Water Tank - 19.9 gal on-board / removable custom solution

[darkhorse13]

Hey everyone,
Figured I'd share a water tank option for anyone taking longer trips. My wife and I usually carry (3) Reliance brand 6gal blue jugs on our 3 day+ trips. I usually pack these and strap them down at the front of the bed. Given the fact that they are the first thing in and the last thing out at a campsite, it's become cumbersome to crawl in and out of the bed to remove all the other gear (first-world problems I know).

I went to The Metal Company (ironic right) in Arvada CO for a custom 19.9 gal tank (model #10190). They have an online catalog and tons of tanks to choose from. The price point is significantly lower than Front Runner's (my tank was $95) and they will custom spin any type of outlet/nipple/filler/vent that you want. I also like the fact that the tank is transparent-ish to see the water level (they will do black too). I ended up with a fill port (1 x 1/4"), vent port (1/2") and (3) female 1/2" ports placed where I wanted them. I shopped at Amazon/Home Depot for the MNPT fittings and 1/2" ID vinyl water tubing.

I also purchased a Front Runner Locking water tap for a cool little gravity fed water spigot at the rear bumper reflector location. I glued a magnet into the cap so I would not be as prone to setting it on the tailgate and losing it. Again, all of the barb end fittings are 1/2" OD. At the other side of the tank I mounted a SEAFLO 3.0gpm 45psi 12v pump (that surprise is coming in a new thread soon)

Overall the water tank size has less of a foot print than the Reliance jugs and can be removed with the quick fittings at the spigot tube side of the tank. I attached a few pics of the custom spigot work and water tubing placement. The spigot only protrudes about the same if not less than the tow hook so I am not concerned (yet) about smacking it coming off a ledge. Also, the last pic with the blue line drawing represents the routing of the water hose. It simply sits on top of the plastic wheel liner and sandwiches against the frame. It pops out at the top of the frame rail. Not close to the exhaust or interfering with anything.

Enjoy!

Sponsored

 

[Rubi_Rhod]

Awesome install!!! And great price points for things and great practicality. I have been dreaming of onboard water. Its the thing I miss most of my RV. But with winter its hard to do something permanent so has to be semi modular.

This is slick. Thanks for sharing.

 

[darkhorse13]

Awesome install!!! And great price points for things and great practicality. I have been dreaming of onboard water. Its the thing I miss most of my RV. But with winter its hard to do something permanent so has to be semi modular.

This is slick. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks! Yeah I've been jealous of all my friends with 4W Campers and AluCab Canopy Campers that have on-board water. Just with (1) quick disconnect and un-doing the strap the tank is out. Super easy... unless it's full. Ha!

 

[Mac]

Cool, nice job with photos of it as well!!

 

[jurfie]

This is awesome, thanks for sharing!

 

[AmishMike]

Great install and thanks for the pictures so we can copy your amazingness. Now add a copper coil around your exhaust and instant hot (okay maybe warm) water.

 

[darkhorse13]

Great install and thanks for the pictures so we can copy your amazingness. Now add a copper coil around your exhaust and instant hot (okay maybe warm) water.

A new post is coming very soon in regards to the hot water

Copy away!!!

 

[smlobx]

Wow! How did I miss this thread??
I have been waiting for the FrontRunner tank to come in and have been waiting for months. I will be checking this out today and see if it can fit my space.

Did I understand that they will install the fittings anywhere you want?
Also, where/how did you route the water line through the bed? I’ve been struggling with how to best do this...

Thanks again!

PS. In reviewing the catalog and your choice for fitting why did you use the ones you did in their location? Thanks. Can you give me the part #’s?

PPS. We used that water fitting on our expeditions in Africa and they worked very well. I love how you did the location.

 

[darkhorse13]

Wow! How did I miss this thread??
I have been waiting for the FrontRunner tank to come in and have been waiting for months. I will be checking this out today and see if it can fit my space.

Did I understand that they will install the fittings anywhere you want?
Also, where/how did you route the water line through the bed? I’ve been struggling with how to best do this...

Thanks again!

PS. In reviewing the catalog and your choice for fitting why did you use the ones you did in their location? Thanks. Can you give me the part #’s?

PPS. We used that water fitting on our expeditions in Africa and they worked very well. I love how you did the location.

Thanks! I was tired of waiting on Frontrunner and this tank is larger, over half the price cheaper and fully customizable

All of your questions are addressed in the opening post

1) I went to The Metal Company (ironic right) in Arvada CO for a custom 19.9 gal tank (model #10190). All of the barb end fittings are 1/2" OD. I shopped at Amazon/Home Depot for the MNPT fittings and 1/2" ID vinyl water tubing. The Metal Co does not sell the barb ends... they only made the tank and spun the fittings on. I don't have the part #'s from Home Depot... again any 1/2" NPT fitting will work

2)They will custom spin any type of outlet/nipple/filler/vent that you want. I chose the locations for my application of the gravity line side and pump side.

3) Please see pics for hose routing... I drilled directly into the side of the bed

John

 

[Mules]

Hey everyone,
Figured I'd share a water tank option for anyone taking longer trips. My wife and I usually carry (3) Reliance brand 6gal blue jugs on our 3 day+ trips. I usually pack these and strap them down at the front of the bed. Given the fact that they are the first thing in and the last thing out at a campsite, it's become cumbersome to crawl in and out of the bed to remove all the other gear (first-world problems I know).

I went to The Metal Company (ironic right) in Arvada CO for a custom 19.9 gal tank (model #10190). They have an online catalog and tons of tanks to choose from. The price point is significantly lower than Front Runner's (my tank was $95) and they will custom spin any type of outlet/nipple/filler/vent that you want. I also like the fact that the tank is transparent-ish to see the water level (they will do black too). I ended up with a fill port (1 x 1/4"), vent port (1/2") and (3) female 1/2" ports placed where I wanted them. I shopped at Amazon/Home Depot for the MNPT fittings and 1/2" ID vinyl water tubing.

I also purchased a Front Runner Locking water tap for a cool little gravity fed water spigot at the rear bumper reflector location. I glued a magnet into the cap so I would not be as prone to setting it on the tailgate and losing it. Again, all of the barb end fittings are 1/2" OD. At the other side of the tank I mounted a SEAFLO 3.0gpm 45psi 12v pump (that surprise is coming in a new thread soon)

Overall the water tank size has less of a foot print than the Reliance jugs and can be removed with the quick fittings at the spigot tube side of the tank. I attached a few pics of the custom spigot work and water tubing placement. The spigot only protrudes about the same if not less than the tow hook so I am not concerned (yet) about smacking it coming off a ledge. Also, the last pic with the blue line drawing represents the routing of the water hose. It simply sits on top of the plastic wheel liner and sandwiches against the frame. It pops out at the top of the frame rail. Not close to the exhaust or interfering with anything.

Enjoy!

Nice idea having the spigot on the bumper!

 

[darkhorse13]

Nice idea having the spigot on the bumper!

Thanks! To be honest this was the original plan before the shower was even considered. Not having to move the 5gal blue jugs in and out of the bed after everything is packed just for a drink of water is nice

 

[Knolow]

Awesome support to the community. Definition of selfless sacrifice coming back and explaining with details. Thank you for the help and responses. Subscribed!!!!!

 

[darkhorse13]

Awesome support to the community. Definition of selfless sacrifice coming back and explaining with details. Thank you for the help and responses. Subscribed!!!!!

Aww thanks! Can't wait to see your setup soon.

 

[KurtP]

Hey everyone,
Figured I'd share a water tank option for anyone taking longer trips. My wife and I usually carry (3) Reliance brand 6gal blue jugs on our 3 day+ trips. I usually pack these and strap them down at the front of the bed. Given the fact that they are the first thing in and the last thing out at a campsite, it's become cumbersome to crawl in and out of the bed to remove all the other gear (first-world problems I know).

I went to The Metal Company (ironic right) in Arvada CO for a custom 19.9 gal tank (model #10190). They have an online catalog and tons of tanks to choose from. The price point is significantly lower than Front Runner's (my tank was $95) and they will custom spin any type of outlet/nipple/filler/vent that you want. I also like the fact that the tank is transparent-ish to see the water level (they will do black too). I ended up with a fill port (1 x 1/4"), vent port (1/2") and (3) female 1/2" ports placed where I wanted them. I shopped at Amazon/Home Depot for the MNPT fittings and 1/2" ID vinyl water tubing.

I also purchased a Front Runner Locking water tap for a cool little gravity fed water spigot at the rear bumper reflector location. I glued a magnet into the cap so I would not be as prone to setting it on the tailgate and losing it. Again, all of the barb end fittings are 1/2" OD. At the other side of the tank I mounted a SEAFLO 3.0gpm 45psi 12v pump (that surprise is coming in a new thread soon)

Overall the water tank size has less of a foot print than the Reliance jugs and can be removed with the quick fittings at the spigot tube side of the tank. I attached a few pics of the custom spigot work and water tubing placement. The spigot only protrudes about the same if not less than the tow hook so I am not concerned (yet) about smacking it coming off a ledge. Also, the last pic with the blue line drawing represents the routing of the water hose. It simply sits on top of the plastic wheel liner and sandwiches against the frame. It pops out at the top of the frame rail. Not close to the exhaust or interfering with anything.

Enjoy!

Great install. Well done

 

[Knolow]

My tank is on the way!

Sponsored