Gray Tank - towing while not empty

NorCal Gordo · 09-18-2023, 11:27 AM

Likely will be camping in a spot without a convenient dump area. Other than the added weight , are there any more downsides to towing my '99 2720 with a partially full gray tank? I've got dump capacity at my house; it's both convenient and free rather than stopping on the road.

**rickst29** · 09-18-2023, 12:37 PM

Shouldn't be a problem - maybe check that the support straps are still intact and well connected.

Shane826 · 09-18-2023, 03:58 PM

What support straps?!?

The tank is screwed to the floor/frame through a flange on the tank. The problem is when the tank gets full the belly begins to swell. And as the tank gets old, that stretching causes stress cracks. This is where adding a support strap is a good idea. You might want to fill the gray tank in your driveway and look underneath to see what it does.

As for towing, it is generally frowned upon to irrigate the roads with RV waste water.

Wavery · 09-18-2023, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorCal Gordo

Likely will be camping in a spot without a convenient dump area. Other than the added weight , are there any more downsides to towing my '99 2720 with a partially full gray tank? I've got dump capacity at my house; it's both convenient and free rather than stopping on the road.

I have a dump set-up at home as well. We always bring it home to dump rather than sitting in line at the campground (or in our case, the desert). We can also take our time to clean it out real good.

That being said, there are a few reports of tanks splitting. The newer TMs have an extra support.

**MBushaw** · 09-26-2023, 03:43 PM

I did the Poor Man SeaLand and got way more intimate with the plumbing than I wanted.
I do not trust any of the plumbing to hold up to a trip down a bumpy road with fluid. And with the suspension on a trailer all roads are bumpy! This is not a TM issue but a general trailer thing for me. I would empty the freshwater lines prior to towing if I didn’t get dirty looks for making puddles at the campsite.
I know I’m a bit extreme and thousands tow every day with full tanks, but some do leak. I don’t want to be a leaker.