Re: [A/S] Re: Travelling with full tanks

["Oliver Filippi" <ofilippi@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Many years ago, I was told by an Airstream dealer that the trailer rides
better with full tanks.

The rationale is that the center of gravity of the trailer is lower with the
weight of the water in the tanks.  Since the fresh water tank is in the
middle (near the axles) the extra weight will not contribute very much to
sway (though I don't think the tank is baffled to prevent the water from
sloshing around).

The problem with full or partially full waste water tanks is that they are
located aft (certainly the black water tank) of the axle.  This can cause
some fishtailing, especially in the longer models (say 29' and over).  Also,
there were some frame structural problems (in the late 60's and early 70's,
I believe) caused by the dynamics of the weight on the tail end of the
trailer, and an inadequate frame design.

Unlike most SOB trailers,( which do not use the torsion bar suspension, but
have a sprung axle going across the trailer) the designers often locate the
water tanks higher in the trailer, thus providing a higher center of gravity
than that of an Airstream.  Obviously, the lower the center of gravity, the
better.

So, in most cases, carrying a full fresh water tank is not going to be a
problem except for higher fuel consumption (caused by the added weight) if
you are climbing hills.  Sloshing the black water tank in transit prior to
emptying it is a good idea (as is having some extra fresh water on board) a
la Hunter.  How much fresh water you decide to carry is up to you, but will
obviously be important if you are boondocking.  If you use the toilet in
transit, you will need some fresh water to flush it!  Yes, I do carry fresh
water.

Oliver Filippi