Dumping Holding Tanks

[Jeannette]

Hi all, I use my motorhome to go to field trials for my dogs which are typically held somewhere where there are no dump stations. My biggest problem is finding somewhere to dump before I come home. If my blackwater tank is only 1/3 full and I am going to be going back out in a week or two, is there any harm in waiting until it is full or will that cause problems? I use plenty of chemicals. The last time I used it, it barely had anything in it and I opted out of searching for somewhere to dump. Tomorrow I leave again after it has been in storage for two weeks. Am I in for a big surprise and should I hold my nose before I open the door?
Thanks all.

[Jeannette]

Hi all, I use my motorhome to go to field trials for my dogs which are typically held somewhere where there are no dump stations. My biggest problem is finding somewhere to dump before I come home. If my blackwater tank is only 1/3 full and I am going to be going back out in a week or two, is there any harm in waiting until it is full or will that cause problems? I use plenty of chemicals. The last time I used it, it barely had anything in it and I opted out of searching for somewhere to dump. Tomorrow I leave again after it has been in storage for two weeks. Am I in for a big surprise and should I hold my nose before I open the door?
Thanks all.

[Hitchhiker]

Jeannette,

Having a 1/3 full black water tank isn't going to hurt a thing for a few weeks especially since you've used an appropriate amount of chemical. Actually, the tanks dump better when nearer to full.

Here's a link to RV dump sites that you may find useful.

[Moby Bill]

Just be sure you are putting about 5 gallons of water (or whatever amount the maker recommends) back in it after each dump. Plenty of liquid makes for a happy tank.

[Ken Lenger]

Adding water should also help disolve the solids and maybe keep the odor down. I think you'll be OK leaving it for a couple of weeks. If it doesn't work, then don't do it again.

[Rick A]

Typically I do the same. If the tank is less than 1/2 full after a trip, I will not dump unless it will be several weeks before the next trip. I have never had a problem, and as long as I use adequate chemicals, it controls the odor just fine.

[Hoverbug]

Since there is no trap on rv toilets it's important to keep a couple of inches of water in the toilet. That way any odoros vapors will not have an entry into the cabin and will exit the vent pipe as designed.

[The Sequel]

I used to dump my tank after every trip no matter what. However, my folks stayed in our trailer at our house this summer while remodeling. Between my folks and my mother in law visiting, we had someone in the fifth wheel every night from June through February. The black tank only got dumped when needed and it actually went one stretch for 3 months. I just dumped it and had no problems. I wouldn't recommend 3 months, but a few weeks certainly will not hurt. Another option is the Sewer Solution of Flojet macerator pump.

[road2002runner]

I like the idea of water in the bowl - to hold down smells.

Be SURE TO CLOSE the vent (s) in the roof when travelling - an open vent will cause a negative air pressure in the coach - guess whats the FIRST smell you will get?

barry

[Digital Boy]

I see that you are located in Ohio. Point your browser to RV Dumps, click on "Ohio" then click on the Interstate highway nearest your destination or near your home.

While on the road I use a book I found at th Tampa RV Supershow called The RVers Friend. It lists all the truck diesel stops throughout the country, by state. Each listing indicates whether there is a dump station on property or nearby. A worthwhile purchase even for a gas coach owner at $12.95.