Water is the most critical resource for any caravan trip. Get it wrong and you’ll find yourself constantly searching for taps, rationing showers, or worse, running dry in remote areas. The right water system means freedom to camp where you want, when you want.
Most new caravanners start with a single 20-litre jerry can and quickly discover it’s woefully inadequate. A family of four uses 80-120 litres per day for drinking, cooking, washing, and basic hygiene. Solo travellers still need 40-60 litres daily for comfortable living.
This guide breaks down every water storage and delivery option, from basic gravity systems to sophisticated pumped networks. You’ll understand the trade-offs, costs, and what actually works in the real world.
How Much Water Do You Actually Need?
Before choosing storage systems, you need realistic consumption figures. Most guides quote laughably low numbers that leave travellers stranded.
Here’s actual daily water usage for comfortable caravan living:
- Solo traveller: 50-80 litres per day
- Couple: 80-120 litres per day
- Family of four: 120-180 litres per day
- Large family (5+): 180-250 litres per day
This includes drinking (3-4 litres per person), cooking, dishwashing, basic hygiene, and occasional showers. If you’re washing clothes regularly or taking daily showers, add another 20-30%.
Calculate your minimum storage as 3 days of consumption. This gives you flexibility between water sources and accounts for unexpected delays.
Your storage capacity determines your freedom. With 200 litres, a couple can free camp for 2-3 days comfortably. With 400+ litres, you’re looking at a full week off-grid.
Water Storage Options: Tanks vs Containers
You have four main storage approaches, each with distinct advantages and compromises.
Built-in Fresh Water Tanks
Most modern caravans come with integrated fresh water tanks ranging from 80-200 litres. These tanks are typically mounted under the chassis, feeding internal taps and showers through a 12V pump system.
The Thetford Fresh Water Tank ~$180 is the most common aftermarket replacement, available in 80L, 120L, and 160L capacities. Installation requires chassis mounting and plumbing connections.
Advantages: Clean installation, integrated with internal plumbing, good capacity for the space used, secure during travel.
Disadvantages: Fixed capacity, difficult to clean thoroughly, expensive to replace, vulnerable to freezing, adds significant weight low in the caravan.
Portable Water Containers
Jerry cans and larger containers offer maximum flexibility. You can carry exactly what you need and easily refill individual containers.
~$85
For larger portable storage, the Lifestyle Freshwater Container ~$145 comes in 40L and 60L sizes with proper taps and easy-carry handles.
Advantages: Ultimate flexibility, easy to clean, can refill individually, replaceable if damaged, distribute weight where needed.
Disadvantages: Takes up storage space, requires manual handling, no integrated delivery system, containers can shift during travel.
Auxiliary Water Tanks
Additional tanks mounted externally or in storage compartments extend your built-in capacity. Most are designed to gravity-feed into your main tank or operate as separate systems.
The Camec Slimline Water Tank ~$290 is popular for A-frame mounting, adding 100 litres without sacrificing storage space.
Advantages: Significant capacity increase, can integrate with existing systems, permanent installation, doesn’t use internal storage.
Disadvantages: Complex installation, potential clearance issues, additional weight and wind resistance, expensive if damaged.
Bladder Tank Systems
Flexible bladders conform to available space, maximising water storage in awkward areas like under beds or in storage compartments.
Advantages: Fits irregular spaces, lightweight when empty, can be removed for cleaning, relatively inexpensive.
Disadvantages: Limited lifespan, potential for punctures, difficult to monitor levels, may affect storage access.
Water Delivery Systems: Gravity vs Pumped
How you get water from storage to tap fundamentally changes your caravan experience. Choose wrong and you’ll fight with low pressure and inconsistent flow daily.
Gravity-Fed Systems
Simple, reliable, and maintenance-free. Raise your water storage above your taps and let physics do the work.
A 20-litre container elevated 1.5 metres above your tap provides decent flow for basic needs. Double the height and you’ll get respectable pressure for washing dishes and quick showers.
Advantages: No power consumption, silent operation, foolproof reliability, zero maintenance, works anywhere.
Disadvantages: Requires height for pressure, limited flow rate, manual refilling, not suitable for multiple outlets.
12V Pump Systems
Electric pumps deliver consistent pressure regardless of tank level or height. Essential for multiple taps, showers, and modern caravan conveniences.
~$185
The Jabsco Par-Max Plus ~$220 offers higher flow rates for larger families or those wanting quick shower fills.
Advantages: Consistent pressure, multiple outlet capability, automated operation, compact installation, excellent flow rates.
Disadvantages: Power consumption (2-4 amps), pump noise, eventual maintenance, requires priming after running dry.
Install an accumulator tank with any 12V pump system. It reduces cycling, extends pump life, and provides smoother water flow for hand washing.
Manual Pump Systems
Hand or foot pumps offer pressurised delivery without electrical consumption. Popular for simple setups and backup systems.
The Whale Gusher Titan ~$95 provides excellent flow with minimal effort, perfect for galley installations.
Advantages: No power consumption, reliable operation, good exercise, works with any container, inexpensive.
Disadvantages: Requires manual effort for every use, limited to single outlet, slower than electric pumps.
Installation and Plumbing Considerations
Your water system installation determines reliability, maintenance requirements, and user experience. Poor installation causes more problems than faulty components.
Tank Mounting and Support
Water weighs 1kg per litre. A 200-litre tank adds 200kg when full, creating significant stress on mounting points and chassis.
Tanks must be fully supported across their bottom surface, not just at mounting points. Use marine-grade stainless steel brackets and ensure even load distribution.
Never mount large water tanks on A-frames or rear bars without engineering certification. The dynamic loads during travel can exceed static calculations by 300%.
Plumbing Materials and Fittings
Use only food-grade materials rated for potable water. Standard PVC fittings can leach chemicals and aren’t suitable for drinking water systems.
The John Guest Speedfit System ~$8-15 per fitting is the professional standard for caravan plumbing. Push-fit connections, no tools required, and NSF certified for potable water.
Avoid barbed fittings secured with hose clamps in water systems. Vibration causes these connections to fail, usually in inaccessible locations.
Drainage and Venting
Every water tank needs proper venting to prevent vacuum formation during draining. Install vent lines at the highest tank point, running to atmosphere outside the caravan.
Include drain points at the lowest system areas for winterisation in cold climates. A simple ball valve allows complete system drainage when needed.
Water Quality and Filtration
Australian water quality varies dramatically. Town water in major centres is excellent, but rural supplies can be marginal and bore water requires treatment.
Basic Filtration
A simple inline filter removes sediment and improves taste from questionable sources. Install these at tank filling points, not at taps, to protect your entire system.
~$45
Water Testing and Treatment
Carry basic water test strips to evaluate unfamiliar sources. Test for pH, hardness, and bacterial contamination before filling your tanks.
The Aquatainer Water Purification Tablets ~$18 provide emergency sterilisation for suspect water sources.
UV Sterilisation Systems
For extended remote travel, UV sterilisers eliminate bacteria and viruses without chemicals. The Katadyn SteriPEN ~$120 handles individual bottles, while whole-system units are available for permanent installation.
Maintenance and Refilling Strategies
Regular maintenance prevents system failures and ensures safe drinking water throughout your journey.
Tank Cleaning and Sanitisation
Clean water tanks every 3-6 months or whenever you notice taste changes. Use a dilute bleach solution (1 tablespoon per 40 litres) followed by thorough flushing.
The Puriclean Tank Cleaner ~$12 is specifically designed for caravan water systems and removes biofilm buildup that bleach can’t eliminate.
Add removable inspection ports to large tanks during installation. A 6-inch port allows proper cleaning and maintenance without tank removal.
Refilling Strategies
Plan your water stops around system capacity and consumption rates. Don’t wait until tanks are empty, as finding water in remote areas can be challenging.
Carry adapters for different tap types. Rural areas often use non-standard connections, and the Camec Universal Tap Adapter Set ~$25 covers most Australian variations.
System Monitoring
Install tank level monitors to track consumption and plan refills. The CBE Water Level Display ~$85 provides accurate readings for both fresh and grey water tanks.
Our Recommendations by Setup Type
Your ideal water system depends on travel style, group size, and how long you plan to stay off-grid.
| Setup Type | Storage Capacity | Delivery System | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekend Warrior Simple | 80-120L built-in tank | Basic 12V pump | Short trips, caravan parks |
| Extended Tourer | 200-300L (built-in + auxiliary) | Quality 12V pump + accumulator | Mixed camping, couples |
| Free Camping Family | 400-600L multiple tanks | High-flow pump + pressure switch | Extended remote camping |
| Minimalist Solo | 40-80L portable containers | Gravity or manual pump | Lightweight, flexible travel |
Our Top Pick for Most Travellers
A 200-litre total capacity split between built-in tank (120L) and auxiliary storage (80L), delivered by a quality 12V pump with accumulator tank. This provides 3-4 days independence for couples and flexibility to extend or reduce capacity as needed.
~$285
Budget Option
Work with your existing built-in tank and add portable containers as needed. A couple of 20-litre jerry cans doubles your capacity for under $200 and provides backup if your main tank fails.
Premium Setup
Multiple tanks totalling 400+ litres, high-flow pump system, inline filtration, and UV sterilisation. Expensive but provides complete water independence for extended remote travel.
- Calculate realistic water consumption (50-80L per person daily) and size systems for 3+ days independence
- Built-in tanks plus auxiliary storage offers the best balance of capacity and convenience
- 12V pump systems with accumulator tanks provide the best user experience for most caravanners
- Proper installation and regular maintenance are more important than expensive components
- Start simple and upgrade based on actual travel patterns rather than theoretical needs
Comment (0)