We want to clean our waste tank while driving to our next campground, 4 hours each way. The plan is to fill each tank about 2/3 full with fresh water, add “chemicals”, and let is slosh around during the 4 hours on the road. Then we can just empty the tanks when we get to the campground.Assuming this is a good idea, what would you add to the tanks? We have heard of al kinds of things to add: Dawn, Tide, fabric softener, water softener, you name it.Does anyone know of any good videos on the web about the procedure?

I only use about 3-5 gallons of water with Dawn dish soap.

cpaulsen wrote:I only use about 3-5 gallons of water with Dawn dish soap.+1. That is all that is needed. Anything else may not be good for the tanks or especially the waste valve slide seals and also the dump station you use may not appreciate a tank of chemicals dumped into it. Be sure to add waste valve lube into the tanks after you dump and some water as well. RV dealers have it so does Amazon. Thetford makes it.

You should do a search of " The Geo Method "

A very generous amount of Dawn Dishwashing Liquid, and / or / laundry soap. (a very generous amount ... an overkill), makes lots of bubbles! You can also add some bleach, or bleach by itself. You only need about 5 gallons of water. If you use bleach, make sure you rinse the tank at your destination. You don't want a strong mix of bleach on your valves longer than necessary. No need for store bought tank chemicals. Laundry soap, Dishwashing Liquid, bleach and a good drive on the road. Dump and rinse.

Fecal mater is composed of grease, DAWN dish washing soap brakes down oils and grease, do not mix detergent and bleach, that produces fossgene gas, that is toxic and poison, good 3 to 5 gallons of water plus Dawn or even laundry detergent will work.navegator

Cleaning waste tanks | Good Sam Community

2gypsies1
Explorer III
Sep 19, 2016
CWSWine wrote:
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Good to view for everyone!
Sandy___Shirley
Explorer
Sep 26, 2016
OK, final note!

We did the good size single squirt of Dawn with about 5 or 6 gallons of water in out 40 gal tanks before a 4 hour ride to the VA Samboree. Worked great. Sensors were perfect during the 4 day weekend and we kept the drive water and everything else in the tank until we dumped before leaving.
wanderingbob
Explorer II
Sep 26, 2016
I believe the best way to keep everything working is by driving and sloshing , if possible , before dumping ! I do not care if it is clean just that every thing works !
hawkeye-08
Explorer III
Sep 26, 2016
Sandy & Shirley wrote:
OK, .... After reading this thread we plan to make a nice squirt of Dawn in the John and also the kitchen sink, add 5 gallons of water to each, drive for 4 hours, then empty the tanks when we get to VA.

Thanks to all for the advice!

Recommend changing name of toilet to Jim (gym) so that you can tell your friends you went to the gym daily while vacationing.

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