Transporting a Portable RV Waste Tank
- Under the Trailer.
- In The Bed of a Pickup.
- In The Back with a Bumper Attachment.
- Attached to the Rear Ladder.
walmart.com
- Depending on what the RV park says, it may make sense to invest in a 50-55 gallon drum, mount it on your truck and then rig a water pump to fill and empty the waste. Even if the park charges you a bit more, it might be a better deal. At quartzite, I’ve seen RVers with tanks mounted on small trailers at the dump station.
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 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.
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 do you dump a camper waste?
Hook up one end of your sewage drain hose to the black tank valve on your RV. Secure the other end of the hose to the valve at the sewer line or dumping station. Pull the valve to empty the black tank, allowing it to drain completely. Flush the black tank with water to clean it.
Do campers have septic tanks?
The black water tank, also known as the RV’s septic system, holds anything flushed down the toilet. Depending on the size and class of the RV, “grey water” holding tanks typically have a capacity between 40 and 65 gallons, while “black water” holding tanks usually range between 18 and 64 gallons.
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 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.
Can you dump black water on the ground?
Black water should never, under any circumstances, be dumped on the open ground. Not only is it illegal, but it is unethical and environmentally irresponsible.
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?
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.
- Under a trailer
- Under the bed of a pickup truck
- 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?
When you’re looking for methods to avoid frequent trips to the local dump station, you could come across a product that goes by a variety of different names. You’ll hear terminology like “portable waste tank,” “tote tank,” and a few other variations on this. However, the word “blue boy tank” is one that may pique your interest because it is uncommon. What exactly is it? It operates in the same way as any other portable waste tank. Blue boy tanks are used for the same purpose. According to some, the reason they are referred to as blue boy tanks is because they are constructed of blue plastic, which is what you will see on them.
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?
According to what we’ve learned from other people’s experiences, the size of the portable waste tank is entirely up to you. It is recommended that you choose a size that permits you to dump your whole holding tank’s capacity. They provide the following 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. Users who disagree with this proposal claim that they would prefer not to cause themselves a headache when moving it.
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 instead. A holding tank that can accommodate more than the capacity of your RV is recommended if you are concerned about overflowing.
- 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
- 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
- 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.
To demonstrate how to dump from a portable trash tank, see the following YouTube video:
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.
Where do you carry your RV sewer tote?
Russ and Tia De Maris’s artwork If you’re a committed boondocker – or aspire to be one – you’re probably aware that one of the most challenging challenges to deal with is waste water management. If you’ve discovered a beautiful spot to park your RV and plan to stay there for a while, there’s no reason why you should have to break camp to go back and dump gray water.
This is where the “blue boy” sewage tote comes in. It allows you to dump your waste water into a portable tank, and then carry only the tank, not the entire apparatus, to a proper disposal site.
So where you do you carry the blue boy when you’re on the road?
That was a query posed by an RVer who was getting ready to purchase their own portable waste tank when the question was asked. RVers, who are known for their ingenuity, came up with a few suggestions. Carrying that bag in the bed of your pickup truck is one of the most popular alternatives, especially among the travel trailer and fifth wheel crowd. Of course, when empty, a tote may be sufficiently light to be attempted to be thrown away. In the past, we’ve had some strange wind currents rise up in the bed of our pickup truck when towing the fiver, so keep that in mind if you’re planning on towing the fiver.
- There’s no convenient pickup bed there (unless your “toad” happens to be a pickup truck).
- Do you have a ladder rack?
- Some RVers believe this is a BAD idea, comparing it to something right out of the Beverly Hillbillies with a blue child on the back of the vehicle.
- “Old Blue” is carried around by certain people in a more “concealed” fashion than others.
- And, as difficult as it may be to imagine, some RVers really keep their Blue Boys in the interior of their vehicles.
- RVers said that they placed their smaller totes in the shower stall and their larger totes on the unused bunk of their bunkhouse-style trailer, respectively.
Here are some comments from readers with their solutions:
The query came from an RVer who was about to purchase their own portable waste tank and wanted to know how to go about doing so. A few suggestions were made by RVers, who are known for their ingenuity and innovation. Carrying that tote in the bed of your pickup truck is one of the most common options for the travel trailer and fifth wheel combo. Although a tote may be light enough to attempt to escape when empty, it is not recommended. Occasionally, when towing the fiver, we’ve experienced some unusual wind currents in the bed of our pickup truck.
- When it comes to motorhomes, what happens if you use your sewer tote?
- The rear of the truck, according to several trailer owners that we’ve heard about, is frequently empty.
- The number of times we’ve witnessed people tying their totes to a stairwell ladder rack is impossible to count.
- Get inventive with some scrap metal and your hitch receiver to make an extension of your ladder rack that hangs from the receiver if you can get by without one.
- Once, an RVer slipped his tote under his trailer and, using angle iron, constructed a swing-down rack, which allowed the tote to go around in luxury (and out of sight) until it was needed.
Where? RVers said that they placed their smaller totes in the shower stall and their larger totes on the unused bunk of their bunkhouse-style trailers, according to one report. Numerous motorhome owners claim that they can store their belongings in one of their basement storage areas.
How to Properly Use an RV Portable Waste Tank
The query came from an RVer who was about to purchase their own portable waste tank and wanted to know what to expect. RVers, who are known for their inventiveness, came up with a few suggestions. Carrying that tote in the bed of your pickup truck is one of the most common solutions for those who travel in travel trailers and fifth wheels. Of course, when empty, a bag may be light enough to be able to wiggle free. When towing the fiver, we’ve had some strange wind currents rise up in the bed of our pickup truck, so keep in mind that you may need to weight or tie it down.
- Unless your “toad” is a pickup, there’s no convenient pickup bed to be found there.
- Have you have a ladder rack?
- Some RVers believe this is a BAD idea, comparing it to something right out of the Beverly Hillbillies with a blue boy on the back.
- Others choose to transport “Old Blue” in a more “concealed” manner.
- And, as unbelievable as it may seem, some RVers really keep their Blue Boys inside their vehicles.
- RVers said that they placed their smaller totes in the shower stall and their larger totes on the unused bunk of their bunkhouse-style trailer.
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
When you’re camping and don’t have access to sewer or water, a portable waste tank comes in handy.
It can come in in whether you’re boondocking, mooch docking, or just at a location that doesn’t have a sewer drainage connection. As an alternative to dismantling camp and hauling your RV to the next dump station, you may just carry the compact tote along with you.
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.
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 over its expiration date. Many of these portable tanks include connectors that make cleaning them simple, or you can just fill them with water through the sewage port. 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.
You may also partially fill the tank with RV tank treatment and water before your next trip day if you’re not happy with the results. The treatment will swirl around as you drive along the road, aiding in the cleaning and treatment of any particles that have been left behind.
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. When moving to and from the campsite, this hook makes it exceedingly simple to tie your portable tank to the ladder of your RV.
2. Barker Portable Waste Tank
A well-known brand in the RV accessories sector, Camco is a household name. In order to make your camping experience even better, they manufacture a diverse assortment of items. There are large wheels with bearings on this trash tank that make the trip to the dump station as smooth and simple as possible. There are several different sizes of Rhino portable tanks available to meet your requirements. Two- and four-wheel variants will be available, with tank capacities ranging from 15 to 36 gallons.
When moving to and from the campsite, this hook makes it extremely simple to attach your portable tank to the ladder of your RV.
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.
What ways has having a portable RV waste tank benefited your RVing experiences?
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How do you transport your portable waste tank?
| 02-12-2016, 11:05 AM | 1 |
| MemberJoin Date: Feb 2015Location: Champion, OhioPosts: 48 | How do you transport your portable waste tank?
Looking to see where you all place your portable waste tank for transport?Have been thinking of being able to transport it without it being in the bed of the truck. Maybe something like a hitch hauler on the rear bumper?_2015 Jay Flight 264BHW2008 Silverado Z71 Crew 5.3L HD Tow PackageEqualizer Weight Distribution Hitch2006 Forest River Salem Hybrid *sold* |
| 02-12-2016, 11:20 AM | 2 |
| Senior MemberJoin Date: Nov 2011Location: Where ever the boss says we’re going.Posts: 12,224 | Do you have a ladder? Hang it on there, buy or make a bracket for the handle. |
| 02-12-2016, 11:36 AM | 3 |
| Senior MemberJoin Date: May 2015Location: MichiganPosts: 940 | When we are up north in Michigan, I put my 42 gal blue boy in the bed of my truck. I then use a macerator pump hooked up to the trailer battery to power it and then pump out the black tank that way. When I get to the dump site, it is “all down hill from there”! |
| 02-12-2016, 11:59 AM | 4 |
| Senior MemberJoin Date: Jul 2015Location: Mid-MiPosts: 1,492 | If your trailer doesn’t have an enclosed belly, you could make a hinged bracket to tuck the waste tote up inside the frame. Use a pin on the curb side for a quick release.Somewhere here in JOF there is a couple page thread (I think it was) about transporting a waste tote. I’ll see if I can find it and link it. |
| 02-12-2016, 12:26 PM | 5 |
| Junior MemberJoin Date: Aug 2013Posts: 27 | Quote:Originally Posted byneed-a-vacationIf your trailer doesn’t have an enclosed belly, you could make a hinged bracket to tuck the waste tote up inside the frame. Use a pin on the curb side for a quick release.Somewhere here in JOF there is a couple page thread (I think it was) about transporting a waste tote. I’ll see if I can find it and link it.x2 |
| 02-12-2016, 12:36 PM | 6 |
| MemberJoin Date: Feb 2015Location: Champion, OhioPosts: 48 | Thanks for the replies. I do not have a ladder, and the underside is fully enclosed.I have the 25 gallon tote n store that I am looking for alternative ways to transport.psc=1_2015 Jay Flight 264BHW2008 Silverado Z71 Crew 5.3L HD Tow PackageEqualizer Weight Distribution Hitch2006 Forest River Salem Hybrid *sold* |
| 02-12-2016, 12:47 PM | 7 |
| Senior MemberJoin Date: Sep 2010Location: New YorkPosts: 2,210 | Google bumper mounted tote tanks. I am not saying it’s the best option, just look for ideas.I mount mine underneath with aluminum angle iron, but have clearance to do so._2014 375 BHFS Eagle Premier2014 Ram 3500 Longhorn DRW CC 6.7 CTD, Aisin, 4.10’sYamaha EF3000iSEB |
| 02-12-2016, 12:59 PM | 8 |
| Senior MemberJoin Date: May 2012Location: MinnesotaPosts: 8,296 | I rarely carry mine. I put it in the bed of the truck, but you do not have a Pickup, and I do not blame you for not wanting it in the truck or in the TT. But I have heard of people putting in their shower for travel.I have seen them strapped to the top of the square bumper, I saw a really nice homemade bracket that was bumper mount once. Unfortunately I was drive down the highway as they passed me. I have seen them strapped to the tongue and propane tank brackets. Those two would be my first options. Add a 2” receiver hitch and procure a cargo tray. |
| 02-12-2016, 01:01 PM | 9 |
| Senior MemberJoin Date: May 2014Location: WNYPosts: 450 | Quote:Originally Posted bythebuckeyeLooking to see where you all place your portable waste tank for transport?Have been thinking of being able to transport it without it being in the bed of the truck. Maybe something like a hitch hauler on the rear bumper?Below is a picture of what I did with our TT.I built a bumper mount holder out of an old bike rack.Hope this triggers some ideas.
_2015 Jayco Eagle Premier 361REQS2014 GMC Sierra 3500HD 4×4 CC D/A |
| 02-12-2016, 01:06 PM | 10 |
| Senior MemberJoin Date: Jul 2015Location: Mid-MiPosts: 1,492 | Quote:Originally Posted bythebuckeyeThanks for the replies. I do not have a ladder, and the underside is fully enclosed.So much for those ideas! LolDepending on the dimensions, what about a rack for a back pack leaf blower? Maybe that would work mounted to the bumper? I would suggest to consider reinforcing the bumper.Or as mentioned, frame mounted hitch with a cargo tray out back of the trailer. Or a front mounted hitch on the tv with a cargo tray.Good luck figuring out what will work best for you! |
| 02-12-2016, 01:10 PM | 11 |
| Senior MemberJoin Date: May 2014Location: WNYPosts: 450 | How do you transport your portable waste tank?
Quote:Originally Posted byneed-a-vacation. frame mounted xxxxx with a cargo tray.Sorry need-a-vacation, but you really made me laugh with that typo_2015 Jayco Eagle Premier 361REQS2014 GMC Sierra 3500HD 4×4 CC D/A |
| 02-12-2016, 01:21 PM | 12 |
| MemberJoin Date: Feb 2015Location: Champion, OhioPosts: 48 | Quote:Originally Posted byROC-REQSSorry need-a-vacation, but you really made me laugh with that typoYes, I was thinking. I never thought about making the wife ride back there_2015 Jay Flight 264BHW2008 Silverado Z71 Crew 5.3L HD Tow PackageEqualizer Weight Distribution Hitch2006 Forest River Salem Hybrid *sold* |
| 02-12-2016, 01:41 PM | 13 |
| Senior MemberJoin Date: Jul 2015Location: Mid-MiPosts: 1,492 | Got to do what you got to do! LolSorry to all! Darn typo while on the phone! And didn’t proof read!Maybe the mods can fix the quotes to keep it family oriented. |
| 02-12-2016, 02:36 PM | 14 |
| Senior MemberJoin Date: Jul 2015Location: BlountvillePosts: 228 | Quote:Originally Posted byROC-REQSBelow is a picture of what I did with our TT.I built a bumper mount holder out of an old bike rack.Hope this triggers some ideas.great idea think I’ll try something like that_open range Lite 319RLS2019 GMC 2500HD Z71 |
| 02-12-2016, 06:17 PM | 15 |
| Site TeamJoin Date: Jan 2011Location: James Island, SCPosts: 19,989 | Mods rock!_Moderator 2011- 351RLTS Eagle, MorRyde suspension/pin box, 2017- F350 6.7 PSD Lariat FX4,SRW, SB,CCHughes PWD SP-50A, TST TPMSGator roll-up bed coverB W Turnover ball, Andersen Ultimate 3220Can’t find what you’re looking on JOF? TryJayco Owners Forum Custom Google Search |
| 02-12-2016, 07:28 PM | 16 |
| Senior MemberJoin Date: Oct 2014Location: Lower Alabama (LA)Posts: 2,010 | Although I have both a ladder and a bumper rack my tank rides onboard, between the 5th hitch and the tailgate.Think outside of the box.
_former 2008 Jayco Eagle 29.5 RLSformer 2014 F250 6.7 4X4, CC LB |
| 02-12-2016, 08:55 PM | 17 |
| Senior MemberJoin Date: May 2012Location: Merritt Island, FLPosts: 191 | I have a 22 Gal Barker and store it in the shower. I only empty Gray Water with it and put it in a large black trash bag, I wash it out when we get home. Never had any issue with doing it that way._’16 28BHBE / Elite / Thermal / Dual AC / 50 Amp / 12K Equalizer’15 F250 Lariat CC FX4 6.2 w/ 3.73 / Air Lift 5000’s / Bilstein 4600 HD’s / Bilstein 5100 Steering Stabilzer / Hellwig Sway Bar / ARE Z Cap’12 X19H Hybrid (Sold) |
| 02-12-2016, 11:49 PM | 18 |
| Senior MemberJoin Date: Jul 2015Location: Mid-MiPosts: 1,492 | Quote:Originally Posted bynorty1Mods rock!Yes they do!TY! |
| 02-13-2016, 08:02 AM | 19 |
| Senior MemberJoin Date: Jan 2014Location: Greater Grand RapidsPosts: 1,337 | I bought Jayco’s slide-out bike rack/cargo tray, and had it installed on the frame, below the back bumper of my trailer. I store my 35 gal. “Smart Tote” on that – tied down with ratchet straps while traveling._2013 Eagle 266RKS2011 Ford F-150 w/3.5L EcoboostH.D. Tow Package |
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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. An RV tote tank is a mobile holding tank that can be moved around.
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.
- Approximately how many gallons do the RV’s gray and black water tanks have in their capacity. Depending on how many items you have, the size of the tote will be determined. Size: The actual dimensions of the bag, as well as the location in which it will be stored. Following this section, we’ll go through the proper way to store a bag when traveling.
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
After we empty our gray water tank, we empty our black water tank. Even while this requires two visits to the trash site, it makes cleaning up the tote a cinch. Because the gray water comes from the sinks and shower, it contains soap. Filling it with black water and emptying it thereafter allows the gray water to wash out the interior of the tote and make it more sanitary. The tote is sprayed off with the water from the dump station once it has been completely emptied of gray water. This removes anything that may have remained in the tote.
Where To Stow An RV Portable Tote Tank
It is important to know the size of the tote and where you want to store it while traveling in order to avoid disappointment. Because a huge bag takes up a lot of space, you’ll want to be sure you have enough space.
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.
- Please do not hesitate to leave a comment.
- We are always interested in hearing from our readers.
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.
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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. If you understand how RV tank sensor probes function, you’ll be able to troubleshoot erroneous readings and clean out your tanks, which is critical if you want to keep your RV running smoothly! You don’t want a clogged shower drain or a toilet that is bubbling. That’s disgusting. The geo-method and Happy Campers tank treatment are two methods that we are experimenting with to keep our tanks clean.Ross explains everything you need to know about RV tank sensors in this article.We are constantly experimenting with different methods to keep our tanks clean, such as thegeo-method and Happy Campers tank treatment.
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.
Vent caps should be closed. Overall, this isn’t significantly different from simply emptying your onboard tank into a waste disposal container. The most significant difference is that you are emptying into a tank with limited storage, so be cautious about how much – and how quickly – you empty!
Part 2: Transferring Waste from Tank to Dump Station
6. To get the portable RV tank to the dump station, tow or drag it. 7. Place the tank such that gravity is working in your advantage. 8. Connect the RV’s tank hose to the portable tank and the waste disposal station. 9. Vent caps should be opened. 10. Allow the tank to empty completely by opening the drain valve. 11. Using the proper hose, flush the tank. 12. All valves and vent caps should be closed. 13. Removing your glove and properly washing your hands are the next steps. Have a drink on me!
Keep in mind that water is your best friend when it comes to the black tank.
Additionally, using an open elbow on your sewage hose allows you to see how much space is available in your RV’s 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 towing 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. I bored a hole in each axle, installed hitch pins, and secured the axles with axle cap nuts to complete the project. 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 major 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!
It was at the dump station that I encountered a couple who were using the 21-gallon Camco (and was tempted to inquire, “Do you come here often?”). Only the main entry hole was there; there was no side dump valve. Just to start the water flowing, they had to go beneath one end of the tank, crouch, and lift. On the surface, it seemed to be a 2-person powerlifting session. My family was uninterested in assisting, so I’m glad we went with the 28-gallon size.
Stuff Mentioned in Article
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.
Carrying a Portable Waste tank
Topic:Carrying a Portable Waste tankPosted By:rwbradley on 01/26/16 03:05pm I am planning on picking up a portable waste tank fro the TT this spring as we will be doing some longer trips at campgrounds that do not have sewer hookups. I would like to still use the facilities in the trailer but not have to hook it up every 3 days and drive it down to the dump station.My problem is I am not sure how to carry it as I have a 21′ Hybrid trailer being towed by a large SUV.
The roof of the TV will usually have bikes or a canoe.
The storage compartment is not big enough to get a waste tank in.
My top ideas right now are ratchet strap to the back bumper wedged between the spare tire and the back wall of the trailer (if it will fit), or somehow finding a way to strap it to the A frame near the battery (again if it will fit).Does anyone have any brilliant ideas for transporting a waste tank outside their trailer?Thanks
Robrvtechwithrvrob.com
Posted By:donn0128 on 01/26/16 03:19pm When I need to take kine, I strap it to my ladder.
- Has worked good for probably 8 years.
- Looks kind oh funny but it worked.
- bikes and 2 Road bikes
Posted By:dave17352 on 01/26/16 03:38pm Ladder works fine if you have one. -
NOW 2017 Leprechaun 260ds2005 Forrest River Cardinal 29rkle FW1998 Lance 980 11’3″ TC2017 CHEVY 3500 SRW 6.0turnover ball @ companion HitchHonda eu3000 generator mounted on cargo rack Crestliner 1850 Fish Ski boat mostly fishing now!
- We just wrapped it in plastic.
- Then store it under the trailer while camping.
- We were the base, they slept in tents.unfair but it worked for me.
We only used it for gray water, I would think using it for black would really be messy, even with the best for care.
It is so light weight you can even stuff it between the bikes (assuming you have cheap family bikes).
Posted By:DutchmenSport on 01/26/16 05:11pm FYI, if you rinse the tank good, you can store it anywhere.
I transport it in the back of my pick-up truck with the shell, there’s never any smells, it’s not “dirty”, it’s not unsanitary or anything.With one of my previous campers, I towed with a Suburban, I carried it inside the camper.
It never smelled, wasn’t dirty, and when we reached our destination, it went under the trailer.It’s not a disease, it’s just a container.
Transport inside your camper, and store under the camper at the camp site.
I went with a 15 gallon and it’s about as big as I can slide up a 2×10 6 foot board to get it in the back of my truck.
They had painted on it.”Yesterdays Meals On Wheels”.* This post was edited 01/27/16 12:03pm by an administrator/moderator *
Posted By:penguin149 on 01/26/16 05:31pm I’m thinking about using the 5 gallon buckets from Lowes/Home Depot that I use to store my leveling blocks/firewood in.
I figure 4+ gallons in each would allow me to dump 12-14 gallons per trip and only weight about 40each.
2014 Nissan Titan 5.6L V8 4WD – 2019 Keystone Bullet 243BHS
Posted By:Bob/Olallawa on 01/26/16 06:09pm As long as you don’t put too much weight on it, have a light weight hitch receiver welded to the rear frame of the trailer and buy a small carrier that fits the 2″ receiver tube.
Welcome to my home, that door you just broke down was there for your protection not mine.
After dumping rinse it real good and pour in about a 1/3 cup of pine sol.
Posted By:Lynnmor on 01/27/16 08:01am I have a smaller one that I use when traveling on extended trips.
Put it in the pass thru storage inside a garbage bag.
The gray is another matter though, and so we just bought one of those 6 gallon jugs at walmart (tall skinny, greyish blue) and keep it in the shower after rinsing it out.
We also bought a blue one in case we need to add water without a spigot near by. they just store in our little tiny tub perfectly.
