Going off-grid is a lot of fun until you find yourself with empty caravan water tanks. A relaxing escape into the great outdoors can suddenly turn into a nightmare when the taps run dry. As a rule of thumb, a person can survive without water for about 3 days. In fact, you can survive longer without food than you can without clean water to drink. So, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of caravan water tanks.
We bet you are wondering how many water tanks are enough for your JAWA caravan adventures? Let’s quench your thirst for knowledge and dive into the world of caravan water storage.
Know Your Waters
No, we’re not talking Evian versus Mount Franklin! Believe it or not, there are three terms we use when we’re talking water in the camping world.
- Fresh water: This is simply water that is safe to drink. It is often found at designated campsites or natural sources that have been tested and approved.
- Grey water: Caravan grey water tanks are full of wastewater generated from activities like washing dishes, bathing, or cleaning. It is generally considered less contaminated than black water (toilet waste) but still needs to be managed properly to reduce environmental impacts.
- Black water: In camping terms, caravan black water tanks hold the wastewater from your toilet. It is considered hazardous due to its high bacteria content and should be disposed of properly at designated dump stations.
Tank Talk: How Much Water Do You Really Need?
The amount of water you need for a camping trip depends on several factors:
- Number of people: More people equals more water consumption.
- Length of stay: Longer trips may require more water depending on the facilities available at your destination.
- Climate: Hotter weather leads to increased water usage.
- Activities: Water-intensive activities like showering and washing clothes can really eat into your water supply.
By carefully considering these factors, you can ensure you have enough water for your camping adventure without carrying unnecessary weight. At a minimum, you should take about 7-7.5 litres of water per person, per day. At least two litres of water will be used for drinking and an additional 5 litres of water for cooking, cleaning, and hygiene.
How Many Caravan Water Tanks Are in a JAWA Camper?
Generally, JAWA vans come with between 200 and 240 litres of freshwater tank capacity, an 80 litre grey water tank, a toilet cassette (black water), water filters and a Seaflo water pump. That equates to enough water storage for a family of four for 6.5 days.
- The Commander sleeps two and comes with 2 x 120L fresh water tanks and an 80L grey water tank.
- Tarwarri 18 sleeps five and comes with 2 x 120L fresh water tanks and an 80L grey water tank.
- Retreat Bunk sleeps four and comes with 2 x 120L fresh water tanks and an 80L grey water tank.
- Retreat Escape sleeps two and comes with 2 x 120L fresh water tanks and an 80L grey water tank.
- Infinity 15 Bunk sleeps four and comes with 2 x 120L fresh water tanks and an 80L grey water tank.
- Infinity 15 Escape sleeps two and comes with 2 x 120L fresh water tanks and an 80L grey water tank.
- Sirocco Grande sleeps two and comes with 2 x 120L fresh water tanks and an 80L grey water tank.
- Lowdown Bunk sleeps three and comes with 2 x 110L fresh water tanks and an 80L grey water tank.
- Lowdown Escape sleeps two and comes with 2 x 110L fresh water tanks and an 80L grey water tank.
- Stealth 10 sleeps two and comes with 2 x 100L fresh water tanks and a 70L grey water tank.
- Stealth 12 sleeps two and comes with 2 x 110L fresh water tanks and an 80L grey water tank.
- Stealth 16 sleeps two and comes with 2 x 120L fresh water tanks and an 80L grey water tank.
Can a Water Pump Help Manage Water Supply?
Absolutely! A Seaflo water pump is a camper’s best friend when it comes to managing water supply. These pumps effectively move water from your tank to taps and showers, ensuring you have a constant supply of water at your fingertips. By efficiently distributing water throughout your van, a Seaflo pump can help you conserve water and make the most of your supply, especially when camping in remote areas.
Water Wise: Managing Mains Water
Most modern campers are equipped to connect to mains water when available. This is a convenient way to ensure a constant supply without relying solely on your onboard water tank.
Important considerations:
- Water pressure: Some campsites may have higher water pressure than your camper’s system can handle. Consider using a pressure regulator to protect your plumbing.
- Water quality: While most campsites provide potable water, it’s always a good idea to use a water filter to remove impurities.
- Disconnecting: When finished, remember to turn off the water supply at both the campsite and your campervan. Store the hose properly.
Pro Tip: Sterilise Your Water Tank
To prevent bacteria buildup in your water tank, make sure your tank is always full or always empty, even when it’s in storage. If you want to clean your tank without purchasing cleaning solutions, just combine 2 teaspoons of vanilla essence with water per tank for the first clean. After that, you can perform an annual treatment which will prevent bacteria growth.
Caravan Water Tanks: Water Woes No More
Ultimately, the number of water tanks you need for your JAWA caravan camping adventures depends on your individual camping style and preferences. By carefully considering factors like trip length, number of people, and water consumption habits, you can determine the perfect water storage setup for your next outdoor escape.
