Owner guides
How to fill a motorhome water tank
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Having fresh water on tap is an essential part of motorhome holidays. The fresh water tank in your vehicle gives you drinking water and the means to wash dishes, run the shower and flush the toilet, all part of having a handy self-contained living space! But like the battery system and gas supply for your motorhome, the water tank needs to be topped up to keep everything running smoothly on your holiday. Don’t wait until you run out of water – it's important to know when and how to fill a motorhome water tank.
Our step by step guide walks you through everything you need to know, including supplies, step-by-step instructions and other considerations for filling a motorhome fresh water tank.
How to fill a motorhome water tank
Since a water tank is permanently placed in the motorhome (rather than portable like a jerry can), filling the tank requires a hose pipe from an external water source. This is best done at motorhome service points on campsites. You can empty the motorhome’s grey water tank at the same time, also at the service point.
1. Source a suitable hose pipe
Motorhome service points at campsites usually have their own hose attached, but just to be safe, we recommend carrying your own as part of your motorhome kit. You don’t want to use a hose to fill your drinking water tank that someone might have used to clean out their vehicle’s toilet cassette!
Make sure the pipe you buy is used only for filling the motorhome water tank; don’t use it for anything else. A food grade hose is best to keep everything as hygienic as possible.
Food grade hose with connector set, £19.99
2. Find the intake valve on your motorhome
Once you’re parked up at the motorhome service point or other fresh water source, you’ll need to locate the motorhome’s intake valve. This will be on the outside of the vehicle in a small panel, usually under a cap cover.
3. Attach one end of your food grade hose to the water intake valve
If you buy amotorhome hose pipe kit, connectors will be included. Attach the hose to the water valve on the outside of your motorhome.
4. Attach the other end of the hose to the external water source
For example, the tap at a fresh water supply at a motorhome service point. The connector on your hose pipe kit should fit; otherwise, have someone to hold the hose in place over the tap.
5. Turn on the water tap and fill up
Keep the tap turned on until the water tank is full – there should be an indicator/gauge to check.
How to fill a motorhome water tank using a submersible pump
If you can’t use a water tap, e.g. if it’s too far away for the hose to fit, another option is to fill the water tank using a submersible pump, which runs off a 12V socket. You’ll need an aquaroll/water carrier, the pump and the same type of food grade hose as above. Here’s how to fill a motorhome water tank using a submersible pump:
Fill the aquaroll at the fresh water source and roll it back to your motorhome. (If you don’t have an aquaroll/don’t want to buy one, use a portable jerry can, collapsible bucket or other food-safe container. 25L is a manageable size, but you’ll probably need a wheeled trolley too.)
Connect the submersible pump to the motorhome 12V system. Some motorhomes have an external 12V point; if yours does, this will be beside the water tank intake valve. If not, the cigarette lighter socket is the most convenient.
Attach one end of the hose to the pump and place the other into the filled aquaroll.
Switch on the pump. The water will drain from the aquaroll into your tank.
12V Whale submersible pump, £14.99
51.5L aquaroll, £54
What to consider when filling a motorhome water tank
How often to fill a motorhome water tank
How do you know your motorhome water tank needs a refill, without running out of water? As above, most tanks will have an indicator or gauge to check the water level; if not, you can buy one fairly inexpensively. Otherwise, go the old-fashioned route and tap the outside of the tank to check the water level – if there’s a hollow sound, the tank is empty!
Fresh water level led indicator gauge, £48.38
Water weight
A litre of water weighs 1kg, so obviously you don’t want to carry more than you need. How much you fill the water tank is up to you and your holiday needs: some motorhomer owners opt for only 10L or so, filling the tank up with this amount every day or two.
Hygiene
Keeping everything hygienic isn’t just about when you fill the tank – you’ll need to regularly sanitize it too. This should be done at least twice a year, more if you’re out on the road or are hiring out your motorhome a lot. See ourHow to sanitize a motorhome water tank for why you need to sanitize your tank and a step by step guide to doing it.
Hire out your motorhome to make your costs back
Know that you know how to fill a motorhome water tank, you can get down to business! And the best part? As with all financial outlays associated with owning a motorhome, it’s easy to make back the costs of buying your motorhome water tank filling equipment.
Hiring out your motorhome even for one trip can cover your costs – and you could make thousands of pounds a year hiring it out more often. At Camplify, we can help you every step of the way.
Why Camplify?
Camplify connects owners like you with local and international holidaymakers - all of whom are verified to maximise the safety when you hire out your motorhome. Discover more of our advantages for owners below:
It's free to list your motorhome.
If you don’t have all-risk insurance, we can provide you with it when you sign up.
We give your van a 24/7 RAC breakdown cover.
You have complete freedom to approve or reject guests interested in renting your motorhome. Your wheels, your rules.
We provide you with tips and step-by-step guides on how to improve your service and your motorhome to get more and more bookings!
The sooner you set up your listing, the sooner it will start to receive visits and bookings! See how much you could earn if you rent out your motorhome with ourfree income calculator or sign up now to start enjoying the above advantages today.
If you still have questions, want to discuss your income potential with an expert or get more information on how to list your motorhome, call us on ☎ 0330 808 1811 or visit www.camplify.co.uk. We’ll be happy to help you with anything you need!