How to Use a Portable RV Waste Tank

Using a transportable RV waste tank is much like the method of emptying your grey and black water tanks. These moveable waste tanks are perfect for long-term tenting locations with “partial hookups,” that means – there isn’t a sewer connection on the campsite, however there may be a dump website on the campground or close by.  

Full hookup websites are sometimes costlier and more durable to seek out than partial hookup websites. That’s why moveable waste tanks are actually helpful to have readily available.

Learn extra about moveable waste tanks and why you may want them.

What is a Portable RV Waste Tank?

Portable RV waste tanks function short-term holding tanks, permitting you to move waste to the dump station with out shifting your RV. Some have two spherical three-inch openings, and others solely have one. Most even have a waste tank vent opening that serves as a stress aid valve.

Here are a number of nicknames used for moveable waste water holding tanks:

• Blue boys
• Tote tank
• Honey pot
• Toilet tote
• Toot wagon
• Cutlass supreme

If your tank has two three-inch openings, the highest opening is your tank fill, and the aspect opening is for dumping the tank. If your tank has one three-inch opening, you’ll use that to fill it, seal it throughout transport, and empty it once more to empty it into an permitted dump station.

What You’ll Need to Use a Portable RV Waste Tank

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Most heavy responsibility moveable waste tanks for RVs include the required sewer equipment. For sanitary use, you’ll want the next: 

Again, the required equipment are included in case you select a product like this Camco Rhino Waste Tank.

How to Use a Portable RV Waste Tank

Start by consulting your tank’s handbook for the producer’s suggestions for secure use.

Wear gloves and some other private protecting tools (PPE) you like when coping with RV waste. Then, right here’s easy methods to use your moveable RV waste tank: 

Empty your RV’s Holding Tank(s) into the Portable Tank

1. Connect a 90-degree clear elbow to the fill opening on prime of the tank. A transparent elbow is advisable to see when the tank is near its capability.
2. Attach one finish of your sewer hose to the clear elbow and the opposite to your RV’s holding tank outlet. 
3. Open the waste tank vent and empty your tanks into your tote the identical method you’d empty them at a dump station – black tank first, then the grey water tank.

Technician Tip: Remember that your moveable waste tank often has much less room than your RV’s tank capability, so you might must empty one tank at a time.

1. Close your holding tank valves and screw the waste tank vent shut earlier than detaching the sewer hose out of your RV’s tank outlet. Cap your RV’s outlet earlier than continuing.

For tanks with two 3-inch openings: 

Connect the indifferent finish of your sewer hose to the dump opening on the aspect and go away the clear elbow and the opposite finish of the hose linked to the fill opening.

For tanks with one 3-inch opening: 

Detach the sewer hose fully and cap each openings (in your RV and the moveable tank). Cap the sewer hose earlier than transporting it and the tank.

Transport your Portable Tank

Transport your moveable RV waste tank to the closest dump station. Most will be rolled by hand or connected to your truck hitch and towed at gradual speeds – a advisable max of 5 MPH. If you could journey an extended distance, watch out to safe your moveable tank in an open truck mattress, so it doesn’t transfer round whereas in transit. 

Empty Your Portable RV Waste Tank

Start by positioning your moveable waste tank close to the sewer drain connection on the dump station.

For tanks with two openings: 

1. Detach the sewer hose and 90-degree connector from the tank’s fill opening and cap the fill opening. 
2. Attach the 4-in-1 adapter to the 90-degree connector and screw or place the connector into the dump inlet.
3. Open the waste tank vent and pull the deal with on the dump opening to empty its contents. You could must tilt your tank to empty it as the extent drops.

For tanks with one opening: 

1. Remove the fill opening cap and connect one finish of your sewer hose. 
2. Attach your 90-degree clear elbow connector and 4-in-1 adapter to the opposite finish and screw or place the connector into the dump inlet. 
3. Open the waste tank vent and carry the top reverse the fill opening to empty it. You could must decrease and lift your tank a number of instances to empty it fully.

How to Clean a Portable RV Waste Tank

Rinsing out your moveable RV waste tank is the ultimate step in correct use. Do this whereas your sewer hose is linked and the tank valve is open (for two-opening waste tanks). 

1. Remove the waste tank vent cap fully and connect the female-to-female drain hose adapter. 
2. Connect the dump station’s rinse water hose to the adapter and switch it on to let freshwater circulate via your tank. 
3. Rock your tank gently backwards and forwards to dislodge waste particles. 

For tanks with two openings: 

It could also be useful to shut the aspect tank valve, fill your tank midway, then rock it backwards and forwards earlier than opening the valve and draining the tank. 

For tanks with one opening: 

You’ll must fill your tank partially, shut the water off, and tilt it to rinse and drain. 

Final Safety Tips for Using a Portable RV Waste Tank

Here are a number of extra issues to contemplate: 

• Clean all of the sewer equipment you utilize along with your moveable waste holding tank after every use. 
• Remember that your moveable tank’s capability is usually lower than your RV’s holding tank capability. It could require a number of journeys to empty your holding tanks fully.
• Read the producer’s directions earlier than towing your waste tank behind your truck to make sure secure, sanitary transportation.

Now that you know the way to make use of a transportable RV waste tank, take a look at a few of our best-selling moveable tank fashions for dry tenting or state parks with out full hookups. Once you might have yours, you’ll take pleasure in extra comfy prolonged stays and expanded campground choices.

Do you might have any questions on utilizing an RV moveable waste tank? Let us know within the feedback under.

Tucker Ballister is our Technical Content Writer. He’s a lover of the open highway and the proud proprietor of a 2021 Sunlite Classic journey trailer (his third RV thus far). Check out extra of his RV adventures, gear critiques, and out of doors recommendation at thebackpackguide.com.