Forum Discussion

Steve_911's avatar
Steve_911
Explorer
Jan 19, 2017

We finally took the plunge

We just purchased a 2017 Rpod 179. Won't pick it up for a few days because I don't want to go through the PDI in the rain. lol. Also, they are going to add two GC2 deep cycle batts: and take care of a small punch list of items I noticed. We are anxious to get out on a shake-down trip, after the night in the driveway, as suggested by many on this site...
I have a question, what is the minimum amount of water that should be carried in a black water tank? My Rpod's black water tank is 30 gallon capacity.
Thanks for any responses.
Steve
  • Steve_911's avatar
    Steve_911
    Explorer
    Jan 20, 2017
    Thanks everyone for your thoughts. My inclination was to never have a completely dry tank. Just want to know what seasoned rv'ers do.
    Happy trails.
    Steve
  • et2's avatar
    et2
    Explorer
    Jan 20, 2017
    If you ever have had #2 jam while dumping you'll think seriously about why you didn't add water to your black tank prior to camping. I always add 3-5 gallons before camping and immediately after dumping. It'll slosh around while driving and clean stuff off the tank and outlet. Some people even add a bag of ice before starting their trip.

    It's doing more good than anything. No pyramids.
  • Paleo_Ron's avatar
    Paleo_Ron
    Explorer
    Jan 19, 2017
    Well, it depends on what kind of camping you're doing, but I usually stay in state parks, and another option (and one that I use) is to only use you camper toilet for liquid waste, and use the campground facilities for anything else. If you do that then a few flushes of fresh water should be fine.

    I'd also like to mention that I have a fiberglass trailer and love it, but I've seen the Rpods and they are really nice. Hope you enjoy!
  • Turn_Key's avatar
    Turn_Key
    Explorer
    Jan 19, 2017
    Given the size of your "black" tank, I would suggest one bottle of liquid potty chemicals (about 8 ounces) mixed in one gallon of water. One bottle of chemicals should be enough and you can double the water, if you want. I would not suggest leaving the tank empty (dry) for any length of time after its first use.

    Just my 2-cents. Happy Camping
  • korbe's avatar
    korbe
    Explorer
    Jan 19, 2017
    We normally don't put water down there first unless I feel that having water sloshing around a bit while traveling might clean the surfaces. Especially if we are getting ready for an extended trip without the ability to drain the black tank regularly. A few flushes of #1 normally precede the #2's on most all out trips.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Jan 19, 2017
    For your size tank, a couple gallons should be enough. It will keep solids from drying in the bottom, and splash/clean the tank while driving.

    I never leave the black tank empty, even in winter storage. I make sure to have enough quality pink (non-ethanol) in it, to keep it wet, and seal lubed.

    Jerry
  • doxiemom11's avatar
    doxiemom11
    Explorer II
    Jan 19, 2017
    We usually flush 2/3 bowls full down after a dump. We figure we add enough other liquid when we flush it doesn't take long to have a more substantial amount in the tank, but we are full-time so it is always used. Don't know about if you are storing it for long periods. Someone else can advise on that.

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