Hauling Water To Your Camper: A Step-By-Step Guide

Hauling water to your camper is a tricky business. You need to consider the weight of the water, the distance you're travelling, the terrain, and the type of vehicle you're using. Water is heavy—one gallon weighs about 8.33 lbs—so you'll need to make sure your vehicle can handle the weight. For example, if you're hauling 150 gallons of water, that's more than 1,200 lbs of water.

You'll also need to consider how the water is stored. A large amount of water sloshing around in the back of a truck can be dangerous, affecting the handling of the vehicle and even causing it to flip. To avoid this, you can use multiple smaller containers, such as 55-gallon drums, or look for a container with anti-slosh provisions, like internal baffles.

If you're going to be boondocking (camping without hookups), you'll need to plan ahead to find sources of water and consider investing in water storage and transfer equipment, such as pumps, hoses, and water bladders or jugs.

Hauling water in a truck bed

Before you start, it is important to consider the weight of the water and ensure your truck can handle the load. A gallon of water weighs about 8.33 lbs, so calculate the total weight accordingly and make sure your truck's suspension can handle it. Additionally, ensure you have a secure way to fasten the load to your truck bed to prevent accidents.

There are various ways to haul water in your truck bed, and the method you choose will depend on your specific needs and constraints. One popular option is to use a water tank designed specifically for truck beds. These tanks come in different sizes, ranging from 100 to 500 gallons, and can be made of plastic or other materials. They are designed to fit securely in your truck bed and often have features like low-profile designs and built-in pumps to make water transfer easier.

If you don't want to invest in a dedicated water tank, you can consider using a large tarp to line your truck bed and fill it with water. However, this method comes with some challenges. The tarp might leak, and the water will slosh around, affecting your truck's handling and stability, especially during acceleration, deceleration, and turning. To mitigate this, ensure the tarp is securely fastened and consider filling multiple smaller containers or drums instead of one large tarp to reduce the impact of water movement.

Another option is to use collapsible water bladders or tanks, which are more compact and portable. These can be filled and placed in your truck bed, and some come with pumps or hoses to facilitate water transfer. Additionally, you can use a combination of water bladders and jugs to optimize space and stability.

When hauling water, it is essential to consider the distance and terrain you'll be travelling over. If you're travelling long distances or on rough roads, it might be safer to keep your tanks only partially full to reduce the risk of damage or spills. Additionally, plan your route to avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers that could cause the water to shift dangerously.

Lastly, always follow safety guidelines and regulations when hauling water or any other liquid. This includes proper signaling, driving at appropriate speeds, and ensuring your vehicle is in good condition to handle the load.

Using a water bladder

Water bladders are a great way to store and transport water to your camper. They are a flexible and easily stored option for RVers and campers. Here is a step-by-step guide to using a water bladder to haul water to your camper:

Step 1: Choose the Right Water Bladder

Water bladders come in a variety of sizes and materials. The size you choose will depend on how much water you need to transport and how much space you have in your truck bed. Bladders can hold as little as one gallon of water and go up to 300+ gallons. When choosing a size, remember that water weighs about 8.3 pounds per gallon, so make sure your vehicle can handle the weight. Also, look for food-grade inner liners if you intend to drink or cook with the water.

Step 2: Fill Up the Bladder

You can fill up your water bladder at a water source near your campsite. Some good options include gas stations, RV parks, and state parks. Most RV parks will let you fill up your tanks for a fee, usually between $3 and $10. Make sure you have a good, long hose to reach the water source, such as a zero-G flexible hose.

Step 3: Transport the Bladder

Once your bladder is filled, carefully transport it back to your campsite. If it's small enough, you may be able to carry it. For larger bladders, you'll need to put it in the bed of your truck. Make sure the bladder is secured tightly to prevent the weight from shifting and to avoid punctures from sharp objects.

Step 4: Transfer the Water to Your Camper

Now it's time to transfer the water from the bladder to your camper. If the bladder is small, you may be able to pour the water directly into your camper's fresh water tank. For larger bladders, you can use a water pump or take advantage of gravity if your campsite is set up on a slope. Connect a drinking-safe hose to the bladder and your camper's water intake, and let gravity do the work. Alternatively, you can use a drill pump or transfer pump to move the water.

Step 5: Sanitize the Bladder

Don't forget to sanitize your water bladder regularly. You can use bleach, or try white vinegar. Dump a gallon of vinegar into your fresh water tank, then drive to your next destination, allowing the vinegar to jostle around and clean the tank. Once you arrive, run the vinegar water through all your water lines, then refill your tank with fresh water and use that to sanitize your bladder.

Water storage and transportation options

If you're looking to haul water to your camper, there are a few different options to consider. The best method for you will depend on how much water you need to transport, how far you need to travel, and your budget. Here are some of the most common options:

Collapsible Water Bladders:

These are a great option if you're looking for something compact and lightweight. They can hold a large amount of water (up to 150 gallons) and are easy to store when not in use. However, they can be a bit tricky to fill and transport, especially if you don't have a pump. Make sure to get a good-quality bladder with solid connectors to avoid leaks.

Water Jugs/Containers:

This is a simple and cost-effective solution. You can use milk crates with one-gallon water bottles or larger jugs, such as the Rhino water jugs (5.5 gallons) or Ozark Trail Desert Patrol water jugs (6 gallons). This option is easy to handle and works well if you have a shorter distance to travel. However, it can be time-consuming if you need to make multiple trips to transport larger quantities of water.

Water Tanks:

If you have a larger camper and need to transport more water, you can opt for a water tank. These can range from 250-gallon pickup tanks to larger 1000-gallon nurse tanks. Keep in mind that hauling a large amount of water can put a strain on your vehicle, so make sure your truck can handle the weight and that you have the necessary trailers or towing equipment.

Water Trailers:

For those who need to transport a significant amount of water over longer distances, investing in a water trailer might be the best option. You can find trailers with tanks ranging from 500 to 1600 gallons. This option provides a safer and more stable way to transport water, especially if you're travelling on slick roads or in freezing weather.

Other Options:

In some cases, you might be able to find creative solutions, such as using a tarp to line your truck bed and filling it with water. However, this method can be messy and may not be suitable for all vehicles. Additionally, you could look into renting a water trailer or hiring a water carrier to deliver the water for you.

No matter which option you choose, always prioritize safety. Ensure that your vehicle can handle the weight, that your water containers are secure, and that you take the necessary precautions when filling and transporting water.

Water weight and safety considerations

Water is heavy, and it is important to consider the weight of the water you are hauling, as well as the safety implications of doing so. Water weighs approximately 8.33 lbs per gallon, so 150 gallons would weigh around 1249.5 lbs. This is a substantial amount of weight to be adding to your vehicle, and you should check your vehicle's payload capacity before attempting to haul water. For example, the payload capacity of a standard F150 is 1700 lbs, so you should be alright with 150 gallons, but do check this for your own vehicle.

When hauling water, it is also important to consider the stability of the load. Water that is free to move around will slosh from side to side when you take a turn or brake, which can cause your vehicle to become unstable and potentially tip over. To avoid this, you should ensure that your water containers are completely full, leaving no room for the water to move around. If you are using multiple smaller containers, these should be packed tightly together to prevent movement.

Another option to prevent sloshing is to use a bladder or tank with interior baffles. These are walls inside the tank that prevent the water from moving too quickly from side to side, or forwards and backwards, thus stabilising the load.

You should also consider the effect that the extra weight will have on your vehicle's performance. A heavy load will affect your acceleration, braking, and handling, so you should allow extra time for your journey and take corners and bends at slower speeds. You should also ensure that your load is securely fastened to your vehicle and consider adding extra support, such as helper springs, to accommodate the extra weight.

If you are in any doubt about your ability to safely transport a large quantity of water, you should consider alternative options, such as hiring a water carrier to deliver the water for you, or collecting the water in multiple smaller loads.

Water transportation methods

Containers and Tanks

You can use various containers and tanks to transport water to your camper. This method is suitable for smaller quantities of water and can be done using your truck or trailer. Some options include:

• Water bladders or collapsible water tanks: These are foldable and can be easily stored when not in use. They are ideal for boondocking as they are compact and lightweight.
• Water jugs or containers: You can use plastic water jugs or containers of various sizes, such as 5-gallon buckets or larger jugs.
• IBC tote or liquid storage tote: These are large, rectangular containers that can hold several hundred gallons of water.
• Poly tanks or nurse tanks: These are often used for agricultural purposes and can be found at farm sales or from fertilizer dealers.

Trailers and Trucks

For larger quantities of water, you may need to invest in a trailer or truck to safely transport the water:

• Water trailers: You can rent or purchase a water trailer specifically designed for hauling water. These typically have a large tank and a pump for easy transfer.
• Truck with a water tank: You can modify a truck by adding a water tank in the bed or using a pickup truck with a large water tank. Ensure your truck can handle the weight of the water.
• Trailer with a water tank: If you already have a trailer, you can add a water tank to it. This option provides flexibility, as you can remove the tank when not in use.

Other Considerations

When transporting water, it is essential to consider the weight and stability of the load. Water is heavy, and transporting large quantities can put a strain on your vehicle. Here are some additional tips:

• Fill containers completely to minimize water sloshing, which can affect handling and stability.
• Distribute weight evenly and ensure your vehicle's suspension can handle the load.
• Consider adding anti-slosh provisions, such as baffles or grids inside the tank, to prevent water from shifting during transport.
• Drive slowly and carefully, allowing extra distance for stopping.

Frequently asked questions