Refilling the Oliver Freshwater Tank with Portable Tank

**SeaDawg** · August 20, 2008

A couple comments on refilling the Oliver's tank using the Camping World portable, collapsible tank and the Oliver pump:

1. The process to refill the Oliver tank using the pump is just plain simple. What a feature! We went to a freshwater source, filled the portable tank (keeping it in the bed of the pickup), and drove back to camp. There, we opened the curbside window, opened the seat cubby to access the pump, put the already attached plastic tubing out the window, slid the screen and window back into place, changed the valves. Fed a hose from the portable tank to a five gallon bucket, put the plastic tubing in the bucket, and turned on the pump. The whole process, from start to finish and putting everything away, took about 15 minutes filling and emptying the bucket. We used the bucket to keep the plastic tubing submerged and keep air out of the line...

the filled plastic, collapsible tank in the bed of the pickup. We have a soft bedliner, but checked for pebbles, sticks, etc before filling the tank.

the valves turned for intake, filling the Oliver freshwater tank with the aid of its own water pump.

2. Comments on the Camping World water tank itself: It's a great product for the money. Thanks again to DougI for the link. Much less expensive than other available products, folds up after use to store in its own box... about 12 x 15 x 3 or so, and lightweight when empty. After using it three times, it's proven to be a great buy.

The directions show it being carried on top of a vehicle, which I don't think I'd do. We carried it full in the pickup bed, and it shifted around some. I personally wouldn't trust it on top of the cab. Directions clearly state "not for use on the highway".

The directions say to flush it with solution and a gallon of water before each use. Even after filling and draining three times, I still smell a faint "plastic" smell from when I first turn on the water tap in the Oliver. If I bought another one new, I'd fill it and drain it into the flower beds at home a few times before taking it on the road to get rid of that smell. Other than that, a great product, came with every fitting needed to do the job except the freshwater hose itself. Heavy enough guage that with care, it should last quite awhile.

Sherry