RV Wheel Well Water Tanks: Everything You Want to Know

Are you traveling around in your RV or planning to get one? It would help if you understood different aspects of campers so that you can live peacefully with them. RV kitchen sinks and different parts of water-related items should mainly be considered, as water will be the most essential part of your life in the RV. Here is all you need to know about wheel-well water tanks and how they can help you differently.

What is an RV wheel well water tank?

The RV wheel well water tanks use the empty and wasted space around the wheel. This interior potable storage tank solution keeps water in the RV. It is made from BPA-free food-grade plastic that keeps the water fresh and ready to drink. These water tanks help use the space around the passenger or driver-side rear wheel wells. The task fit all snugly against the van’s walls and over the interior rear wheel wells.

What size water tank should I get for my RV?

Average RVs have the power to carry around 20-100 gallons of water in the water tanks, which lets the owners be peaceful and rest assured that they won’t have a water shortage on the road. Your water tank size is also one of the most important factors to consider, as this will keep your journey happy or turn it into a fussy one where you are searching for water repeatedly.

The common size of freshwater tanks in RVs is 40 gallons, and this water will last for people according to their capacity for use.  You have to think about different factors that will impact your water needs. It would help if you thought of the water required for bathing and cleaning, the number of people living in the RV, the number of days you will spend boondocking, the amount of water used for hydration and cooking, etc. Consider these factors carefully and determine how much water you require on your journey. Running out of fresh water can be dangerous, even life-threatening.

How do I choose the material for my RV water tank?

There are several options for selecting the materials for your RV water tanks. The types of plastics that are available in these water tanks include polypropylene, polyethylene, and BPA-free. It is essential to understand what you will use for your water tanks and what kind of wear and tear they must go through before you finalize a water tank material.

Different factors, like elevated temperatures, UV exposure, environmental stress cracking, etc., can cause your water tank to rupture or not work as ideally as you want. However, once you go through these factors and consider your future journeys, you can finalize the suitable material for your RV water tank.

For health regulations, you should choose BPA-free material because when BPA products gradually break down, they release certain toxins into the environment and, hence, into your water storage. Polyethylene is an excellent material for water tanks, but you should ensure it is not BPA-free.

Can I install a wheel well water tank in an RV?

You might have heard of the wheel well water tank that fits snuggly in the space present over the wheels of the RV. And yes, you can install the wheel well water tank in all RVs with enough space over the wheels to fit in a large water tank for your usage and needs. You can get different sizes of these water tanks that will provide way to your RV sinks and faucets. These water tanks mostly store fresh water that you will use for drinking, cooking, or bathing in the RV.

How do I install an RV wheel well water tank?

Installing a wheel well water tank in the RV is as simple as efficiently working these water tanks. You must place the water tank in the space over the wheel well and adjust the tank. Then screw it into its place so that it doesn’t move when you are driving around. This will provide you with the best freshwater supply during your travels without even occupying any of your usable space in the RV.

While installing the water tank, also make sure you have the whole water system planned out to attach refill ports and water supply sources in the water tanks so that water can flow to the RV sinks and faucets without any hassle.

How long will a 33-gallon water tank last?

The water tanks you have with you on your journeys will run out of water based on your water usage. The number of people you have on board and the frequency with which you use the freshwater will affect how fast you will have to get a refill. For a two-person trip, a 33-gallon water tank can easily last five days without restricting water usage. After that, you will have to get a refill, so you must plan your trips to keep in check with the water sources you spot on the way.

What are the benefits of using a wheel well water tank in my RV?

There are many advantages of having over-the-wheel well water tanks installed in your RV. Space conservation is the top benefit and the biggest sale point of these tanks. You don’t have to sacrifice your RV indoor space to have water tanks. Instead, the water tanks go over the wheel well, and you enjoy the freedom of space in the RV. Besides this, these tanks run long and give you fresh water with heavy-duty material. This material is fit for wear and tear and lasts long without damage.

How do I maintain and clean an RV water tank?

If you are traveling in your RV after a while, you should clean up all the parts that can directly or indirectly impact your trip. This also includes cleaning and maintaining your RV water tank. So, here is what you can do to clean the water tank.

• Empty your water tank:
  Turn the water pump and heater off. Locate the tank drain valve under your RV and open it to let the remaining water out. Close this valve once fully drained.
  
• Prepare the cleaning solution:
  You can follow the manufacturer’s suggestions for this part.
  
• Add the prepared cleaning solution into your tank:
  Now, use a funnel to add cleaning solution to your tank, and then use a hosepipe to fill the tank with clean water.
  
• Also, clean the pipes:
  Now, pump the cleaning solution and clean the water into the pipes. Close the taps and let this mixture sit in the pipes for a while. This duration can last from 1 to 24 hours for proper cleaning.
  
• Drain and rinse:
  Now you can drain the pipes and water tank fully. Also, blow air through these pipes using the air mattress pump and rinse thoroughly using fresh and clean water.

1. How do I winterize my RV water tank?

Once the temperature drops, your RV also requires some protection from the weather. Water expands while it freezes, which can cause leaking or even bursting of pipes in the RV drain lines or water supply. The main goal is to replace the water in the lines using antifreeze that stays liquid even at low temperatures.

To winterize the RV, you will have to do the following:

• Remove the water filters
• Drain the tanks
• The rainwater heater and also the lines
• Bypass the water heater
• Add the antifreeze in it
• Also, remove the batteries and store them indoors if you are not using the RV in winter.

This will keep your RV and its water system safe from the winter and dropping temperatures. You will be able to enjoy your summer voyages in the RV with ease without having to spend a dime on extra maintenance.

How do I know if my RV water tank is compatible with my plumbing system?

It is quite easy to overlook the plumbing system in your RV. Good RV plumbing will make you feel at home, even on the roads, having hot showers during the morning and a fully functional toilet with potable water flowing through the sink.

Your plumbing system should have materials suitable for your RV water tank so that you have an adequate water supply on your journeys. The plumbing should be food-grade camper sinks and faucets, as ordinary faucets and hoses have a funky taste and can deteriorate with use, making you sick.

Conclusion

Maximizing water storage in your RV is essential for a comfortable and convenient journey. RV wheel well water tanks provide a smart solution by utilizing previously unused spaces, ensuring you have a reliable water supply without sacrificing valuable living areas. Understanding the different aspects of RV water systems, from choosing the right tank size to installing and maintaining your water tank, can greatly enhance your RV living experience.

TORVA’s range of van sinks, faucets, and water tanks are designed to meet the unique needs of RV owners, providing high-quality, durable solutions that make life on the road easier. Whether you are planning a short trip or embarking on a long adventure, having the right water storage system in place is crucial.

If you want to learn more about optimizing your RV’s water system, follow TORVA—the expert in mobile space water treatment solutions. With a wide range of products specifically designed for various camper van models, TORVA ensures you have the best experience on the road. Stay connected for more tips and guides to enhance your RV adventures and make every journey as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.