For many campers, access to fresh drinking water, or water in general can be a luxury. Fresh water can be very difficult to come to, especially in rural parts of Australia. For that reason, seasoned campers carry their own water source, which typically comes in the form of a water tank. But getting the right water tank and caravan water tank accessories requires quite a bit of knowledge, which is exactly what I’ll discuss.

What Are Water Tanks?

Caravan water tanks are your water supply when away from home. They provide fresh drinking water and clean water for your sinks and showers. But, there’s a much larger system that does all of the work, which can use up to three different caravan water tanks, including a freshwater tank, a grey tank and a black tank.

The clean water is stored in the freshwater tank, which then goes to the taps and shower with the help of a water pump. Water pumps are come in manual or electric variations. Manual water pumps are further classified as foot and hand pumps. 

The dirty water from the showers and sinks goes into the grey water tank, and the used water from the toiled goes into the black water tank. You can also install water heaters if you want warm water while camping. Without one, you’ll only have cold water for the taps and showers.

Types of Caravan Water Tanks

Caravan water tanks come in a variety of sizes and materials, so you’re bound to find one that suits your needs and lifestyle. The most commonly used materials in the construction of water tanks are:

• Polyethylene Plastic – Arguably the most commonly used material, simply because it’s flexible and lightweight. Tanks made from this material are food-grade approved.
• Galvanised Steel – Although heavier than plastic, these are easy to repair and corrosion-resistant.
• PVC and Nylon – Another lightweight option, but water tanks made of these materials are typically for smaller, bladder, soft-sided tanks. They’re a portable option and best used in smaller caravans.

Which One is Best For You?

In order to get the right caravan water tank, consider how many people your caravan will house. This will help you determine approximately how many litres of water you’ll need. Obviously, more people means more water, meaning a larger tank. Typically, a 22L water tank should be good enough for two people for two days. A 30L water tank, on the other hand, will be enough for four people for two days.

As you can see, the length of your journey will also play a role in how big the tank should be. Generally, water tanks with a capacity of over 30L will be adequate for most caravan trips. Furthermore, if you intend on camping in a secluded area, you should go for as big of a water tank as you can afford and your caravan can fit. Additionally, if you intend on camping in a wet area, a galvanised steel water tank is recommended due to its corrosion-resistant properties.

If you intend on camping in a caravan park, then you can get away with a much smaller water tank. Most caravan parks provide access to clean water where you can refill your tank.
Last but not least, you have to consider the size of your caravan. If yours is small, or its walls are relatively weak, then avoid installing a water tank made from galvanised steel. Instead, get one that’s made from polyethylene plastic, nylon or PVC.

Maintaining Your Water Tank

Keeping your water tank clean is essential. Don’t use a garden hose to fill the freshwater tank. Instead, use hoses rated as food-grade. This will prevent the water from smelling or tasting like plastic. The freshwater, grey and black tanks should be drained and cleaned regularly to prevent bacteria build-up and foul odours. Chemical treatment is a must when cleaning the black water tank. Moreover, dump the grey and black water tank in a designated dump area. These dump areas are accessible at both caravan parks and in the city.

Accessories for Water Tanks

There are a couple of caravan water tank accessories that can help you improve the quality of the water you use, let you know how much water you have inside them, and adjust the flow rate. You can easily attach the water filter to the hose before you fill your tank. These accessories are relatively affordable, yet you’ll get a lot of use out of them. Tank cleaners will prevent the build-up of bacteria, mould and algae.

Conclusion

Water tanks are invaluable caravan parts for campers around the country. They won’t set you back much, yet they’ll provide access to much-needed clean water in remote areas where there is none. Caravan water tanks are available in a range of materials, shapes and sizes, suitable for every type of camper and caravan out there. There are also accessories that further improve the functionality and safety of the water tank.