If you are planning to buy a water tank in a camper motorhome right now, the first step is to accurately measure the free space in the vehicle niche. Standard dimensions are rarely perfect, and an error in the calculations per couple of centimeters can lead to the inability to install the selected model. Tightness And the method of fastening are factors that determine not only the ease of operation, but also the safety of the entire structure during movement over rough terrain.
Incorrectly selected container can become a source of constant vibration or leaks, which is critical for the interior of the residential module. Before ordering, you need to clearly understand the difference between technically and potable Water is used because the materials used for storage are different. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances to ensure that your autonomous water supply system works flawlessly in all conditions.
Criteria for the choice of material and tank design
The market offers several basic options for the performance of containers, and each of them has its advantages. The most popular solution is polyethyleneIt is easy and resistant to corrosion. Such tanks are often produced by rotational molding, which ensures the absence of seams and high strength of the walls.
Aluminum models are less common and are usually installed outside or in special technical compartments. Metal better withstands temperature changes, but requires protection from electrochemical corrosion in contact with other metals of the frame. Plastic The tanks are devoid of this drawback, but can deform when fully filled if they do not have internal stiffness ribs.
⚠️ Note: When buying a tank of food plastic, be sure to require a certificate of conformity. The use of technical containers for storing drinking water is unacceptable due to the risk of release of toxic substances.
The design of the neck also plays an important role in ease of use. The wide hatch makes it easy to carry out cleaning and disinfect the inner walls, removing sediment and biofilm. Narrow necks make maintenance difficult, turning it into a complex procedure using special brushes and chemistry.
Comparison of materials
Plastic is lighter and cheaper, but afraid of ultraviolet. Aluminum is stronger but more expensive and requires anti-corrosion treatment.
Capacity volume and autonomy calculation
The choice of tank volume directly depends on the number of people in the crew and the duration of planned parking without the possibility of replenishment of stocks. The average tourist needs 30 to 50 liters of water per day per person, when hygiene and cooking are taken into account. For a couples trip on the weekend, there is often enough capacity in the 60-80 litres.
However, it should be remembered that water is one of the heaviest cargoes in a camper. One liter of water weighs one kilogram, so installing a 200 liter tank will increase the weight of the car by 200 kg plus the weight of the capacity itself. It has a significant impact. fuel and acceleration dynamics, as well as the load on the suspension and brake system.
The best solution is often the installation of two separate containers: one for drinking water of a smaller volume and one large for technical needs. This saves the life of filters and facilitates the weight balancing of the motorhome. Weight distribution by side It is a key factor for the stability of a high vehicle on the road.
Heating and thermal insulation systems
Operation of the motorhome in the cold season requires special attention to the water supply system. If you plan to go out in the winter, a regular water tank in a camper motorhome will not be enough to buy - a model with a built-in model is necessary. heating Or the possibility of mounting it. Electric heating elements prevent water from freezing and the formation of ice stoppers in highways.
Thermal insulation of the walls of the container also plays an important role. Foamed polyethylene or other insulating materials slow the cooling of heated water and protect against rapid freezing at negative temperatures. The lack of insulation can lead to the rupture of the housing when the ice expands.
For effective operation of heating in severe frosts, it is recommended to additionally insulate not only the tank, but also the pipelines suitable for it, using a heating cable.
The power of heating elements usually varies from 100 to 300 watts. When choosing, consider your options. power-system. If you rely only on battery packs, a powerful TEN can quickly discharge them. In such cases, it is preferable to use flow heaters or start heating the tank only from the generator or external 220V network.
Installation and fixing of the container in the body
High-quality fastening of the tank is a guarantee of safety. Capacity must be fixed at least four points of support to avoid displacement of the center of gravity during sharp maneuvers. They're used for fasteners. metallic with rubber gaskets that prevent rubbing of plastic or metal on the body.
When installing, it is important to ensure a slight slope towards the drain hole to allow the system to be completely empty. This is especially true when conserving a motorhome for the winter. Incorrect installation can lead to the formation of “pockets”, where water will stagnate.
☑️ Checklist before installation
The table below shows the main parameters that should be considered when choosing the method of attachment and installation location:
| Parameter | Internal installation | External installation | Sub-frame installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature regime | Warmth of the cabin | Depends on the weather. | Strong cooling. |
| Protection against damage | Tall. | Medium | Low (need protection) |
| Use of volume | Takes up a place inside | No seat. | No seat. |
| Difficulty of installation | Medium | Tall. | Tall. |
Pumping equipment and automation
Water in a modern camper is rarely used, as it requires placing the tank above the point of dissection, which is difficult to implement in a compact motorhome. Therefore, together with the container usually acquire pump-station. Membrane pumps with automatic pressure switching are the industry standard.
The pump capacity should correspond to the volume of the tank and the number of points of water extraction. For one crane, a pump with a capacity of 8-10 liters per minute is enough. If you plan to use a shower and wash simultaneously, you will need a more powerful unit or system with a large number of devices. A hydrocharger that smooths out pressure surges.
⚠️ Warning: The operation of the pump "dry" (without water) leads to its rapid failure. Make sure that the system has dry run protection or monitor the water level in the tank.
Control automation includes a pressure relay that closes the circuit when the crane is opened. Setting the on and off thresholds avoids frequent “blinking” of light in the camper and hydraulic shocks in the pipeline. High-quality automation extends the life of the entire water supply system.
Maintenance and winter conservation
Regular maintenance of the water supply system includes disinfection of the tank and checking filters. Even if you only use proven drinking water, over time, a biofilm forms inside the container. For cleaning, special tablets based on chlorine or peroxide are used, which are safe for plastic and metal.
Preparing for winter is a critical stage. If the motorhome remains in the cold, the water must be completely drained. To remove residues from the pump and highways, compressed air or an ice-free liquid (antifreeze for water systems) is often used, which is then also completely removed.
Complete draining of water and blowing the system with air is the only reliable way to maintain the integrity of the tank and pump when storing the camper in winter without heating.
Coarse and fine cleaning filters require regular replacement. A clogged filter creates additional load on the pump and reduces water pressure. Visual inspection of transparent filter bulbs helps to determine the pollution and maintenance needs in time.
Where to buy and what to pay attention to when ordering
You can buy a water tank in the camper motorhome in specialized shops of motorhomes, through online platforms or by ordering manufacturing for sizes from profile manufacturers. When ordering via the Internet, carefully study the overall drawings, as the photo can distort the real proportions of the product.
Pay attention to the equipment: the presence of a drain plug, fasteners and instructions. Cheap analogues may not have reinforced seats under the clamps, which will require additional refinement before installation. Guarantee period The availability of service support is also important, especially for complex heated systems.
When choosing a supplier, you should inquire about the availability of spare parts and consumables: covers, gaskets, heating elements. This will allow you to quickly fix the malfunction in the future without the need to replace the entire tank.
Logistics Council
Large tanks of more than 100 litres are often shipped by transport companies in wooden crates. Consider the cost of delivery and the dimensions of the cargo when calculating the budget.
Which tank material is better to choose for a hot climate?
For hot climates, it is preferable to use tanks of light-tight plastic (usually black or blue) or metal containers. Light resistance prevents water blooming and algae reproduction inside the tank. Metal tanks better reflect the sun’s heat, but require quality insulation to prevent water from heating excessively.
Can I use a tank of technical liquids for water?
It's not recommended. Even after thorough washing, traces of chemicals can remain in the micropores of the plastic, which will gradually wash into the water. In addition, technical containers are often made of plastic not designed for prolonged contact with food and can release harmful substances.
How often should I change the water in the car?
The water in the tank is recommended to be updated every 2-3 days of active use. If the motorhome is idle, the water should be drained completely. Long-term storage of water (more than a week) without circulation and disinfection leads to the appearance of an unpleasant odor and the reproduction of bacteria.
Do I need to keep my car in the air if I don’t drive in the winter?
If you are guaranteed not to operate the motorhome at negative temperatures, additional tank insulation is not strictly mandatory, but desirable. Thermal insulation will help keep the water cool in the summer heat and prevent heating from warm car nodes, which is especially important for tanks located under the hood or next to the exhaust system.