Driving with "full" water tank ?

We did drive with full water tanks, and full waste tanks, at times on the RV. The load wasnt an issue in terms of weight but it definitely affected handling.

It will all depends on the weight of the van, if it 3,500kg then 160l will equal 160kg of payload gone. If 8ts plated higher then you may be OK but best to get it weighed. 

We nearly always travel with a full or nearly full fresh water tank but payload isn't an issue for us. It sounds as if your payload might be marginal, Cam. 

We used to travel with minimal water if going to a site. More if wild camping. Could feel it slopping around when braking and cornering.

Hymer might be fitted (I don't know) with anti surge baffles to help reduce this effect.

That's the oddity, Fysh. A near empty tank will slosh around and could decrease stability and effectively increase weight with every slosh. 

Our habit is to top up the fresh and empty the waste on leaving each site. One compensates for the other in terms of weight and sloshing is kept to a minimum. 

We've always left home with a full tank of fresh water in both the Knaus and now the Pilote MH.

We use Aires in France, rarely if ever campsites, and not all Aires have access to water or working Bornes so we like to keep topped up whenever possible.

We've never noticed any difference in handling or even mpg, it's only like carrying another passenger, and unless you notice a problem then full or almost empty shouldn't make any difference.

We have diesel, waste water and fresh water slopping about in tanks the length of the Motorhome and neither of us drivers has ever noticed anything amiss.

If it's weight you're worried about then cut down on the beer in the fridge, wine in the drinks cabinet and wear the lightest or minimal clothes as possible.

Get the MH weighed, usually about £5, and make sure you are within the limit for your Motorhome.

Thanks for all of the quick replies.

The motorhome, a new Hymer, has about 650kg payload so maximum weight is not my primary concern, I was more concerned about not overstressing the water tank by driving whilst it was full. I am probably being a bit overcautious here and maybe the translated manual was confusing a recommendation with a requirement with regard to the 20L "limit".

We always travel with a full tank of fresh water .just convenience really.

 Brian & Jo

That's the oddity, Fysh. A near empty tank will slosh around and could decrease stability and effectively increase weight with every slosh. 

Our habit is to top up the fresh and empty the waste on leaving each site. One compensates for the other in terms of weight and sloshing is kept to a minimum. 

I can see your point. Not having chance to gain momentum and energy making for a smoother ride. 

Can't see the point of having tanks and not using them to their full capacity, although 150 litres is a heck of a lot. We just got 100% waste tank alarm and 100 litre water nearly out - after 11 days. We aren't using the shower and not drinking the tank water but washing up in the van.