I am starting to do some refinements to my vehicle (2010 Tacoma Access Cab with a Go Fast Camper) now that I have fixed most of the small maintenance issues that have had me considering a new platform. One area that I don't have much experience in is the water system. Currently I have 2 5-gallon military water cans from LCI (link here) along with 2 1-gallon jugs that stay in the fridge for thermal balancing (and cold water). This is combined with assorted Nalgene containers, camelbacks and of course some adult beverages. Over many trips I have found that this volume of water is sufficient for me and the mutt on a 4 day weekend trip in hot weather, making this my baseline for water storage requirements (10 gallons minimum tankage). So, if it has been working for the last 8 years why change it? First, I want to remove the cans from the truck bed to clear up space. Second, I want to have easy access to the water supply at the tailgate (my kitchen). Third, I want the option to include a filtration system before the water goes into storage. Last (and most importantly) I can't leave anything alone.
Right now I am considering three options:
1: Keep using jerry cans for storage and add a faucet/pump to the cans. Use a camping filter on suspect water sources to purify water before it goes into the cans.
Pro: Simple and cheap. Bulk water is portable (fill a radiator or refill a can without moving the vehicle). Cans can be moved to optimize load plan and/or vehicle weight-balance. Two cans are redundant, a leak won't lose all stored water.
Con: Cans still take up valuable space in the cargo area. Access to water requires cans to move from storage location to where they are used (unless a long-hose pump system is used). Will need a way to pre-filter water (I have a one gallon gravity filter already).
2: Purchase a Front Runner flat tank and mount it against the front of the bed.
Pro: Doesn't take up much space (less than 3 inches thick). Moves the water CG to the front of the bed for weight distribution. Can be gravity fed to the tailgate if the tank is mounted a few inches above the bed floor, or can use a pump.
Con: Tank costs over $200. CG of the water will be higher than when using jerry cans. Will need a way to pre-filter water. Filling water tank requires moving the vehicle. A system leak will lose all stored water.
3: Build a system from parts and mount it under the bed in the spare tire location. The system will have a 10 gallon tank, an electric pump, fill spout and hose system to reach the tailgate. Amazon links to a Pump and Tank
Pro: Does not use any space in the load area. Total system cost depends on components but should be close to $200. On-demand, pressurized water. Lowest possible CG for the water.
Con: Complex system that can fail. Tank is vulnerable under vehicle (will need some type of skid plate). Filling tank means moving the vehicle. Any leak means all water is gone. 100+ lbs behind the rear axle.
Right now I am leaning towards option 2 but I need to examine how to mount the tank and if the gravity feed idea will work (or if the tank can be pressurized slightly). I don't want to add the water storage in the cab as I have the interior built out the way I want it already and that would also require a system to pass water from the interior to the tailgate.
So, what are your thoughts? What do you use for your water system?
Right now I am considering three options:
1: Keep using jerry cans for storage and add a faucet/pump to the cans. Use a camping filter on suspect water sources to purify water before it goes into the cans.
Pro: Simple and cheap. Bulk water is portable (fill a radiator or refill a can without moving the vehicle). Cans can be moved to optimize load plan and/or vehicle weight-balance. Two cans are redundant, a leak won't lose all stored water.
Con: Cans still take up valuable space in the cargo area. Access to water requires cans to move from storage location to where they are used (unless a long-hose pump system is used). Will need a way to pre-filter water (I have a one gallon gravity filter already).
2: Purchase a Front Runner flat tank and mount it against the front of the bed.
Con: Tank costs over $200. CG of the water will be higher than when using jerry cans. Will need a way to pre-filter water. Filling water tank requires moving the vehicle. A system leak will lose all stored water.
3: Build a system from parts and mount it under the bed in the spare tire location. The system will have a 10 gallon tank, an electric pump, fill spout and hose system to reach the tailgate. Amazon links to a Pump and Tank
Pro: Does not use any space in the load area. Total system cost depends on components but should be close to $200. On-demand, pressurized water. Lowest possible CG for the water.
Con: Complex system that can fail. Tank is vulnerable under vehicle (will need some type of skid plate). Filling tank means moving the vehicle. Any leak means all water is gone. 100+ lbs behind the rear axle.
Right now I am leaning towards option 2 but I need to examine how to mount the tank and if the gravity feed idea will work (or if the tank can be pressurized slightly). I don't want to add the water storage in the cab as I have the interior built out the way I want it already and that would also require a system to pass water from the interior to the tailgate.
So, what are your thoughts? What do you use for your water system?