water tank vs ground clearance

[JeremiahO]

So my water tank arrived today. I really thought it would sit higher than it does. I measured it but I guess seeing it now where it will sit it just seems lower than I wanted. MY question is what's more important; ground clearance or the extra water capacity? Right now with the 30 gallon tank there is roughly 8 inches of ground clearance. The company I bought from also sells a 21 gallon tank that would provide an extra 4 inches of clearance, so 12 inches. I'm thinking if I keep the 30 gal tank, I'll at least build a skid plate out of alum. diamond plate. So should I give up the 9 gallons?

[Shadow Catcher]

The question should be where do you plan on going. We have done some bad roads where I wanted six inches more than I had of ground clearance.

[M C Toyer]

Where will the tank be in relation to the axle and how much clearance do you have there?

If the tank was right in front or right in back of the axle the clearance would be fairly constant less the travel of the axle when the springs flex, but if the tank were near the front or back of the trailer the clearance would decrease substantially on rough ground or even a driveway.

M C

[JeremiahO]

It's gonna be mounted just in front of the axle. My intensional are general campgrounds and racetracks. I don't plan on doing any serious offroading. I'm thinking I'll keep the 30 gal and build a real stout skidplate. I'll take a picture tonight when I get home.

[Shadow Catcher]

One caution I often give is, what you think you will be doing now, may not be what you will be doing in the future. You can always carry additional water in a Jerry can or as we do a five gallon flexible cube.

[Corwin C]

Also, take a look at the ground clearance of your TV. There are many vehicles that don't have 8" of clearance. You won't even notice it if your TV happens to be one of those.

[JeremiahO]

That's a great point. I just measured the tv. 9 inches. Thanks yall for your help. I think I'll stick with the 30 gallon.