Water

**Bialetti** · 2015/08/02, 05:20 PM

I have just bought a trailer with built in water tank and have been looking for some answers . I have many water related questions and felt the need for others experience and advise.

Some of my questions

Does one travel a long distance with full water tanks?

What effect if anything does the weight of 100 L have on consumption. Does the additional weight add to stability of the trailer.

How is the best way to clean tank.

Would travelling with the drain plug and filler cap open help to dry the tank out before storing prior to ones next trip and perhaps prevent mold build up?

Greg

**Chris Stoffel** · 2015/08/02, 05:40 PM

I was told, yesterday, that 100kg makes a vehicle 1% heavier on fuel.

**theunsb** · 2015/08/02, 05:46 PM

Originally Posted by Chris Stoffel

I was told, yesterday, that 100kg makes a vehicle 1% heavier on fuel.

100kg of water will increase fuel consumption a little +

.
half a tank (50L in 100L tank) will be a pain sloshing around.
Fill up before you reach your "dry" area why carry extra weight when you do not need it.
I rinse my tank with Miltons before and after trips.
M2C

**PRA** · 2015/08/02, 05:51 PM

theunsb,

How do you wash out your water tank with Miltons?

**bigboy529** · 2015/08/02, 06:34 PM

Rince tank with strong milton solution before and after trips, when filling up for a trip I also add a proppie or 4 miltons. Don't put in too much miltons, it will make the water undrinkable, RTFM.

**Climbingnut** · 2015/08/02, 06:38 PM

Greg,

I see you bought a Bush Lapa. Welcome to the family! =) Maybe check in with some of the BL owners on the Miskruier review thread to see how they have treated their tanks. I know the topic has been discussed somewhere in that thread.

Have fun with your BL!

**Gaitshi Gubib** · 2015/08/02, 06:50 PM

You'd be surprised to see how long water stays good and healthy if it was kept in total darkness, in a cool place

I filled my tank, 30 l, two years ago, didn't get to use it until our Nam trip 3 weeks ago ... still good !

**theunsb** · 2015/08/02, 07:09 PM

Originally Posted by PRA

theunsb,

How do you wash out your water tank with Miltons?

After trip or before put 20 l water in and a 20ml of Miltons. Drive round a day or two, drain it and leave inlet open to dry for day.

If overdosed with Miltons use 20 liter water with half a cup of kitchen salt drive around, drain, flush it twice with fresh water.

**Southerndreams** · 2015/08/11, 12:03 AM

100 l adds 1 l on 100 km.

**Henris** · 2015/08/13, 04:27 AM

Don't take a chance with water. You don't want to be in the middle of Angola, with dodgy water.

**Bialetti** · 2015/08/13, 08:10 AM

Thanks everyone for the advise. I guess I will have to find a friendly service station in Uppington who would be prepared to give me 100 L ow drinking water. Cannot wait we leave in a weeks time.
Greg

**Vlakvarkie** · 2015/08/13, 09:51 AM

Greg

The Engen on the way to Kgalagadi were nice to me and allowed me to fill my tank (though only 50l). Maybe arrange with them beforehand.

See the enclosed map (BTW you can top up your fuel at the agricultural co-op):

**Vlakvarkie** · 2015/08/13, 10:09 AM

The Engen is at the intersection of Swartmodder Road and Le Roux Street; tel 054 332 5444

**Bialetti** · 2015/08/13, 10:28 AM

Thanks Francois

That is the Engen we normally use as it is the last contact with Woolworths for SWAMBO. Will try and contact them before to arrange water. Have not needed in the past.
Greg

**Kortgat** · 2015/08/13, 02:01 PM

I prefer to tow with the tank full as it balances the trailer better, i.e. nose weight is just right. I also then know I have good water. To clean, I throw in 100 ml or so of Jik (the plain one in the blue bottle), before leaving for the home stretch, then I drain the water shortly before home, leaving the tap open, as this is a good way to get the last bit out due to the movement and forces whilst driving. I don't rinse again, and simply fill up for the next trip. I leave my drain open whilst not in use.

**Cliff Jones** · 2015/08/13, 09:23 PM

Have a Summit Everest for past 18months. 2 X 80l plastic tanks I was told will provide water but that wouldn't taste great. I mix a jug of hot water add about a teacup of bicarb slowly and stir till dissolved. Pour in, fill tanks about a third full and leave for a week. Then drain and flush and store. Same process pre a trip if it's been standing for a long time and then fill tanks. I swear the water tastes or rather doesn't taste, like Valpre. My brother in law has same trailer but not same water discipline and his water tastes like, well let's say it's good to wash dishes only...... I calculated on a recent 2 week trip thru Mapungubwe and Northern Kruger for 10 days we (wife and I) use about 10litres a day on quick dish rinses etc. Also prefer to pull with water loaded to whatever amount we need, no point in taking 160l to Pilansberg for a weekend......!

**Randy** · 2015/08/18, 11:40 PM

Full tanks lower the centre of gravity, i prefer them full and knowing what water is in them! Leave water in tanks to absorb the horrible plastic taste, smell when boiled etc. drain and fill before trip! after a few cycles the water is ok. Spend R300 on a Brita water jug at pick & pay! Keep it simple!

**Bialetti** · 2015/08/19, 08:20 AM

Hi All thanks for the comments I have decided for convenience I will travel with full tanks. I then know the source of my water and do not have to negotiate 100 L from anyone. I also take the point of stability and will rely on the designers to have thought through the carrying position of water and made an informed decision. I am hopefully not going to be short of water as I will be travelling with the standard 100 L full plus the 2 water cans in front also full. This could all be grey water if necessary. As my car will be relatively empty due to the replacement of the drawer system with the trailer, I will take my 60 L plastic tank as well. 200 L for 15 days for 2 people works out at 6 L per person per day. We might also be able to do a bit of a fill up of grey water when passing through Nossob. I recon after all my hassling it will only cost me an additional R250 on the journey of 2000 kms based on increasing consumption from 17 to 18 l/100km
Greg