Traveling in an RV means having easy access to the comforts of home, including running water. So keeping your fresh water tank full is a priority if you’re not in a campground with hookups.
But where do you fill up? You may be surprised to learn that there are convenient places to fill up just off the highway.
Let’s take a look at how to find water at truck stops, gas stations, and more.
What Is an RV Fresh Water Tank?
An RV fresh water tank holds water that goes to the RV’s faucets and toilet (or toilets). You can fill the tank with a potable water hose connected to any safe drinking water spigot.
Then, a water pump in the RV moves the water from the tank through the pipes. Fresh water tanks vary in the number of gallons they can hold.
Pro Tip: Keep your water safe to drink with a water filter. Find out more about Where Do You Connect an RV Water Filter?
Can You Fill Your RV Fresh Water at a Truck Stop?
You can fill an RV fresh water tank anywhere where safe drinking water is available. Some truck stops offer a water spigot for filling tanks. And it’s typically free! You’ll find the water location marked with a sign, or you may have to search around for it or ask a staff member.
National truck stop chains are the most likely to have potable water filling spigots. Many Pilots, Loves, and Flying J truck stops have potable water as well as dump stations. Other truck stops and travel centers may also have water.
You can find truck stops on apps like AllStays or TruckMap. From there, you may read in reviews that there’s water at the location or call ahead to ask what they have available.
Just keep in mind that not all are easily accessible with big rigs. You may have to position your RV close enough to reach it with a long water hose.
5 Fun Tips for Filling RV Fresh Tanks
- Use a Water Bandit: A Water Bandit is a small, flexible device that attaches to the end of your hose and allows you to connect to almost any type of water spigot. This is especially helpful in a campsite with an unusual spigot.
- Use a Water Filter: Having a water filter when filling up your RV fresh tank is crucial. This will help remove any impurities in the water and keep your tank clean.
- Fill Up at Night: Try to fill up your RV fresh tank at night. This is because the water pressure is usually higher at night, so your tank will fill up faster.
- Use a Clean Hose: Have a clean drinking water hose before filling your RV fresh water tank. This will ensure you don’t introduce harmful bacteria or chemicals into your tank. You can also use a filter on the end of the hose to remove any impurities.
- Bring a Portable Water Pump: Instead of relying on gravity or low water pressure to fill your RV fresh water tank, bring a portable water pump to speed up the process. This will also allow you to fill your tank from a water source further away from your RV.
Can You Fill Your RV Fresh Water at a Gas Station?
While some gas stations may offer fresh water fill stations, it’s more common to find them at truck stops. But independent gas stations or ones in a touristy area with lots of RVers may have potable water spigots.
Take a look on the side of the building to see if there’s a faucet, then ask a staff member if it’s potable water and available for you to use.
Where Else Can You Fill Your RV Fresh Water Tank?
Aside from truck stops, there are other places you can fill your RV fresh water tank. Private campgrounds often allow you to fill up your tank without having a reservation.
However, they typically charge a small fee for the water. Stop in or call ahead to a campground or RV park on your route to ask if they can accommodate you.
State park campgrounds are also options. They usually have potable water near the dump station. You can look online to see if a state park has these amenities. Some require a fee to fill your fresh water tank.
Other options for filling your tank include utilizing a water spigot at your home. Interestingly, U-Haul franchises often offer potable water in addition to propane refills.
You can also inquire at RV dealers, as some will allow you to fill your fresh water tank if you’re there for service.
How Much Does It Cost to Fill Your Fresh Water Tank?
It’s typically free to fill your fresh water tank at truck stops and some other locations. However, campgrounds often charge for using their water if you’re not staying with them.
This is so that they don’t have an overwhelming amount of RVers coming in only to fill up their water.
Why Would You Want to Fill Your Fresh Water Tank at a Truck Stop?
A truck stop offers the most convenience among all the options for filling your RV fresh water tank. You can fuel up and fill your water tank in one stop. In addition, if the water is free, it makes for the perfect option.
Pro Tip: Keep your drinking water safe by regularly cleaning your fresh water tank! This is How to Clean Your RV Fresh Water Tank.
Is It Safe to Fill Your RV Fresh Water at a Truck Stop?
You always want to make sure any water you’re putting into your tank is potable, not only for your health but also for the longevity of your pipes.
We still recommend filtering water that goes into your RV, but you want it to be as clean as possible from the get-go.
Ask a staff member if there’s no sign on the water spigot at a truck stop indicating the water is safe and potable.
Should You Fill Your RV Fresh Water at a Truck Stop?
Filling your RV with fresh water at a truck stop is very convenient. Whether you’re on your way to a boondocking site or need some water for the road, truck stops are typically easy to maneuver.
Just be sure to scout out the area first to make sure you can get to the water spigot or turn around if needed.
We recommend utilizing truck stops to fill your fresh water.
Have you ever topped off your tanks at a truck stop? Let us know in the comments!
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A word to the wise. If you are filling up fresh water to drink make sure you are using the right spigot for the job. In the area where the semi trucks fuel is a hose they spirt water onto their windshields to clean bugs or put water in there radiators etc. This water is non potable. I drive a truck for a living so I know. Most of the bigger truck stops will have signs saying it is non potable water.