Best Plastic Water Tanks for RVs: Potable Storage Solutions for Your Travels
Travelers relying on onboard water storage need reliable, BPA-free tanks that are easy to install and maintain. This guide highlights five top plastic RV water tanks that store potable water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and showering. Each option balances capacity, durability, and compatibility with common RV plumbing. Use the buying guide to compare features and pick the right fit for your motorhome, camper, or trailer.
| Product | Capacity | Material | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ameri-Kart 36 Gallon | 36 gal | BPA-Free Plastic | Cube shape, multiple fittings |
| Ameri-Kart 19 Gallon | 19 gal | BPA-Free Plastic | Compact cube, potable water |
| Ameri-Kart 20 Gallon | 20 gal | BPA-Free Plastic | Cube shape, versatile |
| Class A Customs UM-3000 | 30 gal | NSF Approved | Fresh or gray water storage |
| 30 Gallon Tank (B07KGK5SPK) | 30 gal | BPA Free | Seamless one-piece construction |
When selecting an RV water tank, consider capacity needs, installation options, compatibility with fittings, material safety, and standard connections. The following sections profile five relevant options to help you compare at a glance and choose a tank that fits your RV’s water system and traveling style.
Ameri-Kart 36 Gallon Fresh Water Tank
Capacity is 36 gallons, designed for potable water use in RVs, motorhomes, trailers, campers, and related mobile dwellings. The tank is Made in USA from BPA-free materials, supporting drinking, cooking, cleaning, and showering. Built-in fittings include two 1.5″ balloon-style NPT connections and two 0.5″ NPT connections, enabling flexible installation options. The construction emphasizes weather resistance and impact resistance, with sanitary, leak-proof design and compliance with IAPMO standards. The cube shape facilitates compact mounting in many RV spaces.
19 Gallon Fresh Water Tank
This 19-gallon model provides a compact option for tighter RV spaces while delivering potable water for daily needs. It features BPA-free construction and cube-shaped design for easier mounting. The tank’s installation points and fittings support flexible setup in various RV layouts. While smaller than the 36-gallon unit, it serves as a practical choice for travelers who prioritize conserving water or have limited storage space. Materials are chosen to comply with safety standards for drinking water, and the design emphasizes leak resistance and hygienic storage.
Ameri-Kart 20 Gallon Fresh Water Tank
This 20-gallon tank offers a balanced option between capacity and space needs. It is designed for potable water storage in campers, trailers, and RVs, with cube-shaped geometry that simplifies mounting in tight compartments. The product line emphasizes BPA-free plastics to ensure water safety for drinking and cooking. With standard fittings and weather-resistant construction, it aims to withstand travel conditions while maintaining water hygiene and leak resistance. This size suits mid-sized RVs or travelers who regularly use modest water quantities.
Class A Customs UM-3000 Under Mount 30 Gallon Tank
Under-mount design enables discreet placement in many RV layouts. This 30-gallon tank is NSF-approved and suitable for both fresh drinking water and gray water storage, depending on the system configuration. The tank measures about 48″ long by 8.5″ x 20.5″, and it is designed to be reversible, allowing orientation flexibility during installation. Built-in fittings include two 1.5″ NPT and two 0.5″ NPT ports, designed to seal watertight when properly installed. The tank’s thickness is rated around 7/32″ with allowances for manufacturing variations, making it robust for RV travel use.
30 Gallon RV Fresh/Gray Water Tank
This 30-gallon tank measures 34″ x 18″ x 12″ (excluding fittings) and is BPA-free. It includes a single 1.25″ water fill inlet and three 3/8″ NPT connections. The design is non-pressurized with a one-piece seamless construction to reduce seams and potential leaks. The included fittings facilitate straightforward plumbing integration for RV water systems, enabling storage of both fresh and gray water as needed. The tank’s simple, sturdy build supports reliable field use during trips and camping.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Capacity and usage: Choose tank size based on daily water needs, travel duration, and available storage space. Larger tanks reduce refills but require more mounting room.
- Material safety: Look for BPA-free plastics and materials that comply with safety standards (IAPMO, NSF). This ensures safe potable water storage for drinking and cooking.
- Fittings and compatibility: Check what fittings are included and their sizes (1.5″ NPT, 0.5″ NPT, etc.). Ensure they match your RV’s plumbing and water pump configuration.
- Installation flexibility: Some tanks are designed for under-mount or multiple-position mounting. Consider orientation options to fit your RV’s layout.
- Durability and travel conditions: Prefer weather-resistant and impact-resistant plastics, with leak-proof seals to withstand road vibrations and temperature changes.
- Maintenance: Look for tanks with smooth interior surfaces and accessible ports for cleaning, sanitizing, and routine inspection.
- Certification and warranties: NSF/IAPMO certification and manufacturer warranties add confidence in long-term performance.
- Maintenance routines: Plan for regular sanitization and use of potable water-safe cleaners to maintain water quality over time.
Choosing the right plastic RV water tank involves balancing capacity, space, and safety. By evaluating the features of each option, RV owners can align their choice with travel style, dimensional constraints, and water usage patterns. Consider how often you travel, how many people drink from the tank, and your vehicle’s available mounting space to guide your decision.