OK so we finished camping, I dumped at the campground, and we plan to go camp again in about a week.Do I add the blue deodorizer chemical to blank tank NOW (with a few gallons of water) or do I wait until we are beginning our next camp and add it when we get there?Thanks!

I would first wait and see if you even need it. We haven't needed it in our current rig at all - but needed to use it all the time in our old camper.

Wait until the next trip. But as an added note, always leave an inch or two of water in the bowl at all times.

Always leave a few gallons of water in the black tank, and water to cover the toilet seal. You shouldn't get odor in the RV unless the tank vent is blocked or you run the vent fan while flushing.

I would do it now with water - that way it is ready to use and does not get dried up

rr2254545 wrote:I would do it now with water - that way it is ready to use and does not get dried upThat's what I do.

blank tank deodorizer: when to add? | Good Sam Community

29 Replies

ramgunner
Explorer
Jul 20, 2015
We started using this stuff from Happy Campers (http://www.5starhappycamper.com/index.html) and so far it has worked wonderfully. We can even flush with the bathroom fan running and get no odor up from the tank.
lanerd
Explorer II
Jul 19, 2015
Gypsies....Excellent! I am saving this file for future reference.

Ron
ams1130
Explorer
Jul 18, 2015
That was an interesting read, you're right; thank you. I am going to check the label of what we've been using.
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Jul 18, 2015
Here's an excellent read for every RVer put out by the University of Arizona:

RV Tank Chemicals
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Jul 18, 2015
Another point... It may only be 18 dollars a year. but you are also adding chemicals to the ground water.. In fact I am told that SOME BRANDS of tank chemicals are banned in some areas (Mostly California or Cal/Nav border area)

I actually have a bottle of that kind of chemical. 10 years old, still shrink wrapped (it came free with the motor home, I never broke the seal).

Back when I part timed and spent six months between dumps I woudl add a biological after the last trip of the year. Though the motor home was still used daily (If only for an hour) It went all winter without a dump.
IAMICHABOD
Explorer II
Jul 18, 2015
shadows4 wrote:
allen8106 wrote:
Never......We don't use any and have no issues. The key is to flush very well at the end of each trip. Some camp grounds don't allow you to dump if you use chemicals anyway.

I have never heard of this. How would they know? Do they check your black tank for chemicals?
Not doubting you just curious where they wouldn't allow this.

Here is just one example at Jackson Rancheria Casino just scroll to the bottom of the page.
ams1130
Explorer
Jul 18, 2015
Our tt doesn't have a black tank flush, and we haven't gotten around to installing an aftermarket one. The small amount of money we spend on chemicals in a year gives us a little peace of mind.
shadows4
Nomad
Jul 18, 2015
allen8106 wrote:
Never......We don't use any and have no issues. The key is to flush very well at the end of each trip. Some camp grounds don't allow you to dump if you use chemicals anyway.

I have never heard of this. How would they know? Do they check your black tank for chemicals?
Not doubting you just curious where they wouldn't allow this.
allen8106
Explorer
Jul 18, 2015
Never......We don't use any and have no issues. The key is to flush very well at the end of each trip. Some camp grounds don't allow you to dump if you use chemicals anyway.
Rollnhome
Explorer
Jul 18, 2015
Those chemicals stink. I just use water and flush well.