So, for those of you with new RV's this spring I posted a video showing how we empty our waste tanks as a dump station.Here's a link to the video:https://youtu.be/gLxVe0fQuwIAnd our related blog post:http://www.rvcircus.com/empty-rv-waste-tanks-dump-station/For those of you experienced RVers, do you have any additional tips for new owners? My goal is to get everything from the RV into the sewer without getting anything on me or the ground or anything else I own without having my fresh water gear touch anything. If I can do that I consider it a good day.

Your poo contaminated gloves touched all the stuff as you got back in the camper to dump the 5 gallon pail in the toilet.

If you have the black and the gray water discharge at the same outlet:...you can back flush the gray water into the black tank and then dump the black tank, which will pull a LOT of stuff out.In my photo "B" is the Black Tank valve.C is the Gray tank valve.A is 3rd valve (Flush King style) that has a clear section.Steps:1. Dump black tank first... completely till it stops (Open A and B). You can see it in the clear section of the valve.2. Close Valve A. Leave B open and now open C. This will allow the gray water to back flush into the black tank. 3. Leave C open for about 10 seconds and then close it.4. Now open A and B again. (This will redrain the black tank pulling a BUNCH more out.5. Repeat a total of 3 times. After the third time, close the black tank and let the gray go, washing down the sewer hose. Of course, this works best when the gray tank is full, or near full so there is plenty of water to swish backwards into the black tank.This process works if you are dumping at the dump station, attached to a full hook-up, or using a sewer tote. I do this every dump, and it keep the black tank cleaned out. My trailer has the black tank flusher, and I also have the sleeve that goes into the toilet, and a wand that can go into the black tank via the toilet. But I have found the back-flush method does the best.Actually, as a last step, put a little water in the black tank and drive onward. The little water in there will continue to slosh around, beating anything that might be stuck to the sensors, and pulverizing any solids that might have stuck. A few squirts of Dawn Dishwashing liquid will also help wash the inside of the tank too when sloshed around driving.

evanrem wrote:Your poo contaminated gloves touched all the stuff as you got back in the camper to dump the 5 gallon pail in the toilet.That door was open before I started, so no they didn't:B But it is good to note that it's best to open all doors before you get started if you're going in and out.

If everything goes right there is no waste outside the hose and plumbing, and I never touch the inside of the hose or plumbing. So no contaminated gloves.

I just ran a long wire from the valve handle to the drivers seat. It's easy to drain the black tank while rolling down the interstate. And, it saves time. No more waiting in line at the dump station. :B

How we empty our RV waste tanks at a dump station

RVcircus
Explorer II
Apr 27, 2016
mlts22 wrote:
Maybe I'm simple... but I just use some black gloves, then use some alcohol gel on my hands afterwards. Done.

Bingo! Except I use soap and water if I have it. That's exactly what I described in the video that's apparently too complicated.
Boon_Docker
Explorer III
Apr 27, 2016
Golfcart wrote:
I just open up the valve at the campsite and leave a river of dookie as i drive out of the park

You should put the dodo extension on so that it reaches the ditch to fertilize the grass and weeds? No sense it letting good dodo go to waste.
paulcardoza
Explorer
Apr 27, 2016
Ain't that the truth?!?!?!?? Maybe they store food in their blacktank while traveling, so it has to be sterilized... :-/

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Folks make RVng way too complicated........
Golfcart
Explorer
Apr 27, 2016
I just open up the valve at the campsite and leave a river of dookie as i drive out of the park
mlts22
Explorer
Apr 27, 2016
Maybe I'm simple... but I just use some black gloves, then use some alcohol gel on my hands afterwards. Done.
RVcircus
Explorer II
Apr 27, 2016
smkettner wrote:
I am quite OK with everyone using gloves if that is their comfort level.
Just saying it is not completely necessary for some of us.
Cheers

You guys make it seem like it's unusual for someone to wear gloves when touching something that likely has poop on it. If you'd rather get it on your hands that's your choice, but I think I'll stick with the 15 cent gloves in the off chance there's some spillage. I touch enough poop between the kids, dog and cats that I think I've earned the right not to touch any extra while camping.
time2roll
Nomad
Apr 27, 2016
RVcircus wrote:
Also, there's a huge difference to be between my stink on my hands and your stink on my hands,
That is where we will have a difference of opinion.
It is all the same to me. And I really don't get any on my hands when dumping.
The rest is handled with a quick wash when done.

I am quite OK with everyone using gloves if that is their comfort level.
Just saying it is not completely necessary for some of us.
Cheers
time2roll
Nomad
Apr 27, 2016
Oldenuftoknowbetter wrote:
What do you think about these under trailer sewage equipment carriers built out of 5x5 plastic fence post?
Works perfectly. I especially like that all is vented and contained outside the RV.
Same as using the rear bumper without the corrosion issue and better end caps.
Oldenuftoknowbe
Explorer
Apr 27, 2016
What do you think about these under trailer sewage equipment carriers built out of 5x5 plastic fence post?
Bobbo
Explorer II
Apr 27, 2016
gbopp wrote:
I just ran a long wire from the valve handle to the drivers seat. It's easy to drain the black tank while rolling down the interstate.
And, it saves time. No more waiting in line at the dump station. :B

Fact: a guy was arrested for doing exactly that. Apparently, there is (or was) a remote controlled system for opening the tanks. He would get on the interstate, and while rolling down the road at 60 mph (or whatever) hit the remote. They finally caught him.

Violation of EPA regulations is not a small charge.

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