is a full size that folds up. I have a front hitch so I don't have to move the cargo carrier to use it, and when not using it I simply fold it up and it looks and protects like a brush guard.

[Len n Jeanne]

I'm not sure why you're thinking this way, so you probably know exactly what you need and why.

But as a couple of desert boondocking lovers, we'd recommend several smaller containers to make up whatever capacity you want, vs. one big one. That way, if one leaks, you won't loose all your water. I twigged onto this as a young 'un, back when desert campers often put their water in those big old metal milk containers used on the farm. During a multi-group camp-out, the group who had all of their next day's water in one milk container found they had none in the morning: it had all leaked into the sand. This is also a problem with plastic jerry cans.

Several smaller containers are also easier to lift and refill or use, than one giant one sometimes.

[Wolfe]

5 Gallon metal Jerry cans work best just any desert rat he will tell you.

[cwf]

Originally Posted by 1973Argosy

Not a problem at all. I actually carry three of the barrels when boondocking, two for water and one for generator fuel. I never tow with them full as my SUV is a halfton. I have learned to beg for access to a water spikot if needed. I made an electric pump for my fuel barrel that consists of a Delphi in tank fuel pump, 8 feet of rubber fuel line, 6 feet of wire, and a small 10 amp hour 12 volt agm sealed battery. Simply drop the pump into the barrel and make the battery connection.

....soooo... the fuel pump is submerged in fuel.. no gasoline vapors when you "make the battery connection "??

[1973Argosy]

Most modern cars use the same submerged fuel pump. With my setup when the pump is at the bottom of the barrel I have right at 4 feet of 10 guage wire that runs to the battery. The negative lead is normally left connected to the battery. My battery weighs less than five pounds so I can make the connection in any direction away from the barrel I choose. Making sure I am up wind of the barrel and smell no fumes I slide the positive connector on to the battery. It does spark a small amount. I could put in a toggle switch to eliminate any spark, but after 10 plus years of using this set up why?

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by 1973Argosy

. . .
but after 10 plus years of using this set up why?

Because you don't want to win a Darwin Award?



Tempting fate IMO . . .

[CountryBob]

I use plastic tank (sometimes seen on back of ATM for spraying) it has a large opening on top and fits in the bed of my truck. It holds about 25 gallons. I then put a brand new (never used) boat bilge pump in the bottom and with some wiring and plumbing I can pump from truck into fresh water inlet on trailer. Has been working for about 10 years.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...7114_200337114

[JamuJoe]

Defender.com (marine supplies) has different sized poly (not bladder) tanks. I added a 35 gal tank to our sailboat. Very durable and would be fine in a pickup bed (if you have the load capacity). I still use the 7 gal blue jugs for the airstream. Fitted with hose connectors, they gravity drain to the Airstream after I lift them onto my tonneau. Simple.

Safe Travels,
JamuJoe

[tjdonahoe]

Originally Posted by Hvacow1

I've searched the internet until the end. :-)

I'm looking for an auxiliary water tank. Something in the 25-30 gallon range. I was hopping to find one I could put in the bed of my tuck. Has anyone seen something similar to an auxiliary fuel tank that tucks up towards the front of the bed behind the rear window? I've seen the giant bladders that can be filled but they almost take up the whole truck bed leaving no room for stuff. In the end I may have to just use a bunch of 5 gallon jugs, but I would like the other option if anyone has seen it. Also if its not out there somewhere, why haven't we invented this yet lol.

There are plenty of tanks on the market, look up water tanks on the internet...I have a 65 gal round and I like it ,was $50 or so, the water free flows into the trailer..