Blue Tote-Tank Question

[Pepper]

<span class="ev_code_GREEN">I saw some posts in the forums on this subject, but they were old and didn't answer the question I had. I was thinking of getting the 25 gal. Tote-Along version. The reason I wanted it was because some campgrounds/StateParks do not have sewer sites. Also, when it is time too leave, its usually a long line. I feel rushed when it is my turn to dump and clean, I don't feel I get the time to do a thorough. SO...in order to avoid this I was going use the Tote-tank. When using it, should I just leave my black valve open and let the waste flow straight to the tank? Thanks for any help or comments.</span>

[Pepper]

<span class="ev_code_GREEN">I saw some posts in the forums on this subject, but they were old and didn't answer the question I had. I was thinking of getting the 25 gal. Tote-Along version. The reason I wanted it was because some campgrounds/StateParks do not have sewer sites. Also, when it is time too leave, its usually a long line. I feel rushed when it is my turn to dump and clean, I don't feel I get the time to do a thorough. SO...in order to avoid this I was going use the Tote-tank. When using it, should I just leave my black valve open and let the waste flow straight to the tank? Thanks for any help or comments.</span>

[Rich & Zara]

I would never leave the valve open to let the waste flow to the portable tank on its own. It would be easy to lose control of how much had passed through. If it ever came to the point of the portable tank not being able to hold more ...what a mess it would cause for that left in the hose ...it would surely dump on the ground. Another reason I would not leave the valve open is that the continuous flow can cause the hard waste to stay in your RV tank after draining the light liquid.

Rich

Our RV trip to Alaska

["007"]

How will you know when 25 gal is up, do you have a alarm on the tank. You should never let your black water tank run dry, everything will stick to the bottom of your tank an dry to it. Most people leave their outlet closed on black tank, even when we have a sewer connection. when its time to empty tanks release black, an flush out gray to clean sewer hose. Most people take there time when we empty tanks we don't need any accidents. You do not have to feel pressured we all under stand the situation. ---"007"

[Frankie]

Everything they say and more. I bring a 25 gal when I do not have a sewer site.It becomes somewhat of a guessing game to know when to dump with a family of 5.I usually play it safe and dump every 2 days.My trailer sits pretty low so it can be a challange to dump sometimes.
Whatever you do ,do not leave black open . Let it fill to near full then dump.

[Pepper]

Wow, thanks for the heads up. A disaster averted. Phew. Will keep it closed.

[CyberVet65]

Another thing. A 25 gallon tote tank will weigh around 200 pounds when full. Make sure to get the one with wheels and and bumper pull. IT can get "messy" getting that thing in and out of the truck bed!

Chet

[Rick A]

I have a 25 gallon tote with four wheels that can be pulled behind the truck to the dump station. You have to tow the thing very slow though. The manual recomends 5 mph. The handle can pop off the hitch ball fairly easy, then you have a run away waste tank. You have to be careful when emptying your tanks in to the tote. Make sure you close the valve on the trailer with enough room in the tote for the rest of the stuff in the hose, as most holding tanks are bigger than the 25 gal tote tank. I only use mine for grey water. It can be a real mess to clean after using it for black water and you have to deal with the smell. You need to have a place for the air in the tote to escape as it is being replaced with the water form the holding tanks, which also lets the smell out.

[camper1b]

I have the 32 gallon tote that I really like. I would NEVER put black water into it. Just adds MORE cleanup time, etc. Also, we carry the tote in the back of the van. With only the soapy gray water run through it, it stays nice and clean.

I agree, it can be a bit intimidating at the dump facility when there's a line. In those cases I just don't clean quite as thoroughly. If there's a line, I dump both tanks, clean my hose and off I go. If I can, I spend the extra couple minutes to add some water to the black tank. I think this step is much more important than cleaning out the tank.

Although I just installed a no-fuss flush, I'm not too stressed about using it. In 5 years we haven't had a problem with a clogged tank. (I don't worry about the level monitor working caused I can see the level through the toilet).

Hope this helps.

[FatDog]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">have a 25 gallon tote with four wheels that can be pulled behind the truck to the dump station. You have to tow the thing very slow though. The manual recomends 5 mph. The handle can pop off the hitch ball fairly easy, then you have a run away waste tank. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

WOW !!
Hopefully there's a great story that goes along with that advice.

[kerfcutter]

We have the 25 gal tote with four wheels also. It is a great tote. I have never had to pull it with the truck to the dump station. I pull it by hand like a wagon. With the four wheels it is no problem pulling it down the road.

I have never dumped black water though. We can go a min of two weeks on the black water tank. If I know we will be there for a long time, we use the campground bathrooms during the day and the trailer at night. This extends the dump time. I don't really want to haul the black water for the reasons others have stated.

Happy Camping...

[Pepper]

<span class="ev_code_RED">After reading everyones fine posts, I think that I will pass on getting a tote tank. I will just need to be more patient at the dump station and not worry about he impatient campers (persons) that are in line behind me. Right? Right! Thanks everyone and be safe. Spring is ALMOST here. (For some of us. )</span>

[Rick A]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by FatDog:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">have a 25 gallon tote with four wheels that can be pulled behind the truck to the dump station. You have to tow the thing very slow though. The manual recomends 5 mph. The handle can pop off the hitch ball fairly easy, then you have a run away waste tank. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

WOW !!
Hopefully there's a great story that goes along with that advice. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Only happened once, going downhill of course The tote tank tried to pass the truck by going under it and ended up wedged under the rear axle. Luckily there was no spill and no need to call the hazerdous waste team Lesson learned!

[RedHR35CSXS]

I've been considering a tote to allow me to empty at home in my outside sewer cleanout. Problem is the M/H can't get close enough so the tote would be ideal.

NJ doesn't seem to offer any dump stations. There used to be one on the south end of I295 which was great when returning from FL (Disney World) but the state closed the station.