When using the toilet be sure to using a full bowl of water when flushing solids and go easy on toilet paper usage and buy a brand that breaks down easily like one made for septic tank usage. Big things happen when you don't use enough water - like not being able to get the black tank empties completely when you are dumping. Water, water, water!
๐ Nothing else goes into the black tank except toilet paper. If you need to remind others, post a sign stating this. It's very important.
We never use an additive to the black tank and don't have odors. Did I say just water, water, water? That alone will break down the toilet paper and solids. We've full-timed for 16 years and that means using and dumping our tanks constantly. No problems.
Always have at least 3/4 to full black tank before dumping. It takes a big swoosh to get everything out. If you find you're not filling the black tank, use a dishpan for dishwashing and empty it into the toilet. Or go outside for a bucket or two of water and empty it into the toilet just before dumping. It's recommended that you also have 3/4 to full grey tank before dumping, too. That way you'll have a good amount going through your sewer hose to rinse out the hose. You'll most likely find that you'll fill the grey water tank before the black tank with showers, etc.
Dumping is a easy process but scary at first. Always use disposable gloves. We buy them at WalMart by the box. Just don't get distracted from what you're doing and make sure your hose connection is tightly secured. Dump your black tank first and then the grey tank. This way, the soapy dish/shower water will rinse out your hose good. No need for additional rinsing. That'll do the job. If buying a used RV do yourself a favor and buy a brand new sewer hose. Don't rely on the one already in the RV. Also, buy a very heavy duty one. Don't skimp on cost. The cheapest ones easily get holes in them and you definitely won't like the outcome from a ruptured hose.
As far as how often you need to dump the tanks it all depends on the sizes of your holding tanks. Every RV is different. You'll soon be able to judge when you'll need to dump even if your monitors aren't working accurately and many times this is a problem with the monitors. It's a given unless you have monitors attached to the outside of the tanks. The ones inside the tanks get cacked with stuff and fail to register accurately.
Don't use your grey tank as a garbage disposal. Don't scrape dishes into it, no coffee grounds and no grease. Take a used napkin or paper towel and wipe dishes into wastecan before washing.
If you don't have full hookups at your campsite (water/electric/sewer) then you will need to conserve your water usage (and be sure to tell guests visiting you, too). Don't leave the faucets run. For showers wet down, turn off the shower, soap up, turn on the shower to rinse quickly. Same for washing hands and brushing teeth. For dishes rinse quickly. You'll quickly get the hang of it and you'll love your RV! Good luck!!
Full-Timed for 16 Years
.... Back in S&B Again
Traveled 8 yr in a 40' 2004 Newmar Dutch Star Motorhome
& 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th Wheel
