When choosing a 35 gallon RV water tank, focus on safety, durability, and installation flexibility. This guide highlights five top options ideal for fresh, potable water storage in RVs, campers, food trucks, and trailers. The best pick depends on your setup: whether you need a ready-to-install kit, heavier thickness for durability, or better access via multiple ports. The following summaries help you compare capacity, build, and compatibility at a glance.
| Product | Best For | Key Strength | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A Customs T-3500 35 Gallon Tank | Full RVs and food trucks needing standard 35 gal capacity | NSF-approved materials; two 1.5″ NPT fittings | Solid all-around option |
| Ameri-Kart 36 Gallon RV Tank | Budget-friendly, potable water for regular RV use | USA-made; BPA-free | Flexible installation options |
| Class A Customs T-3509 35 Gallon Tank | Compact spaces with different dimensions | Smaller length with wider footprint | Easy to fit in tighter spaces |
| Class A Customs T3500BPK-P Kit | All-in-one solution with pump | Includes 12V pump and plumbing kit | Best for quick setup |
| WaterPrepared 35 Gallon Tank | Outdoor use and easy dispensing | UV-proof; hose-spigot | Great for camping and outdoor events |
Class A Customs T-3500 35 Gallon Tank
Best for: RVs or food trucks needing a standard 35 gallon storage tank. This model is designed for potable water storage and is manufactured from NSF-approved materials, ensuring water safety for drinking and cooking. It features two 1.5″ NPT fittings and two 0.5″ fittings for flexible plumbing options. The tank’s dimensions are 38.75″ long, 12″ wide, and 17.375″ tall, with an average thickness near 7/32″. A notable caveat is that fittings should be installed carefully to prevent leakage, and over-tightening of quick-connects should be avoided.
Why chosen: Reliable NSF-approved construction and compatible fittings make this a solid core option for many RV layouts and concession setups; the two large ports simplify venting and water lines. Best for buyers seeking a straightforward, durable reservoir with standard plumbing access.
Ameri-Kart 36 Gallon RV Fresh Water Tank
Best for: RV owners prioritizing USA-made, BPA-free potable water storage. This tank supports drinking, cooking, showering, and cleaning, with built-in fittings at standard positions to ease installation. It adheres to IAPMO standards and is built from weather- and impact-resistant plastics for durability. Users should verify fitment in narrow compartments due to its 37″ x 16″ x 15″ footprint. Caution: ensure seals are watertight to prevent leaks in mobile setups.
Why chosen: Strong emphasis on potable water safety and durability, plus flexible installation options align with many retrofit projects and new builds alike.
Class A Customs T3500 35 Gallon Tank (Tank Only)
Best for: Installers seeking a dedicated 35 gallon tank with strong build quality for RVs, trailers, or food trucks. This model is NSF-certified and made in the USA. The capacity supports plenty of daily water use, from drinking to dishwashing. It includes two 1.5″ and two 0.5″ fittings, but the user must be mindful of measurement tolerances that may vary by manufacturing run.
Why chosen: A sturdy, U.S.-made unit with familiar porting is ideal for upgrades or replacements in mid-sized RVs and concession setups requiring reliable water storage without extra components.
T3500BPK-P RV Fresh Water Tank Kit
Best for: Buyers who want an all-in-one 35 gallon kit with a 12V pump and plumbing. The kit includes essential components like a fill hose, barbed fittings, a drain adapter, and clamps, in addition to the tank. It uses four connection ports and thicker-than-average wall thickness for durability. Caution: the kit adds complexity; ensure the 12V pump installation aligns with power sources on your RV or concession unit.
Why chosen: This option streamlines setup, reducing the need to source components separately and ensuring a cohesive water system from the start.
T3500BPK RV Fresh Water Tank Kit (Tank & Plumbing)
Best for: Users seeking a ready-to-install 35 gallon kit with basic plumbing. This tank includes standard fittings and a routing kit, designed for straightforward installation in RVs, trailers, and camps. It provides sturdy, leak-proof storage for potable water, with a note to verify port positions fit your mounting area. Caution: more components mean more potential points of failure if not installed correctly.
Why chosen: A practical, all-in-one option for installers who want a dependable kit with common plumbing standards and easy replacement parts in the future.
Buying Guide
What to consider when choosing a 35 gallon RV water tank
- Water type and safety: Look for NSF-certified or BPA-free materials for potable water storage. This helps ensure safety for drinking and cooking.
- Dimensions and installation space: Compare tank length, width, and height to fit your RV compartment or food truck niche. Some tanks are longer but narrower, while others are more compact but taller.
- Ports and fittings: Most 35 gallon tanks include two 1.5″ fittings and two 0.5″ fittings. Confirm port locations align with your current plumbing. Consider preferred connection types (NPT, barbed, or push-fit).
- Durability: Material thickness and UV resistance matter for outdoor exposure and long-term use. Thicker walls and UV-stabilized plastics resist cracking and deformation.
- Kit vs. tank only: Kits with pumps and plumbing simplify setup but require power sources. Tank-only options offer flexibility for custom installations.
- Standards and labeling: IAPMO standards and U.S.-made production can indicate reliability and consistent manufacturing quality.
- Maintenance and cleaning: Look for smooth interior surfaces and compatible fittings that are easy to disassemble for sanitization.
Practical considerations
- Installation space: Measure available cabinet or under-vehicle space before purchasing.
- Power needs: If choosing a kit with a pump, ensure a 12V supply is available and wired safely.
- Future upgrades: If you anticipate upgrading to a larger capacity or different mounting style, pick a model with flexible installation options.
Summary of key differences
- Tank-only models prioritize space and price with flexible mounting. Best for DIY installations.
- All-in-one kits provide convenience and faster setup, with a built-in pump and plumbing.
- Variation in dimensions affects where the tank can be installed; verify compatibility with your RV layout.
FAQ
- What is the standard 35 gallon RV water tank size? A: Typical 35 gallon tanks range around 26″ to 38″ in length, with widths around 12″ to 16″ and heights near 17″ depending on model.
- Are 35 gallon tanks suitable for potable water? A: Yes, when made from NSF-certified materials and labeled for potable water storage.
- Do tanks come with fittings included? A: Many models include built-in fittings, often two 1.5″ and two 0.5″ ports; some kits include additional plumbing components.
- Is a tank kit better than a tank-only option? A: Kits reduce assembly time and ensure compatibility of parts but may require power wiring for pumps.
- How should I maintain a 35 gallon RV tank? A: Regular sanitization, proper sealing of fittings, and periodic inspection of hoses and clamps help prevent leaks and contamination.
- Can I replace just the tank in my existing system? A: Yes, provided the new tank matches the port layout and dimensions of the current system.