A self-contained motorhome (generator, batteries, inverter, etc) made the move to the land easy and pleasant. With a septic system installed, the immediate needs were propane (for the refrigerator, hot water heater and stove), gas for the generator, and water. I could transport small quantities (5 gallons) of propane and gas easily and on a reasonable schedule during construction. Water was needed in larger quantities – about thirty some gallons per day minimum.
After installing a cistern I would need a tank to transport water so it was best to purchase a tank before moving and use it to provide water for the motorhome. Since I no longer owned a pickup truck, a tank and trailer were needed. I have a small trailer but it was not designed for the weight that would be needed. I began shopping for a trailer and water tank.
Locating a tank turned out to be a bit of a challenge. Surprisingly, I could not locate a business in Flagstaff that sells tanks. I checked the web, the yellow pages and building supplies. I did not consider ordering a tank on the web because of the cost of shipping one tank. I checked the classifieds in a local newspaper and found an individual advertising tanks and trailers in Williams which is about 35 miles west of Flagstaff. He had various trailers and tanks for sale.
Transport tanks come in various shapes, sizes and materials. Options include 55 gallon polyethylene drums, polyethylene cubes reinforced with aluminum frames, polyethylene tanks designed for pickups and tanks shaped like vitamin or herbal capsules. Polyethylene tanks can tolerate expansion from frozen water whereas a fiberglass tank will break.
Tank sizes range from 55 gallons to more than 500 gallons. A major consideration when purchasing a tank was the weight of the trailer and full tank of water. I have a small SUV with a small engine and cannot haul a heavy trailer. I’m concerned about gas mileage and unnecessary expenditures so purchasing a new vehicle was not an option. The tank I purchased holds 250 gallon. Since water weighs about 8.3 pounds per gallon, a tank full of water will weigh over 2,000 pounds plus the weight of the tank and the trailer. This was within the weight limit for my vehicle.
I purchased a new fiberglass tank shaped like a capsule mounted on an old, old functional trailer. The cost was $500 for tank, trailer and all fittings. I’ve been pleased with my decision.
Who in Williams has water tanks for sale? I’m having the same problem, can’t find anyone in Flagstaff who sells water hauling tanks. csmith530@aol.com thanks
Norzona Water Tanks
348 N Spitz Spring Rd
Parks, AZ 86018
Tel: 928-635-9027
Hauling, Horizontal, Storage Tanks, Vertical
I had a tough time finding tanks around Flagstaff. There’s a man on Leupp Road, whose name I can’t remember at the moment, who sales tanks. A friend who lived near me bought one — delivery included — for a few dollars less than I paid to pick up the same tank in Parks. I think I have his name at home and will email you this weekend if I can locate it.
Can you also email the name of the gentleman on Leupp road? I am looking for a tank. THank you for what you are doing, it is a nice resource.
We bought our tank in 2005 at Hughes on Huntington, they had quite a few….and probably still do.