Not so much, according to my latest testing...I know I'm supposed to be working on testing additives, but I had this idea and couldn't resist heading out to test it. I could never test all the different ways people use the ice, but I think I got a good representation. Check it out and then make up your own mind. I managed to keep the video to a mere 8 minutes (which is really good for me).Full write-up and video from *inside* the tank here:http://www.thefitrv.com/rv-tips/do-ice-cubes-in-the-rv-black-tank-really-work/When all is said and done, it did work a very little bit. But in my opinion, you'd be better off just letting things soak.

Do Ice Cubes in the Black Tank Really Work? Of course, some prefer their sewage chilled. :BThanks for the test.

In spite of all the folks that claim it works great, the three times in two weeks that I tried it years ago the tank walls were as cruddy after as before.I bet your test is accurate.

I've always wondered just how long ice cubes would last - seems to me they would melt very fast.

Good test.I've watched all your tank adventures, very interesting. No way to simulate this (that I know of) but we've had good results by adding just little bit of dish soap and maybe couple gallons of water at home (before traveling) or after dumping, then use tank normally. When it's full, drain and rinse a little. Then start cycle all over. Never any problems for us. But in my opinion, you'd be better off just letting things soak. 100% correct IMO. And no harm in dumping and filling with water maybe 1/2 way and let soak, maybe even a couple weeks between trips. Haven't seen to many outhouse evap dry. Did have one trailer that was more difficult than any other rv's we've owned. The tanks were so flat on bottom that tanks did not drain very well. Sometimes I would drive over couple 2X4's to raise one side for better drainage. In future testing if you get pulled over, please keep camera rolling. Would be excellent camera footage of you explaining to cop what you are testing.:B

Great video, loved it. I still think you can call it busted!

Do Ice Cubes in the Black Tank Really Work? | Good Sam Community

Shot-N-Az
Explorer
Aug 18, 2014
Funny...I was thinking about this ice thing over the weekend as I was driving home from Indiana. I couldn't for the life of me figure out how it would do what I have read others claim it does. Very timely.
Wrace
Explorer
Aug 18, 2014
Someday new rv's will come with tank cams which you will be able to select as one of the views on your monitor in the tow vehicle/MH along with rear view, hitch view etc. Then we will finally know for sure what's going on in each of our tanks. :D
mlts22
Explorer
Aug 18, 2014
I want an access port like some European or Aussie campers have. Worst case, go at it with a scraper and a wet/dry vac to ensure the tank is clean.
ed6713
Explorer
Aug 18, 2014
All the "secrets" work until the next time you use the tank. Then they all fail.
Have at it but don't expect a miracle. As long as you use a system with sensors Inside the tank, the gauges will read on a hit or miss basis.
noplace2
Explorer
Aug 18, 2014
I too did an experiment many years ago when I first heard of this "method". Being the inveterate skeptic that I am, I did the following:

Put 5 gallons of water in a flat plastic bin. Bin in the shade with the ambient temperature at 81 and the water temp. at 78. Added a 10 lb bag of ice. It took precisely 4 minutes 17 seconds for ALL of the ice to melt and that with no agitation. Hardly enough time for most folks to get out of their driveways.
Rollnhome
Explorer
Aug 18, 2014
On my last three rigs the gauges have worked. Use plenty of water. Flush with water ever so often. Used chemicals in the beginning but couldn't stand the perfume smell. They have misread a couple of times but a good flushing with water cleared them up. Always leave a few gallons of water in them when not in use.
TomHaycraft
Explorer
Aug 18, 2014
beemerphile1 wrote:
Of course, some prefer their sewage chilled. :B

Thanks for the test.

And in this case ... definitely shaken, not stirred.
D___M
Explorer
Aug 18, 2014
Ice belongs in your Bourbon - not your waste tank.
JJBIRISH
Explorer
Aug 18, 2014
never bought the ice thing and have always stated to save the ice for the drinks… even being flamed for my opinion… especially from those that buy ice just for the purpose and advocate it to all… to each their own…

BTW, great job...

.
therink
Explorer
Aug 18, 2014
When it is 90 degrees out, so is the poop tank. Personally, I would not waste $2 on a bag of ice to put in the tank. Water is free. Water and lots of it along with friction of traveling moves solids. I never have an issue with my tank using the geo method. It is poop. Nothing more. It needs liquid. Most people with odor issues simply don't use enough water to keep solids moving.