Barker 42 gallon unit - too big?

[vsheetz]

I will be spending quite a bit of time at a CG with water and electric only, so am going to get a blue boy. Looking at the Barker 42 gallon. Will be towing it across the CG to dump station with toad. Plan to carry it strapped to the RV ladder. Having not used a blue boy before have no experiences.

Any reason to not go with the largest, the 42 gallon? Other thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks in advance,
Vince

[Rockwood27]

The hard part about using a tote that big (over 350 lbs. full) is rolling it (more like dragging it) from the rear of the RV through the sand/dirt to the toad. Can you pull that much weight?

[vsheetz]

Originally Posted by Rockwood27

The hard part about using a tote that big (over 350 lbs. full) is rolling it (more like dragging it) from the rear of the RV through the sand/dirt to the toad. Can you pull that much weight?

Thanks, I had thought about this. If I cannot get the Jeep/toad to the tote and I cannot pull it by hand i can readily strap it out to where it can be towed. Or, if that cannot be done on occasion for some reason, just not fill to capacity.

[wa8yxm]

I am sure you can get the tote to the dump with the jeep.. I would suggest that you invest in a portable macerator such as the Flo-Jet I use and a 50 foot 3/4" BLACK rubber hose (There is a reason you want it black, if you can't figure it out.. Well. (Black hose-Black Water).

Then if you can hook tote to jeep, Fill remotely (Sutting off pump and closing a quarter turn valve IN THAT ORDER at the end of the hose.

Or if you have 36 gallon tanks like I do you can dump tank and flush with fresh water.

Black hose, Black water
Gray hose, You guessed Gray water, Right
White hose, Potable water
Green hose, Wash and Rinse water (When giving the RV a bath)
Clear hose: Rinse water (Black tank flush)

[BeltoneMagoo]

You shouldn't have any problems towing it with the jeep. The handle has a nice large loop you can just drop over a trailer ball. Another thought is to put larger wheels on it as the small plastic wheels are not very quiet or sturdy in my opinion. A number of people have installed larger pneumatic tires and said that it made a lot of difference. I also read that Barker has or was going to put out a kit with the larger wheels. Don't know if that's true or not but I have sent an inquiry to find out. In case Barker doesn't make a kit the procedure is not difficult and can easily be researched by a search on the internet. The parts are easily available and simple to assemble. The only reason I haven't done it is that I no longer have a TT and now only stay in full service locations.
Good luck and safe travels!

[Selah]

Your in a MH, why not just drive it to the dump station. It takes so little to prep our MH to go a short distance that a Blue Boy would be twice the effort and mess. If you back flush you black tank your going to be taking several trips with the tote tank plus flushing the tote at the dump site.
Just my opinion but it seems like a lot of unnecessary work and trouble for a MH.

[Ed-Sommers]

A tote is a useful tool, and a DIY upgrade is to get a longer axle (3/4 inch if I remember right) to accommodate inflatable tires, they make the trip to the dump vastly easier IMHO.

Ed

[Dr4Film]

I have owned the 42 gallon BB for 8 or so years. After using it a few times I quickly made some changes to make using the BB easier.

First, I bought a level gauge or commonly called Tank Bobber to see when to stop filling the BB. I found out the hard way that once the BB is completely full and the hose is still full, now what are you going to do?

Amazon.com: Barker Manufacturing Company 26835 Tote-Along Bobber Gauge Full Tank Indicator: Automotive

Second, because there is no vent to allow the air to escape due to the Tank Bobber doing its job, I installed one of my own design. See photos.

Third, I removed the skinny rear wheels and installed large run-flat wheels. I haven't figured out what to do about the front wheels but they are not as important as the rear ones.

I hook up the handle to my trailer hitch on my car or my brother's lawn tractor and tow it close to the location for dumping.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

[vsheetz]

Originally Posted by Selah

Your in a MH, why not just drive it to the dump station. It takes so little to prep our MH to go a short distance that a Blue Boy would be twice the effort and mess. If you back flush you black tank your going to be taking several trips with the tote tank plus flushing the tote at the dump site.
Just my opinion but it seems like a lot of unnecessary work and trouble for a MH.

I find teardown and setup to be more work and hassle. In addition to the usual stiff I have several computer equipment for my work and ham radio hobby stuff to stow, even if temp low speed travel.

[vsheetz]

Originally Posted by wa8yxm

I am sure you can get the tote to the dump with the jeep.. I would suggest that you invest in a portable macerator such as the Flo-Jet I use and a 50 foot 3/4" BLACK rubber hose (There is a reason you want it black, if you can't figure it out.. Well. (Black hose-Black Water).

Then if you can hook tote to jeep, Fill remotely (Sutting off pump and closing a quarter turn valve IN THAT ORDER at the end of the hose.

Or if you have 36 gallon tanks like I do you can dump tank and flush with fresh water.

Black hose, Black water
Gray hose, You guessed Gray water, Right
White hose, Potable water
Green hose, Wash and Rinse water (When giving the RV a bath)
Clear hose: Rinse water (Black tank flush)

Yes, I have been looking at a macerator setup. Would provide as you comment, plus allow me to fill the tote if mounted on a cargo rack at the back of the jeep for when longer distance / road travel is needed to the dump location when boon docking. This will likely be 'phase 2'.

[vsheetz]

Originally Posted by Dr4Film

I have owned the 42 gallon BB for 8 or so years. After using it a few times I quickly made some changes to make using the BB easier.

First, I bought a level gauge or commonly called Tank Bobber to see when to stop filling the BB. I found out the hard way that once the BB is completely full and the hose is still full, now what are you going to do?

Amazon.com: Barker Manufacturing Company 26835 Tote-Along Bobber Gauge Full Tank Indicator: Automotive

Second, because there is no vent to allow the air to escape due to the Tank Bobber doing its job, I installed one of my own design. See photos.

Third, I removed the skinny rear wheels and installed large run-flat wheels. I haven't figured out what to do about the front wheels but they are not as important as the rear ones.

I hook up the handle to my trailer hitch on my car or my brother's lawn tractor and tow it close to the location for dumping.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

great suggestions all, thanks!

[vsheetz]

Excellent comments and suggestions all! Thanks!!

[BeltoneMagoo]

I got an answer back from Barker. The larger wheel kit is $50 plus shipping. As I recall the front wheel clearance is taken care of by the kit.
Good luck and safe travels!

[vsheetz]

Arrived today via Amazon. Includes the upgrades wheels/tires. Appears well made unit.