FRESH WATER IN TANK WHILE TRAVELLING.

[Mtbcol]

Hello friends. When we had our self build campervan we used to fill our fresh water tank right up (40litres) now we have the Burstner we have 120 litres. We'll be mostly on campsites and aires when we head of to France on Sunday. I've read that it's best not to travel with a full water tank due to Extra braking distance, fuel economy etc.which if course is correct, but on the whole, how easy is it to find water around France ? ( we're heading to Annecy), this is only our second trip in Europe, so we're looking for advice please. Also what do people recommend as an amount if not to fill the tank up, I'm thinking 60 litres?

Thank you

Colin.

 

[SimonM]

I have a 180ltr tank, and I keep that full as long as I can. The main difference is I do not use campsites etc.

 

[Mtbcol]

Thanks Simon. We never used to in the UK but starting off slowly in Europe to see how it goes

 

[mark61]

I'd be surprised if an extra 60 kg of water will even add a metre to your braking distance. Might increase fuel consumption by 1 or 2 %

But, if staying on campsites and aires, you'll be able to top up every night stop.

 

[Mtbcol]

Thanks mark. I guess looking on line has involved some AI responses

 

[mark61]

Still, it makes sense to travel as light as possible. No point carrying litres of water around the country, when they'll be some where you are going.

 

[alcam]

Thanks Simon. We never used to in the UK but starting off slowly in Europe to see how it goes

Usually easy to get water all over France . To be honest if you don't tend to use campsites in the UK you'll find even less need in France

 

[bartman]

It is easy to get water in France as has been said. For instance, there is an aire at Annecy shown on the WC app which is free to stay and the water is free. However, in my experience where the water is free, in order to prevent wastage and misuse the tap is usually of the type where a button has to be pushed and held. Not very convenient. Also at some places there are risks of contamination where the drinking water tap is too close to the cassette rinsing. The app I have found most useful in conjunction with the WC app gives all this information and reviews, and also includes paid aires and sites. I don't think I'm allowed to mention the name but it is useful if you need to "search for sites"! There is a small annual fee, but it's well worth it

 

[r4dent]

100 L of water weighs 100kg which will be an increase of 100 / 3000 = 1/30th = 3% in the weight of your vehicle.

To accelerate or climb the energy required is related to the vehicle mass, and so fuel consumption will increase by 3% (in practice by less than 3% because more energy will be used overcoming air resistance) Typically thei will be a reduction of under 1 mpg.
To maintain a constant speed fuel consumption is not related to mass,
To brake requires the brakes to dissipate 3% more energy.

Conclusion, travelling with a full tank is the better solution.

 

[YeoBlade]

We always fill up whenever possible, we normally not sure where we'll be next. 13 yrs doing it this way has meant we have never run dry! Aires or wilding when in France.

 

[colinm]

Water is very easy to find in France, so if you are using sites no reason to change. It's only the last couple of decades the UK has started to catch up with the numbers of 'motorhome service points', when we first started using French campsites it was a eye opener how they where so much better set up for motorhomes.

 

[Mtbcol]

It is easy to get water in France as has been said. For instance, there is an aire at Annecy shown on the WC app which is free to stay and the water is free. However, in my experience where the water is free, in order to prevent wastage and misuse the tap is usually of the type where a button has to be pushed and held. Not very convenient. Also at some places there are risks of contamination where the drinking water tap is too close to the cassette rinsing. The app I have found most useful in conjunction with the WC app gives all this information and reviews, and also includes paid aires and sites. I don't think I'm allowed to mention the name but it is useful if you need to "search for sites"! There is a small annual fee, but it's well worth it

Thanks bartman, I'll have a " search for that site"

 

[Mtbcol]

100 L of water weighs 100kg which will be an increase of 100 / 3000 = 1/30th = 3% in the weight of your vehicle.

To accelerate or climb the energy required is related to the vehicle mass, and so fuel consumption will increase by 3% (in practice by less than 3% because more energy will be used overcoming air resistance) Typically thei will be a reduction of under 1 mpg.
To maintain a constant speed fuel consumption is not related to mass,
To brake requires the brakes to dissipate 3% more energy.

Conclusion, travelling with a full tank is the better solution.

Wow! . Thank you r4dent, I'm glad you added the conclusion. Full tank it is then