RVing is a popular way to explore the great outdoors and travel to new destinations, but you must have fresh water for cooking, cleaning, and showering. So how big are RV water tanks?
The average RV fresh water tanks can hold anywhere from 20 to 100 gallons, while gray water tanks hold about 50 gallons and black water tanks hold between 18 and 64 gallons.
RV water tank sizes and capacities vary widely depending on the make and model of the vehicle. We’ll go into everything you need to know in this guide.
Quick Facts
- RV fresh water tanks hold 20-100 gallons on average, grey water tanks hold around 50 gallons, and most black water tanks hold between 18 and 64 gallons.
- RV water tank sizes and capacities vary widely depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
- There are different types of RV water tanks to consider, including portable tanks, underbelly tanks, and above-floor tanks.
- Choosing the right size and capacity RV water tank is important for a comfortable and enjoyable trip.
RV Water Tank Sizes and Capacities
When it comes to RV water tanks, there are a few things you need to know. The size and capacity of your RV water tanks will depend on the size of your RV and your specific needs.
Here’s what you need to know about RV water tank sizes and capacities.
Fresh Water Tank Size
The fresh water tank is the tank that holds the water you use for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
The size of your fresh water tank will depend on the size of your RV and your specific needs. On average, a fresh water tank will hold between 20 and 100 gallons of water.
If you plan on doing a lot of dry camping, you may want to consider a larger fresh water tank.
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Gray Water Tank Size
The gray water tank is the tank that holds the water from your sinks and shower. The size of your gray water tank will depend on the size of your RV and your specific needs.
On average, a gray water tank will hold about 50 gallons of water. If you plan on doing a lot of cooking and cleaning, you may want to consider a larger gray water tank.
Can You Dump Grey Water On The Ground?
Black Water Tank Size
The black water tank is the tank that holds the waste from your toilet. The size of your black water tank will depend on the size of your RV and your specific needs.
On average, a black water tank will hold between 18 and 64 gallons of water. If you plan on doing a lot of camping without hookups, you may want to consider a larger black water tank.
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Holding Tank Capacity
The holding tank capacity is the total amount of water that all of your RV water tanks can hold. This includes your fresh water tank, gray water tank, and black water tank.
The holding tank capacity will depend on the size of your RV and your specific needs. On average, an RV holding tank capacity will range from 30 to 100 gallons.
See Related: How To Clear An RV Holding Tank Blockage
Types of RV Water Tanks
As an avid RV traveler, I know firsthand how important it is to have a reliable and efficient water system in your RV. In this section, I will discuss the different types of RV water tanks and their capacities.
Fresh Water Tanks
Fresh water tanks are where your RV holds potable water for use in your sinks, toilet, and shower. The size of your fresh water tank will depend on the size of your RV, but on average, it will hold 20 to 100 gallons.
Here’s a table showing the average RV fresh water tank capacity by RV size:
| RV Size | Fresh Water Tank Capacity |
| Small | 20-40 gallons |
| Medium | 40-60 gallons |
| Large | 60-100 gallons |
To ensure the cleanliness of your freshwater tank, make sure to sanitize it regularly. You can use bleach water or a specialized tank treatment to do this.
Grey Water Tanks
Grey water tanks hold wastewater from your RV’s sinks and shower. The size of your grey water tank will also depend on the size of your RV, but on average, it will hold about 50 gallons.
Here’s a table showing the average RV grey water tank capacity by RV size:
| RV Size | Grey Water Tank Capacity |
| Small | 20-30 gallons |
| Medium | 30-50 gallons |
| Large | 50-75 gallons |
To maintain your grey water tank, make sure to use RV-safe toilet paper and avoid dumping any solids down the drain.
Black Water Tanks
Black water tanks hold wastewater from your RV’s toilet. The size of your black water tank will depend on the size of your RV and your usage, but on average, it will hold between 18 and 64 gallons.
Here’s a table showing the average RV black water tank capacity by RV size:
| RV Size | Black Water Tank Capacity |
| Small | 18-24 gallons |
| Medium | 24-40 gallons |
| Large | 40-64 gallons |
To maintain your black water tank, make sure to use RV-safe toilet paper and avoid flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper. You should also use tank treatment regularly to keep the tank clean and odor-free.
RV Holding Tanks
RV holding tanks are a combination of grey and black water tanks. If you are a camper who wants to dry camp a lot, you might regret buying an RV with a small freshwater tank or holding tank. Therefore, your stay length is, for the most part, limited by your RV tank size.
Here’s a table showing the average RV holding tank capacity by RV size:
| RV Size | Holding Tank Capacity |
| Small | 30-40 gallons |
| Medium | 40-60 gallons |
| Large | 60-100 gallons |
To maintain your RV holding tanks, make sure to use RV-safe toilet paper and avoid dumping any solids down the drain. You should also use tank treatment regularly to keep the tanks clean and odor-free.
In conclusion, understanding the different types of RV water tanks and their capacities is essential for maintaining a reliable and efficient water system in your RV.
Proper maintenance, regular cleaning, and responsible water usage are all key to ensuring your RV water tanks are in good working order.