How To Use A Portable Rv Septic Tank? (Question)

• Open up your black water tank and turn on the waste water pump. Place the hole against the edge of the drum so you can easily connect them to pipes.Put on a pair of rubber gloves.Rv septic tanks can be used for most recreational vehicles makes and models. See more ideas about septic tank, small septic tank, septic system.

How often do you empty a septic tank in RV?

In simple terms, if you have lots of people on board, you might need to empty the tank daily. But if you are just traveling alone or maybe with one more person, your tank would need emptying less frequently – maybe even once a week. The rule of thumb is to empty the tank before it fills up.

Where do you empty waste from RV?

A dump station is a place that is designed for the safe disposal of waste from RVs. This waste is disposed of into a communal septic tank, usually through the use of a hose. It’s important that you only use a designated dump spot as to not pose environmental harm or create unsanitary conditions to the surrounding area.

What is a holding tank for sewage?

Use of a holding tank in an onsite wastewater treatment system incorporates the services of a sewage pumper/hauler and off-site treatment for the sewage generated. The tank is a watertight device capable of storing several days of wastewater generated in the residence.

Can I empty my RV into my septic tank?

In summary, yes you can dump RV waste water into house septic systems. Don’t use chemicals in your black water tank that may destroy your tank’s natural ecosystem. When dumping from an access port, try to make sure you’re on the correct side of the baffle.

How long can black water stay in RV tank?

How long can you leave waste in a black tank? Our research shows that most camping experts maintain that you can safely leave black water in the tank for up to ten days. Most, however, state that you should empty it out after no more than a week.

Are RV toilet chemicals safe for septic tanks?

Camco TST Clean Scent RV Toilet Treatment, Formaldehyde Free, Breaks Down Waste And Tissue, Septic Tank Safe, Treats up to 8 – 40 Gallon Holding Tanks (32 Ounce Bottle) – 41502, TST Blue.

How do you get rid of the poop pyramid in RV black?

To eliminate a poop pyramid, you need to get water into your black tank. The first thing you should do is close the black tank valve and get as much water into the black tank as possible. If the poop pyramid prohibits you from putting water into the tank, get some tank cleaner to pour down into the sewer drain.

How does RV septic work?

A camper septic system works by simply acting as a holding tank for your sewage. It’s not a SEPTIC TANK that works like at a house. With an RV septic system there are no leach fields, no breaking down needed (not really), none of that. It holds your sewage until you dump it.

How do I connect my RV to my septic permanently?

Typically, you will find a clean out is the easiest way to connect your RV to your septic tank. This will be a PVC pipe that comes out from the ground with a screw cap. You can simply remove the cap and attach the sewer hose from your RV into this clean out.

What size portable holding tank do I need?

What Size Portable Black Water Tank Do I Need? Ideally, you should size portable black water tanks so that you can drain the entire contents of your camper’s holding tanks into them. For example, if your rig has a 25-gallon capacity, purchase an RV black water transfer tank of more than 25 gallons.

What size septic tank do I need for a tiny house?

Tiny homes typically require a 500 to 1,000-gallon septic tank. Though, it’s not always possible to implement a tank of this size. In some states, for example, the minimum tank size is 1,000 gallons. There may be exceptions to this rule if your home is on wheels.

How to Properly Use an RV Portable Waste Tank

Some of the greatest campsites are those that do not have electric or water hookups. While boondocking in the woods or dry camping at a park, there’s nothing worse than discovering that you have a full wastewater tank and have to dump. When you have an RV portable waste tank, though, you won’t have to worry about packing up and finding a disposal site. Emptying your wastewater tanks is made exceedingly simple with the help of these useful gadgets. Let’s have a look at this!

What Is an RV Portable Waste Tank?

A portable waste tank, whether it’s referred to as a “honey wagon,” “blue boy,” or any other creative moniker, may be a very useful tool. It allows you to empty the wastewater from your RV without having to leave your campsite. You may fill a portable waste tank after it has been connected to your RV using a sewer connection and the proper hose connectors. Watch how full it becomes; you don’t want to overfill it and cause a sewage spill. These tanks are available in a variety of sizes, but they all feature wheels, making it simple to carry wastewater to a local disposal site.

When Would You Use an RV Portable Waste Tank

When you’re camping and don’t have access to sewer or water, a portable waste tank might be really useful. It can come in handy whether you’re boondocking, mooch docking, or just at a location that doesn’t have a sewer drain connection. As an alternative to packing up camp and hauling your RV to the next dump station, you can simply take the small tote with you everywhere you go.

How to Use an RV Portable Waste Tank

It is critical to understand how to correctly operate one of these tanks. If you use a waste tank incorrectly, you will find yourself in a shambles, both literally and metaphorically.

Connecting to Your RV

After you’ve positioned the tank near your RV’s sewage drain connection, connect the tank using the shortest sewer line you can find. When you just need a few inches of sewer pipe, there is no reason to utilize a 20-foot sewer hose.

Filling RV Portable Waste Tank

Make careful to open the vent cap on the portable tank before filling it with water. This is normally found at the other end of the sewage fill from the septic tank. This must be opened in order for air to escape from the tank while it is being filled. The use of attachments to connect your sewer line and waste tank can make this operation much easier to complete. A transparent elbow allows you to keep an eye on the amount of water entering the tank. Additionally, periodically close the wastewater valve throughout the operation to keep an eye on the remaining capacity of the tank.

If you overfill your waste tank, you will almost certainly end up with sewage on your property.

Please remember to secure the vent cap as well.

Transporting Portable Waste Tank to Dump Station

Portable garbage tanks that are larger in size might weigh several hundred pounds. Whether you’re pulling your tank by hand or using the hitch on your car, you’ll want to proceed with caution. Avoid driving over bumps in the road or over potholes, which might cause damage to your tank. When delivering to a disposal station, manufacturers frequently recommend that speeds be limited to 5-10 mph. If necessary, you can carry your tank to a disposal site that is many miles distant.

Although loading it into the bed of your vehicle might be difficult, it is the most difficult component of this sort of operation to do. A comparison of the Barker Tote-Along tank waste tote with the Camco Rhino Tote tank waste tote (for RV living full time)4K

How to Empty an RV Portable Waste Tank

The first step is to connect the sewer hose to the sewer drain at the dump station, using the suitable connector. Keep the sewage line snugly linked to the sewer drain by placing a boulder or other heavy object on top of it. After you have double-checked your connections and secured the hose in place with something, you may turn on the valve. In other cases, tanks do not have valves and must be raised from one end in order to be emptied completely. Due to the fact that the tank is being emptied, a vacuum will build up in the tank, causing suction.

Cleaning Your Portable Waste Tank

If you begin to detect odors emanating from your tote, it’s probable that it’s time to give it a thorough cleaning. Many of these portable tanks include connections that make it simple to clean them, or you can just fill them with water from a sewage line. Water should be added to the tote many times. Empty the tank into the sewer drain connector on a regular basis when the tank fills up. Once you’re pleased with the findings, you may consider your assignment completed. You may also partially fill the tank with RV tank treatment and water before your next trip day if you plan on traveling for several days.

How to Store Portable Waste Tank on RV

As a result of the fact that these tanks frequently contain bacteria-laden water and other filthy impurities, you will not want to store them inside your RV. These large-bulk portable tanks require a huge amount of room in order to store them. Many RVers opt to fasten these bags to their roof ladders with a ratchet strap that is secured to the back of their vehicle’s frame. If you are uneasy with the idea of attaching the waste tank to your RV ladder, you may put the tank in the bed of a truck if one is accessible.

Benefits of an RV Portable Waste Tank

A portable RV waste tank may be quite handy in a variety of situations. Let’s take a peek at some of our favorite advantages of having one of these space-saving storage tanks.

Extend Boondocking Length

The fact that many boondocking sites are first-come, first-served means that if you find a fantastic place, you won’t want to leave it. You don’t want to have to pack up your campsite every few days to empty the wastewater tanks in your RV. Having a portable waste tank allows you to stay in boondocking spots for a longer period of time. While boondocking or camping off-grid, a waste tank can assist you in keeping track of your tank levels. In our opinion, extending your boondocking excursions is always a positive thing!

Top Tips for Preparing to Go Off-Grid “Boondocking” in an RV

Expand Waste Water Storage

The proper disposal of your wastewater is extremely important. If you find that your black orgray tank is nearly full, you’ll need to find a means to increase its capacity.

In addition to small portable waste water tanks, there are larger portable waste water tanks that may carry 36-40 gallons or more. Because of this greater storage capacity, you’ll be able to accommodate a significant increase in effluent.

Makes Camping Easier When You Don’t Have Full Hookups

It’s not only boondocking in a spectacular location that would benefit from having one of these tanks on hand. Any type of camping would benefit from having one of these tanks on hand. However, while many RV parks provide full connections, you’ll be hard pressed to locate many campgrounds, state parks, or national parks that have full hookups for tent campers or RVs. A dump station will most likely be located near the campground’s exit if it is a regular campground without full hookup campsites.

Because of the portability of a portable wastewater tote, you may keep your campground set up while unloading your tanks during non-peak hours.

Our Top 3 Picks for Best RV Portable Waste Tank

When shopping for a portable trash tank, you don’t want to settle for anything less than the best on the market. You want the highest-quality product that will last for a lengthy period of time. Fortunately, we’ll be sharing our top three recommendations with you. Let’s get this party started!

1. Camco Rhino Heavy Duty Portable Waste Tank

Camco is one of the most well-known names in the recreational vehicle accessories sector. They develop a diverse selection of things to make your camping trip more enjoyable. This garbage tank is equipped with heavy-duty wheels and bearings, allowing for a smooth and simple ride to the landfill. The Rhino portable tanks are available in a variety of sizes to meet your specific requirements. You’ll be able to choose between 15 and 36 gallon capacities, as well as two and four-wheel drive. Whichever type you pick, it will come with a ladder hook as standard equipment.

2. Barker Portable Waste Tank

There are several alternatives available from Barker if you want a portable garbage container with four wheels. These trash tanks are available in three sizes: 25, 32, and a gigantic 42-gallon capacity. The tote’s four wheels and heavy-duty handle make it simple to pull by hand or with the help of a vehicle’s hitch to transport it. Barker’s trash tanks are equipped with rubber tires measuring 6″ and 10″ in diameter, unlike many other models that use solid plastic wheels. When towing your tank, these wheels will give a more stable and smoother ride than the stock wheels.

You won’t have to stop and glance into the tank to check whether you’re approaching capacity anymore, which is an exceptionally convenient and novel feature when it comes to portable trash tanks.

3. Thetford RV Portable Waste Tank

Thetford’s SmartTote2 is one of the most recent “smart items” to enter the market, joining a long list of other innovative products. This highly tough waste tank is equipped with an autostop gauge that keeps it from overflowing. As an added bonus, the clever system delivers ideal ventilation to assist in speeding up the process of filling and emptying your mobile garbage tote. The SmartTote2 is available in sizes ranging from 12 to 35 gallons. It is possible to purchase an optional tote strap to make hauling to the trash station easier.

Ultimately, employing an RV portable waste tank will improve and lengthen the duration of your RV excursions.

Because to this convenient technology, you will be able to remain longer and in more interesting and novel settings. What ways has having a portable RV waste tank benefited your RVing experiences? Leave a remark in the section below!

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How To Use An RV Portable Waste Tank

It’s the ideal camping excursion for you. You appear to be having a good time. It’s a blast to spend time with family and friends. And don’t forget about obtaining some much-needed “me time” in the hammock. Then you realize that your waste tanks are completely full, and you don’t have an RV portable waste tank on hand. So, right in the middle of a fantastic holiday, you have to disassemble your tent in order to visit the trash station. We’ll cover all you need to know about RV portable tote tanks in this post.

You learn how to properly store the tank when traveling.

RV Holding Tanks Basics

Those new to RVing are likely to be unfamiliar with the term portable tote tank, so here are the fundamentals of holding tanks for your consideration. RVs contain three holding tanks: one for clear water (drinking water), one for gray water (waste water from showers and sinks), and one for black water (sewage). It is necessary to empty the gray and black tanks after they have reached capacity; however, these tanks cannot be emptied on the ground. In this case, the only options are to either break camp and transport the RV to a dump station for dumping or to utilize a portable tote tank to empty the RV holding tanks without having to leave the campsite altogether.

How to Use An RV Portable Waste Tank

The RV’s sewage hose attaches to the portable tote in the same way that it would connect to a dump station drain. Before purchasing a bag, you should be aware of the capacity and size of the tote.

1. The RV’s sewage hose connects to the portable tote in the same way it would to a dump station drain. To determine the capacity and size of a tote, you must first measure it.

How To Fill A Tote Tank

In order to fill a tote, three components must be in functioning order: the fill spout, an air vent, and a drain valve. Once the sewage hose has been connected, check to be that the drain valve has been closed and the vent has been opened. TIP: Before you start, empty the black water tank. We’ll get into why this is important in the section on cleaning the tank. TIP: If the capacity of the portable trash tank is less than the capacity of the RV tank into which you are dumping, make sure to stop dumping when the tote is approximately 3/4 full.

Once the tank is completely filled, close the vent and screw on the fill spout cover, and you’ll be ready to pull the tote to the dump station.

How To Dump An RV Portable Tote Tank

Unlike emptying an RV tank, dumping a tote is similar to dumping an RV tank with one exception. Before opening the dump valve, check to see that the tote’s vent is fully open.

Cleaning A Portable Waste Tank

With one difference, emptying a tote is identical to emptying an RV tank.

Before opening the dump valve, make sure the tote’s vent is fully open.

Where To Stow An RV Portable Tote Tank

With one difference, dumping a tote is the same as dumping an RV tank. Before opening the dump valve, check to see that the tote’s vent is open.

Here’s how RV Portable Waste Tanks are stowed.

If you have a tow behind trailer or fifth wheel, you may create place for the tote in the truck’s bed.

Beneath The RV

In cases when you have access to the RV’s underbelly and there is sufficient space, you can secure the tote beneath the RV. As a result, we’ve never done this since it bothers us to have something dangling underneath the RV. In addition, we offer an all-season RV with a cover that covers the whole bottom of the vehicle.

In A Cargo Hold Or Basement

To secure the tote beneath the RV, you must have access to the underbelly of the vehicle and enough space. As a result, we’ve never done it since it bothers us to have something dangling under the RV. Our RV is also covered from top to bottom, making it suitable for all seasons.

What Is the Best Portable RV Tank?

Currently, there are four well-known tank producers. Furthermore, they manufacture a range of RV portable tote tanks. Despite the fact that this is not a complete review, these are our observations. From this list, we chose what we ultimately purchased, and we have been pleased with our decision. Any of these bags would be suitable for our needs.

Camco

Theirheavy-duty Rhino is a well regarded tote. When we were looking into which tote to purchase, we spent a significant amount of time looking at the Rhino series. We appreciated that the hose exit was low to the ground, which meant that draining would be straightforward. The tires are of the no-flat variety.

Thetford

We spent some time looking at this range of RV portable tote tanks because it was another one that we were interested in. Our first impression was that Thetford portable garbage bins were excellent containers. They had four wheels, which we thought was a nice touch. The wheels did not have a flat design. The huge tote, on the other hand, includes an auto-stop mechanism that prevents it from being overfilled, which was a wonderful addition.

Tote-N-Store

The Tote-N-Store comes with a 3′ sewage hose as well as a wide assortment of other accessories for your convenience. It was lightweight and portable, thanks to its four non-flat wheels. Furthermore, Tote-N-Store portable garbage tanks are unobtrusive. It left us with the impression that the tank would provide a great deal of service for a long period of time, similar to the other tanks.

Barker

This is the item that we ultimately purchased. The largeBarker Tote Tank has a capacity of 42 gallons, making it far larger than any of our other holding tanks. It also features broad air-filled tires, which is something we were looking for. In common with the other bags we looked at, the Barker Totes have a low profile and drain well. It also comes with a gauge, so you can see when the tank is getting close to being full. Conclusion An RV Portable Tote Tank comes in handy while traveling in an RV for an extended period of time.

In this post, we spoke about what a portable tote tank is and how to use it properly.

Finally, we discussed the four most well-known manufacturers of RV portable tote tank systems.

We chose the Barker tote over the other since it offered a couple characteristics that the other bag did not have but that we desired.

We hope you have gained something from reading this post. Please do not hesitate to leave a comment. As well as suggestions for future articles that you would want us to investigate, please get in touch with us via the website. We are always interested in hearing from our readers.

How to Use a Portable RV Waste Tank (Ultimate Guide)

RV holidays are full of surprises and experiences. Some are entertaining and exhilarating, while others are jarring and bring you back to reality. In the latter category, knowing how to operate a portable RV waste water tank is a valuable experience. Following your successful completion of the course and return home, you will most likely have many stories to share your friends. How to Make Use of a Mobile RV Waste Tank: It’s simple to connect a macerator pump to your RV’s permanent black water tank and pump the waste from the permanent tank into the portable tank if you obtain the proper one.

When working with a portable waste water tank, it’s important to keep an eye out for potentially hazardous surfaces.

Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of utilizing a portable RV waste water tank in your vehicle.

Using a Portable RV Waste Tank: A Quick Guide

How to Empty a Portable RV Waste Tank

Before we get into the specifics of how to empty a portable waste water tank, we must first discuss the process of filling one up. The portable tank is equipped with a flexible and foldable hose of its own. To begin, you’ll need to connect the portable toilet to your RV’s sewage line. Please make certain that you are near enough so that the hose is not stretched to the point of breaking. Then disconnect the line from the portable tank and reconnect it in the same manner as you would your 20-foot sewage hose.

• As a result, the transfer is seamless and straightforward.
• After that, take the handle and cross the street to the disposal station.
• A double pin adapter and a 90-degree elbow may be required when it comes time to empty the portable tank into a holding tank.
• It is possible that you will make a mess that you will not want to clean up.
• Now, open the little air vent to assist create air pressure, which will aid in the movement of the contents into the dump station.
• It is possible to elevate the handle end of the portable tank to assist the transfer in picking up pace if it is moving too slowly or if you are on a hill.

Simply remove all of the hose from the dump station, unhook all of the adapters, and reposition everything to its original storage locations when the transfer is complete. And that’s the end of it.

RV Holding Tank Chemicals and Treatments

As you travel across the country in an RV, you may ultimately find yourself in a scenario where you will need to treat the black water holding tanks in your vehicle. Tanks that are permanently installed as well as movable are affected by this condition. On keep your RV smelling fresh and free of germs while you’re on the road, you may safely apply the following treatments to it: Treatment of the Walex Porta-Pak Holding Tank 1. An entire box of these water treatment tablets contains 50 paper tablets that are designed to be deposited into your black water holding tank via your toilet.

• Once you place the tablet into the tank, it immediately begins to break down the sediments and toilet paper that have accumulated.
• There is no formaldehyde used in the production of these pills.
• For further information, please visit this page.
• This RV black water holding tank treatment comes in a single bag that contains 30 drop-in tablets for less than $25.
• As the pills disintegrate, a pleasant orange aroma is released, which can assist to cover the odors emanating from the black water tank.
• For tanks with a capacity of 40 gallons or less, only one pill is required.
• 3.

Only one scoop of our powdered black water tank treatment is required to ensure that your 40-gallon tank remains in excellent condition.

Both your black and gray water tanks will benefit from the usage of this product.

Additionally, this therapy is effective in both hot and cold environments.

More information may be found by clicking here.

Thetford Eco-Smart Tank Holding Deodorant, which is environmentally friendly.

These pills accomplish their work without creating any damage to the environment in which they are used.

Soon, the particles in your sewage discharge system will be removed from your black water holding tank, odors will be gone, and solid wastes will be broken down.

You receive 12 pills in a single package, and you only need to take one tablet at a time to achieve the desired outcomes.

5.

To use this powdered biodegradable RV holding tank treatment, simply pour it into your toilet and flush it down into your holding tank.

All you have to do is pour the correct quantity into the container and let the powder take care of the rest.

It also minimizes the amount of tissue produced, preventing the paper from clogging your pipes and valves. The unique enzymes included therein will not cause any damage to your tank or pipes. More information may be found by clicking here.

Where to Store a Portable RV Waste Tank

It is not difficult to provide a response to this question. Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or not, there are several locations on your RV where you may store your portable tank. Some places have different requirements depending on whether you are towing a trailer or driving an RV. Here are some excellent examples from which you might take inspiration:

• If you’re carrying a trailer, the back of your pickup truck is the ideal location for a portable tank to store fuel. It is out of the way, safe, and simple to get to when you need it
• It is Trailer storage – if the portable is small enough, it may be accommodated in the front storage compartment of a large truck. Trailer storage – if the portable is small enough, it may be accommodated in the front storage compartment of a large truck. Inside the RV – assuming the tank is kept sealed and clean, this is still a safe and sanitary location to store it until you arrive at your camping destination for the night
• Outside the RV Subterranean storage is always an excellent option for your RV, whether it’s in your trailer or your RV. A few of strong bungee cords may be used to keep the tank up and out of the way while you’re driving
• Under your RV 2 – or, if you’re feeling creative, you may build your own carrier. This may be accomplished by attaching steel rods to your frame, installing a couple of hinges on one side and a locking latch on the other, and allowing your storage space to slide open as needed. This makes recovering the tank a simple and straightforward process. On your ladder – many recreational vehicles (RVs) are equipped with a ladder on the rear so that you may climb onto the roof. Strong bungee cords or rope, among other things, should be used to secure the portable tank in place. Also, keep it out of the way when you’re driving. When it comes to your back bumper, if you don’t want to be obstructed by your ladder, you can simply rig up a unique gadget and connect it to your rear bumper.

We are confident that if you put your mind to it, you will be able to come up with some really handy locations. You may even go a little more creative and construct some fantastic holders to keep the portable tank safe and out of the way while you’re working.

Can I Leave my RV Tank Drain Valves Open

Despite the fact that it appears to be a good idea, the vast majority of RV owners are opposed to leaving holding tank valves open. According to one study, just 14 percent of those who responded indicated they kept their valves open all of the time, while the rest stated they did. Another 14 percent stated that they keep them open the majority of the time. Despite this, a majority of 57 percent of respondents claimed they always keep them closed, even while they are connected to hookups. RV user forums and forums for RV owners support this viewpoint.

For the simple reason that if you leave your valves open, the sediments in your tank will dry up and block your valve, making emptying a lot more difficult and time-consuming.

Furthermore, all of the water will evaporate, leaving behind a sludge of particles that you do not want to clean up.

The same may be said about gray water tanks, although more people seem to keep them open than not.

What to Look for When Buying a Portable Tank

Some tanks are manufactured with substandard materials, while others are made with superior materials. It pays to be aware of what to look for before investing your money on a low-cost portable water tank.

• Storage tank capacity – the capacity of your portable toilet should be sufficient to transport the contents of your holding tank in a single trip. This is necessary unless you wish to make a number of visits to empty the holding tank. If you’re traveling with a large group of people, you’ll need a huge tank of gas. The tank should be transported as smoothly and conveniently as possible, thus wheels and handles are essential. To pull it, you’ll need a tank with wheels and a long handle to make it easier to maneuver. It’s fine to use carry handles if you’re lifting the tank into and out of your pickup vehicle. Look for a respected brand name that manufactures high-quality portable tanks to ensure long-term durability. Again, this is an RV product on which you do not want to save money by purchasing the lowest one available on the market. Simple to operate – you don’t want to waste your holiday time attempting to figure out how to use the tank. Choose one that is simple to operate and has the compatibility with the extras you will be using, if any. When it comes to price, the most costly is not necessarily the greatest option, and the least expensive is not always the worst one. Look for one that is long-lasting, simple to operate, and constructed with high-quality components of construction.

Some Final Comments

When you find yourself in a tough dumping scenario, having a portable RV waste water tank on standby will save you a lot of time and hassle. You will also not have to be concerned about utilizing one. These dumping stations are simple to set up on both ends of the dumping process, and they are also simple to maintain. Then it’s not that difficult to take care of your holding tanks as well. There are a plethora of high-quality, simple-to-use RV holding tank treatments available on the market to pick from.

The only thing you have to do is know what you’re looking for and where you’re going to put it. Once you have obtained the necessary information for these two needs, you will be able to locate the most appropriate portable RV waste water tank for your situation.

My Portable RV Waste Tank: 6 Lessons a Full-Timer Learned at the Dump Station

RVer, husband, father, son, brother, friend, and dreamer Michael Huff lives the RV lifestyle full-time. I have officially begun “living the dream,” which consists of touring the country with my lovely wife, four amazing children, and loving boxer in our 150-square-foot recreational vehicle. Every day we are learning, laughing (and occasionally shouting), and looking for the good in this world. When I was little, Jaws never truly made me afraid of the ocean, but Robin Williams’ performance in the movieRV made me fearful of the RV’s dark tank.

• Despite the fact that we were weekend warriors in 2020, we had never made the commitment to live in an RV full-time until we took the leap this year.
• Our research informed us that having a portable waste tank for boondocking was a must if we were planning on staying at these locations for more than a weekend.
• I despise nettlesome advertisements even more than you do!
• To find out about shop price and availability, click on the links below.
• Thank you for your support of our blog.

Stuff Mentioned in Article

As a result, we invested in a Camco portable holding tank of 28 gallons. These heavy-duty movable plastic tanks – think of them as a hardshell suitcase on wheels – are referred to as “blue boys” or “honey wagons” by the people who work with them. (I’ll leave that to your imagination as to what “honey” may entail.) Our portable waste tank has been dubbed “the Turd Tank” by my son, who is 11 years old. I’ll never forget the first mission of the ship. We gathered our belongings, so to speak, and prepared to lug the tank from our RV spot to the dump station on the campground’s boundaries.

If you’re anything like me, and you’re surrounded by a family of six.

Our portable holding tank allows us to go dry camping more often and remain for longer periods of time.

(Plus, my wife and I have discovered that the less we back up our trailer, the stronger our marriage becomes.)

When To Dump Your RV Holding Tanks?

Our first time out, I didn’t dump our standard holding tanks for the first few days because we were on the road. Once I got over that, it seemed like I was throwing them out at least twice each day, every day.

For the remainder of the journey. What exactly were we feeding those children?! First and foremost, you should be familiar with RV waste plumbing before I go into the tote tank (oops, could have stated it better).

ABCs of RV Tank Sensor System

Most of the time, your tank’s internal control panel serves as your trusted tank interpreter. The RV tank sensor probes, which are positioned within your black and gray tanks, are read by the panel’s control panel. Unfortunately, these sensors can become inaccurate over time, especially as they age and become clogged with dirt. By learning more about how these sensors function, you will be able to analyze erroneous readings and effectively clear up your tanks. Believe me when I say that you require operational sensors!

That’s disgusting.

In this post, Ross explains all you need to know about RV tank sensors.

Most critically, we drain the black tank as frequently as feasible.

How to Dump an RV Portable Waste Tank

Connections to the RV portable tank and the vehicle waste valve are made in this order: 1. 2. Ventilate the RV portable tank by opening the vent! All of that air has to find a somewhere to go! 3. Open the vehicle’s waste valve and drain the black water tank, but do not fill the tote tank at this time. 4. Make space for gray water, which will be used to flush the sewage line clean. 4. Now, progressively open the gray tank valve while closing the waste valve on the black tank. 5. Close the gray tank valve when the tote tank is completely full.

Disconnect the line from the RV and tank and reattach the tank lids.

Overall, this isn’t significantly different from simply emptying your onboard tank into a waste disposal container.

Part 2: Transferring Waste from Tank to Dump Station

The portable RV tank should be towed or pulled to a dump site. 7. Place the tank such that gravity is working in your advantage. 8. Connect the RV’s tank hose to the portable tank and dump station (if applicable). 9. Remove the vent covers. 10. Turn on the tank drain valve and let it all hang out! 11. Drain the tank using the appropriate hose. 12. Turn off all of the valves and vent caps. 13. Remove your glove and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. 14. Crack up a cold one! You’ve worked hard for it.

Keep in mind that water is your best friend when it comes to the black tank. Make sure it doesn’t become thirsty. Additionally, having a transparent elbow on your sewage connection makes it easier to see how much space is available in your RV portable waste tank.

Where to Dump Your Portable RV Waste Tank?

There is basically just one correct response to this question: yes. A disposal station that has been approved. If you need assistance locating a dump station near you, this useful finder may be of assistance. This is true for both gray water and potable water. Don’t be the person who makes the campground into a swamp for the next camper to enjoy.

Lessons Learned: 6 Do’s and Dont’s at the Dump

At this point, I feel myself to be something of an expert on the tote tank procedure in general. I’ve learnt some valuable lessons regarding RV utilization, and I’ve come up with some suggestions for fellow RVers. Consider what you see and then respond with your thoughts!

Don’t: Forget the Rubber Gasket!

Make certain that your connecting hose is equipped with an O-ring or rubber gasket. Problems will arise if the connector is not correctly seated in the socket (yes, I found this out the hard way).

Don’t: Cover Your Turn Signal!

Make sure you don’t cover your turn signal! As you can see, when we travel, we connect the Turd Tank to the outside of our vehicle. However, the first time I did it, I positioned it too low, and it covered the turn signal on the driver’s side. Because I’m just 5’4″ tall, I enlisted the assistance of my taller wife to help me raise the tank a few notches.

Don’t: Wear Your Sunday Best!

Wear old clothing and disposable gloves, if possible, as well as a hazmat suit if one is available. “Hey, hotshot, here’s a test!” What is the maximum speed that Camco claims you can tow its tote tank? 5 mph is the speed limit, guys. According to Camco, going quicker will result in negative consequences. On a treadmill, 5 mph may appear to be a fast speed, and it may appear to be a respectable speed when towing. It is not the case. Give it a go. It moves at an uncomfortably slow pace. However, the wheels are only loosely attached, and if one comes loose while you’re pulling the tank, you’re in for a world of hurt.

• It turns out that other campers have experienced similar difficulties while driving too fast.
• The improvement corrects a weakness in the design of the primary wheels.
• As a result, I proceeded with the Camco RV tote tank modification.
• It is now capable of rolling like a Panzer.

5 Features of the Best RV Portable Waste Tanks

If you’re thinking about acquiring an RV tote tank, these are the five qualities that Ross and I believe you should look for.

1. Choose a Reliable Manufacturer

Portable holding tanks are available from a number of prominent manufacturers, including Camco, Thetford, Barker, and Toten-Storare.

The Barkers and Thetfords are both painted in the traditional blue color. If you buy one of these tanks, you will receive exactly what you paid for. Just think of the havoc that would ensue if one of them failed!

2. Heavy-Duty Construction

Due of my previous experience with and faith in their other items, such as the Camco Heavy-Duty leveling blocks and the Camco Sidewinder RV sewage hose support, I chose the Camco brand for my project. The Rhino tank’s body is made of UV-stabilized plastic, which means it will not decay when exposed to sunlight.

3. Expansive Storage Size

Camco’s heavy-duty Rhino tote tanks are available in four different sizes: 15, 21, 28, and 36-gallon. The 28-gallon tank was my choice since it was the right size to put on our RV sidewall ladder. To be honest, I’d suggest purchasing the largest one you can find. A larger tank means fewer journeys!

4. Steerable Wheels

When I bought my truck, I went with the 28-gallon tank and optional steerable wheel package, and it turned out to be the finest decision of my life (don’t tell my wife I said that). The tank can be dragged on three wheels, which allows it to sustain its own weight, thanks to this addition. Consider the concept of a three-wheeled supermarket cart. If you don’t have this attachment, you’ll have to hold the front end of the tank up and move it along like a moving dolly. Upon being fully loaded, this tank becomes HEAVY, and things begin to spill out all over the place within, which is not a scenario you want to find yourself in.

When fully stocked, my tank weights around 250 pounds!

5. One-Person Operation

When I arrived at the dump site, I noticed a couple with a smaller Camco 21-gallon model (and was tempted to inquire, “Do you come here often?”). They did not have a side dump valve; instead, they just had the main entrance hole. Just to start the water flowing, they had to crawl beneath one end of the tank, crouch, and lift! On the surface, it seemed to be a two-person powerlifting session. I’m happy we went with the 28-gallon option because no one in my family seemed interested in pitching in.

God Bless You, Robin Williams!

I was fortunate enough to dodge Robin Williams’ destiny. The experience was not quite as unpleasant (or filthy) as I had anticipated. My beloved Merrells, which were just degraded to dump station shoes, are still in excellent condition and will see me through many more kilometers. Since that initial trip, my oldest son has accompanied me on a number of further dump site excursions. My tote tank has allowed me to spend some quality one-on-one time with my son. Plus, while Mom isn’t looking, we can make crude feces jokes on the go.

I’m sorry I have to leave so soon.

We get to stay here for a longer period of time and spend quality time together as a family, which is exactly what camping is all about.

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Stuff Mentioned in Article

Fortunately, I did not meet the same end as Robin William. Nowhere near as horrible (or filthy) as I had expected it would be. They are still clean and will be able to withstand many more kilometers despite being reduced to dump station shoes. I’ve taken my eldest kid along on countless waste station excursions since that initial trip. Having my tote tank has allowed me to spend some quality time alone with my daughter. (Plus, when Mom isn’t looking, we can make crude feces jokes.) Our campground is in close proximity to a lovely hiking track.

1. This will not be necessary, owing to our dependable Turd Tank!
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The Easiest Way To Deal With RV Waste: Use An RV Macerator Pump + An RV Portable Waste Tank!

It is possible that this content contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, we may receive a small compensation at no additional cost to you. The next article may not be of interest to you if your notion of RVing consists of moving from one full-service RV park to another. Continue reading if you are like me and spend your RVing bucks exploring new off-grid spots where the next dump station is who knows where. This may help to make your life a little easier.

Finding RV Dump Stations

Due to the fact that I live fulltime in my travel trailer, I find myself spending extended periods of time in the same location – away from dump stations. In order to do this, I would have to hook up my trailer at least once every two weeks and take it to the nearest dump station. Truck stops, petrol stations, and even city parks that provide sanitary dump stations for the convenience of passing motorists are all examples of such facilities that exist. TIP: You can discover RV dump stations all throughout the country by downloading theRV Dump Station app or searching on SaniDumpsonline.com.

Furthermore, set-up and tear-down time are a hassle when you’ve arrived at your destination only to realize that your tanks are completely depleted.

For example, picture making a ten-mile round trip to empty your tanks in a congested, busy convenience store parking lot, where it’s nearly impossible to maneuver into position to access the waste port. Fortunately, there is an alternate solution!

Method1: An RV Portable Waste Tank On Wheels + An RV Macerator Pump

In order to dispose of garbage, many individuals choose for a “Blue Boy” portable waste tank, which is a low-slug container on wheels. You connect it to the RV’s waste port, drain the contents into this tough plastic container, and then wheel it to the nearest dump station to dispose of them. If you’re camping at an RV park and the dump station is only a short distance away, this is an excellent option.

Are portable waste tanks easy to work with?

When you load one of these full containers into the back of a pickup truck, you’re almost guaranteed to develop a hernia in the process! It is not possible to tow a full tote tank along the road since the wheels are not intended to handle high speeds. Their practicality is also restricted by the ground clearance of your RV, as the waste output port must be elevated above the ground level of the portable waste tank’s input port.

What is an RV macerator pump?

A macerator pump is similar to a garbage disposal in that it removes solid waste. It works by taking the contents of your black holding tank and grinding it all up until it becomes a liquified sludge. The waste may be pushed out through a little hose into the container of your choosing and then dumped at a disposal station when it has been crushed up. In this circumstance, there are portableRV macerator pump kits that are built expressly for this situation and are equipped with the appropriate RV connections — and they make the process of emptying your RV tank as simple as possible!

Downsides to this method of dumping RV waste

Of course, there is a snag in the plan. These are high-priced products. If you purchase both an RV macerator pump kit and a portable RV waste tank, the total cost of the two items can easily reach $500 to $600. There’s an even better, more cost-effective alternative.

Method2: A Plastic 55-Gallon Barrel On A Hitch Rack + A Cheap Macerator Pump

55-gallon barrels made of blue plastic are readily available across the world.

Where to find plastic 55-gallon barrels

They are commonly available at RV dealerships and hardware stores, as well as on social media platforms like as Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. If you reside in the Southwest, you may expect to pay between $65 and $85 for locally built 55-gallon barrels with fittings already installed, depending on where you buy them. Depending on the number of fittings necessary to connect an RV waste hose to the bung port of a 55-gallon barrel, the cost may range from $20 to $30.

The most affordable macerator pump

Macerator pumps are available for as low as $52 for a barebones model without RV fittings, or for less than $100 for a full one that includes RV fittings. I went with the one that didn’t come with RV fittings and spent around $25 to have it installed on my RV with a see-through elbow so that I could know when the tank was empty. Both pumps will require discharge hoses, which must be sized appropriately for their respective outputs. Mine was $20 from the neighborhood Ace Hardware.

(Some macerator pumps require nothing more than a dedicated garden hose to function properly.) After everything was said and done, I was up and pumping feces into my 55-gallon barrel for a total cost of around $150. This is, without a doubt, the more economical option.

How to empty the 55-gallon barrel

Dealing with 55 gallons of unclean water is straightforward if you have a cargo rack that fits into your receiver hitch or if you have the ability to transport the barrel in the back of a pickup truck. Simply place the empty barrel in the designated transport site and pump the waste into it to complete the transfer. When you get at the dump site (which may be a few blocks away or many miles away), just connect the RV discharge line to the barrel and empty it as you would your RV waste tanks. It’s as simple as it possibly can be.

There will be no mess.

The Bottom Line

You may eliminate all of the tension associated with emptying your RV holding tanks by using a macerator pump and portable waste tank if you tend to stay in one place for longer periods of time or if the dump station is located a long distance away from your preferred camping area. Every time I need to dump my tanks, I don’t have to break down camp and navigate into a tight space, which is a huge convenience! You can see in my movie how handy and straightforward it is to use a macerator pump and portable waste barrel—and how it may make life cleaner and simpler when you don’t want to relocate your RV every time the tanks are full: REMINDER: At the conclusion of the last video, I demonstrate how I replenish my RV’s fresh water tank without having to move my RV!

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How To Transport A Portable RV Waste Tank

Making use of your restroom anytime you want is a blessing disguised as a curse, as they say. However, with such a blessing comes a great deal of responsibility. This means that you’ll be in responsible of emptying the black tank as it starts to fill up with waste. When you’re not close to a dumping site, you’ll have to rely on a portable waste tank to keep the contents until you can go to a more permanent disposal facility. Let’s take a look at how to move a portable RV waste tank and see what we can discover!

Is it preventing additional waste from accumulating in the grey tank?

This allows you to store it within the RV without being detected. If your waste tank contains a high concentration of black water, you’ll generally want to keep it as far away from you as possible. If such is the case, you can store it as follows:

1. Under a trailer
2. Under the bed of a pickup truck
3. In the trunk of a car A bumper attachment is located at the rear. Attached to the rear ladder, this device

Of course, each individual’s scenario will be distinct from the others. There are a few more suggestions that you might find interesting. If you haven’t purchased an RV waste tank yet, you might be interested in learning about the many options available from various manufacturers. On this page, we’ll go through the specifics of how to operate a blue boy tank and a rhino waste tank. If you’re interested in learning more about this and other topics, continue reading.

Transporting a Portable RV Waste Tank

We must first determine the weight of the waste tank before we can decide where it should be stored. Once again, not all waste tanks are created equal. Some will be able to store a significant amount of liquid. As you may be aware, one gallon of liquid weighs around 8.34 pounds, which is approximately the same as one gallon of water. Furthermore, if the waste tank has a capacity of 12 gallons, you’ll be dealing with 100 pounds of weight. As you probably have figured by now, if the item is really heavy, you may want to avoid keeping it in difficult-to-reach locations.

One thing to bear in mind is the importance of ventilation.

Under the Trailer

In some cases, if the portable tank is not too heavy, it may be possible to place it under the trailer. Some users have had luck storing their data in this place. All that would be required for the portable tank is a support system.

In The Bed of a Pickup

It is recommended that the bed of the pickup truck be used as a staging area for towing a trailer if you have one. Some portable trash tanks are equipped with a handle that makes it easier to transport and load into a boat.

In The Back with a Bumper Attachment

The rear of the vehicle is another location where the waste tank can be transported. If you still wish to use the ladder, you will need to purchase a bumper attachment for it. Some portable tanks will come with a hose and a regulator. You may always check online for a waste tank bumper attachment if yours doesn’t have one already. To view this bumper attachment on Amazon, please visit this link. Of course, these are not the only attachments that may be used with your email. Here’s an example of how one RV owner carries their tote tank, as shown on YouTube: It is transported by the individual using a freight transporter.

Attached to the Rear Ladder

In the same video above, you can see that certain tote tanks will come with attachments that will allow you to save space when transporting them. The ladder mount for the Thetford tote tanks will be included. If you don’t require access to the ladder all of the time, it could be a nice place to store the tank when it’s being transported.

What Is a Blue Boy Tank?

You can notice in the same video above that certain tote tanks will come with accessories to assist you make more room.

There will be a ladder mount included with each of the Toford tote tanks. Providing you don’t require access to the ladder on a regular basis, it could be a decent location to store the tank while traveling.

How Do You Tow the Rhino Waste Tank?

As previously stated, certain portable waste tanks will be equipped with attachments to make transporting them more convenient. When it comes to Rhino waste tanks, there are a plethora of accessories that can be purchased to complement the tank. Rhino waste tanks will only be equipped with a huge orange handle, which will allow you to move them with minimal effort. Seeing how you would tow it may prove challenging if you have gone from a blue boy to a Rhino product, especially if you have a little vehicle.

When hauling the tote tank with this attachment, you will have more leverage than you would otherwise have.

You can see how the connection works in this video from Rhino if you’d like to see it shown visually:

How Big of a Portable RV Waste Tank Do I Need?

According to what we’ve learned from other people’s experiences, the size of the portable waste tank is determined by your preferences. It is recommended that you choose a size that permits you to empty your whole holding tank capacity at once. According to their example, if you have a holding tank with a capacity of 25 gallons, you should purchase a waste tank with a capacity of 25 gallons or greater. Other people might be opposed to this notion, noting that they would prefer not to cause themselves a headache while delivering the product.

As a result, if you’re having trouble finding a location for the tank, you might want to consider getting one with a smaller holding capacity.

How Do You Dump a Portable RV Waste Tank?

Transferring garbage from your RV to the station is a straightforward procedure. However, when you incorporate a portable trash tank, how do we go about emptying the garbage that we have accumulated in it? It is possible that the method of disposal will be determined by the brand of portable waste tank you have. As a result, you’d have to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. However, we’ll go through a straightforward procedure for emptying the trash into your portable tank. Specifically, you’ll need a 90-degree elbow and a double-pinned adaptor to complete this project.

1. Attach the double-pinned adapter to the 90-degree elbow using the 90-degree elbow. Disconnect the sewage hose from the portable tanks. Remove the cap off the hose and hold it in an upright position while working
2. To connect the adapters to the hose, follow these steps: Following that, connect the dump hose to the sewer connection. Allow the vent to be opened
3. Last but not least, detach the dump hose from the retaining mechanism. The hose should be moved from an upright position to a horizontal one as soon as possible. You should be able to hear the garbage flowing into the sewer at this point. To complete, go back through your steps and put each component back in its proper location.

The 90-degree elbow should be attached to the double-pinned adaptor. Activate the sewage hose for the portable tanks. Removing the cap and maintaining an upright posture for the hose is recommended. To attach the adapters to the hose, follow these steps: Following that, connect the dump hose to the sewer connection; The vent should be opened. When you’re finished, remove the dump hose’s retaining mechanism. The hose should be moved from an upright position to a horizontal one as soon as it is possible.

Complete the process by retracing your steps and reassembling each component.

How Do You Clean a Portable Waste Tank?

Filling and emptying the portable waste tank is as simple as filling and emptying the tank. Nothing more than filling it with water and emptying it down the sewer drain connection will be required. You’ll have to go through the process again and again until you achieve the desired outcomes. If there is still residual stink, some experts recommend partially filling the tank with RV tank treatment and water. Allow for a couple of hours for the treatment and water to settle in the tank before emptying it.

How Does a Thetford Toilet Cassette Work?

While sparing yourself from having to make frequent journeys to the dump station may seem appealing, what if you could avoid the need to fill a portable tank with waste? That is the underlying concept of a Thetford toilet cassette. As opposed to going about your business and allowing the waste to accumulate in the black tank, you’ll have a portable waste tank permanently installed on your RV. It has a total capacity of five gallons of liquid. As a result, you’ll most likely have to dispose of it every 3-5 days.

A sensor will be installed in a toilet cassette to alert you when it is about to overflow.

In contrast to waiting for a high-capacity black tank to fill up, you will gain valuable experience by filling and emptying a portable trash tank right away.

Final Takeaway

It is not as difficult as it appears to look for strategies to reduce the number of trips to the disposal station. Nonetheless, there is some effort to be done on your part. Despite the fact that portable trash tanks are convenient, they require a lot of space to travel. Hopefully, you now have a better notion of where you would want to store your future portable trash tank. Do you have any additional worries about your portable waste tank before you leave? Do you want to learn how to build your own portable greywater tank?

You should be aware of the capacity of your RV’s grey water tank.

More information may be found in our blog article, which can be found here.