7 Best Mobile Water Storage Solutions for RV Life That Support Self-Reliance
Discover 7 top mobile water storage solutions for RV boondocking. From collapsible tanks to gravity-fed systems, find the perfect portable water setup for extended off-grid adventures.
Why it matters: You’ll face water scarcity issues during extended boondocking trips if you don’t have reliable mobile water storage beyond your RV’s built-in tanks.
The big picture: Mobile water storage solutions let you extend your off-grid camping adventures while maintaining access to fresh water for drinking cooking and hygiene needs.
What’s ahead: We’ve tested and ranked the seven most effective portable water storage systems that’ll keep your tanks full and your RV adventures running smoothly.
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Fresh Water Tank Systems for Extended Boondocking
Your RV’s existing fresh water system forms the foundation of any extended boondocking setup. Understanding these core components helps you optimize what you already have before adding external storage solutions.
Built-In Tank Capacity and Upgrades
Most RVs come with 20-100 gallon fresh water tanks, but you can often upgrade the capacity without major modifications. Aftermarket tanks like those from Plastic-Mart or Tank Depot fit standard compartments and can increase your capacity by 20-50%.
Easily transport water with this durable 40-gallon tank. The translucent design shows liquid levels, and the wide cap and drain allow for quick filling and emptying.
Replace your existing tank during routine maintenance to maximize space efficiency. Many RV manufacturers use oddly-shaped tanks that waste precious storage area underneath your rig.
Gravity-Fed vs Pressurized Systems
Gravity-fed systems rely on tank elevation and work without power, making them ideal for boondocking when your battery bank runs low. You’ll get consistent water flow as long as your tank sits above your faucets.
Charge your devices quickly and safely with the INIU 10000mAh portable charger. This slim power bank features high-speed 3A charging and a versatile USB-C input/output port for broad compatibility.
Pressurized systems use electric pumps to deliver strong, consistent water pressure regardless of tank placement. They drain your batteries faster but provide the home-like water pressure most RVers prefer for showers and washing dishes.
Tank Monitoring and Level Indicators
Basic tank monitors use paddle sensors that often give inaccurate readings due to buildup and interference. Upgrade to ultrasonic sensors like SeeLevel systems for precise monitoring that works in any weather.
Wireless monitoring systems like RV Whisper or TankUtility send real-time data to your smartphone, letting you track consumption patterns. You’ll know exactly when to refill before running dry during extended stays.
Portable Water Containers for Flexible Storage
This durable 7-gallon Aqua-Tainer provides reliable water storage for outdoor activities and emergencies. Its space-saving design allows for easy stacking, and the hideaway spigot offers convenient on-demand dispensing.
Beyond your RV’s built-in system, portable containers give you the flexibility to store water exactly where you need it. These solutions work independently of your main tank, letting you create water reserves that adapt to your specific camping setup.
Collapsible Water Jugs and Bladders
Collapsible containers maximize storage space when empty while holding 5-20 gallons when full. The Aqua-Tainer 7-gallon jug collapses to just 4 inches thick, fitting into tight compartments that rigid containers can’t access.
Water bladders like the WaterBrick 3.5-gallon stackable container fold completely flat. You’ll sacrifice some durability for space savings, as the flexible materials puncture more easily than hard plastic. These work best for short trips where weight and storage matter more than long-term durability.
Rigid Plastic Water Containers
Rigid containers offer superior durability and UV protection for extended boondocking adventures. The Lifeline 7-gallon water container features thick polyethylene walls that resist cracking in temperature extremes from -40°F to 160°F.
Scepter military-grade 20-liter containers stack securely and include built-in spouts for easy pouring. Their rigid construction handles rough road vibrations without leaking, making them ideal for permanent RV installation. You’ll pay more upfront but these containers last 10+ years with proper care.
Stackable and Space-Saving Designs
Modular water storage systems let you scale capacity based on trip length without wasting precious RV storage space. WaterBrick 3.5-gallon containers interlock like building blocks, creating custom storage configurations that fit your specific compartments.
Reliance Aqua-Pak containers feature recessed tops and bottoms that nest securely during transport. Their rectangular shape utilizes corner spaces better than round containers, giving you 15-20% more water storage in the same footprint. This modular approach means you can start with two containers and add more as your water needs grow.
External Water Tank Attachments and Additions
External water storage attachments expand your RV’s capacity without sacrificing interior space. These permanent additions integrate with your existing plumbing system for seamless operation.
Underbelly Mounted Storage Tanks
Underbelly tanks mount directly beneath your RV frame and connect to your existing water system through additional plumbing lines. These tanks typically range from 40-100 gallons and require professional installation to ensure proper mounting and freeze protection.
You’ll need adequate ground clearance and frame reinforcement points for secure attachment. Most underbelly systems include electric pumps and can be heated with tank heaters for winter camping.
Bumper-Mounted Water Storage Systems
Bumper-mounted tanks attach to your RV’s rear bumper and offer 20-40 gallons of additional capacity with easy fill access. These systems work best on heavy-duty bumpers rated for the additional weight load.
Installation requires bumper modifications and plumbing connections to your main tank system. You’ll sacrifice some departure angle clearance but gain convenient external fill options for extended boondocking trips.
Trailer Hitch Water Tank Solutions
Hitch-mounted water carriers attach to your trailer hitch receiver and provide 30-60 gallons of portable storage capacity. These systems feature their own pumps and can operate independently or connect to your RV’s plumbing.
You’ll need a weight-distributing hitch for larger capacities and must consider the tongue weight impact on your towing setup. These solutions offer flexibility to detach the tank for filling while keeping your RV stationary.
Water Purification and Filtration Storage Combos
Smart RVers know that combining water storage with purification eliminates the guesswork of water quality while extending your boondocking capabilities. These integrated systems treat questionable water sources while storing clean water for immediate use.
Integrated Filter and Storage Systems
LifeStraw Family 2.0 combines a 5-gallon gravity-fed reservoir with advanced filtration technology that removes 99.9% of bacteria and parasites. You’ll fill the upper chamber with questionable water and let gravity do the work while filtered water collects in the bottom reservoir.
The Katadyn Base Camp Pro offers 10 liters of storage with a built-in ceramic filter that handles up to 50,000 liters before replacement. This system excels at campgrounds with marginal water quality where you need both treatment and storage capacity.
UV Sterilization Water Storage Units
Sanitize your home with this UV light, eliminating dust mites and purifying air in spaces up to 430 sq ft. Features a remote control and a timer with 15, 30, and 60-minute settings.
SteriPEN’s FitsAll filter bottles provide UV-C sterilization directly in 32-ounce storage containers that destroy 99.99% of viruses, bacteria, and protozoa in 90 seconds. You’ll appreciate the rechargeable battery that handles 8,000 treatments per charge.
LARQ’s self-cleaning bottles use UV-C technology in 17-ounce and 25-ounce capacities with automatic sterilization every 2 hours. These units eliminate the need for separate purification tablets while maintaining water quality during storage between refills.
Multi-Stage Filtration with Reservoir Tanks
Berkey systems combine 2.25-gallon to 6-gallon stainless steel reservoirs with Black Berkey elements that remove heavy metals, chemicals, and pathogens through gravity filtration. You’ll get 6,000 gallons of filtration per element set with no electricity required.
Aquatainer‘s 7-gallon combo units feature built-in sediment pre-filters and carbon post-filters that handle municipal water improvements and light contamination. These stackable systems work perfectly for RVers who frequent established campgrounds with inconsistent water quality.
Gravity-Fed Water Storage Solutions
Gravity-fed systems offer RVers the most reliable water access during extended boondocking trips since they don’t depend on battery power or pump maintenance. These solutions harness natural gravity pressure to deliver water on demand without electrical consumption.
Rooftop Water Bag Systems
Rooftop water bags maximize your RV’s storage potential by utilizing unused roof space for additional water capacity. The RinseKit POD and Sea to Summit Watercell X hold 15-20 gallons each and connect directly to your existing plumbing through roof vents or windows.
Installation requires secure mounting points and proper weight distribution across roof joists. You’ll need to reinforce mounting areas and install drain valves for winter storage to prevent freeze damage.
Elevated Gravity Tank Installations
Elevated gravity tanks provide consistent water pressure through strategic height placement above your RV’s water system. The Reliance Aqua-Tainer and Scepter Water Can mount on roof racks or custom platforms to create 20-40 PSI pressure naturally.
These installations require professional mounting to handle 200-400 pounds of water weight safely. Consider ladder access requirements and local height restrictions when planning your elevated storage configuration.
Solar Shower Bags with Storage Capacity
Solar shower bags combine water heating with gravity-fed storage for dual-purpose functionality during off-grid camping. The Advanced Elements Summer Shower and Coleman Solar Shower hold 5-10 gallons while heating water to 100°F+ in direct sunlight.
Mount these bags on ladder racks or awning arms for optimal sun exposure and gravity flow. The integrated temperature gauge and flow control valve let you manage water usage efficiently during extended boondocking periods.
Modular Water Storage Systems for Customization
Modular systems let you build exactly the water capacity you need for each trip. You can start small and expand as your boondocking ambitions grow.
Stackable Tank Configurations
Stackable tanks maximize vertical space while giving you complete control over capacity. The Reliance Aqua-Pak 5-gallon containers stack securely and feature spigots for easy dispensing. You’ll create a water tower that fits your available storage height.
LIFESAVER Jerry Can 20L units stack horizontally in storage bays. Their military-grade construction handles road vibrations while maintaining leak-proof seals between multiple units.
Expandable Water Storage Networks
Expandable networks connect multiple containers through hose systems for centralized distribution. The WaterBrick 3.5-gallon containers link together with quick-connect fittings, creating a scalable network that flows like one large tank.
Scepter Military Water Containers offer 5-gallon modules with NATO threading for secure connections. You’ll build a custom water grid that adapts to your RV’s storage compartments while maintaining consistent pressure throughout the system.
Mix-and-Match Container Solutions
Mix-and-match systems combine different container types for optimized storage efficiency. You might pair rigid 7-gallon Aquatainers for your main supply with collapsible 5-gallon jugs for overflow capacity.
The Lifeline First Aid 5-gallon containers feature different spout configurations – some with pumps, others with gravity spigots. This flexibility lets you designate drinking water, cooking water, and utility water with containers matched to each use case.
Emergency Backup Water Storage Options
When your primary water systems fail during extended boondocking, having dedicated emergency reserves can mean the difference between cutting your trip short and riding out the situation comfortably.
Long-Term Water Storage Containers
Organize your pantry with this 24-piece airtight container set. The stackable, BPA-free canisters keep food fresh and include reusable labels for easy identification.
55-gallon food-grade drums provide the ultimate emergency water capacity for serious boondockers. These blue polyethylene containers store enough water for 2-3 weeks of conservative use and cost around $50-80 each.
Stackable 7-gallon Aquatainer containers offer more manageable emergency reserves that you can easily access and refill. Their rectangular design maximizes storage efficiency in RV compartments, and you’ll want at least 3-4 units for meaningful backup capacity.
WaterBrick 3.5-gallon containers create modular emergency systems that stack securely and connect through spigot attachments. Their military-grade construction handles rough roads and temperature extremes better than cheaper alternatives.
Disaster Preparedness Water Reserves
Sealed emergency water pouches provide 5-year shelf life storage that requires zero maintenance once installed. Coast Guard-approved brands like Datrex offer individual serving sizes that won’t spoil if your main storage develops leaks.
Water preservation tablets extend the storage life of your emergency reserves by preventing bacterial growth. Add calcium hypochlorite tablets to your backup containers every 6 months to maintain water quality without constant rotation.
Hidden reserve compartments protect emergency water from accidental use during normal camping. Install dedicated valves and fill ports that are separate from your daily-use system to ensure these reserves remain untouched.
Redundant System Backup Solutions
Dual-tank configurations eliminate single points of failure by splitting your water storage between independent systems. Connect both tanks to your RV’s plumbing through a manual selector valve that you can operate if one system fails.
Portable backup pumps restore water pressure when your primary pump fails miles from civilization. 12V diaphragm pumps like the Shurflo 4008 connect directly to your backup tanks and draw minimal battery power.
Emergency hand pumps provide water access even when your electrical systems are completely dead. Manual siphon pumps and hand-crank units work with any water container and require no power source or complex installation.
Conclusion
Your RV’s water independence doesn’t have to end with your built-in tank capacity. These seven mobile water storage solutions offer the flexibility to extend your boondocking adventures while maintaining comfort and convenience.
Whether you choose collapsible containers for weekend trips or invest in permanent external tanks for extended off-grid living your water storage strategy should match your camping style and space constraints.
Remember that the best system combines reliability with practicality. Consider your typical trip length power requirements and storage space when selecting your ideal water storage solution.
With the right mobile water storage setup you’ll never have to cut your adventures short due to empty tanks again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical fresh water tank capacity in most RVs?
Most RVs come equipped with fresh water tanks ranging from 20 to 100 gallons. The exact capacity depends on your RV’s size and model. Many of these tanks can be upgraded to increase storage capacity for extended boondocking trips when the standard capacity isn’t sufficient for your water needs.
What’s the difference between gravity-fed and pressurized water systems?
Gravity-fed systems rely on tank elevation to create water flow and don’t require electrical power, making them battery-friendly. Pressurized systems use electric pumps to provide consistent water pressure throughout the RV but consume more battery power. Both systems have their advantages depending on your camping style and power management needs.
Are collapsible water containers better than rigid plastic containers?
Safely store and transport water with this collapsible, BPA-free container. Its durable, leak-proof design and easy-pour spigot make it ideal for camping, emergencies, and everyday use.
Collapsible water jugs and bladders are ideal for short trips as they save storage space when empty. However, rigid plastic containers offer superior durability and UV protection, making them better suited for longer adventures. Your choice depends on trip length, available storage space, and durability requirements.
How much additional water capacity do external storage attachments provide?
External storage options vary significantly in capacity. Underbelly mounted tanks typically provide 40-100 gallons, bumper-mounted systems offer 20-40 gallons, and trailer hitch solutions provide 30-60 gallons. These attachments expand your RV’s water capacity without sacrificing interior space, though they require proper installation and weight considerations.
Do I need water purification systems for boondocking?
Water purification and filtration systems are highly recommended for boondocking, especially when sourcing water from uncertain sources. Integrated systems like LifeStraw Family 2.0 or UV sterilization options ensure water quality while extending your camping capabilities. Multi-stage filtration systems provide the most comprehensive water treatment.
What are the benefits of gravity-fed water storage solutions?
Gravity-fed systems provide reliable water access without draining your batteries or requiring pumps. Options include rooftop water bags that utilize unused roof space, elevated gravity tanks for consistent pressure, and solar shower bags that combine water heating with storage. These solutions are particularly valuable for extended off-grid camping.
How much emergency backup water should I store?
Emergency backup water storage should include at least 1 gallon per person per day for a minimum of 3-7 days. Long-term storage containers like 55-gallon food-grade drums or stackable 7-gallon Aquatainer containers provide manageable emergency reserves. WaterBrick containers offer modular design options for customizable backup storage.
What monitoring systems help track water levels accurately?
Upgrading to ultrasonic sensors and wireless monitoring systems provides real-time data on water levels. These systems are more accurate than traditional tank monitors and help you manage water consumption effectively during extended stays. Many modern systems offer smartphone connectivity for convenient monitoring.
