Larger water tank

[Charlotte]

We have a 22' 2003 CCD.
The size is perfect for us save one thing - the water capacity.
We enjoy boondocking so must use containers in the back of our pickup for refilling. Our propane capacity is fine for a week of camping but the water only lasts a few days - even being conservative in our usage.
Has anyone pulled the existing tank and replaced with a larger one? Is there room? Would it also require a larger holding tank or can we get away without that for gray water?
Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks, Charlotte

[Phoenix]

You might check with Oasis (the Airstream Dealer in Tucson). Those old-timers can probably answer each of your questions off the tops of their heads. However, you might want to reconsider...

We also have a large Bayliner cabin cruiser, and one summer I decided to save some money on fuel at Lake Powell, so I filled the gas tank in Phoenix before heading north. What a mistake. With 40 gallons of water, 20 gallons of black water (from the previous vacation) and 125 gallons of gas, we had a really hard time on the grades headed toward Flagstaff and again near Page. I probably spent more on extra gas in our pickup than the few cents per gallon I saved on the first tank of fuel in our boat. Also, boats really suck gas, and that first tank only lasted two days.

Just my opinion, but water is heavier than gas; so you might want to check the max weights on your Airstream before adding a larger water tank. You may put your trailer and tires over the limit.

[n2916s]

It is difficult to enlarge capacity as the cubic area of the available tank mounting area is limiting.

mike

[Jaxon]

I would think that there would not be that much aditional space to enlarge the H2O tank... and even if there were, I would be concerned about the additional weight. Every additional pound of water takes away from other supplies not to mention stress on the axles/frame.

[Charlotte]

Thanks for the input.
Many good things to think about.
I'll give Oasis a call and think about the other issues.
For the winter trip we will continue storing extra water in containers stored in the bed of our truck.
Charlotte

[snake]

We carry a 35 gallon tank in the back of our pickup when we go boondocking and use a 12 volt pump to transfer to water to the trailer.

For disposing of grey water from time to time we'll dig a hole, let the water drain slowly, then cover it over so we don't attract unwanted critters.

[Phoenix]

One way to carry extra drinking water is to buy bottled water at Costco or WalMart. It isn't very expensive, is easy to transport, and it eliminates drinking funky tasting water from the last RV campground. We always carry a case in the bed of our pickup, and it comes in handy for coffee and drinking while on the road. That saves the water in the trailer for handwashing, etc.

We also have a filter on the kitchen faucet to filter drinking/cooking water, but that's mainly to improve taste. However, it comes out slower, which reminds us not to waste it.

Also, when we are boondocking, we use a sprayer bottle to rinse the toilet, instead of flushing (when practical), which saves a little water too. This may be a little extreme, but we have gone up to a week with two adults and two granddaughters (10 & 8). Living this way while on vacation gives the kids new insight into how wasteful we are at home.

After returning from our last two week outing to Yellowstone, their parents commented about how the girls didn't have to be reminded to turn the water off or to turn the lights out, at least for a few days...

[richie rich]

The water issue. After coming full circle,I am convinced that the best way is the natural way.Creatures worry not ,nor shall I.

[Gene]

The 22 is not made for long term camping, wouldn't carry extra water weight well and carrying extra water in the TV is a better solution. Conserving water in every possible way is a normal boondocking experience. We use a dishpan in the sink to keep the water out of the grey tank and either throw it outside (dumping grey water on the ground is usually illegal, dumping dishpan out the door may not be) or down the toilet.

Gene