There are quite a few sufficient options out there already — like water cans and canisters — but those can take up a lot of space in already tight quarters. There’s always the option to mount those types of vessels on the outside of your vehicle, but you’re generally limited to how many you can mount and where.
So, why not go bigger? Why not just bolt a large water tank to your roof rack and be done with it? Seriously.
For most outdoor folks, the idea of bolting an auxiliary water tank to their vehicle is a costly convenience, but for people who are overlanding and living the van life, it’s a necessity.
There are plenty of 5-gallon or less water tanks on the market, but the one that seems best suited for the demands of life on and off the road is the WaterPORT Weekender.
With an 8-gallon capacity, the Weekender provides more than enough water for your cleaning and drinking needs for up to a week. But that second part — the fact that you can drink the water that comes out of the Weekender is a pretty big deal. The only other mainstream, large-capacity water tank on the market is the Yakima RoadShower and they don’t want you drinking that water — it’s for cleaning and washing only.
In short: For a guy like me, the WaterPORT Weekender is a nice accessory to have, but it’s not a necessity. That said, I don’t know how people who have chosen to live their lives on four wheels can get by without one. Yes, it’s an investment, but the benefits might be worth the cost.
- Tank material: Food grade plastic
- Capacity: 8 gal.
- Dimensions: 50” x 9” x 9”
- Empty weight: 26 lbs.
- Filled weight: 91 lbs.
- In the box: Tank, 16’ coiled hose, high-pressure spray nozzle, fill valve, mounting plates and hardware
- Price: $550*
Pros
- 8 gallons of potable water on tap with you wherever you go
- Secure mounting (once you figure out how to get it mounted)
- High-pressure nozzle
- A wide assortment of accessories
- A wide assortment of replacement pieces
Cons
- If you had to choose between fighting a grizzly bear or mounting one of these things, fight the bear.
WaterPORT Weekender Review
![WaterPORT](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/05/WaterPORT-Weekender-700x467.jpg)
First Impressions
WaterPORT Weekender Installation
![](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/05/WaterPORT-Mounting-Instructions-700x467.jpg)
![WaterPORT](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/05/WaterPORT-Original-Mounting-Plate-Flipped-Over-700x376.png)
![](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/05/WaterPort-Weekender-Mounting-Plates-700x467.jpg)
![](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/05/WaterPORT-Mounting-Hardware-700x467.jpg)
Other WaterPORT Mounting Options
![WaterPORT](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/05/WaterPORT-Fresh-Install-700x525.png)
WaterPORT in the Field
Filling
![WaterPORT](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/05/WaterPORT-Potable-Water-Note-700x423.png)
WaterPORT Use
![](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/05/WaterPORT-Nozzle-700x467.jpg)
WaterPORT Accessories & Parts
The Freeze Factor
WaterPORT Weekender: Conclusion
![](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/05/WaterPORT-Weekender-Water-Tank-1-700x467.jpg)