It's exactly what it sounds like.I constructed a clear, 20 gallon tank, with RV dump connections.I created a recipe for simulated wasteI used the tank and the simulated waste to compare dumping with a standard 3 inch hose to dumping with the Sewer Solution.You can see exactly what happens in the tank under each scenario.You can find full details, and a video, here on our blog.I tried to keep it primarily informative, but just remember that there is simulated waste in the video. ;)I intend to use the "Black Tank Simulator" to test other products and techniques in the future. If you've got something you'd like to see tested, let me know. As many black tank threads as I see, I hope everyone finds this helpful.

I would be glad to supply you with some non-simulated waste for further testing. a great job. when I used a sewer solution I also had a tank flush and would alternate using a Y connector between the SS and the tank flush while dumping, rather than the way you flushed your tank. and I usually got a full hook up site every third night or so while on the road so I could flush at my leisure. one thing you didn't mention was that you have a much cleaner storage of a garden hose rather than a stinky slinky.bumpy

I usually get my "kicks" out of the black tank threads, but I can honestly say, this time ... "I'm speechless!" (simulated waste?)

It was a hoot to film.My wife was actually operating the camera. Funny thing is, she had a violent stomach virus that day. And she was out filming simulated waste! She's a keeper...

Please post again if you use real waste and some of the digester products.

It doesn't matter how you drain it, there will be a lot of stuff left in if you don't use a rinser. I use a clear extension to watch the rinsing water and it takes several drain, close, rinse, fill, drain cycles to get ALL of the stuff out. I can look down into my tank from the top with a mirror and inspect it. I also use a spray wand from the top every few trips. I wish my gray tank had a rinser.

I built a clear black tank and tested the Sewer Solution

101 Replies

JJBIRISH
Explorer
Apr 23, 2014
TheFitRV James wrote:
Caveman Charlie wrote:
Bumpyroad wrote:
Wrace wrote:
Naysayers! :)

Come on now, you guys have been around long enough to know there are more than a few followers of the geo/ice cube method although I'm not one of them, I say test it!

This is like Myth Busters for RV'ers, well done OP, well done! :C

exactly how do you propose he test the ice method? put a toilet seat over the tank, build up a pyramid, let it sit a while to adhere, then put ice cubes in and drive the tank around on bumpy roads?
bumpy

It should be possible to build a pyramid slowly one sheet of paper at a time. Then put the tank on a shaker platform , like a paint shaker, only at slower speeds. And then test the method.

You guys are killin' me!
From the poll results, it looks like the tank rinser comparison is winning. That one won't be too hard. I should be able to get it done right after our next RV trip. But I'm going to leave the poll open until we get back in case the tide turns.

Paint shakers, ice cubes, and commodes perched atop the tank (to test the wands) will have to wait...

AAH HECK…
we thought sure you were looking for a fulltime career change, into the new field of portable poopoligy… I have heard there may be some private grants available for study in this field…

it’ the latest fad career in transportation and controlling microorganism growth and breakdown while held in small confined containers… coupled with the effectiveness of related delivery systems…

we already know that on the rocks is more of a personal choice…

:B please don’t allow out excisive demands discourage you from this meaningful endeavor…:B
TheFitRV_James
Explorer
Apr 22, 2014
Caveman Charlie wrote:
Bumpyroad wrote:
Wrace wrote:
Naysayers! :)

Come on now, you guys have been around long enough to know there are more than a few followers of the geo/ice cube method although I'm not one of them, I say test it!

This is like Myth Busters for RV'ers, well done OP, well done! :C

exactly how do you propose he test the ice method? put a toilet seat over the tank, build up a pyramid, let it sit a while to adhere, then put ice cubes in and drive the tank around on bumpy roads?
bumpy

It should be possible to build a pyramid slowly one sheet of paper at a time. Then put the tank on a shaker platform , like a paint shaker, only at slower speeds. And then test the method.

You guys are killin' me!
From the poll results, it looks like the tank rinser comparison is winning. That one won't be too hard. I should be able to get it done right after our next RV trip. But I'm going to leave the poll open until we get back in case the tide turns.

Paint shakers, ice cubes, and commodes perched atop the tank (to test the wands) will have to wait...
Caveman_Charlie
Explorer II
Apr 22, 2014
Bumpyroad wrote:
Wrace wrote:
Naysayers! :)

Come on now, you guys have been around long enough to know there are more than a few followers of the geo/ice cube method although I'm not one of them, I say test it!

This is like Myth Busters for RV'ers, well done OP, well done! :C

exactly how do you propose he test the ice method? put a toilet seat over the tank, build up a pyramid, let it sit a while to adhere, then put ice cubes in and drive the tank around on bumpy roads?
bumpy

It should be possible to build a pyramid slowly one sheet of paper at a time. Then put the tank on a shaker platform , like a paint shaker, only at slower speeds. And then test the method.
Big_Katuna
Explorer II
Apr 22, 2014
You can buy USB cameras for your laptop for $35.
JJBIRISH
Explorer
Apr 22, 2014
if you are really interested in what’s happening inside your own tank just take a picture like Les Adams did…

LAdams report and picture

while I don’t have a picture of mine I have looked inside all of them before when I had easy access to plumbers inspection cameras…

heck Harbor Freight has Digital Inspection Cameras on sale for under 90 bucks…

digital inspection camera
Jack_Kay
Explorer
Apr 22, 2014
Fascinating video and report. Thanks.
NJRVer
Explorer
Apr 22, 2014
If manufacturers made black tanks clear, there would probably be no more posts about somebody's black tank being stopped up and they can't figure where the blockage is.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Apr 22, 2014
Wrace wrote:
Naysayers! :)

Come on now, you guys have been around long enough to know there are more than a few followers of the geo/ice cube method although I'm not one of them, I say test it!

This is like Myth Busters for RV'ers, well done OP, well done! :C

exactly how do you propose he test the ice method? put a toilet seat over the tank, build up a pyramid, let it sit a while to adhere, then put ice cubes in and drive the tank around on bumpy roads?
bumpy
Wrace
Explorer
Apr 22, 2014
Naysayers! :)

Come on now, you guys have been around long enough to know there are more than a few followers of the geo/ice cube method although I'm not one of them, I say test it!

This is like Myth Busters for RV'ers, well done OP, well done! :C
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Apr 22, 2014
the only benefit of the ice would be if you have very little water in the tank and it can slide around and knock into piles of "stuff" on the bottom of the tank, knocking them loose so that they can drain. If you have ice floating in the tank half full of water, all you will have is cooler water.
I have read where some people, Darwin specials, have put marbles in the tank to accomplish this. then there is the issue of having them roll around the next 2,000 miles until they all drain out. :)
bumpy