Forum Discussion

go_wild's avatar
go_wild
Explorer
Jul 02, 2013

Draining holding tanks uphill

It seems whenever we stay at a CG with full hookups, the sewer connection is always uphill or taller than the exit point on the RV. Yes, Jayco is known for it's low suspension...Wondering how other Jayco owners deal with this problem?
  • I cannot imagine that you will ever run across a sewer connection that is higher than your tank bottom. As long as the tank bottom is higher than the sewer connection it will drain. I had a Starcraft (Jayco sister) that was very low and often ran into a situation that my outlet was lower than the dump inlet. It really didn't matter since the tank was higher. Gravity will empty the tank.

    Now there is an issue that the fluid does lay in the hose. Just make sure that the hose is long enough that once you hear it stop draining you can pick up the hose near the trailer(leave connected) and "walk" the lifted hose towards the dump. Lay it back down it will refill and repeat a couple times. The last of the remaining fluid will drain. Yes this takes a few attempts but it is sure easier than putting the trailer up on blocks and needing to carry the extra blocks.
  • SJR wrote:
    When I'm at a campsite that has this problem I'll lower the tongue of the trailer which in turn raises the rear so i can empty the black tank. If I want to empty the grey I raise the tongue which raises the grey tank. I also carry a macerator pump with me.


    Good idea...that didn't occur to me.
  • When I'm at a campsite that has this problem I'll lower the tongue of the trailer which in turn raises the rear so i can empty the black tank. If I want to empty the grey I raise the tongue which raises the grey tank. I also carry a macerator pump with me.
  • Jayco is notorious for low drains. So low they drag or don't drain well as you're experiencing. The suggestions above have been recommended for years and seem to work well. Adding a suspension "riser kit" is a more permanent cure.

    -- Chuck
  • We have a Jayco HTT, and were having the same issues. DH screwed a couple of 6x2s together (1x3', 1x2'), tapered the ends. When we get to the dump station I guide the 'planks' under the HTT's wheels on one side to tilt the trailer towards the dump side.
    This has worked a charm for us every time.

    Cheers
  • I have the same problem. I haven't had to yet, but my plan is to pull the trailer up on a couple of layers of 2x8 blocks.
  • Shouldn't have to do much of anything until time to pack up and leave. THEN you disconnect the sewer hose and raise it above the height of the sewer outlet until it is drained. Of course you don't leave the black tank open so it will drain MOST of it's contents when it's time, with no assistance and other waste tanks that are left open will do the same AS they are used.

    Good luck / Skip
  • I've had that issue. I prop up the hose as best I can with the expandable hose racks. After that I just open the valve and drain as much as it can by gravity. Then lift the hose in the middle, lower, lift, lower, lift until it's empty.

    The hose outlet may be low, but the tank contents in a full tank are higher so much of it will still drain by gravity.

    Now, having said that, a macerator pump or a Sewer Solution set up would be a great option and will pump up hill.

    Ray
  • I'm not a Jayco owner but it may require more handling of the hose to empty the tanks but it can be done with a little more effort than those with risers.