6 SPOTS TO FIND RV WATER! Finding Potable Water doesn't have to be difficult...
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ส.ค. 2024
- Happy Sunday! Welcome to Ep. 9 of: BE A NOMAD CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Today, I'll give you SIX places to find potable water to fill your RV fresh tank! Now, when I say EVERYWHERE, of course, I mean options abound, but you still have to search a bit. That's where this list of 6 RV WATER FINDING STRATEGIES comes in!
*HERE ARE THE LINKS!
WATER BANDIT: amzn.to/2VuhNkq
SHORT POTABLE WATER HOSE (4'): amzn.to/2Ia5LK6
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Go with a backpack and a 2-gallon-canister in the backpack in any public restroom. It is just a gallon or two but free water!
Time 1:40 her 6th place, rv campgrounds
2:30 at gas stations, not at pump.
3:20 forest camp grounds at the bath house
5:29 state parks
7:01 at uhaul
8:50 at truck stops
Thank you!!!!
The BEST TIP of them all is : BE Nice to the Truckers ! Thank You Darlin' !
I noticed that your white hose ends were not connected. A great way to keep them clean inside is to screw the ends of the hose together. That way you know you will not get insects or dirt inside your hoses. Thank you for the great videos. I am learning a lot from you.
Yep, I always did that when RV'ing. Glad you caught that (I didn't).
Also sanitize hose like you do with fresh water tank.
What a great idea! We plan n doing this with our RV and our home hoses.
Won't that trap any moisture inside for mold to grow?
@@jimbofires3720 no. You constantly use your hose. When you get back to stick n bricks, unscrew and hang you hose.😎
My husband, a long-time truck driver, strongly recommends you disinfect that spigot nozzle before hooking your hose to it! I know I will!
How would I disinfect it? What chemical/product would you recommend? :)
@@queenb9668 Nothing special. Just a good soapy solution rubbed in and around the nozzle and handle. I carry a bottle brush that's just the right size.
@@laurab9247 maybe lysol wipes or alcohol wipes? i'm newbie to all this info
One point on gassing up and topping off your freshwater at the truck stop. When you prepay for your diesel most usually estimate on the HIGH side and then return to the cashier to receive an "accurate" receipt (and you'll see a credit back on your card for the difference). BEFORE you go back in, pull up to the painted line that is usually approximately 40+ yards or more in front of you so that the trucker in line behind you can pull up and begin filling. They are on a schedule due to Federal regulations so any amount of time that you can save them helps them greatly and it reflects well on the community.
When you go in to prepay look for an area by the cashier where the receipts for each of the pumps may be stored for pickup. A lot of the time the cashiers print off the receipt for each pump AS SOON as they see it has cut off, indicating you are finished pumping, and they'll place that receipt in the designated spot for that pump.
Travel safely!
/Michael
Thanks for the great info! Being courteous should be a standard... especially keeping the truckers safely on the road!
Thanks for another great video, Robin. I appreciate how you always remind people to respect the hard-working truckers on the road.
Great info, I like the way you respect truckers I sure hope people hear that advice.
You’ll also find water spouts at Advance Auto, Autozone, Napa. They have them there for people to get water in case they need to to fill there radiators. I never had issues getting water at those places
Ooh, good one!
Thanks!
@Spread The Truth 70 gallons of water? You know how long it would take to carry that? Let alone boil it all? Just find a hose ffs. This is about filling our rv water tanks.
Lol yeah sit there filling up my 70 gallon tanks, shit takes like 10.minutes, people might get mad.
@@nickbutler123 River water should be perfectly adequate (in most areas) for showering and cooking.
Churches - not chicken. Larger ones usually have staff you can ask. Large maneuverable, nearly empty parking lots during the week. Usually very nice people. Offer a donation of some kind.
I've found most people like to be helpful if you talk to them and politely ask first.
So true!
Great information. Before I put any water in my tank, I let the water run for a minute and then fill a glass with the water. It should be clear with nothing visible in it. Next, smell the water and finally taste it. I have skipped lots of water supplies because they did not pass my test.
Ooh, good one!
Marty that is a really good idea that I had not thought of. 👍🏼
Great info. Watch for lead pipes and running the water a few minutes will clear out the lead that concentrated in the line.
And always hook water filter to RV, not hose bib.
@@americanrvtraveler2446 why?
Perhaps you already are in the process, but.....I WOULD LOVE TO READ A BOOK BY YOU ON THE RV LIFE. You are as practical, level-headed, and INSPIRING AS They COME!...Thank you for what you bring to the Table for a wanna-be RVer like me!❤
Aw, thanks! I think someday I'll write one. As a side note, I am working on a series of essays and another series of interviews on my blog that will each someday be completed into books! I appreciate the encouragement. Thank you so much!
Ask and you shall receive! Awesome job Robin :)
Seconding this
If you are on mountainous or hilly highways and roads, may want to consider topping off water as close to your destination as you feel comfortable with to help reduce the RV weight for gas mileage. 20-40 gallons of water adds a lot of weight to your coach.
Sometimes visitor centers offer free water as well.
Often you'll find roadside rest areas on interstates have both free dump stations and water.
I live in my van and I work part-time in a small town whose city park has a dumpstation and showers and water.. there's a campground, but it's okay to fill up and shower
Goodness gracious the wealth of knowledge here is fantastic. I am going to be so much more prepared for my first long trip! I am pumped, thanks!
you all probably dont give a shit but does someone know of a tool to log back into an instagram account??
I somehow forgot my password. I appreciate any help you can offer me.
@Brayan Diego instablaster ;)
@Wells Leland I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm trying it out now.
Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Wells Leland It did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy!
Thanks so much, you saved my account!
@Brayan Diego happy to help :D
I'm so glad I found you. Lots of practical information and given in a clear, precise, and entertaining way.
Thanks for watching! Have a great weekend:)
Always appreciate a trucker, they bring you your stuff. Truckers keeps us safe too. Be nice to everyone! Learning so much through this channel. TY!
When I was a kid my dad taught me how to wrap a hose around your arm by making and L shape and grabbing the threaded end of the hose with your hand and wrapping the hose around your arm. A 50' hose will roll up into a nice bundel.
I really like the way you phrased the question at the gas station. Good job.
Yeah, asking if it's OK to top off my tank sure sound better than asking if I can fill up my giant 95 gallon RV tank with free water that they have to pay for. ;)
OMG I love you. I don't even have an RV (yet) and these are great tips. Thank you!
Love, love, love your videos, especially your presentation and editing skills and the swiftly delivered, no nonsense, jammed packed and practical information. And, I'm not even a part of the rv tribe YET.
Note that spigots that don’t have threads are used for water companies testing for bacterial. The rule of thumb is that the water companies don’t want cross contamination. This comes from my spouse who works for muni water company in CA. You stuff is great
You do a awesome job providing information its hard to believe how new your channel is stay safe and god bless
Those trees behind you are so gorgeous, so picturesque!
I know, I love it. So peaceful
Thanks for this video. :)
I snowbird in AZ and finding water is always an issue. I've found Shell station often have water and propane.
Robin - if you're not pressed for time, try using a metal hose clamp for your water bandit. You can get them online or at any hardware store. (Search Amazon "60PCS 8-38mm Range Adjustable Stainless Steel Worm Gear Hose Clamps Screw Assortment Kit")
You are such a brave woman Robin and I love your go-get-'em attitude. Thank you for sharing your great adventures.
Great info! Plus being nice when asking goes a long way 😊
Rest areas generally have potable water available...sometimes at the dump stations and sometimes elsewhere...but they do have it.
Yes!
LM Lowe Rest areas have dump stations?
@@projet2907 I’ve seen them at a bunch of rest areas
@@josephcagiano3055 Ok great! I will check it out more,,
Here is a slightly unusual one I've use several times and posted on other vids. I have gotten water from a bunch of CEMETERIES. Some smaller ones have a spicket on the front access road just off the main road, also on the back road of the area. Again ask first it's courteous. Some cemeteries aren't always manned so if you're going by a larger one (your best bet) usually has someone for a grounds keeper on site. Now I will say in a smaller of the beaten path I have topped off my tank without asking, no one was around and I only needed a half a tank. Bigger ones on main drags are easier.
That one I have not thought of! But I do love to visit very old cemeteries to read the grave markers, which often is a history lesson. I guess those oldest ones wouldn't have running water. . .but I'll check your suggestion for the future.
I'm dying to try that one.
I would be very cautious about cemetery water. Most non potable it's there to water flowers.
@@timpaulus4922 you must camp in the city. Where we go cemeteries have drilled wells. I don't camp in Dallas, Chicago, LA. That ain't camping
Anthony I said be cautious of cemetery water. Nothing about camping in city!!
I do a lot of winter camping in ski country and most outdoor spigots are turned off, so I sometimes buy bulk water at Walmart. $.39 cents per gallon at Walmart in Montana. I don't use the water system in winter anyways so jugs of bulk water works fine. The Water Bandit at highway rest stop washrooms also works for filling jugs.
You are not only remarkable and fun to watch, but you're so resourceful and doing a fabulous public service for those of us who are new to the community and even those who have RV'd a while.
Thank you for the effort, research and support you place into all your videos.
Hope you decide to setup a meet and greet someday, because I think it would help a lot of new RVers and many I'm certain would love to meet you. Safe travels.
Thank you! Yes, I think I'll do a meet and greet at this year's RTR, if you get a chance to go I'd love to meet you:)
Will the RTR again be in January 2019 in the Arizona area?
#5. When I was first living in my RV I was just going into winter and so I didn't have use of the RV's native water systems (they were winterized). So I had to improvise and use a van-dwelling inspired setup. I had 3 or 4 5-gallon jugs that I would fill up and then use those to fill a water dispenser I had over my sink. It worked but wasn't the greatest. Well, I would go down to a gas station not far from my gym (where I would work out and shower) and do the same thing you suggest, go in, buy a drink or something and then say, hey, would you mind if I filled some 5 gallon jugs with water at your spigot outside? It was great.
Ooh, good one!
I am loving these Sunday videos, and am so glad you're doing them. THANK YOU!!!
Hi Robin, Thank you for yet another educational and interesting video. I have a suggestion, I noticed your hoses were kind of kinked, my husband always took two of the smallest bungee cords , the ones with the great big balls on the ends of them and used two on each hose, it helped keep the hoses curled and not kinked, he also screwed the one end of the hose into the other end to keep critters out, just a suggestion we do it all the time and we never have a kink in the hose and also helps with them not getting tangled up. Hope it helps Thanks again for sharing Safe travels and BE FREE!!
Great advice! thanks:)))
Yes connecting the hose ends together keeps out dirt & other debris. Very insightful.
Gloria, I was thinking the same thing. Always connect the ends together before storing the hoses. Keeps dust n critters out. And things get dusty in the bins!
I wonder if you could use one of those collapsible hoses that shrink up to nothing when done. I have seen them for 50' or even longer. Would they be safe?
For the water bandit - you could consider getting a hose clamp with a key type design for the screw, ie something you can hand tighten. Slip the hose clamp over the water bandit, push the water bandit onto the spigot, and quickly clamp it with the hose clamp, no tools required. They have them on Amazon for like $8 for a pack of four. Instead of sitting there holding it in place.
Also, for people who really want to have clean water, you can set up a whole-vehicle water filtration system for not a lot of money, which will filter out contaminants and use active charcoal to remove any tastes or odors. Optionally, a UV cannon as the final stage to really kill any microorganisms that somehow made it past the first filtration steps. This also helps keep your tanks clean for longer, as minimal sediment gets through - this is not the case if you just pour unfiltered water into your fresh water tank, you'll have to arrange to have it rinsed more often in that case. You almost pretty much need to get a filter to put between your fresh tank and your sink, instead. There are companies that just do RV water filtration stuff, like rvfilterstore.com (not a recommendation, never used them, but they have systems ready to go, so worth a look.) Their "essential" system is just over a hundred bucks, so sounds like pretty cheap to improve your water quality across the board.
Also if you go to the big truck side try to go in the furthest fuel island next to the cat scale.
Excellent information Robin! Thank you!
I am a newbie, just prepping for my maiden voyage. I am LOVING your videos and advice!!! I'm always respectful of others and expect to pay for my share, but appreciate the encouragement to ask for a little something that really costs them nothing. Thank you SO much!!!
This has been a concern of mine. Thank you, Robin - you ROCK! 🧡🌟 👍🏼
You have learned a lot in a short time. Thanks for sharing
Just added the water bandit to my amazon wish list... I occasionally use river (fast flowing) water, but ALWAYS filter it into my RV, and BOIL it before consumption... Not sure about the USA, but water pressure here in Canada varies from town to town, campground to campground, so might I suggest using a pressure regulator whenever topping off or filling up? peace.
I absolutely love these tips. It makes my day(s). Thank you !
Great tips! We'll have to remember this video when we start boondocking :)
~Stacy~
Your videos are just the best. I am hitting the road this winter and I am filling my notebook with all of your great hints. Thanks Robin.
You are wonderful to share all this helpful information. Thank you! 🙏❤️😃👍 Deb
Great video as always, thanks for all the info.!
Love your videos, you have very informative and helpful stuff!
ALWAYS GREAT ADVICE AND TIPS. THANX.
Always great information, thank you ✌️
You are a favorite of mine ...so informational !, 💕
I saw a few videos where some of the rv folks set up a gutter system and collected rainwater to fill tanks for washing stuff...
Thank you Robin!! I think I just asked you where to get water and propane. Uhaul worked out great for me! They acted like I was the first too!
I love your videos. I watch for you everyday! I'm in an old class A....but your information has helped me sooo much
Oh yay!!! So glad to hear that
Awesome video. Loving your topics!
Thank you that is good to know... safe travels!!!!
Very good information. Thank you so much!!!!!
I love the short hose for getting it on the fly.....Great tip!
Robin, thanks for another informative video, very appreciated. Best wishes ::))))
Thank you for doing all the hard work for us. We are just about ready to go on our first trip. I'm so excited. You are by far my favorite 😇 ✌
Aw, thanks so much! Have a great weekend
Good to see you being good with everything!
free and friendly: water... thanks!
Great traveling
information even if you're not in an RV
Finding a free water source with the ability to fill up a tank or multiple vessels during a trip or camping excursion is essential. THANKS for the tips. 👍🏻
Your videos r so informative! Thanks
You answer my questions before I even ask them. I was worrying about exactly this question. Thanks so much!
Thx for another informative video filled with your road life experience, natural common sense and reflective road courtesy suggestions.
Best video I watched all week! Fantastic knowledge you are teaching us Robin! Thank you so much!
Super video!! I've been wondering about this! Can't wait to see what you have re propane! PS...Love your hair!!!
Thank you very much I retired early from truck driving. But I miss being on the road I’m just now thinking about maybe spending three months a year on the road. I’ve been watching a lot of TH-cam videos with people like you. Most TH-camrs complain about truck drivers. Thank you so much for not doing that. Being on the road many times I would help People that will live in an RV’s and they treated me with such disrespect. So thank you
Super great info! Thanks
Great tips! Thank you ☺
Awesome video... THANK YOU
You are so amazing. I enjoy your video so much because you always have such awesome info for everyone.....God Bless n be safe.......
Once again you provided us with an informative video. You are very resourceful. Thanks for the information. I'm sure it will at some point be useful when I begin traveling.
Thank you for the information. I especially like how you toss it little tidbits such as the water bandit, along with links. Most helpful. We'll see you on the next video!
You have the most helpful nomadic life advice I have come across!
The power of leverage. I love it.
I was starting to worry about finding water. Your tips are super helpful! Love how you are empathetic and think of others, including truckers. Well done!
Thank you for another informative video. I am about a year away from hitting the road and I always find your videos helpful!
Such great information, thanks again Robin!
Love the background! Beautiful ! Also thanks for the good info!
Cool, clear water...water! The singing cowboys🤠 great tips. And, thank you for asking for water first. Some places have a water bill. 👍
Thank You! Safe journeys
Awesome info as usual! Thank you. Be safe, Be blessed. 😉😀❤🇺🇸💙
you have the best tips of any of these that I've watched love love love your videos and all the info thanks for sharing
Many REST STOPS on the west coast states have spigots (I douse my dogs when it's really hot). You'd need the water bandit spigot adapter.
Very informative, tanks!
Yes! Love rest stops too
Some good ideas there. I like the idea of looking for a water spigot at a gas station, or truck stop. I don't plan on going into too many paid places, but if I'm in one state for awhile, getting that state's park pass sounds like a good idea. But for me it would be for day trips. I may have to end up purchasing water (for van) at the walmarts (rural? I don't see any) that have the larger water dispensing machines that don't charge too much... for a van. When I am making such stops, I also plan on drinking water at the water fountains when shopping, maybe fill up a small personal water bottle. BobRVBig Guy had mentioned cemeteries. But, one I visited in mig city had all their spigots turned off... thought I'd test those! They probably only turn them on when needed. I prefer not to use the tool one can get to siphon water off at various stores... I don't want to encounter an angry store manager.
I've never been turned down when I've asked to fill up water at a CHURCH.
@@dr.jerrygustafson7680 LOL! I think that "holy water" would make my RV explode. I'm such a devil!
Thanks for the info!
Great information!!!!!! Thank you for sharing.
Robin, you’re terrific and have great content! I am not a nomad; I live in a house like most people. But I find the information on your channel so intriguing and useful that I love to tune in. Also, I love your positive cheerful outlook on life. Thanks!
Best thing I’ve found to fill - a short, 20’ collapsible hose (the one that shrinks down) and add a fill nozzle that will go down into the tank a bit and has a shut off valve. Wow has this made a difference! It’s safe for drinking as well but I don’t drink my tank water. It takes up so little room and is very light. I roll it up and put it in a cord bag along with my water bandit, a regular spray nozzle and other smaller fresh water accessories.
My outside storage bay was an absolute disaster before I found cord bags. I think they’re made specifically for electrical cords but they work for small hoses as well. I found them at Menard’s (it’s like a Home Depot or Lowe’s), it’s just a small round cloth bag that you wind up your cords in and zip it shut, they’re about a foot or so wide and a few inches thick. I got 3 - one for for my 30 amp cord, one for my 110 outdoor extension cord and dogbone, and one for the collapsible hose & fresh water fill accessories. It has made it SO easy to organize the small amount of external storage I have (I only have a single outside bin that locks). I’ve never heard of cord bags nor have I seen any RVers use them before. Might be worth looking into if your cords and small hoses drive you nuts!!
Great info!
Thank you!
I just discovered your site and am loving it! So much useful info I am thrilled to have. So thank you!
Love this video. I always have to search for water in my Class C. Thank you ! Hope to see you on the road! Jan in the She Shed.
Thanks, Robin. Most grateful for your fantastic, life-saving videos.
Having a positive and friendly attitude as you do, when you ask, I'm sure plays a factor. Thanks for the info.
Water Bandit! Genius! I learned something new! Thank YOU!
Also, you can go to a marine store and get one of those portable siphon pumps. These had a long tube connect to a fitting with a little ball in it. I forget the name, but it was cheap, fast, and effective way to move a liquid from one source to another.
I used it to put gas in my boat when I would go to a local gas station in my SUV. I had 5-6 5 gal jerry cans. The siphon hose was simple to use and would empty in a matter of a couple minutes each.
That info is golden!
Great tips, thank you.