Looking for a 50,000 liter water tank for RVs, camping, or off-grid needs? This guide highlights five reliable options that balance durability, capacity, and ease of installation. Each product is explained with who it’s best for, key features, and practical considerations. Use this to compare installation fit, material safety, and portability to choose the right tank for your setup.
| Product | Type | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A Customs | T-5000 50 Gallon Fresh Water Holding Tank | Rigid Poly Tank | RV owners needing drinking water storage | NSF approved materials; built-in fittings |
| RTS Plastics PCO-50 Gallon Tank | Rotomolded Poly Tank | Portable and secure mounting | Grad strips, vented cap, pre-installed bulkhead |
| Elkhart Plastics 50 Gallon Utility Storage Tank | Square Plastic Tank | Reliable utility and chemical storage | Flat bottom for stable install; translucent with markings |
| Ameri-Kart 50 Gallon RV Fresh Water Tank (WT-1468) | Rigid Tank | RV campers needing potable water | BPA-free, IAPMO standards, multiple fitting options |
| Ameri-Kart 50 Gallon RV Fresh Water Tank (Cube Shape WT-1177) | Cube Tank | Compact RV installations | Wide installation options; durable plastics |
Class A Customs T-5000 50 Gallon Fresh Water Tank
The Class A Customs T-5000 is a 50-gallon holding tank designed for RVs and concessions. It is made from NSF approved materials, making it suitable for fresh water storage and drinking water applications. The tank’s dimensions (approximately 38.25″ long, 14.25″ wide, 22.25″ tall) and multiple fittings (two 1.5″ female NPT and two 0.5″ female NPT) offer flexible installation options. Best for buyers who want a ready-to-install, water-safe container with clear mounting possibilities.
Best for: RVers and concession operators requiring a dedicated fresh water or gray water reservoir with watertight fittings. Choose this if you need a tank that emphasizes safety and readily integrated fittings. Caution: verify that the membrane is removed before use and avoid overtightening 0.5″ fittings to prevent damage.
RTS Plastics Rotomolded 50 Gallon Tank
RTS Plastics PCO-50 Gallon Tank is engineered for ease of use with features like a vented cap for pump hookups, molded-in gallon grad strips, and a siphon elbow for complete drainage. Its rotomolded construction provides durability and resistance to impact, weather, and chemicals. Best for: users who prioritize easy monitoring of liquid levels and straightforward installation with pre-installed bulkhead fittings. Caution: ensure fittings are tightened as recommended to maintain watertight seals.
Elkhart Plastics 50 Gallon Utility Storage Tank
The Elkhart Plastics 50 Gallon Tank is a versatile square-shaped reservoir suitable for water and non-flammable liquids. Its flat bottom aids installation in trucks or trailers, and translucent walls with molded markings improve liquid level visibility. Best for: environments where a stable, easy-to-secure tank is needed. Limitation: ensure the specific gravity of stored liquids stays within the tank’s design range.
Ameri-Kart 50 Gallon RV Fresh Water Tank WT-1468
Ameri-Kart’s WT-1468 50 gallon RV water tank is made in the USA from BPA-free materials and is designed for potable water use—suitable for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and showering in RVs and trailers. It includes built-in fittings (one 1.5″ NPT, two 0.5″ NPT) and meets IAPMO standards. Best for: RV owners needing a robust, BPA-free potable water storage option. Caution: check that all fittings are properly sealed to prevent leaks.
Ameri-Kart 50 Gallon Cube RV Fresh Water Tank WT-1177
This cube-shaped 50-gallon RV water tank from Ameri-Kart is designed for flexible installation with multiple fitting configurations. It is built from weather-resistant plastics and is designed to be sanitary and leak-proof, meeting IAPMO standards. Best for: small to mid-sized RV projects where a compact, durable water tank is required. Caution: ensure compatibility with mounting space and door clearance in tight installations.
Buying Guide
- Material and safety: Look for NSF/IAPMO approval and BPA-free plastics when potable water is involved. This supports safety for drinking and cooking use.
- Capacity vs. space: A 50-gallon tank is common, but vehicle and trailer dimensions determine fit. Measure available space and confirm orientation options (length, width, height).
- Fittings and connections: Check built-in fittings (NPT sizes, type) and whether you need pre-installed bulkheads. Consider whether you need venting for pumps and gravity-fed systems.
- Durability: Rotomolded vs. rigid; rotomolded tends to resist impact and environmental exposure, while rigid tanks can offer precise mounting options in certain layouts.
- Installation environment: Indoor, outdoor, weather exposure, and sunlight can affect tank longevity. UV inhibitors and UV resistance are advantageous for outdoor use.
- Maintenance: Look for clear liquid level markings and accessible fill caps. Consider ease of cleaning and whether the tank allows drain-down or siphon-enabled emptying.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does 50 gallon mean for RV tanks? — It denotes roughly 50 gallons of water capacity, suitable for long trips or daily use, depending on consumption and space.
- Are these tanks safe for drinking water? — Some models are marketed as potable-water tanks with NSF/IAPMO compliance; verify the product labeling for drinking water suitability.
- Can I install a 50 gallon tank in a small trailer? — Yes, but verify dimensions, mounting clearance, and fitting positions to ensure a proper fit.
- Do these tanks come with proper fittings? — Many include built-in fittings; confirm the exact NPT sizes and whether adapters are needed for your plumbing.
- How do I prevent leaks around fittings? — Do not over-tighten fittings, use appropriate thread sealants or Teflon tape as recommended, and ensure membranes or gaskets are intact.
- Is a rotomolded tank better than a square one? — Rotomolded tanks are often more impact-resistant and seamless, while square tanks can offer stable mounting in tight spaces.