The Complete Caravanners’ Guide To Carrying Water

Water is the most critical resource on any Big Lap, yet most new caravanners underestimate how much they’ll need or the complexity of storing it properly. You’ll face decisions about tank materials, filtration systems, and capacity that will define your off-grid capabilities for years to come.

The wrong water setup can leave you rationing showers, constantly hunting for refill points, or worse – dealing with contaminated water that ruins your trip. The right setup gives you freedom to camp where you want, when you want, with clean water flowing whenever you turn the tap.

How Much Water Do You Actually Need?

Most caravans ship with 90-120 litres of fresh water capacity. This sounds reasonable until you realise a family of four can easily use 80+ litres per day with normal habits. Two people being conservative might stretch 100 litres to three days, but comfort drops significantly.

Here’s realistic daily consumption for two people:

• Drinking and cooking: 6-8 litres
• Personal hygiene: 15-20 litres (quick showers, teeth, washing)
• Dishes and cleaning: 8-12 litres
• Total: 30-40 litres per day for two people

Families with children should add 10-15 litres per child. These numbers assume you’re being water-conscious, not wasteful but not rationing either.

The sweet spot for most Big Lappers is 150-200 litres total capacity. This provides 3-5 days of comfortable independence between refills. You can achieve this through larger factory tanks, aftermarket upgrades, or additional portable containers.

Tank Materials: Poly vs Stainless Steel

Your tank material choice affects taste, durability, weight, and cost. Each option suits different travel styles and budgets.

Polyethylene (Poly) Tanks

Most caravans come with food-grade polyethylene tanks. They’re lightweight, affordable, and don’t affect water taste when new. Quality varies significantly between manufacturers.

Advantages:

• Light weight reduces payload impact
• Cost-effective for large capacities
• Won’t dent or corrode
• Easy to repair with plastic welding

Disadvantages:

• Can develop plastic taste over time
• More prone to algae growth
• UV degradation if not protected
• Harder to achieve a perfect seal at fittings

Stainless Steel Tanks

Premium option that many serious travellers eventually upgrade to. Higher upfront cost but excellent long-term performance.

Advantages:

• No taste or odour issues
• Extremely durable
• Resistant to algae and bacteria
• Professional appearance
• Easy to sanitise

Disadvantages:

• Significantly more expensive
• Heavier (impacts payload)
• Can dent if impacted
• Professional installation recommended

Where to Mount Your Tanks

Tank placement affects weight distribution, accessibility, and system performance. Understanding your options helps you make informed decisions about upgrades.

Underslung Tanks

Mounted beneath the caravan floor, these are the most common setup. They keep weight low and preserve internal storage space.

Best for: Most applications where ground clearance isn’t critical

Consider: Protection from road debris and potential damage from rough tracks

Internal Tanks

Positioned inside storage compartments or dedicated spaces within the caravan body.

Best for: Off-road caravans or situations requiring maximum ground clearance

Consider: Reduced storage space and potential for higher centre of gravity

Combination Systems

Multiple smaller tanks in different positions. Offers flexibility and redundancy.

Best for: Extended off-grid travel or when maximising capacity in limited space

Consider: More complex plumbing and potential balancing issues

Water Pump Systems Explained

Your water pump is the heart of your system, determining flow rate, pressure consistency, and power consumption. Understanding the options helps you choose the right setup for your needs.

12V Diaphragm Pumps

Standard in most caravans. Reliable, affordable, and adequate for basic needs.

Performance: 8-15 litres per minute, moderate pressure

Best for: Weekend trips and basic water needs

Limitations: Can be noisy, pressure drops with multiple taps open

Variable Speed Pumps

Modern pumps that adjust speed based on demand. Quieter operation and consistent pressure.

Performance: 10-20 litres per minute, constant pressure

Best for: Extended travel where comfort matters

Investment: 2-3x cost of basic pumps but significantly better user experience

Accumulator Tanks

Pressure vessels that reduce pump cycling and improve system performance. Work with any pump type.

Benefits: Reduced pump noise, more consistent pressure, extended pump life

Installation: Simple add-on to existing systems

Cost: $150-300 for significant improvement in user experience

Water Filtration: What You Need to Know

Australian town water varies dramatically in taste and quality. Tank water can develop issues during storage. A proper filtration system ensures consistently good water regardless of source.

Point-of-Entry Systems

Filters all water entering your caravan. Protects the entire system and provides filtered water at every tap.

Best applications: Comprehensive protection, especially with questionable water sources

Considerations: Higher flow rates required, more expensive filter cartridges

Point-of-Use Systems

Filter water at specific taps, typically the kitchen sink. More affordable and easier to maintain.

Best applications: Drinking and cooking water when tank water is for washing only

Benefits: Lower cost, easy DIY installation, focused filtration where needed

UV Sterilisation

Kills bacteria and viruses without chemicals. Essential if using bore water or questionable sources.

When needed: Extended remote travel, bore water use, compromised water sources

Limitations: Power consumption, pre-filtration required, doesn’t remove chemicals

Tank Monitoring and Gauges

Knowing your water levels prevents unexpected shortages and helps manage consumption. Modern monitoring options range from basic visual gauges to sophisticated digital systems.

Basic Level Gauges

External sight tubes or simple LED indicators. Affordable but limited information.

Pros: Low cost, easy installation, reliable operation

Cons: Manual checking required, limited precision

Digital Tank Monitors

Display precise levels on control panels inside your caravan. Some integrate with battery monitoring systems.

Smart Monitoring Systems

Bluetooth-connected sensors that sync with smartphone apps. Track usage patterns and send low-level alerts.

Features: Historical data, consumption tracking, smartphone alerts

Best for: Tech-savvy travellers who want detailed water management data

Essential Water System Accessories

The right accessories make water management easier and more reliable. These items pay for themselves in convenience and peace of mind.

Water Regulators

Protect your system from high-pressure town supplies. Essential for avoiding burst pipes and damaged fittings.

Quality Hoses

Food-grade drinking water hoses prevent contamination and taste issues. Worth investing in proper equipment.

Features to look for: Food-grade certification, kink resistance, UV protection

Avoid: Garden hoses or cheap PVC – these can impart awful tastes

Tank Ventilation

Proper venting prevents vacuum formation and allows smooth water flow. Often overlooked but critical for system performance.

Signs of poor venting: Slow filling, gurgling sounds, inconsistent flow rates

Solutions: Vented caps, breather tubes, or dedicated vent fittings

Portable Water Containers

Supplement fixed tank capacity or provide water access when disconnected from your caravan.

Keeping Your System Clean

Regular maintenance prevents contamination, extends equipment life, and ensures great-tasting water throughout your travels.

Tank Sanitisation

Clean your tanks every 3-6 months, or whenever you notice taste changes. Use proper sanitising procedures, not household bleach.

Process:

1. Empty tanks completely
2. Add sanitising solution (follow product directions)
3. Fill system and run all taps
4. Let solution sit for recommended time
5. Flush thoroughly with fresh water

Filter Maintenance

Replace filter cartridges according to manufacturer schedules, not just when taste degrades. Bacterial growth can occur in overused filters.

Replacement schedule:

• Carbon filters: 6 months or 10,000 litres
• Sediment filters: 3-6 months depending on water quality
• UV lamps: 12 months regardless of hours

System Winterisation

Protect your investment during storage periods or when travelling through freezing temperatures.

Key steps:

• Drain all water from tanks and lines
• Add food-grade antifreeze to traps
• Insulate exposed pipes in cold climates
• Consider heated hose covers for sub-zero travel