How Many Campers Per Septic Tank? (Solved)

So, how many mobile homes can you typically put on a septic tank? The ideal situation is to have one septic tank per home, but you may, on certain occasions, have up to five mobile homes share 1 septic tank. This, however, will depend on the size of your septic tank as well as local rules and regulations.

How big of a septic tank do you need for a camper?

In a small RV, you can expect at least 15 gallons for the black water and a gray water tank of 30 gallons. A larger RV might easily have tanks as large as 50 gallons each.

How many RVs can you put on an acre?

In the US, you must have a maximum of 15 RVs per acre, but the number varies across states. Nonetheless, the number of RVs per acre is usually between 10 to 15 RVs.

Can you hook a camper up to a septic tank?

Many people who have an RV and a septic tank wonder if they can use the two together. The RV is the perfect place to allow visitors to stay while having their own space. The short answer is that yes, it is possible to connect your RV into your septic tank, but you need to make sure that you do it correctly.

What size septic tank do I need for a mobile home?

The size of the tank is usually determined by the number of bedrooms in the house and the number of occupants. The more bedrooms and occupants, the bigger the tank. A common size for three bedrooms is a 1,000-gallon tank; this is a minimum, however. Your local county may have different criteria.

Can you pee in an RV shower?

In general, you should not pee in the RV shower. The water from the shower goes straight to your gray water tank, and urine should go to the black water tank. However, sometimes urine ends up in the greywater tank.

Is a RV park a good investment?

RV parks are a very high-yielding investment, with returns from 10% to 20%+ on your money. RV parks are among the highest-yielding of all real estate asset classes. So if your goal is to maximize the return on your money, RV parks are not a bad starting spot.

How much money can you make owning an RV park?

There are even those who are interested in buying or building their own RV park. But do RV Parks Make Money? A successful RV park owner can make from $50,000-$90,000 a year. A successful RV park itself can end up being worth hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on its popularity, location, and assets.

How much does it cost to store an RV?

Depending on the type of RV you own, it can cost anywhere between $90 to $200 per month to store your RV using traditional storage methods. With Neighbor, finding RV storage significantly cheaper, ranging from $50 to $120 per month with more options for features and amenities to suit your storage needs.

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 much does it cost to empty an RV septic tank?

Dumping your black water tank can cost anywhere from Free to $35. Some public campgrounds, waste water treatment plants, rest stops and RV stores will allow free dumping. Private business and campgrounds will charge between $10 -$35 with an average of $20 for dumping the tanks.

Can you dump RV GREY water on the ground?

Generally, as long as your gray tank contains water that was used for washing, it’s legal to dump it on the ground.

Can two trailers use the same septic tank?

Fortunately, yes, you can have two mobile homes share a septic tank, although you may have to adhere to several requirements beforehand. However, do note that these rules may vary from state to state, so it’s always best to check in with your council before you have two mobile homes share a septic tank.

Can you connect a mobile home to a septic tank?

Many mobile homes are located in rural areas where there are no municipal sewer systems. Mobile residences must use an individual sewer system otherwise known as a septic system. These systems use a septic tank and drain lines to process and remove the waste materials from the home.

rv site per septic tank

teamfamily5TexasNew MemberJoined: 08/14/2010View ProfileGood Sam RV Club MemberOffline	looking at some land thinking about RV sties and was wanting to know if anyone knows as a general rule how many RV sites can be plumbed to one septic tank. Lets say they are used everyday. “The great thing about where we live is, you can get anywhere in the world from here”
downtheroadPacific NorthwestSenior MemberJoined: 02/18/2003View Profile	All determined by county ordinances.perk rate and drain field size, etc. “If we couldn’t laugh we would all go insane.”Arctic Fox 25YGMC Duramax Blue Ox SwayPro
mtdew999Backwoods, OregonSenior MemberJoined: 06/28/2003View ProfileOffline	Check with your county. What works here isn’t going to work where you are.
buehlPAFull MemberJoined: 06/13/2008View ProfileOffline	mtdew999 wrote:Check with your county. What works here isn’t going to work where you are.Agreed!What we have set up was done via the zoning/permit process for the township where our property is.I know most of the regular campgrounds along the Delaware river do not have waste hook ups at each site. Not allowed.They all have a dump station such as ours that gets pumped out regularly.We went that route due to costs involved with a drain field/sand mound. Our pumpout cost $300-$400/yr.There’s so much EPA stuff involved when it comes to waste water it almost takes a lawyer to navigate.
buehlPAFull MemberJoined: 06/13/2008View ProfileOffline	I belong to a grpwe have 26 acres in the Poconos area in PA.We have a several thousand gal (in ground) septic tank but no drain field.On the property we have roughly 20 RVs at any one time.We set up a dump station above the tank.We also erected a couple pit toilets outhouses around the park.Everyone has to tote their gray/black water to the dump station.We have the tank pumped by a honey wagon a couple times over the summer.That’s paid out of the associations dues.

korbeCaliforniaSenior MemberJoined: 11/20/2009View Profile	As noted above, location (jurisdiction) plays a part, so no real general rule.Around here, the biggest criteria for septic tank sizing is flow rate. It has to be sized calculating a mobile home hooked up – probably 3 bedrooms, using it full time. I know, but our health dept. requires sizing for a mobile home since a mobile home can move into an RV site.Around here a 3-bedroom mobile home requires a 1,000 gallon septic tank.Leach field design requires soil data. .
bigdoggerTexasSenior MemberJoined: 02/03/2009View ProfileOffline	Having more than one or two rv sites the county and state will consider it an RV park or a trailer park and you will have to be licensed, meet additional codes, have annual health inspections, get proper zoning and subdivision approvals etc.In determining septic flow, my county and state codes count 2.5 rv sites per single single family home equivalent.
david_42OregonSenior MemberJoined: 04/08/2005View ProfileOffline	Also, your country may not allow more than one RV on the site. Depends on the zoning.Around here it’s one house OR one RV, not both for an R1 site. You can have an RV along with a house, but you cannot have a permanent setup, a pad with power, water and sewer.
chuggsFloridaSenior MemberJoined: 06/16/2010View ProfileGood Sam RV Club MemberOffline	I would go to your county engineer.since, you’re going to have to pull a permit anyway.Ask them.They will know the exact code for your county.and explain the process.They collect money from you.you might as well make them earn their keep.
buehlPAFull MemberJoined: 06/13/2008View ProfileOffline	chuggs wrote:I would go to your county engineer.since, you’re going to have to pull a permit anyway.Ask them.They will know the exact code for your county.and explain the process.They collect money from you.you might as well make them earn their keep.When you talk to the township engineer, what you will find is someone that on the surface is totally unreasonable.Take a step backrealize this person is there to help you navigate through the processget what you want.What’s unreasonable are the lawszoning enacted by the township.

Campground : all you need to know about RV dump stations

A park RV dump station offers recreational vehicle owners with a place where they may empty their gray and black water tanks, as well as their black water tanks. Despite the fact that they are mostly utilized by RVers, boats that have restroom facilities can also benefit from them. Therefore, the campground septic system contributes to environmental protection by providing a safe method of depositing waste from recreational vehicles (RVs). The misuse and abuse of RV dump stations by its customers has resulted in the closure of a large number of RV dump stations in the last several years.

Additionally, several private campground septic systems have begun collecting fees for the use of their RV dump stations as a means of alleviating the hassles they experience when their facilities are not properly utilized.

How Campground septic systems treat water

Traditional septic systems are used by the vast majority of campers. Septic tanks, drain fields, and pipes are all components of a traditional system. a septic tank After entering the septic tank, wastewater is treated by a combination of physical and biological processes. It is necessary to settle down suspended particles at the bottom of the tank in order to produce the sludge layer, while the FOG settles on top of the tank in order to form the scum layer, as part of the physical process. In addition, microorganisms in the septic tank digest and liquefy organic waste, which is a good thing.

In most cases, the drainfield is constructed up of perforated pipes that are installed in trenches that are filled with gravel.
The size of the septic system and the drainfield, on the other hand, may differ depending on the size of the campsite.
Pump stations might also be installed for the purpose of pumping water into the drainfield.

The most significant distinction between the advanced system and the conventional system is an extra phase of purification of effluent that is discharged from the septic tank before it is discharged into the drainfield, which is not present in the regular system.

Advancement systems are consequently advised in locations where there is a greater chance of water body contamination. In accordance with numerous environmental conditions, an expert will advise you on the appropriate septic system to construct on your property.

Seasonal use of campground septic systems and RV dump stations

The capacity of bacteria in the septic tank to digest the organic material in the wastewater is critical to the successful biological treatment of wastewater in residential and commercial settings. These bacteria reproduce and perish in the tank in a tense environment. Bacterial growth, on the other hand, is not immediate. There will always be a lag period between the decrease or increase in loading and the response of the bacteria to the changes in the environment. When everything is working well, there will be a steady flow of wastewater, and this will help to maintain the mortality and growth rates of bacteria.

Seasonal trends and the days of the week will affect the amount of people that will attend a normal camping event.

There are two basic loading patterns that campsite septic systems will face for the most part;

Peak season is defined as the period of year when the campsite is completely filled and the campground septic system is being used to its utmost capacity. Off-peak season is a period of time when there is some utilization, but not nearly as much as during peak seasons. It is expected that the campsite amenities would be utilized less than 30% during the off-peak season.

Because of these oscillations, the septic systems at the campsite may not always operate at peak efficiency. It is advised that biological additives be used in order to avoid any difficulties with the system in the future. These additions will increase the amount of beneficial bacteria in the tank, which will aid in the overall health of the system. We strongly oppose the use of chemical additives in the system since they may cause significant harm to the system, not only by killing beneficial bacteria, but also by corroding the walls of the tank and pipes.

Types of Campground septic systems

Collection systems can rely on the force of gravity or on the pressure-flow induced by pumps to collect water. In order to function properly, gravity flow systems that do not include septic tanks must have big pipes and manholes that are spaced regularly apart. Systems with septic tanks can benefit from the use of smaller diameter pipes that do not require the use of manholes. The use of a pump will be considered in cases when a gravity-flow system is not feasible. For example, massive pumps capable of pumping solid waste may be employed, as well as systems that use a septic tank to liquefy solid waste before it is pumped.

Collection systems must be kept in good condition.

The following are some critical preventative maintenance procedures:

Check the flow rate between the manholes to make sure there isn’t a snag in the system. In order to assess whether or not the flow rate is still acceptable, colored tissue can be placed in the effluent. abiological cleanser may be used to unclog any clogged pipes if you are experiencing any problems. Check all of the manholes to ensure that no surface water is getting in. Empty the manholes of any soil that may have accumulated at the bottom of the holes. In the odd event that a repair is required, call a contractor as soon as possible and get it completed as soon as possible

Treatment systems

Water treatment systems are available in a variety of configurations, and different units are often coupled to form a campsite treatment system. The amount of treatment required is determined by the manner in which the wastewater will be disposed of, as well as the regulatory criteria that are in effect. Septic tanks are the most often utilized kind of main treatment option on campsites, accounting for nearly half of all installations. Although other materials such as plastic and steel can be utilized, precast concrete and fiberglass are the most commonly employed in the construction of septic tanks.

Suspended particles are digested by bacteria in the septic tank, and the remainder of the solids that are not digested fall to the bottom of the tank and produce a layer of sludge on the surface.

Campground septic systems are frequently overburdened since it is difficult to regulate the amount of waste that each camper dumps into their RV holding tanks.

It is very necessary to apply shock treatment to boost the performance of the campsite septic tank in order to achieve this goal.

For example, Bio-shock Sol’s therapy solution releases billions of beneficial bacteria and enzymes into the system, resulting in improved overall health. Using enzymes, bacteria and other microorganisms collaborate to break down organic waste and make it more appetizing for the bacteria to feed.

Avoid damaging campground septic systems and RV dump stations

A septic tank should last for at least 30 years before it has to be replaced. The length of time it will endure, on the other hand, will be determined by how well you care for it. Here are some helpful hints for keeping your septic tank in good condition.

It is not recommended to drive recreational vehicles or other heavy machines atop the septic tank since this might cause physical damage to the septic tank and pipes. Check the sludge depth on a regular basis to decide when the next cleaning is necessary
A periodic addition of biological additives will help increase the efficiency of the system. You should avoid using chlorine, antibacterial soaps, or any other commercial cleaning products since they will destroy the beneficial bacteria in the tank. Planting trees near a septic tank should be avoided since their invasive root systems can cause permanent harm to the tank. Avoid compacting the soil over the drain field area because the soil must be properly aerated in order for the aerobic bacteria to effectively treat the wastewater before it penetrates into the soil.

Conclusion

The most essential thing to note about the campground’s septic system is that it will not be operated in the same manner during the whole year. The pace at which bacteria die and multiply in the septic system will be affected by the amount of time spent outside during the season. The septic systems at campgrounds also get a large amount of harmful compounds from the various RV holding tanks. The majority of cleaning products used by RVers are not septic friendly, and this can have a negative impact on the health of bacteria in the campground sewage system, which can lead to costly repairs.

Having said that, RVers should be advised to refrain from utilizing goods that are not septic-compatible.

Starting an RV Park: How much is an on site sewage treatment plant?

Hello, Mike and Walter- Thank you for including me on the list. As a result, wastewater treatment plants. This is a difficult subject. Water and sewage systems are divided into four categories. Who or what is responsible for supplying the water? The city, the well, the stream, the spring, the truck, and so on. So, do you require a water treatment facility, and if so, what exactly are you adding or removing from the water? Pre-testing the water should be done first, and then you should consult with the state to determine what they require.

Businesses are not subject to the same restrictions as individuals.
We have treatment equipment worth tens of thousands of dollars, yet the place across the street, which pumps five times the amount of water, has none.
Now that the water has passed through your system, you must treat it and then dispose of both the cleaned water and the heavy solid waste that has remained.

This is a massive tank that measures 15′ broad by 50′ long by 12′ deep and contains a large number of air bubbles.
This tank was equipped with chambers that were used to separate the water that no longer contained solids from the water that still contained solids.
Well—this tank contains four chambers in all, the final of which is a narrow well that transports the ‘clean’ water through a line to a chlorine-added treatment facility.

The pond, which is around 50 feet in diameter and 10 feet deep, allows any sediments left over to settle and for the sun to purify the water before it is pumped almost one mile to a stream.

The air is pumped into the tank, and then the pump is turned off, enabling the water to rise and separate.

It’s like walking through extremely, very heavy muck.

As a result, there are some expenses.

76 housing sites are serviced by our system, and if I had to replace my system today, without the cost of the first permits and engineering and impact studies, it would cost me $300,000, simply to replace the system.

My system would cost between $450,000 and $550,000 to build from the ground up.

If the stream was closer, it may save between 50 and 75 thousand dollars.

You really do not want to make any errors.

The same may be said for the water treatment system.

Our water operator is required to be on site for a minimum of two hours every day, despite the fact that his tasks take him no more than 15 minutes.

Lastly.

They may be military surplus, or they could be used for something else, such as man camps.

Some are available on Ebay from time to time.

Keep in mind that while working with the EPA, you will be sizing for the most extensive usage.

So the system is oversized and underutilized, which leads to additional difficulties, but this is becoming a rambling rambling discussion, and I should probably end.

However, consider all four aspects: where the water originates from, what has to be done before to drinking it, how it is treated, and where the completed product is sent once it has been processed.

Last but not least, what are the costs of water rights, and is it possible to acquire them? If your park were located in Colorado, the water rights would very certainly be more expensive than the system.

Septic Tank Size – iRV2 Forums

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08-04-2020, 01:36 PM

Community ModeratorMonaco Owners ClubJoin Date: Jul 2016Location: Central, ArkansasPosts: 9,153

Septic Tank Size

We are putting in a pad for semi permanent living. The bus has 60 gallon grey and black tanks. Obviously the grey will stay open but the black will be dumping 60 gallons in bulk every couple of weeks. Has anyone installed a septic tank just for the rv pad? If you have what size worked out for you?_2004 Beaver Monterey Laguna IV Cummins ISC 350HP Allison 3000 6 speed2020 Chevy Equinox Premier 2.0t 9 speed AWD

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08-04-2020, 02:24 PM	2
Senior MemberJoin Date: Nov 2012Location: bis. ndPosts: 1,118	i was builder for 23 yrs. i built many rural homes. the septic tanks are like 1000 gallon. its the drain field thats important. states have different codes for amount of sq ft for 1 bedroom or 4 bedroom. and depth of pipe kind of pipe like with a sock or just perforated. what kind and how much material per foot of pipe. in ND with our soils you can go up 4 feet deep. i never did that as i think it aerates better at like 30 inches. and never in a place that water collects. on downhill slopes you cant just angle pipe with slope as all the water goes to end it has to be level or stepped_2007 Alfa Gold! model 1008. 400hp Freightliner, IFS!

08-04-2020, 04:48 PM	3
Moderator EmeritusJoin Date: Jan 2000Location: Silver Springs, FL. USAPosts: 24,797	If it is only serving the RV pad, you might get by with 500 gallon tank and a suitable sized drain (leach) field, but I’d go for 1000. I haven’t priced the components lately but there used to be only a small difference in tank costs and everything else is the same anyway. Local codes may dictate the size anyway, but since it’s not a residence you might get away with a DIY, no-permit installation.Be careful with the drain field – it makes or breaks the system and soil type and terrain are crucial factors (see beenthere’s post)._Gary BrinckFormer owner of 2004 American Tradition and several other RVsHome is in the Ocala Nat’l Forest near Ocala, FL

08-04-2020, 05:19 PM	4
Senior MemberJoin Date: Apr 2016Location: Full TimersPosts: 355	Spd. did not say he was adding a drain field. If not hooked to a field how often are you willing to pay to have it pumped? Are you going to empty the gray into the tank also? Are you thinking of a seperate field for the gray water? If your going to dump black only and pump it then a 350 gal. tank will last over a month. Gray on the ground will work if you have space and no neighbors too ding you. Campground hosts are frequently faced with this dilemna in parks where the only sewer hookups in the park are at the host sites._DaveSheryl Rambeau2011 Itasca Meridian 39′

08-04-2020, 06:13 PM	5
Senior MemberMonaco Owners ClubJoin Date: Jun 2014Posts: 10,564	I would contact the county health/environmental department and talk to them. There may be a minimum size that would work for what you want. My guess a 300 gallon would be enough along with ~100 ft of drainfield but that depends on you perk testing. You will need a drain field unless you plan on pumping, which would be a pain. Depending on the county requirements this could be stone filled trench or composite type.Also, if you decide to add a septic system I caution against using any type of RV Black tank treatment. I might play havoc with the septic tank.I built a new house and had the septic installed in 2017. My wife does dog grooming and I wanted a large enough system to handle that plus the 4 bedrooms, so I opted for a 5 bedroom system which required a 1250 gallon tank and 550 of drain field (110 ft per bedroom). Permit cost $250In my case the health department required a soil study meaning I had to hire a guy to dig a couple holes, look the soil type, and write a report (that I had to correct). The study cost $300.Install was pretty straight forward, cost $6500.I ran the lines to have an RV dump in the parking area that I excavated, I actually added a second one if we have visitors._Jim J 2002 Monaco Windsor 38 PKD Cummins ISC 350 8.3L2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee w/5.7 Hemi

08-04-2020, 08:46 PM	6
Senior MemberJoin Date: Apr 2015Location: Rogers, ARPosts: 1,650	My opinion would be that you would need a larger tank, which will require a larger leach field.You are saying a 60 gal dump every two weeks, thinking only a small tank will take care of this.The problem is that a septic system is a “trickle” system. Only a small amount of water normally trickles into the tank on a continuing basis, and trickles out into the leach field the same way. An operating septic tank is normally full of water and as 1/2 gal. trickles in, 1/2 gal trickles out to the leach field where it gradually soaks into the ground. A smaller tank won’t have the capacity to take a 60 gal dump without filling the intake pipe and possibly flowing out your dump cap. If you install a 60 gal capacity intake pipe, to dump into, then it can trickle into, and out of the tank, then you should be good. Septics just aren’t for high flow water volume.Another thing about septics is that they operate on bacteria to digest the solid waste. If you flush disinfects down, that can kill the bacteria and stop the digestive action in the tank. A tank usually requires continuous adding of the bacteria agent._2019 Fleetwood Discovery LXE 40M w/2021 Equinox

08-04-2020, 08:52 PM	7
Community ModeratorMonaco Owners ClubJoin Date: Jul 2016Location: Central, ArkansasPosts: 9,153	I will be adding a leach field and I know about using ridx and not killing the bacteria. The perk tester I called recommended not getting a permit since it is a second septic on property and only for the RV. I don’t have an issue with that as there are no neighbors but I want it to work. I may request a bigger tank just because. I don’t mind getting it pumped. Twice a year is better than once a month though._2004 Beaver Monterey Laguna IV Cummins ISC 350HP Allison 3000 6 speed2020 Chevy Equinox Premier 2.0t 9 speed AWD

08-05-2020, 06:55 AM	8
Senior MemberJoin Date: Jan 2017Location: Nashville, TN areaPosts: 4,602	Tank size determines how long the stuff stays in the tank and gets broken down by bacteria. Field size determines how much effulent can be soaked into the ground.If you use a tank that’s too small you stand a chance of introducing raw sewage into the field lines. If you don’t have enough field lines you can water log the field lines.In most locations septic systems are pretty well regulated and designs are critical. Failing to properly size the system can pollute the local area and ground water with some pretty nasty bacteria. I would suggest you consult the local health department or whoever regulates septic systems in your area.If your main concern is that it works properly that would be the best way to go. Septic permits are usually in the $100 range and you get a lot of design assistance for that price. If you’re trying to sneak something past the regulations then ignore this post.Nobody on here can determine field or tank sizing unless they have some knowledge about your soil makeup._When seconds count, the police are only minutes away.2019 Newmar Canyon Star 3627 on a 2018 F-53 26K chassis w/6 speed transmission2017 Jeep Wrangler JKU with Ready Brute tow system w/Currie Tow PlateTitusville, FL when not on the road

08-05-2020, 07:10 AM	9
Senior MemberJoin Date: Nov 2015Posts: 1,062	Spd, I understand you are ok with just putting it in, I would search for a contractor who’s experienced with septic systems, explain to them your plan and see if they will work around getting a permit. They will know local code.CLIFFORD

08-05-2020, 07:12 AM	10
Senior MemberMonaco Owners ClubJoin Date: Jun 2014Posts: 10,564	Built a new house in the country so no city sewer.Knowing we would have to have a septic system I did research. Most “experts” say that there is no need to use a RidX type product if you use your system correctly. Some of the recommendations I found wereDo not use a garbage disposal disposal to send food waste to the the septic system. It will not break down easily.Limit harsh chemicals, I actually put a bypass in for the two laundry rooms I built knowing my wife uses bleach to disinfect dog stuff.Limit water use, that is why I installed the largest tank I could find, to help offset my wife’s high usage.No RidX or equivalent.If you do things right you won’t have to worry about pumping for +10 years, or longer depending on specific circumstances. So spending a little more now for the proper size system may save you money in the long run._Jim J 2002 Monaco Windsor 38 PKD Cummins ISC 350 8.3L2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee w/5.7 Hemi

08-05-2020, 11:51 AM	11
Registered UserMonaco Owners ClubJoin Date: Mar 2018Location: Blairsville, GAWPB, FLPosts: 3,993	I would tap into the existing house septic system, even if I had to use a macerator to pump to it, if it’s higher up from the RV pad. The grey water could go into a French drain (5-10’ of gravel in a 2’ wide trench) and once a week pump the black to the house septic.In GA (clay soils) you can legally put 10 RVs (no washing machines) on a normal house septic system (1000 gallon tank). If you want separate system for the RV I would use a 275 gallons plastic tote and 3 sections of plastic drain field chambers.

08-06-2020, 05:31 AM	12
Senior MemberJoin Date: Nov 2015Posts: 1,062	IVYLOG, ha! I made up a 2 tote system, been three years now and working great. The design duplicates a cement tank. No washer/dryer on the system.CLIFFORD

08-06-2020, 09:08 AM	13
Registered UserMonaco Owners ClubJoin Date: Mar 2018Location: Blairsville, GAWPB, FLPosts: 3,993	The Infiltrator plastic chambers are the best thing for drain fields, especially in clay soils. The OP is in AR (soils unknown) and no permit so $250 in materials and a small trackhoe for half a day. problem solved BUT tapping into the house system is the best choice.

08-06-2020, 03:07 PM	14
Moderator EmeritusJoin Date: Jan 2000Location: Silver Springs, FL. USAPosts: 24,797	alank is correct in his warning about overwhelming a too-small tank, though we could debate forever whether “too small” is 300 or 500 or 1000. His warning is the reason I suggested 1000 even though 500 is probably large enough. Just trying to be cautious.For the reason alank cites, it’s better to dump 20-30 gallons more often than 60 gallons every once in awhile.Note that the black tank contents are already partially digested when dumped, so you shouldn’t be putting a bunch of thick solids and paper into the tank all at once. It is, however, enough viscous fluid to add several inches of water to the tank until it drains off. Modern tanks usually have baffles to prevent the nastier stuff from proceeding directly to the drain field exit pipe, though._Gary BrinckFormer owner of 2004 American Tradition and several other RVsHome is in the Ocala Nat’l Forest near Ocala, FL

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Building an RV park: Septic system approved! Costs escalate

Machelle James contributed to this article. Our phone rang about 5:00 p.m. on Friday, which was unusually late. We were in the midst of repairing a propane gas leak on our friend’s vacation trailer when we came up with the idea. As I hastily answered the phone, I had no idea who was on the line. To our amazement, it was our Septic Engineer, Marc, who called to tell us that our sewage system had been certified by the ADEQ (Arizona Department of Environmental Quality).

Our septic system was approved with no changes requested

The confirmation email he received informing him that our septic system had been authorized said that there were no comments or modification requests – the system had been accepted exactly as described. Marc confirmed this with us. It is fairly usual for ADEQ to seek adjustments, amendments, or clarifications after receiving a final decision. The fact that our septic system got certified is a genuine testament to Marc’s knowledge and experience of being1 in the septic tank world of going2!.

AJ and I both experienced a significant reduction in tension as a result of the realization that we can now proceed with the waste water treatment system.

We are expecting our Alternative Septic Installer, Dan, to arrive today to give us an update on when we will be able to begin digging.

Why do they have to test our soil 18 feet deep?

An additional expense was the expense of having an excavation firm come out and drill 18 feet into the earth. I honestly have no clue why this exam is required, therefore I copied the following from the website designeverest.com in order to explain it to everyone. What exactly does the Geotechnical Report entail?. The Geotechnical Report provides an evaluation of the chemical and geotechnical characteristics of your soil. Generally speaking, the conclusions of a geotechnical report should include the following information: Identifying the type of soil is important.

Any organic substance or pollution that may be presentGround water and soil compactionGroundwater contamination Design recommendations for the foundation Factors affecting seismic design Solutions to any challenges that may arise in the future Most significantly, the conclusions of this study will include information on the type of soil available on the site and whether or not it is capable of sustaining the construction under consideration.

A description of the site conditions and geological data will be included in the reports, as well as relevant suggestions for site preparation, drainage control, and any other circumstances that may have an impact on the project.

A geotechnical company was responsible for drilling down 18 feet.

Now that we all understand why this report is necessary, we can evaluate whether or not our soil will collapse during extreme weather conditions due to the great weight of RVs and whether or not fire engines will sink into the earth if they are called upon to do so.

We have to have our roadways tested

As a side note, we were just advised by the County that we would be required to have the highways tested as well. It would have been really beneficial to have known this beforehand, especially since they had already arrived the previous week! Those TWO holes cost us $4,500 to bore each and every time! To put a mile of roads through its paces, I can’t even think how much it will cost. Because of the high cost of having them drill where our roads will be, I am experiencing extreme worry. As a result, we will have it done on the same day because the RV Resort across the street has to have it done as well, which will save us money on transportation fees for this massive piece of machinery.

Update on our loan and skyrocketing costs

When it comes to our loan, we met with our bankers, who informed us that we might seek a one-time increase in our loan amount because the numbers often increase when the hard estimates are released. Since the introduction of COVID, the price of lumber has quadrupled! Our check-in store is suddenly costing us three times as much as it used to, and we are in a state of complete fear! Fires raging across our nation have caused lumber prices to increase, as well as a reduction in the number of people who are able to work in sawmills.

We’ve already submitted the store designs to our Building Department in order to obtain a permit, and changing them now will set the project back many months – and it may not be completed in time if we choose a metal building as opposed to a wood structure.

As a result, we may deliver them to our General Contractor, who will be able to finally bid out all of the projects before submitting them to the bank.

What type of fence should we choose?

Fencing made of concrete We discovered a fence manufacturer in our area that creates one-of-a-kind fence panels that are designed to appear like real wood! Not only does it significantly reduce highway noise, but it also has a long shelf life, which I found to be really appealing. It is made out of concrete panels that have been strengthened with steel rebar. Because the elk and deer hop the fence, they are unable to knock it down, resulting in a reduction in fence maintenance. This fencing would serve as a strong deterrent along the highway and along our main access road (approximately 1900 linear feet).

(There’s also around 1900 linear feet of space here.)

Can you help us decide what fence we should choose?

While deciding which direction to choose, we face a difficult decision. What happens if we seek for a loan increase and receive the one-and-done product? Do we have to pay the money up front? Alternatively, should we go with the cedar option all around and replace fence panels for a few years? If you have been in this circumstance, I would appreciate hearing your thoughts on it. The pricing difference between the two options is $175,000 vs $100,000. This cost difference may not appear to be significant, but when combined with the increased septic expenses, the increased prices of the check-in store, and the fence, the total cost will be about $300,000 more.

These expenses have the potential to send us over the $1.5 million mark.

Who knows what may transpire during the next few weeks.
Thank you for keeping up with our updates and for riding along with us on our roller coaster of a journey to create our campsite.
We’ll see you in the trees till the next time.

AJ, Machelle, and Jenna are three friends.
Heber-Overgaard RV Park in the magnificent White Mountains, 140 miles north of Phoenix, is being built from the ground up by Machelle James and her husband, AJ.

The park will be built from the ground up. Follow them on social media at AJ’s Getaway RV Park on Facebook and ajsgetawayrvpark on Instagram. RVT971

Building an RV park: Septic skeptic, road “feathers” . and more issues

Machelle James contributed to this article. The previous two weeks have either been a complete state of terror or a never-ending barrage of phone calls and texts. Just as we were celebrating receiving clearance to develop our campsite, I suddenly found myself in a state of complete terror. So, what should we do first? What number do we dial? What’s the next stage in this process? I made the decision to phone our bank to inform them that we had been accepted so that we could get the process started.

They requested that we forward the building charges from our subcontractors to them.

Oh, that’s right.

When I phoned our engineer, he told me that it would take him roughly a month to finish the project.

Staking out the roads with “feathers”

There are pink “feathers” in the earth where a future road will be built. During the interim, we had a surveyor visit the land to mark the boundaries of the roads on the property. Despite the fact that he just staked out one side of the road, we still had to add the other half – which is standard procedure when staking out roadways. In any case, AJ and I went to work with stakes, hammers, rulers, tape measures, and feathers, as well with our site plan and these things called “feathers” that you nail into the ground so that you can drive over them and they won’t be damaged.

We worked for two days straight to complete half of the property.

The surveyor answered the phone on a Saturday, and I hoped he responded because one of us was not going to make it out of road-staking alive!
We were both mistaken on various highways since the trees and the curving roads distort your vision of what a straight line actually looks like, as we discovered.
We enlisted the assistance of a new neighbor who happens to be a former Campground General Contractor to assist us with this!

Fortunately, he is going to assist us with a few tasks that we can complete while waiting for our loan to be granted.

Septic skeptics

This week, we also learnt a great deal about septic systems. Now, none of us had ever utilized a septic system before we came up here (at least, not that we were aware of). Our understanding of this issue is, at best, rudimentary. We must rely on others to advise us on which system would be the most effective for us based on our soil, daily water production, and cost-effectiveness. I reached out to three septic engineers up in the mountains for advice, and they all agreed that we required an Orenco Septic System.

No, they don’t have any that they would recommend.

We even phoned the firm to talk with another representative, but they told us that he was the only one who could assist us at this time.
The fact that I thought I was being taken advantage of was what really got me going.
To begin with, I was taken aback by the news.

Guests at a transitory campsite open six months a year poop more than inhabitants at a year-round campground?
I contacted our local ADEQ (Arizona Department of Environmental Quality) representative and asked her the following inquiry.
I inquired as to why everyone I was contacting in this area was only interested in partnering with Orenco Systems.

As a result, BAM!

Not only were they reportedly overselling us items that we did not require, but they were also allegedly earning a substantial profit off of our purchases.

Local septic concrete maker gave me the name of a person named Dan who works at Alternative Septic Solutions in Tucson, and I decided to contact him.

We’ve had at least five talks with him so far this year.

We opted on a Biomicrobics MicroFAST System from MicroFAST Systems.

It is also on the ADEQ’s preapproved vendor list, which is a plus.

Now, I want to be clear that I have no objections to a man earning a reasonable commission for his efforts as a successful salesperson – as long as he sells the proper product for me and not for your wallet.

Now, on to a more pleasant topic

We’re waiting for the parade to begin! I will add that, despite the fact that we live in a little town, we normally have a MASSIVE 4th of July parade, a party in the park, and a spectacular fireworks display. Because of COVID-19, our Chamber of Commerce had to postpone their event. The townspeople, on the other hand, went crazy and organized their own parades and paid out of their own pockets to have the fireworks show put on. Have you ever been roused from your sleep at 5:45 a.m. by Anvils firing at you?

Three different shots are fired around the city, and we officially kick off the party!
As we cycled through the neighborhoods, it was heartening to witness the displays of patriotism and joy.

It was particularly memorable because we all felt a sense of belonging that had been lacking during this tumultuous moment in which we were living.
Jenna and I sat on our front porch and watched the fireworks display because she is sensitive to the loud sounds that pyrotechnics create.
I can’t wait for our campers to see what we have planned for them.

We hope you will be able to join us for this extremely memorable weekend event the following year!
And, please, make a remark on this page!
Previous articles may be found here.

The park will be built from the ground up.
RVT957

A Beginner’s Guide to RV Holding Tanks

Please be aware that this content may contain affiliate links for your convenience. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on one of our links, we will get a small compensation at no additional cost to you. This cash allows us to keep this blog and its free material up and running for you all! When you move from a traditional home to a recreational vehicle, you become acutely aware of your water, electricity, and sewage use. For first-time campers, we’ve put together this fast and easy beginner’s introduction to RV holding tanks, which we hope will clear up some of the confussion.

To begin, there are three varieties of water: fresh, gray, and black.
Fresh water is defined as water that is pure and safe to consume.
The sewage from the toilet is contained in black water.

Fresh|Gray|Black|Emptying|Cleaning|Storage A normal garden hose may be used to connect a campground spigot to your city water connection or to the fresh water tank on the side of your RV.
When we arrived to a couple of state parks where the water and power hookups were at different ends of the campsite, we realized we had made the wrong decision in purchasing the 25-footer.
This Zero G flex hose with a length of 50 feet is an excellent choice.

Protect your hoses and pipes from damage caused by high-pressure city water with a water pressure regulator that connects to the spigot.

An RV water filter, a connector splitter adaptor that allows us to utilize the outside spigot in the event that we need to use it, and a 90-degree hose elbow that connects directly to the RV connection were also acquired.

Gray water

Water from sink and tub/shower drains may include food particles and other microorganisms that are harmful to human health. As much residue as possible from dirty dishes is caught in the sink drains, in an effort to maintain the sink drains as clean as possible. Dishes are scraped thoroughly, and the drain trap is used to capture the majority of the remaining particles that might cause blockages in the future. Some RVers, on the other hand, are far less cautious. The RV has two holding tanks, one for gray water and the other for black water, both of which are accessible from the bottom of the vehicle.

It is possible to quietly (and legally) remove small volumes of gray water directly on the ground when camping or boondocking in rural places, depending on where you are camping or boondocking in remote locations.

Please bear on mind that we leave the gray tank open until a couple of days before we are due to leave a campsite.

Although it may seem unpleasant, dealing with septic tanks is not as as unpleasant as it may appear at first glance.

how often to empty RV holding tanks

The frequency with which you must empty your black tank will vary depending on how frequently you use it. For us, it usually comes down to 1-2 times a week. Several RVs are fitted with digital sensors that may be used to monitor the levels of water in your freshwater, graywater, and blackwater tanks, among other things. Unfortunately, you can’t always rely on them since the black water contents of the tanks frequently become trapped on the edge of the tanks, causing the sensors to malfunction.

how to prevent rv septic clogs

Make Use of Enough Water To assist avoid toilet clogs, make sure that the toilet bowl has a proper quantity of water before flushing it. It also doesn’t hurt to be frugal with your toilet paper usage. Make use of Liquid Fabric Softener. We use the tank rinser every time we empty the black tank on the day we leave the campsite, which is about once a week. Beyond that, we periodically pour a tiny quantity of liquid fabric softener into our tank through the toilet, which makes the contents of our tank more slippery, which helps to remove any contents that become caught on the edges of the black tank.

Take Advantage of the Movement of Travel Days to Your Advantage Before leaving, you may add some water to the black tank and let it to splash around inside the tank, breaking up any solid waste that has become lodged.

STORing your rv septic supplies

We keep all of the sewage materials (hoses, fittings, tank rinser and backfill hose, and so on) in a storage container in one of the compartments, which is accessible from the rest of the compartment. Our storage containers are manufactured by Sterilite, and we purchased them from Walmart. We have a container for freshwater products and a second container for materials for the black tank. Do not keep them together in the same place! The size of the storage boxes you pick will be heavily influenced by the number of storage compartments you have, so be careful to measure the available space before buying.

However, you should avoid flushing the toilet while the fan is operating.

Yes, we had to learn that lesson the hard way straight away, soon after we started.

This is the quickest and most convenient method. In contrast, other campsites (such as state parks) may just provide water and electricity. Check websites or phone beforehand to make sure what you want is still available. A large number of campgrounds feature on-site wastewater disposal facilities.

how to empty the rv septic tanks

Steps-by-step:

The day before you want to empty your black tank, close the grey tank valve. When you’re ready to empty the bathroom, ensure sure the fan is turned off. Release the valve on the outside of your RV that controls the black tank. Wait until it has completely emptied. Using the Rhino Blaster tank rinser, back-fill the black tank (leave the rinser valve closed). Activate the Rhino Blaster valve. Continue until the water runs clear
If necessary, add more water. Ensure that the black tank is closed. Open the grey water tank, allowing the grey water to drain and, in effect, cleaning out your sewage pipe. Keep the grey water tank open. Optional: In order to prevent black tank odours and blockages, place a sewer tank pod or some liquid fabric softener in the toilet tank and flush the toilet a couple of times. When you need to empty the black tank again, simply repeat the process from the beginning.

*Keep in mind that when you are backfilling your black tank, you should keep an eye on the water level. A timer or having a spouse monitor the level from the inside have been suggested by various RVers I’ve spoken with about. I wouldn’t base my decision on the RV sensors. Since purchasing our camper, ours has been inconsistent at best. It has been brought to my attention that some tourists have had disastrous results after leaving their campers unattended throughout this process.** Bonus tip: Close the gray tank valve a couple of days or so before you plan to empty your black tank to give the gray tank enough time to fill up before you empty your black tank.

However, while it is not a substitute for consistently cleaning your black tank, it does assist to reduce the odor.