I keep my 5th wheel at home when we are not using it, and although I have a dedicated 50amp plug in, I do not have anyway to empty my black tank. (I live 5 acres in a very rural area, so I have no issues dumping my grey tanks at home).From time to time I will be using the 5th wheel at home when company or relatives come and visit. Should I keep them from using the toilet? My concern is it might be 2 or 3 weeks before I take the 5th wheel anywhere. The black tank obviously would not be very full from just 1 night of someone staying in it. Is it ok to travel with a little bit of solids in the black tank? What does everybody else do if you use your RV at home, but don't have a dedicated dump site at home?

I have let my tank sit between trips, sometimes 3 weeks apart. I also had a TC buddy who stored his camper underground (in Ks) and left his half full for a month or more at a time. We never had any problem and it probably just gives things more time to break down.

Just keep a bit of water in it, but do watch and don't let it dry out. I like to fill it about half, and add some septic tank cleaner if it is gong to sit for a while. Septic tank cleaner doesn't do much, but the bacteria may help to break stuff down. Some good deodorizer instead would not be a bad idea either.

Not a big deal. Although I have found in hot weather the tank can get very smelly. Keep in mind it is not a septic tank it is just a storage tank, Without any chemical there is not a lot of breaking down going on.Nevertheless you will be OK between trip but I would limit the use if you have no where to dump.Do you have access to your sewer or septic tank to dump in?

Yes, just make sure it has plenty of water in it. Also remind your guests to use plenty of water when they flush.A handy thing is to put in a sewer or septic cleanout so you can dump at home. If necessary, you can use a portable macerator pump to get to the cleanout, if it's a long ways or uphill.

The OP's situation is ideal use for using a Flojet Waste Macerator (10 pics) which will not only allow using the rig for accommodating guests as much as you want but will eliminate the need to ever have to line up at any campground dump station. Should you ever be camping and your black tank fills you can also use the macerator to off load the tank contents into a portable waste container that can be taken to the dump station. It's all about options. :B

question about using toilet when hooked up at home

ScottG
Nomad
Mar 14, 2017
I have let my tank sit between trips, sometimes 3 weeks apart. I also had a TC buddy who stored his camper underground (in Ks) and left his half full for a month or more at a time.
We never had any problem and it probably just gives things more time to break down.
Johno02
Explorer
Mar 14, 2017
Just keep a bit of water in it, but do watch and don't let it dry out. I like to fill it about half, and add some septic tank cleaner if it is gong to sit for a while. Septic tank cleaner doesn't do much, but the bacteria may help to break stuff down. Some good deodorizer instead would not be a bad idea either.
Lantley
Nomad
Mar 14, 2017
Not a big deal. Although I have found in hot weather the tank can get very smelly. Keep in mind it is not a septic tank it is just a storage tank, Without any chemical there is not a lot of breaking down going on.
Nevertheless you will be OK between trip but I would limit the use if you have no where to dump.
Do you have access to your sewer or septic tank to dump in?
coolmom42
Explorer II
Mar 14, 2017
Yes, just make sure it has plenty of water in it. Also remind your guests to use plenty of water when they flush.

A handy thing is to put in a sewer or septic cleanout so you can dump at home. If necessary, you can use a portable macerator pump to get to the cleanout, if it's a long ways or uphill.
SoundGuy
Explorer
Mar 14, 2017
The OP's situation is ideal use for using a Flojet Waste Macerator (10 pics) which will not only allow using the rig for accommodating guests as much as you want but will eliminate the need to ever have to line up at any campground dump station. Should you ever be camping and your black tank fills you can also use the macerator to off load the tank contents into a portable waste container that can be taken to the dump station. It's all about options. :B
IdaD
Explorer
Mar 14, 2017
Do you have access to your sewer or septic clean out pipe?
DSteiner51
Explorer
Mar 14, 2017
Being you live out in the country I suspect you have your own septic system. If so, where is your opening for cleanup?

When I get home and the black tank is fairly full before I park it I will pull up somewhere close to the system and dump it with the normal 3" hose. If it is either too wet to pull in or parked for a while and being used I use a Flojet Waste Macerator and a 3/4" garden hose to reach the septic. Works either way.

If working outside, the camper is closest and the bathroom just inside the door a couple steps it makes much more sense to use the camper then the house bathroom for a quick pit stop. Been using this system for 17 years and no problems.
tim1970
Explorer
Mar 14, 2017
Actually my RV came with a built in macerator. I have just been bypassing it and using the gravity fed dump. How can this help me at home and how can it help me avoid the lines at dump sites?
wanderingbob
Explorer II
Mar 14, 2017
Use the onboard pump to pump into your septic system at the clean out that comes out of the ground .
As question can you drive with solids in the black tank , sure , why not , driving will shake up and help liquefy the solids . Many problems in a black tank can be fixed or helped by taking a ride for a mile or so .
RGar974417
Explorer
Mar 14, 2017
If you have a septic tank on your property, there should be some type of clean out and you could dump in there. If it's close enough and down hill you could even run a drain line to where you park the trailer.

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