Compare Water Tanks

Decide which tank is appropriate for your lifestyle

Your own Van lifestyle largely determines the size of the water tank. In this guide, I focus on long-term off-grid camping, thus my preference for the larger sizes; if you will use the van only on short trips or from campground to campground, you’re better off with a smaller size.

Cost often plays a role too, with price differences of sometimes 300% – 400%. A sturdier tank and extra features like interior baffles or special molds frequently account for that increase.

When you finally make the purchase, be sure the tank has the appropriate holes and whether the fittings are included or not.

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Compare Water Tanks

16gal
Water Tank

16-gal-tank

16 Gallon

1 or 2 Persons
Occasional Off-Grid use
Low cost

21gal
Water Tank

21-gal-tank

Recommended1

21 Gallon

1 Person
Off-Grid use
incl. Plumbing Kit
Low cost


2 Persons
Occasional Off-Grid use
incl. Plumbing Kit
Low cost

40gal
Water Tank

40-gal-tank

Recommended1

40 Gallon

1 or 2 Persons
Off-Grid use
incl. Plumbing Kit
Low cost

Wheel Well
Water Tank

wheel-well-water-tanks

Luxury Option2

36 Gallon

1 or 2 Persons
Off-Grid use
Expensive
Space saving
Designed to fit Sprinter 2500 & T1N and Transit single rear wheel vans.

Baffled
Water Tank

baffled-tank

Luxury Option2

36 Gallon

1 or 2 Persons
Off-Grid use
Expensive
Space saving
Built-In baffles reduce water movement.

References:
1Recommended: A low-cost item with generally good performance.
2Luxury Option: Worthwhile part, if money is no issue.