Water Tanks in Cargo Storage Systems ? // Frontrunner Water Tanks

[pmostaghim]

Hi.

Question for those of you who have made / purchased cargo storage systems:

Are there any of you who have included a water tank as a part of the storage system? While there is available room on a roof rack, i want to avoid putting my potable water inside a plastic bin ("BPA-free" isn't as safe as advertised) which can and will likely heat up in the warmer months. I would like to be as space-efficient as possible and would thus want, also, to avoid losing any seating space.

Does anyone have experience with the Frontrunner Slanted Water Tank https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.com/en/us/water-solutions/front-runner-slanted-water-tank.html ?

The dimensions are 40" W x 14" L x 8"-6" (tapered) H.

Of the 35" available depth of the cargo hold, I was entertaining the idea of building a box that would lie flush with the water tank, which would also be flush with the rear seats. This would theoretically leave, if my calculations are correct, about 27" of available space to fit the storage system. This makes it rather complicated, I think, as having a metre of drawer space gives both extra storage and some breathing room for refrigerators / coolers. My 65L Yeti, in this setup, wouldn't be able to fit (appx. 30.5" L) - and as my primary food storage bin, well, that sucks for me.

Frontrunner offers another system which could fit in my specific situation, however, at a slight loss to water capacity. Kinda stinks, but it seems like the most feasible option as of now?

They offer yet another option which fits in the leg-space of the rear seats, but that seems like a colossal waste of space. Defeats the purpose.

Are there any other water storage systems that you all could recommend? I've done a fair bit of research and I haven't found anything.

--

Would appreciate any feedback, suggestions, or other commentary.

Cheers!

Pasha



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Jetboy]

Where are you planning to go? I prefer a filter and 5 gallons of water onboard unless I'm heading to remote desert areas. A filter is small and light. Water is bulky and heavy. I avoid carrying a lot unless I'm going to the desert. Just my $.02.

These are 2.5 Gallons each, and cost $3. They're available at every grocery store. They're recyclable and have a lot less risk of making you sick than your water tank that hasn't been cleaned well in 2 years and is full of god knows what kind of bacteria. If anything measure one of these and build a rack for as many as you think you'll need. I almost always carry one extra for hikers/backpackers/bicycles out in desert areas and refill their water too. Helps make for a better relationship. And they're cheap enough it's a group of hikers in a remote area it's easy to give them the extra container long as they agree to pack the container out.

 

[LOLSNOW]

I struggled with this too - especially in terms of space efficiency. After thinking about it I went and built my own tank out of aluminum which holds approx 25 gallons that mounts to the frame where the spare tire used to be. If you're looking to hold a lot of water this may be the best solution for you.

 

[JDM4LO]

I'll end up doing Front Runner's roof rack mounted water tank, with a hitch mounted Water Port. The FRO 11 gal tank will serve to refill the 3 gallon pressurized Water Port tank.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[DannyLlama]

I use this - https://www.thewaterport.com/ and I am very happy with it..

The only down fall is its only three gallons, with two people its good for about three days. Depending on usage of course.

 

[zmatt]

I use this - https://www.thewaterport.com/ and I am very happy with it..

The only down fall is its only three gallons, with two people its good for about three days. Depending on usage of course.

That is cool, how did you attach it?

 

[DannyLlama]

I used industrial sized zip ties, Home depot sells them. They come in handy in other situations too, on one of our trips, one of the other guys used the them to hold his sway bar in place after popping one of the sway bar links.

Anyway, the vendor also sells hitch mounts and his own rack mount. Great guy to work with. Follow him on IG and he puts out free shipping/20% off sales

 

[Jhalko]

Where are you planning to go? I prefer a filter and 5 gallons of water onboard unless I'm heading to remote desert areas. A filter is small and light. Water is bulky and heavy. I avoid carrying a lot unless I'm going to the desert. Just my $.02.

These are 2.5 Gallons each, and cost $3. They're available at every grocery store. They're recyclable and have a lot less risk of making you sick than your water tank that hasn't been cleaned well in 2 years and is full of god knows what kind of bacteria. If anything measure one of these and build a rack for as many as you think you'll need. I almost always carry one extra for hikers/backpackers/bicycles out in desert areas and refill their water too. Helps make for a better relationship. And they're cheap enough it's a group of hikers in a remote area it's easy to give them the extra container long as they agree to pack the container out.

At $3 a pop it won't take long to hit the cost of a Rotopax, which is what I use for water. Can alway use a few drops of bleach after each use to kill anything in there. I doubt the two gallons of water you'd add costs much from the tap. Then there is the altitude issue, may not be an issue for most but my last two water storage solutions developed leaks because of it.

 

[JSparky]

I've used these Scepter military water containers for years and haven't had a single problem. There's an o-ring sealed pressure release so it pours without glugging, I suppose you could use it to adjust for altitude as well. Use purified water if you want to avoid things growing in your water tanks.

Scepter Water Cans - Scepter Military Water Cans - Scepter Watre Cans for sale, Scepter Military Fuel Cans, Military Water Cans, MWC, (MWC), Scepter 2.5 gallon water cans, Scepter 5 gallon water cans, Scepter 10 liter water cans, Scepter 20 liter wat

 

[jmswts]

Where are you planning to go? I prefer a filter and 5 gallons of water onboard unless I'm heading to remote desert areas. A filter is small and light. Water is bulky and heavy. I avoid carrying a lot unless I'm going to the desert. Just my $.02.

These are 2.5 Gallons each, and cost $3. They're available at every grocery store. They're recyclable and have a lot less risk of making you sick than your water tank that hasn't been cleaned well in 2 years and is full of god knows what kind of bacteria. If anything measure one of these and build a rack for as many as you think you'll need. I almost always carry one extra for hikers/backpackers/bicycles out in desert areas and refill their water too. Helps make for a better relationship. And they're cheap enough it's a group of hikers in a remote area it's easy to give them the extra container long as they agree to pack the container out.

Yep, these fit perfect in the cupped side areas behind the wheel wells. Sometimes between grocery stops I cut holes in the tops and fill them up at a campground then duc-tape the top closed again. I've searched for another solution but have yet to find something that justifies the cost and space any of those solutions will occupy.

I'd love something like this that fit in that same area:
https://youtu.be/rmCBigYcVv0

 

[Cymon]

Used these for our camping trip in Alaska...worked great!
https://www.rei.com/product/777828/reliance-jumbo-tainer-water-container-7-gal

 

[DesertCanyons]

water jugs inside T4R

Used these for our camping trip in Alaska...worked great!
https://www.rei.com/product/777828/reliance-jumbo-tainer-water-container-7-gal

I have two of the 5 gallon version from REI. I find it's hard to lift 7 gallons into and out of the car. It's too heavy. But these are better than a large tank that's fixed in the cargo space. And you don't have to fill the 7 gallon jugs full, over 5 gallons.

I take the back seats out for camping and put the heavy water and recovery gear behind the front seats on the floor. There it's at the center of the car and down low.

 

[Miguelon]

I struggled with this too - especially in terms of space efficiency. After thinking about it I went and built my own tank out of aluminum which holds approx 25 gallons that mounts to the frame where the spare tire used to be. If you're looking to hold a lot of water this may be the best solution for you.

Really like this idea! Do you have any diagrams or schematics?

 

[JSparky]

Oh yea, ARB makes an extended fridge slide as well. If you are or plan to run an ARB fridge with your storage system this could be an option, allowes you to carry among many things a 5 gallon water can behind your fridge. I run it with no complaints and fits a water container with the second row folded up.

http://www.arbusa.com/uploads/PDF/newProductAdvice/2014/ExtendedFridgeSlide_Retail.pdf

 

[Jetboy]

At $3 a pop it won't take long to hit the cost of a Rotopax, which is what I use for water. Can alway use a few drops of bleach after each use to kill anything in there. I doubt the two gallons of water you'd add costs much from the tap. Then there is the altitude issue, may not be an issue for most but my last two water storage solutions developed leaks because of it.

I refill them fairly frequently. They aren't usually a one use item for me. But I don't clean em. At most I put some lemonade mix in - acid will keep them bacteria free for a after refill. They have nice, leak free spouts and are large enough for the filter hose. They aren't ideal for filing with a garden hose though.

I have one of these also, but I rarely use it. It's easier IMO to use the smaller ones. Easier to set on a small camp table and move around as needed. And 3 or so of them pack easier than 1 big cube.

 

[RBE17]

Used these for our camping trip in Alaska...worked great!
https://www.rei.com/product/777828/reliance-jumbo-tainer-water-container-7-gal

My daughter and I used one of these when we went camping in July. It stored a lot of water, which was great. The down side was that it leaked from the threads. We could not leave it spout down. It wasn't a big deal for adults, but she's 11 and couldn't muscle it around to gain water access. I would've preferred it didn't leak and it sealed properly.

 

[pmostaghim]

Where are you planning to go? I prefer a filter and 5 gallons of water onboard unless I'm heading to remote desert areas. A filter is small and light. Water is bulky and heavy. I avoid carrying a lot unless I'm going to the desert. Just my $.02.

These are 2.5 Gallons each, and cost $3. They're available at every grocery store. They're recyclable and have a lot less risk of making you sick than your water tank that hasn't been cleaned well in 2 years and is full of god knows what kind of bacteria. If anything measure one of these and build a rack for as many as you think you'll need. I almost always carry one extra for hikers/backpackers/bicycles out in desert areas and refill their water too. Helps make for a better relationship. And they're cheap enough it's a group of hikers in a remote area it's easy to give them the extra container long as they agree to pack the container out.

Hey Jetboy - thanks for the response! I initially used those and found that I'd run out of water rather quickly; I bumped up to a 10gal cylindrical jug, which certainly resolved the issue of not having enough water, but it's an ergonomic mess!

I struggled with this too - especially in terms of space efficiency. After thinking about it I went and built my own tank out of aluminum which holds approx 25 gallons that mounts to the frame where the spare tire used to be. If you're looking to hold a lot of water this may be the best solution for you.

Hey LOLSNOW - man, that's a beautiful setup. I envy your craftsmanship! Not sure I'm cut out for it, but it looks awesome. :clap2: Any issues with clearance when wheeling?

I'll end up doing Front Runner's roof rack mounted water tank, with a hitch mounted Water Port. The FRO 11 gal tank will serve to refill the 3 gallon pressurized Water Port tank.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I use this - https://www.thewaterport.com/ and I am very happy with it..

The only down fall is its only three gallons, with two people its good for about three days. Depending on usage of course.

[MENTION=151875]JDM4LO[/MENTION] / [MENTION=75328]DannyLlama[/MENTION] - yup! You both make great points; I appreciate the feedback. I've been thinking about combining the two.

Road Shower, once upon a time, was reasonably priced. I checked recently and it's bumped up something like $150! (I mean, I'm glad business is going well and all, but I'm leaning towards The WaterPORT - much friendlier on the pocket for essentially the same thing)

At $3 a pop it won't take long to hit the cost of a Rotopax, which is what I use for water. Can alway use a few drops of bleach after each use to kill anything in there. I doubt the two gallons of water you'd add costs much from the tap. Then there is the altitude issue, may not be an issue for most but my last two water storage solutions developed leaks because of it.

Hey Jhalko - very good point; I think about it similiarly. And I hadn't even considered the potential for pressure issues / leaks! Definitely will keep an eye out for it now. And as for the Rotopax, I love the aesthetic compared to the FRO tanks (and all the others, really) but there's something oddly satisfying about building a suuuuuuper snug setup in the back that I just can't seem to shake off :bounce:

I've used these Scepter military water containers for years and haven't had a single problem. There's an o-ring sealed pressure release so it pours without glugging, I suppose you could use it to adjust for altitude as well. Use purified water if you want to avoid things growing in your water tanks.

Scepter Water Cans - Scepter Military Water Cans - Scepter Watre Cans for sale, Scepter Military Fuel Cans, Military Water Cans, MWC, (MWC), Scepter 2.5 gallon water cans, Scepter 5 gallon water cans, Scepter 10 liter water cans, Scepter 20 liter wat

Oh yea, ARB makes an extended fridge slide as well. If you are or plan to run an ARB fridge with your storage system this could be an option, allowes you to carry among many things a 5 gallon water can behind your fridge. I run it with no complaints and fits a water container with the second row folded up.

http://www.arbusa.com/uploads/PDF/newProductAdvice/2014/ExtendedFridgeSlide_Retail.pdf

[MENTION=96425]JSparky[/MENTION] - Cheers! Much appreciated. Those water cans look solid.

And re-extended fridge slide - that's essentially what I'm aiming for. Given, though, that these are non-pressurised systems, I think I'll have to reevaluate the positioning of the tank. If I get the rectangular option, 15gal I believe, I think I might just mount it on top of the storage system "longways" - that way it might be more accessible for the "there's still some left in there; tip it forward!" moments, lol.

Used these for our camping trip in Alaska...worked great!
https://www.rei.com/product/777828/reliance-jumbo-tainer-water-container-7-gal

I refill them fairly frequently. They aren't usually a one use item for me. But I don't clean em. At most I put some lemonade mix in - acid will keep them bacteria free for a after refill. They have nice, leak free spouts and are large enough for the filter hose. They aren't ideal for filing with a garden hose though.

I have one of these also, but I rarely use it. It's easier IMO to use the smaller ones. Easier to set on a small camp table and move around as needed. And 3 or so of them pack easier than 1 big cube.

My daughter and I used one of these when we went camping in July. It stored a lot of water, which was great. The down side was that it leaked from the threads. We could not leave it spout down. It wasn't a big deal for adults, but she's 11 and couldn't muscle it around to gain water access. I would've preferred it didn't leak and it sealed properly.

[MENTION=120701]Cymon[/MENTION] [MENTION=118321]Jetboy[/MENTION] [MENTION=166527]RBE17[/MENTION] - all good options to consider! Now onto doing some more homework :eyebrows:

--

And a general thank you to everyone else who has chipped in. I appreciate the comments, opinions, and product links! The trip date is approaching rather quickly, so I have to make up my mind quite soon. I'll make sure to keep y'all posted!

Pasha

 

[pmostaghim]

also. sorry for the mess-of-a-post, lol.

it looked so much cleaner on tapatalk!

 

[Jhalko]

Best use of multi-quote EVER!

Good luck!

 

[pmostaghim]

Best use of multi-quote EVER!

Good luck!

hahah :thanks:

tried to keep it clean.

I reflexively started clicking the multi-quote button as I read through the responses; after maybe the fifth time I clicked it, the anxiety started kicking in :bounce:

--

thanks man!