Black Tank Additives for breaking up, smell etc

[dexters]

I haven't seen this topic asked. I RV'd in a Casita for 10 years and never used the toilet in it (I used the campgrounds) so I never had to research it.

I'm going to a bigger RV now and was wondering what do people use in the black tank to assist in breaking everything down? Or maybe people don't use anything.

Thanks

[mel s]

Originally Posted by dexters

I haven't seen this topic asked. I RV'd in a Casita for 10 years and never used the toilet in it (I used the campgrounds) so I never had to research it.

I'm going to a bigger RV now and was wondering what do people use in the black tank to assist in breaking everything down? Or maybe people don't use anything.

Thanks

I put one cap full of liquid Rid-X in each waste tank after dumping:
http://www.target.com/p/rid-x-septic...A&gclsrc=aw.ds
Mel
'96 Safari, 148k miles, (120k mine)

[redcolorado]

I use Happy Campers it claims to do what you want. I have not had any problems when using it. Also use toilet paper that is safe for septic tanks, a lot of people like Angel Soft. Go easy on the amount of TP and use a lot of water when flushing. No wet wipes or anything that does not break down easy. If you have a builtin tank cleaner/sprayer use it.

[beamisl]

dexters,

We bought a used MH and were told (from people here) from the start to use plenty of water. We also use a septic tank safe TP.

To clean the tank once we empty it we put about 5 gallons of water in it with another gallon of water with a cup of Calgon Take me Away and a tablespoon of Dawn dishsoap all mixed up real well. When driving home this sloshes around inside the black tank washing the sides and sensors in the tank.

When you go to use your RV again you already have enough water in it to start. But, remember plenty of water is the trick.

Good luck!

[MSHappyCampers]

Been using Happy Campers tank treatment for 15 years now with no odors and no clogs!

[Bigd9]

For the past 45 years of camping we've never used any chemical in the black or gray tanks. So far, knock on wood, never had a problem. We use plenty of water in the black tank. I even dump the dish washing water in the toilet figuring it can't hurt and seems to really help the flow of things.

[rgvtexan]

Water Water everywhere! lots of water.
I did help a buddy clean a tank that had sat in one location for 12 years. We putdown the toilet, a 5 gallon bucket of sharp gravel, a bottle of Awesome (from the dollar Tree) a squeeze of Dawn. We then took the trailer for a ride down a twisty/hilly road a few times. Put a screen over the dump and recovered the gravel with copious amounts of water. After 3 trips all we got out was clean water. We recovered all the gravel.

Ice cubes don't work, they float and are not sharp!

[dexters]

Originally Posted by beamisl

When you go to use your RV again you already have enough water in it to start. But, remember plenty of water is the trick.

Good luck!

OK, Thanks,
That raises another question.

My black tank is size is aproximately 40 gallons - How many gallons do I start off with in the black water tank? Five gallons seems like a lot.

I'm thinking about boondocking.
Now the fresh water tank holds 78 gallons, gray 40. I don't see that I will be boondocking to fill up the 40 gallon black tank but I'd like to be safe.

[mel s]

Originally Posted by dexters

OK, Thanks,
That raises another question.
My black tank is size is aproximately 40 gallons - How many gallons do I start off with in the black water tank? Five gallons seems like a lot.

What matters is that you use lots of water with each flush of the toilet, (NOT how many gallons you "start off with").

[pismocouple]

Another good tip is to close the gray water valves (we have two in our fiver) the day before leaving - then follow the final black water flush with the others...

[dennis45]

Happy Campers here also. Good product.

[Cliffy]

I've got a 40 gal black tank also. Never had a smell. I use at least 5 gallons maybe 6 or 7 to start and I can go a week (2 of us) without ever getting close on the black tank. What you don't want is a "pile" to build up on a dry or almost dry tank bottom.
+100 on lots and lots of water to flush it clean. I take my time to do it (I try not to block anyone else though if a line up developes) sometimes filling completely and dumping 3 or 4 or 5 times. I also have a spray wand and can go through the toilet into the tank to spray around until clean. You'd be surprised how much stuff sticks until it gets sprayed.
I always travel with the 5-7 gallons so everything sloshes around to help clean. The only time mine is empty is when it sits in storage between trips.
BTW, I like the rocks idea! Especially to clean an older dirty tank. Good idea!
Keep a box of blue nitrile gloves near your stinky hose to use (HF cheap).

[mel s]

Originally Posted by Cliffy

I've got a 40 gal black tank also. Never had a smell. I use at least 5 gallons maybe 6 or 7 to start and I can go a week (2 of us) without ever getting close on the black tank. What you don't want is a "pile" to build up on a dry or almost dry tank bottom.
+100 on lots and lots of water to flush it clean. I take my time to do it (I try not to block anyone else though if a line up developes) sometimes filling completely and dumping 3 or 4 or 5 times. I also have a spray wand and can go through the toilet into the tank to spray around until clean. You'd be surprised how much stuff sticks until it gets sprayed.
I always travel with the 5-7 gallons so everything sloshes around to help clean. The only time mine is empty is when it sits in storage between trips.
BTW, I like the rocks idea! Especially to clean an older dirty tank. Good idea!
Keep a box of blue nitrile gloves near your stinky hose to use (HF cheap).

How do gloves help to clean a black tank?

[Cliffy]

Do you really want to handle the stinky hose on and off with its dripping, the black water faucet hose and possible spills with your bare hands?