When working on your 4WD or 4×4 setup, one of the main things to consider is water storage, especially for those camping or off-roading trips you might be thinking of taking. Water is one of the most important things you would need on such a trip and having a fixed water tank on your 4WD will provide you with peace of mind, and let you focus on other parts of your camping experience.
As a rule of thumb, you should ideally have about 7.5 litres of water per person per day for all purposes, and some water in reserve for emergency situations. You should plan your water storage accordingly, and a stainless steel water tank fitted to your 4WD is one of the optimal ways to do so. If this is something you are interested in, here is some more information to guide you in the right direction.
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Importance of Water When Going Camping
The importance of having water handy when going camping cannot be overstated. Whether it is for cooking, cleaning, drinking, maintaining personal hygiene, refilling the radiator of your vehicle or any other reason you may think of, having a water supply is crucial for all of it. When out on the road, or camping, access to water is often not as simple as walking to the nearest tap. However, with some foresight and good preparation, clean water can be at your fingertips even when out, and this can be done via many water storage options like bottles, canteens, water bladders or water tanks.
Advantages of a Water Tank Setup in a 4WD
Having a water tank setup when out camping is one of the best ways to ensure you have convenient access to water, even in isolated places. A water tank is also compatible with a pump and hose, hence allowing you to increase the water pressure, and use it for purposes like cleaning, and even make it easier just to access the water.
When out in remote locations, the distances between amenities can often be hundreds of kilometres, so having a water tank attached to your 4WD ensures you have adequate water in hand. Besides, you may also end up running into emergency situations, like your campsite not having adequate water supply, or even your vehicle malfunctioning in the middle of nowhere, and a water tank is a great backup for situations like these. Water tanks are attached outside your vehicle, so it doesn’t take up any real estate inside, thus making it an even smarter option to consider.
Is Stainless Steel Good for a Water Tank?
When it comes to getting a water tank for your 4WD, there are a few different directions you can go when it comes to the material used to make said tank. The two most used and best options out there are stainless steel, and PVC plastic. For us, a stainless steel water tank 4WD is an easy decision though.
Build Quality
If made well, a stainless steel water tank can last a lifetime, since it is such a strong alloy. Stainless steel is also malleable, so it is easy to bend and shape it, and it is easy to weld it as well. Because of the strength of the alloy, it is ideal for rough and tough situations, like off-roading, provided the tank is well constructed in the first place. Stainless steel is also virtually immune to any negative impacts of the sun, making it a good option for those harsh Australian summers. You won’t have to worry about any leaching from plastic, for instance.
Resistant to Corrosion
Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion, which helps in maintaining its longevity as a water storage option. For 4WD vehicles, Grade 304 stainless steel is the ideal build metal. All water supplied by cities and municipalities contain small amounts of chlorine that is used to treat and disinfect the water. If your tank is not made of an anti-corrosion metal, chlorine can foster corrosion, hence making stainless steel such a strong pick.
Cost
When compared to a PVC tank, a stainless steel tank is costlier to buy or get made, and is a factor prospective buyers may consider. Having said that, you also get better durability with the added cost, so it comes down to whether you are willing to make that investment, or get a cheaper option like PVC, and potentially must replace it sooner.
Get the Most Out of a Stainless Steel Water Tank
Though stainless steel water tanks for 4WDs are known for their durability and longevity, there are still some measures you should take to ensure it stays that way. Just like anything else, taking care of your water tank will go a long way to maintain its integrity and the quality of the water inside it. Tank maintenance is not challenging work, but it is important work. Here are some tips to maintain your stainless steel water tank.
Keep It Clean
One of the easy decisions when it comes to maintaining your water tank is cleaning it regularly. This can be done easily by using some mild detergent or soap with warm water, and then following it up with a clean water rinse. If you are looking to deep clean your tank, you can half fill it with water, then empty about a litre of household chlorine bleach into it. Then, fill the rest of the tank, and let it soak for a couple of days. Drain and rinse the tank until you can’t smell the chlorine anymore. This is a great way to clean stainless steel tanks, since it is resistant to chlorine’s corrosive actions.
Keep Your Tank Full
When you are between trips, or your water tank is not in use, it is good practice to keep it full with water rather than draining it and leaving it empty. An empty or near-empty water tank is a breeding ground for all sorts of bacteria and algae, so the best thing to do is to fill it up with water, and sanitise it.
Install a Sight Glass
A sight glass is useful to check the tank level in a moment and also check for any contamination in your water. If you spot any gunk, like algae, through the sight glass, then chances are it’s throughout the tank. Therefore, a sight glass can also be a useful tool to know when to clean your tank, or when the water inside is not sanitised properly.
Stay Hydrated, Wherever You Are
With a stainless steel water tank mounted to your 4WD, you can go off the beaten track with no fears about running out of water. Simply fill up at the next town you pass through and keep on driving, exploring the wonders nature has to offer.
Buy an Underbody Water Tank Online
30L Underbody Water Tank is the perfect option for a quick weekend getaway, or as an additional water storage option. It is suited for the Toyota Prado 150 or Lexus GX 460. The water tank is designed using 3D scanning to ensure a perfect fit, and the 30L capacity provides a good water storage option without occupying any space inside the vehicle. It is built to withstand harsh conditions, and is made using Grade 316 stainless steel, which provides the best corrosion resistance. The tank comes with a quarter-turn lockable tap, a water level sight gauge, and detailed instructions help with a simple and intuitive installation.
