Misleading fresh water capacity?

[Drwybo]

We have a 2019 vista cruiser 19erd. All of the labels say we should have a total fresh water capacity of 34 gal.

We have measured the dimensions of the fresh water tank and it can physically hold no more than 22 gal. Even including the 6 gal water heater, we come up short.

Has anyone with other models verified their published fresh water capacity vs actual?

[THenne1713]

Current ONLINE BROCHURE SPEC for a 19ERD is 27-gallon; in my model 6266 Class-C, which I identify as 2000 by floorplan changes by year (1999 vs 2000), they swapped toilet/ bath sink locations, and 2000 supposed to have larger tanks. 1999 (F/G/B)= 36/20/25 vs 2000 (F/G/B)= 34/ 36/ 36, but but but I often feel the Black must be the 25, LOL; the gdaughter showering thinks the Gray is 20. I know the chassis is 1999 by VIN, but...

[elmerfud]

I have a 2012 Visa 19RGU. It advertises 28 gallons of fresh water. I initially assumed that was the tank capacity. No. That is the total fresh water capacity including the water heater and pipes. I figured it out the same way you did. Measure the tank and ask google.
Therefore, going forward know that manufacturers inflate the water capacities.

[elmerfud]

PS:
Since we exclusively boondock camp, I added a second 21 gallon tank and connected the two with a valve in the pipe. That brought our capacity of usable water up to 21+21 =42. A usable amount for 3 days. I also got a 3rd 21 gallon tank which is in our Jeep. If we camp for longer than 3 days we fill up the Jeep tank somewhere and drive back to the camper and using a Harbor Freight transfer pump to refill the main tank. Our gray and black are rated at 30 gallon each. (maybe?) I put a revised drain cap with a garden hose fitting in it. I have a dedicated 25 foot garden hose to drain off the gray water so we do not have to break camp to drain the gray water. (I know that is controversial.) The black tank capacity I estimate will go for at least a week. Water is not a problem with our set up.
Also, I installed a Yamaha 2,400 watt inverter generator to charge up the battery. Our limiting factor is the black water tank.

[Ldubs]

PS:
Since we exclusively boondock camp, I added a second 21 gallon tank and connected the two with a valve in the pipe. That brought our capacity of usable water up to 21+21 =42. A usable amount for 3 days. I also got a 3rd 21 gallon tank which is in our Jeep. If we camp for longer than 3 days we fill up the Jeep tank somewhere and drive back to the camper and using a Harbor Freight transfer pump to refill the main tank. Our gray and black are rated at 30 gallon each. (maybe?) I put a revised drain cap with a garden hose fitting in it. I have a dedicated 25 foot garden hose to drain off the gray water so we do not have to break camp to drain the gray water. (I know that is controversial.) The black tank capacity I estimate will go for at least a week. Water is not a problem with our set up.
Also, I installed a Yamaha 2,400 watt inverter generator to charge up the battery. Our limiting factor is the black water tank.

We have a 2021 19ERD. Capacity spec is 27 gallons.

ElmerFud -- I like you idea of adding a second tank. But in my case I would like more gray tank capacity. Because of the places we go, I can always add fresh water using the 5 gallon jug if nothing else. But once the gray tank if full, I am out of luck until I get to the dump station.

[Sed8me]

I have a 2021 197BH (built in March 2021) which I thought was coming with 51 gallons of fresh water capacity, when it reality it has 22 + 6 = 28 gallons, a far cry from what I expected.

To their credit, Gulf Stream did update the specs for the 2021 197BH to 30 gallons on their website, but many dealers and other 3rd party websites still have it listed at 51 gallons. Also interesting is that the stickers on the trailer detailing the weight limits, still calculate based on 51 gallons.

My solution, which worked way better than expected, was a 50 gallon bladder in the back of the truck, which, when empty, I roll up to save space and fill upon arrival. I connect the bladder to the winterization hose and just draw freshwater from the back of the truck, only using the 22 gallon tank for when the bladder is not connected.