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images's avatar
images
Explorer
Aug 13, 2015

Holding Tank Flush System

I bought a flush system to install in the holding tanks of our new trailer, upon inspection I found that the tanks (40 gal) are long, wide,shallow and there is absolutely no place to install a flusher other than the bottom.
The tanks run from I-beam to I-beam, and on each side is a a metal support running the entire length of the tank leaving no more than 1 3/8" uncovered on the top, the depth of the tank is about 5".
I hesitate to drill into the bottom of the tank for obvious reasons, if I could get to the inside of the tank it would be no problem to install fittings but that is not a option.
With a tank like this the wand down the toilet wouldn't even work efficiently.
Has anyone found a way around this issue?
Thanks in advance.
Joe

9 Replies

  • lanerd's avatar
    lanerd
    Explorer II
    Aug 14, 2015
    Wow RJ, didn't expect the sarcasm from you.

    Have a nice day.

    Ron
  • RJsfishin's avatar
    RJsfishin
    Explorer
    Aug 13, 2015
    Quote:
    Try it without the blue stuff...total waste of $$. Water will do just fine.
    -------------------------------------------------------------------
    Really now.
    Go tell someone who will listen.
    I've been stuck behind way too many that think their **** don't stink.
    I hope you nowhere near me when you dump !
  • lanerd's avatar
    lanerd
    Explorer II
    Aug 13, 2015
    I have a flushing system but clean out best when I can dump and refill with one-third tank "fresh" water and a healthy squirt of dishwashing soap. Then I take it down the road to the next destination and dump when I can. Amazing results!


    Exactly what I do except I use a laundry detergent (Oxy Clean). Dump before leaving, add several gallons of fresh water and soap and drive. Sometimes, I'll even add a cup of Calgon water softener to coat the inside of the tank to make it slippery.


    Posted By: RJsfishin on 08/13/15 06:33am

    RV'n over 40 years, never had a flush or a wand !
    Just a little blue stuff, and my tanks are spotless.


    Try it without the blue stuff...total waste of $$. Water will do just fine.

    Ron
  • TakingThe5th's avatar
    TakingThe5th
    Explorer
    Aug 13, 2015
    3oaks wrote:
    Simple trick ?
    Never dump on the way out of a CG !
    Never dump till after driving a few miles, and around a few corners.
    Easier said than done. Dump stations while on the road are not readily available. Some RVs are built so cheaply these days, the blank tanks can't hold the load during long distance travel. (broken plumbing connections and even loosing a tank, while not common, has happened)

    You do make a good point though. That is why I see some RVers emptying their holding tanks upon arrival at their new destination rather than upon leaving the previous campground.

    I have a flushing system but clean out best when I can dump and refill with one-third tank "fresh" water and a healthy squirt of dishwashing soap. Then I take it down the road to the next destination and dump when I can. Amazing results!
  • 3oaks's avatar
    3oaks
    Explorer
    Aug 13, 2015
    Simple trick ?
    Never dump on the way out of a CG !
    Never dump till after driving a few miles, and around a few corners.
    Easier said than done. Dump stations while on the road are not readily available. Some RVs are built so cheaply these days, the blank tanks can't hold the load during long distance travel. (broken plumbing connections and even loosing a tank, while not common, has happened)

    You do make a good point though. That is why I see some RVers emptying their holding tanks upon arrival at their new destination rather than upon leaving the previous campground.
  • RJsfishin's avatar
    RJsfishin
    Explorer
    Aug 13, 2015
    RV'n over 40 years, never had a flush or a wand !
    Just a little blue stuff, and my tanks are spotless.

    Simple trick ?
    Never dump on the way out of a CG !
    Never dump till after driving a few miles, and around a few corners.
    I myself dump at home.
  • mbopp's avatar
    mbopp
    Explorer
    Aug 13, 2015
    I have a flush system on the TT, but I still get a lot of "stuff" out when using a wand after the flush. IMHO a flush system is a useless feature.
  • WyoTraveler's avatar
    WyoTraveler
    Explorer
    Aug 13, 2015
    Flush valves have to be above the water line. Use a wand. They work better anyway. I have a flush system in my MH but I use a wand. I built a wand out of copper pipe about 30 years ago. Works better than what you can buy. 1/2" pipe about 30" long. Ball valve and hose fitting on one end. A cap on the other end. In the side of the capped end ( actually in the side of the cap) I drilled 2 holes 3/16" dia. One above the other. Works like a high pressure nozzle. Rotate it around and it cleans the tank. Don't waste your money on the Walmart version it doesn't work very well. I have cleaned out complete cloggs in friends tanks with my homemade wand.
  • Vet_Man's avatar
    Vet_Man
    Explorer
    Aug 13, 2015
    Sounds like the wand is your only choice. Most RV tanks are large but shallow. I would not put it in the bottom of the tank, sounds like further trouble

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