Community Forums

Beemer · 08-09-2007, 08:04 PM

We are brand new to RV'ing, having mostly gone with friends before. Now we have our own rig, and are in the process of outfitting it. We will do a fair amount of dry camping, but near waste disposal sites. We hear mixed messages about portable waste tanks....they're great and convenient vs. they're a mess and always leak - just unhook and go dump your tanks.

Any good advice out there? Pros and cons - things to watch out for? Thanks!

Beemer · 08-09-2007, 08:04 PM

We are brand new to RV'ing, having mostly gone with friends before. Now we have our own rig, and are in the process of outfitting it. We will do a fair amount of dry camping, but near waste disposal sites. We hear mixed messages about portable waste tanks....they're great and convenient vs. they're a mess and always leak - just unhook and go dump your tanks.

Any good advice out there? Pros and cons - things to watch out for? Thanks!

MonacoMama · 08-09-2007, 08:10 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">just unhook and go dump your tanks. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
This is where I stand...how often will you have to bo back & forth to dump a 5 gal portable...seems much easier, & less messy to just drive over when tanks are full!

Hitchhiker · 08-10-2007, 03:14 AM

Welcome to iRV2, we're really glad to have you here as a new member and are looking forward to reading your posts about your RVing experiences and adventures in your new Weekend Warrior Toyhauler. You'll find a great bunch of folks on this site who are very knowledgeable of RVing, the rigs we use, and the places we go in them.

I've placed a shortcut to your post over in our Toyhauler Forum for additional exposure to your question. As you'll see, they're eager to help and share their knowledge and experiences with others.

Again, welcome to iRV2, we're glad you joined.

Warpath · 08-10-2007, 03:29 AM

Not sure what size RV you have and what size tank you are looking at, but with the newer designs from Thetford are not nearly as messy as they once where.

Here are some details:

Completely self-contained so there are no required accessories to buy or parts to store. Each model has up to 20% more capacity than competitive models for fewer fill-ups - saving time and effort. Other features include: PermaStore™ Self storing sewer hose stays connected at bottom of tank Cradle pivots, hose extends for quick, clean hookup Bayonet cap prevents spills; just pull out, connect to fill or empty AutoStop™ Level Gauge/Valve stops flow when tank is full to prevent messy over-filling! Four wheels for easy maneuvering Tow Handle for easy towing (even hooks to ball hitch!) Stows flat for storage Rinse Hose, convenient and easy to store

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camper1b · 08-10-2007, 04:55 AM

I, for one, would not be without mine. I have a 32 gallon, so it holds almost a full grey tank. I have never used it for the black tank. (We never go to a place for more than a week and we can get almost 2 weeks on a black tank if we're careful).

Now, having said that, it's not as conventiant as going to the dump station on the way out but it is WAAAAYYYY more convenient than closing the awning, unhooking all stuff, putting down the antenna and TV, hooking up the trailer, and then doing it all in reverse after dumping, and all just to get rid of some gray water!

I roll it under the camper at the campsite so it's out of the way. I usually have to dump the gray tank about every 3 days. If you only use it for gray water, it stays clean and no smell (at least our gray water, because it's got a lot of soap in it). Hope this helps.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Beemer:
We are brand new to RV'ing, having mostly gone with friends before. Now we have our own rig, and are in the process of outfitting it. We will do a fair amount of dry camping, but near waste disposal sites. We hear mixed messages about portable waste tanks....they're great and convenient vs. they're a mess and always leak - just unhook and go dump your tanks.

Any good advice out there? Pros and cons - things to watch out for? Thanks! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

450Donn · 08-10-2007, 06:10 AM

I am on my second blue tank. First one finally dies after 25 years of faithful service. Personally I use it to dump the gray water. Not that big a deal, in the morning while drinking coffee, I go out open the drain valve, drain the holding tanks and take it to the teepee to dump it. Takes me all of about five minutes. I usually am filling the fresh water tank at the same time. Once that is done I am good for another 24 hours. Your profile says Northwest? Where abouts?

Beemer · 08-10-2007, 05:28 PM

Wow! Thank you all VERY much. It appears I may have asked my question in the wrong place, but I really appreciate the responses! Our black and gray tanks are each 40 or 50 gal (can't remember which right now), with 100 gal fresh water tank. At most we'd be out 2 weeks without moving, and honestly, we'd probably use the campground toilet facilities if they're decent, so it sounds like gray water might be the only issue. We haven't purchased a blue tank yet, because of the mixed reviews we'd gotten, but all this input helps alot.

And Northwest question - Olympia, WA.

Again, thanks a ton!

Lorna · 08-11-2007, 06:23 AM

Just make sure you get one of the 4 wheeled tanks. A two wheeled one gets very heavy, very quickly.

powerboatr · 08-11-2007, 08:07 AM

we are on our second one
the new one has four wheels and sure does make taking it to the dump station.

the first one committeed suicide off my rear bumper and was dragged a few miles down a winding road before someone got around us and pinted it out. it was funny as it had some severe road rash and exposed its inerd, good thing i had rinsed it real well prior to strapping it to the rear bumper.

now i lash it down better.

welcome to the world of Rv's
and here