I'm a total newbie and learning the traditional way by trial and (lots of) error.
The single-axle caravan comes with three 95-litre potable water tanks and one grey water tank. Each tank can be filled separately. Any one can then be used for in-caravan use. Two tanks are in front of the axle with one behind.
I'm traveling solo so my current thoughts are that I use only the one furthest forward for dynamic stability while towing between parks ... and fill the second in front of the axle only if intending to free-camp. Unfortunately this only just occurred to me so all three have been filled at various times.
I'm interested in comments re the proposal but mainly I'd appreciate comments about how to "dry out" the unused rear tank - and the middle tank if not free-camping. I assume leaving it with whatever water the pump can't remove is asking for trouble.
On the positive side, being able to shift weight like this does mean that I can manipulate the ball weight since the obligatory generator and tools are in the rear lockers (behind the axle).
Sounds like a good plan, Marshall
To have the front tank full and the other two potable water tanks empty, while travelling, and fill the three tanks, closer to any free camps you are going to visit, as less weight is usually better fuel consumption
I only have two potable water tanks, one higher than the other, and the pump in the original lower tank
I normally do not worry about emptying the tanks, until I start travelling after a lengthy park up, at home, I then empty and refill prior to travelling
The original tank came with a valve to empty it, which (in theory) is below the pump pick up hose
The small amount of water, in the unused tanks, should (in theory), evaporate through the breather hose
Hi Marshall,
I'm curious - what breed of van do you have?
The nominal load for a single axle caravan is 300kg (370 if a shower/toilet is fitted). Some HD ones can carry more.
You have 3 x 95L tanks - that's 285kg. Personally, I'd keep some water in your rear tank for most of the time - it all depends on balance, sway control & ball weight.
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Warren
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If you don't get it done today, there's always tomorrow!
Warren, to answer your questions, its a 2018 off-road Bushmaster Bluegum (but with optional aluminium chassis and frame) so comes fully loaded with toilet/shower/washing machine/pull-out kitchen etc.
The compliance plate says Tare: 2260 kg and ATM: 2750 kg so payload is close enough to 500kg.
Its been fitted with the Dexter anti-sway as my reading of the specs say this is superior to the Alko ESC that is normally fitted.
I aim for a towball weight of 250 kg. The en-suite is behind the axle, as are 50kg or so of the obligatory generator and tools, so I need to keep the water in front of the axle if Im to retain anything close to 250kg on the towbar. This also fits my understanding of the chaos and pendulum characteristics that are the subject of many other threads and which (as I understand it) calls for the centre of gravity to be as close to the towing vehicle as possible.
Im mostly free-camping so traveling with the one tank full (and sponge-showering).
It depends on the particular rig and how it tows. On my van I prefer full tanks as it lowers the centre of gravity somewhat and makes the van a touch more stable, but it is really all about your setup and preferences.
