I have to add something here that was brought to my attention the first time I purchased a self contained TT. These babies have holding tanks. Usually they have 1 for fresh water. This one you won't likely be hocked into city (or well) water. You should check to see if there is water in this tank. There will be a meter of some sort that will tell you the levels for this and the other tanks (if this is previously used, the meter(s) may not be accurate as the sensors sometime get a build up on them - this can be addressed later). If there is water in the tank I would recommend purging the tank of the existing water. Once done you can leave it empty or, put a few gallons of fresh water back in it and a few drops of clorox. Depending on your climate, the tank should be winterized in the winter (adding RV/Marine type antifreeze). If you are in a climate that stays warm, the tank should be purged once a year.
There is always a "grey" water tank, sometimes 2, depending on the rig. If it has 2, one will be from the galley, the other from the head. These are the tanks that hold waste water from your sinks and shower. These tanks can be drained by pulling "plunger" handles which will be located on the opposite side of rig from your entry door. Since you will be set up again, in a semi-permanent state, these plungers can be left in the open position.
Then there is the "black" water tank. This holds the waste from your commode. Your used to living in a residential property and you don't have to concern yourself with cleanliness of a tank such as this. Living in an RV can get real ugly real fast if you don't pay particular attention to the care of this tank.
First, go to an RV place or (for better prices) Walmart and get some toilet paper made for RV/Marine holding tanks. Also get a couple of boxes of "Holding Tank Deodorant". I use Thetford brand but there are others. You will also want to check to see if your rig is equipped with an internal tank cleaner. If it isn't I recommend you purchase a cleaning wand for the tank (An RV place will know what you're talking about it you ask for it), a garden hose long enough to get from your water source to the head and, a Flush King (
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Unlike your grey water tanks, the black water tank you will want to keep closed. Why you ask? Because the design of these tanks are such that, if it is left to drain all the time, solid waste will not leave it. And remember when you were in grade school and made project with PAPER MACHETE??? Well, any wet toilet paper will eventually harden in the tank and will (A) become almost impossible to ever get cleaned out and (B) will retain the smell of the waste and, along with the solid waste that won't be draining, will produce an odor so bad, it will knock you to your knees!
So, when you get all the products I mentioned, go to the rig and make sure your hoses (or pipes) are all properly connected to your rigs sewage system (Flush King in place) which will be right below the plungers. Then close the black water tank (to identify this you may have to call the manufacturer but generally this is the one towards the back). Hook up the hose and wand and take it to the head. You will put the commode in the flush position (some are by hand, others have a foot pedal) which open the commode up to the tank below. Stick the wand all the way down in the tank and let it go to town. I generally do this for several minutes, go outside, pull the plunger to dump the tank, then I do it again. Some may consider that obsessive and they would be right. That's just me! Once you feel that you have adequately rinsed the tank, close the plunger, then run about a half a gallon of water into the tank. Now add the holding tank deodorant. Again, I am a little over the top when it comes to these but, i've been in rigs that have a holding tank odor and I can't stand it. I generally use 2 packages of the deodorant. Again, that's just me.
Keep an eye on the tank level. Once it gets full, pull the plunger!!!. Then, hook a water hose up to the Flush king and let it do the work for you. The wand should be used about once every couple of weeks for a good rinse.
One thing I forgot to mention - whenever you are servicing the black water tank, close the other tanks.
This should keep your tank and you happy for a long time.....
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