Forum Discussion

farsidefan1's avatar
farsidefan1
Explorer
Apr 01, 2017

Cleaning black water tank

I've looked at several Youtubes on the subject (gross!). I have not yet purchased a 5th wheel I just got a GMC3500 with Duramax/ Allison transmission so I figure I can pull anything and we are looking around 30 footer.
I saw where one guy said if your pipes have more than 1 45 degree turn it is pretty much impossible to get any real pressure in there to clean out the tank. I'm looking at Jayco and Cougar but can't find any data on that topic online.

Question 1, is he full of ... blackwater?
2 where can I find that data on the afore mentioned 5th wheels.
He did like a cleaning device called the Tornado but again, it does a better but not perfect job.


Thanks from one who is not even a noobie yet. :R
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Apr 01, 2017
    Buy a 5er that already has a BT rinse connection.

    What do you mean a 'perfect' job? Nobody needs a sparkling clean poop tank.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2017
    Use the Geo Method or something similar. It's a holding tank, not a FW tank. ;)
  • TakingThe5th's avatar
    TakingThe5th
    Explorer
    Apr 02, 2017
    The Geo Method is effective. We also add some fresh water before traveling and dump it when we arrive. Our two Cougars had a flushing system which was useful. We have a clear connection on our stinky slinky for our viewing "pleasure" when dumping. Use plenty of water when using the throne. We use chemicals, some say that is optional. If the black tank fails to raise a stink - then simply enjoy camping and flush any bad thoughts from your mind. :D
  • wing_zealot's avatar
    wing_zealot
    Explorer
    Apr 02, 2017
    Why you worried about how clean it is, it's a holding tank for poop, nothing more.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Apr 02, 2017
    wing_zealot wrote:
    Why you worried about how clean it is, it's a holding tank for poop, nothing more.


    Yep, even if you did get it really clean, I'd still not use the sewer outlet for hand washing.

    Jerry
  • Jim2007's avatar
    Jim2007
    Explorer
    Apr 02, 2017
    Hi.. I dump when tank is at least 2/3 full . Also a few times during the camping season i put put a wand down the stool. Not problems.in 11 years of camping... Jim2007
  • MitchF150's avatar
    MitchF150
    Explorer III
    Apr 02, 2017
    You don't need "pressure" to clean out a holding tank?? It's the volume of water that really matters when you actually dump it..

    The main thing to know is to leave your black tank valve CLOSED until it's full..

    Don't just hook up the hose and open the valves the first day you get to your site... I don't even hook up the hose until I need to dump.. And that's always on the day we leave 3-4 days after we get there.

    I see people hook up the sewer hose, open both valves and think they are at home... ha, ha... Good luck with that after a few times..

    Anyway, if you are learning how to camp from "youtube" good luck with that and hope it works out for ya!

    Mitch
  • toedtoes's avatar
    toedtoes
    Explorer III
    Apr 02, 2017
    Jim2007 wrote:
    Hi.. I dump when tank is at least 2/3 full . Also a few times during the camping season i put put a wand down the stool. Not problems.in 11 years of camping... Jim2007


    Do you insert the wand before or after you expel the stool??? :h
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Apr 02, 2017
    there is NO such thing as a"perfect" cleaning job

    lots of rinsing then a new dose of chemical, even if you are not going out again for months

    and don't get me started on those that think, theirs doesn't stink and all they ever need is water, and no chemical

    their biological functions are a lot different than the majority of us
    OR
    their nose does NOT work

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