I'm looking for a portable waste tank recommendation. There are several manufacturers, and for the most part they seem to be very similar in function. But I was curious if there was one brand or style that stood out above the rest. I would especially like to hear from those who have experience with them! Thanks!

They all work well. Get the one at your local Dealership or shop online for the best prices. I prefer the two wheeled versions of the Barker and the Tote-a-Long because they are simple. Really it comes to preference and availability. I racked my brain over a portable tote for a long time... Finally I just went and bought what the local RV dealer had... They are really simple contraptions. Thanks and good luck,Jeremiah

We have the Thetford SmartTote LX Portable Waste Tank - 35 Gallon. My husband and son in law do the work emptying the tanks. Husband said it is difficult to empty the tank completely. There's always a little bit left in the tank. He then adds a bit of water and OdoBan. Other than that, it's a good product.

get one that is easy to maneuver by hand and that has a handle you can attach to your truck or other vehicle to haul through the campground. The last campground I was at had grey dumps throughout the park, so I only had to haul gray water a hundred yards or so. The one before that only had the single dump near the exit of the campground. If I had not been able to attach to truck, I would have had to haul water nearly a mile. Water is heavy and sloshes around so that the tank is not the easiest thing to maneuver. I have a Barker 30 gal. I found it locally on craigslist for less than half retail plus no shipping.

This question comes up occasionally and when it does Barker seems to be the preferred one by a pretty wide margin. Their customer service after the sale is very good.I have one my self and have no trouble in 8 years of use.

I had a 15 gallon you could tow on the hitch. Some times it was quite heavyto pull to the vehicle, rough grassy hill. Figuring 8 lbs per gallon thatwas 120 lbs. I don't know how they use those 30 gallon totes.Brian

Portable Waste Tank Recommendation | Good Sam Community

dieselenthusias
Explorer
May 05, 2014
Thanks everyone for you input. It seems that Barker has excellent customer service which has ultimately sold me on their product. I decided to go with their 16 Gallon 4 Wheeler.

Barker does not have optional pneumatic tires, but the web link posted below has directions and part sources to make that modification.

http://rvroadtrip.us/reviews/barker_pht.php
RJCorazza
Explorer
May 05, 2014
I opted for the Thetford FX 18 gallon. I was initially debating the 27 or 35 gallon versions, but after seeing them they were huge. Several easier trips with a smaller tank was my choice. I really only wanted one to squeek out a few more days without hookups. I dump my tanks at home unless there is no one at the dump station when leaving.
Dog_Folks
Explorer
May 04, 2014
Dick_B wrote:
Did you search this Forum for `blue tote'?

No disrespect meant. Just for kicks I searched.

I also searched for "blue boys."

Lots of discussion but no recommendations for brand. That was what the OP wanted.

There was also no info FAQ.
Dick_B
Explorer
May 04, 2014
Did you search this Forum for `blue tote'?
B_O__Plenty
Explorer II
May 04, 2014
I just sold my Barker 22 gal. It worked just fine, was easy to tow. I only used it once in the 5 years I had it and decided I had put enough miles on with it riding around in my storage compartment. If you're sure you have a need for it I'd get a Barker.

B.O.
welove2drive
Explorer
May 04, 2014
One that is a little larger than the tank you wish to empty into it so you don't have to worry about over flowing the tote. I have a barker 4 wheel and have done the pneumatic tire mod. I thing barker is now offering pneumatic tires as an option. Not sure of that though.
chiefneon
Explorer
May 04, 2014
Barker!
NHIrish
Explorer
May 04, 2014
Barker was real good with an out of warranty tank leak...shipped me a new one for shipping costs only...can't beat that.
tvman44
Explorer
May 04, 2014
I have a Barker(?)blue four wheel tote with a 25 gal capacity since 2009. I would have gotten larger but wanted it to fit in a particular storage compartment. I place the tank in the rear of the truck while empty and use a portable macerator pump to pump waste into the portable tank. At the dump station I connect a 3" hose to the valve on the tank and open the valve to empty then flush the tank with clean water and store in compartment. No heavy lifting or dragging a heavy tank to truck. :)
2Macs
Explorer
May 04, 2014
I have had a Barker blue two wheel tote since 2004. The capacity of 22 gallons works out well. When my black or gray tank reaches 3/4 full, I empty them into the tote. 22 gallon size holds it all and I can tow it to the dump station.