Community Forums

B Dubya · 04-26-2016, 04:14 PM

We've been using Odorlos (or something like that!). We bought several gallons on sale several years ago. The last few trips....PHEW! Wondering if this stuff loses it's potency over a few years. No formaldehyde in it. Really don't know. What is everyone else using? Don't want a trip like our last one! Really makes for a 'Foul' vacation!

**CLIFFTALL** · 04-26-2016, 04:16 PM

After a lot of convincing , we ditched the chemicals and used nothing for many years without issue or odors

B Dubya · 04-26-2016, 04:19 PM

For conversation purposes....... if it stinks WITH chemicals, how would it NOT stink without them. That makes no sense to me.

**CLIFFTALL** · 04-26-2016, 04:21 PM

I'll let others chime in. In the meantime , here's a link to some previous threads on this.

https://www.google.com/search?q=No+c...com&gws_rd=ssl

UFO Pilot · 04-26-2016, 04:36 PM

I only use Happy Camper and only when the RV isn't being used. I just took it to storage for the next 2 months or so and I put a scoop with about 5 gallons of water in all 3 tanks.

Every time I dump I rinse the black tank until it is clean.

B Dubya · 04-26-2016, 04:41 PM

Thanx. Just went to their website. Is that something Camping World or Wally World would carry, or is it an online thing.

cwit · 04-26-2016, 04:46 PM

I don't use anything. I usually dump at home and have a septic system.

cwit · 04-26-2016, 04:48 PM

If you have a smell you should find out where it is coming from and fix it. Your system is a closed system and vented above the roof.

macantic · 04-26-2016, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UFO Pilot

I only use Happy Camper and only when the RV isn't being used. I just took it to storage for the next 2 months or so and I put a scoop with about 5 gallons of water in all 3 tanks.

Every time I dump I rinse the black tank until it is clean.

Quote:

Originally Posted by B Dubya

Thanx. Just went to their website. Is that something Camping World or Wally World would carry, or is it an online thing.

Happy Camper is great stuff and as far as i know you can only get it online.

UFO Pilot · 04-26-2016, 04:53 PM

I buy my Happy Camper at FMCA Rallies, Quartzsite or online. I now buy the large container as it is much cheaper per scoop.

palehorse89 · 04-26-2016, 04:54 PM

Like Cliff stated, we used chemicals for a short while.......and after studying and using the RV holding tank system, we quit spending our money on chemicals. We just use a lot of water, after dumping, I use the tank flush in the black tank till it runs clear........then I would guess, I put 5-10 gallons of clean water in the tank. Every now and then, I will put some dawn/Joy dish soap in the tanks before travel...........
Lots of fresh water is the key......

B Dubya · 04-26-2016, 04:57 PM

We dry camp for 4-6 days and only have a 40 gallon black tank. If we put 10-15 gallons in it, that drastically decreases the room in there. I know I have a failing seal on the toilet valve, but I have to much to do, and too much travelling coming up, to take out the toilet and do some repairs. We've been 'massaging' that seal and it's holding water in the bowl. I watched the Tube video and just ain't ready for that. I'm not going to get involved in the chemicals/no chemicals debate at this time. What I really wanted to know is if the chemicals lose their pizazz after a few years, or if I'm just using lousy chemicals.

BrentB · 04-26-2016, 05:03 PM

Odorlos contains bacteria, so I'm sure it does have a certain shelf life. I use Kronen, which also contains bacteria, and it has an expiration date on the package. It works well, by the way.

FaithBowls · 04-26-2016, 05:03 PM

The smell comes from somewhere so I'd say your tank isn't clean. Try the calgon water softener technique and a lot of rinsing. Once its clean it shouldn't smell. I don't know what other repairs are more important but I would sure take care of the toilet and tanks. Unless your axles are falling off I don't know what could be more urgent.