Your Guide to Choosing the Right Water Tank for 4WDs, Caravans & RVs
Run out of water on the road? That’s a mistake you only make once. Out bush in the fourby or parked up in the van for a week, water storage is essential for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and even showers.
At Outback Equipment, we stock one of the biggest ranges of portable water storage in Australia. From rugged 4WD tanks to clever modular caravan setups, we’ve got brands like Tuff Terrain, Camec, Outback Explorer, Boab, Front Runner, Plastimo and more.
This guide will walk you through why upgrading from jerry cans makes sense, how much water you really need, what to look for in a safe tank, and some of the best products for both 4x4s and caravans.
Why Upgrade from Jerry Cans?
Jerry cans are handy for quick trips, but they’re bulky, awkward to pack, and don’t hold enough water for longer journeys. A mounted tank is a smarter solution. You’ll free up space, balance the weight in your vehicle, and have a tap or hose ready to go.
Tip: Even if you install a tank, carry a small jerry can or water bladder as a backup in case of emergencies.
How Much Water Do You Need?
A good rule of thumb is 2 litres of drinking water per person per day. Add extra for cooking, washing, and showering.
- Weekend trip (couple): 20–50 litres
- Small family or multi-day touring: 50–100 litres
- Remote travel or long trips: 100 litres+ with a pump for convenience
Don’t forget—1 litre of water weighs 1 kilo. A 100L tank adds 100kg to your vehicle, so plan where the weight sits.
For cleaner water every refill, consider adding a pump and filtration system from brands like Best or Thirsty Nomad.
Materials & Safety
Not all tanks are made equal. The tanks we stock from Tuff Terrain, Outback Explorer, Camec, and Boab are built tough and safe for drinking water.
Look for these features:
- UV-stabilised to survive Aussie sun
- Food-grade polyethylene for safe, fresh water
Cheaper imports may skip these, which can lead to cracks, leaks, or unsafe drinking water.
Top 4WD Water Tanks
Tuff Terrain 42L Vertical Mount Tank
- Slim 75mm profile with wheel arch cut-outs
- UV-resistant, impact-proof poly
- ½" BSP brass outlet (fits standard plumbing)
- Mounts vertically against tub wall or canopy
Best for: Tight spaces in utes or canopies where you need fixed water storage.
Tuff Terrain 40L Poly Footwell Tank
- Fits in the rear passenger footwell of most 4x4s
- Transmission tunnel recess for a flush fit
- Two brass outlets (one each end)
- UV-stabilised polyethylene
Best for: Solo travellers or small families needing extra water without losing cargo space.
Tuff Terrain 50L Underbody Style Side Tank
- One-piece moulded, extra-thick poly
- Food-grade, algae-resistant
- Mounting brackets included
Best for: Tradies and tourers who want hidden, permanent storage under the vehicle.
Tuff Terrain 62L Underbody Spare Wheel Tank
- Fits where your spare wheel used to sit
- Octagon-shaped: 730mm x 730mm x 200mm
- 62L capacity with baffling to reduce slosh
- Stainless steel sleeve for strength
Best for: 4WDs running larger tyres with an empty spare wheel well.
Things to Consider Before You Buy
- Mounting location: Footwell tanks are temporary and easy, underbody tanks free cargo space but need heat shields, vertical tanks save canopy space.
- Capacity vs weight: Remember, 100L = 100kg.
- Access points: Simple tap or pump and hose?
- Maintenance: Wide caps make cleaning easier.
- Spare parts: Stick to brands with standard BSP fittings for easy replacements.
Top Caravan & RV Water Tanks
Outback Explorer 43L Modular Caravan & RV Tank
- Link multiple tanks for big capacity
- Food-grade polyethylene
- Two 20mm (¾" BSP) inlets/outlets
- Lightweight at 2.5kg
Best for: Flexible setups that can grow with your needs.
Outback Explorer 54L Modular Caravan & RV Tank
- Same modular design as the 43L, with more volume
- Three 20mm (¾" BSP) inlets/outlets
- Odourless, chemical-resistant polyethylene
Best for: Families or longer stays without needing a single huge tank.
Camec Roto 70L Water Tank
- Australian-made PVC resin construction
- Built-in 5mm breather
- Mounts under chassis or inside cabinetry
Best for: Mid-size setups for couples or small families.
Camec 110L Grey Water Tank Kit
- Large 110L capacity
- Includes fittings and bracket
- Designed for waste or grey water
Best for: Vans with showers/kitchens or off-grid stays where you need to manage waste.
Outback Explorer 40L Portable Wheeled Tank
- Built-in wheels and handle for easy transport
- Comes with pipe and faucet
- Food-grade, durable polyethylene
Best for: Travellers needing a backup supply or simple grey water disposal.
Product Comparison Table
| Product | Capacity | Dimensions / Fit | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuff Terrain 42L Vertical Mount Tank | 42L | Slim 75mm profile with wheel arch cut-outs | UV-resistant, impact-proof poly, ½" BSP brass outlet | Utes/canopies with tight space |
| Tuff Terrain 40L Poly Footwell Tank | 40L | Fits rear passenger footwell, recess for flush fit | Two brass outlets, durable polyethylene | Solo travellers/small families |
| Tuff Terrain 50L Underbody Side Tank | 50L | Mounts under tray or chassis rail | Food-grade, algae-resistant, brackets included | Hidden storage for tradies/tourers |
| Tuff Terrain 62L Underbody Spare Wheel Tank | 62L | 730mm x 730mm x 200mm (fits spare wheel space) | Baffled to reduce slosh, stainless sleeve | 4WDs with larger tyres and empty spare wheel well |
| Outback Explorer 43L Modular Tank | 43L | Modular design, lightweight 2.5kg | Two 20mm BSP inlets/outlets, food-grade | Flexible setups, expandable capacity |
| Outback Explorer 54L Modular Tank | 54L | Modular design, more volume | Three 20mm BSP inlets/outlets, chemical-resistant | Families or longer stays |
| Camec Roto 70L Water Tank | 70L | Mount under chassis or cabinetry | Australian-made PVC resin, built-in breather | Couples or small families |
| Camec 110L Grey Water Tank Kit | 110L | Mount under chassis with bracket | Includes fittings, large waste capacity | Vans with kitchens/showers, grey water storage |
| Outback Explorer 40L Portable Wheeled Tank | 40L | Portable with wheels and handle | Pipe and faucet included, food-grade poly | Easy transport or backup supply |
Final Thoughts
The right water tank can transform your camping setup. Go slightly bigger than you think you’ll need, stick with tanks built for Aussie conditions, and always keep a small backup.
For 4WDs, Tuff Terrain tanks are tough, space-saving, and built for real off-road use.
For caravans and RVs, Outback Explorer’s modular tanks are lightweight, cost-effective, and cleverly designed to expand as your needs grow.
At Outback Equipment, we also stock all the fittings, pumps, hoses, and filters you need to build a complete water system. Check out our full range online and get your rig ready for the next adventure.
