I plan to start looking for a used RV sometime next year. I do not need and do not want a macerator pump. They have too many problems, pull too much power, and I have a sewer cleanout at home downhill from my potential parking spot. Many ad/pics of RVs for sale do not say or show anything about a macerator pump one way or another.How can I tell which ones do or do not have a macerator pump? Are they standard on certain brands? Is this something I could tell by just looking at a RV from the outside?I posted this in the class B forum because I am interested in a B/small C.Any info appreciated.

I think the reason you see so few for sale adds mentioning macerator pumps is because they're not very common. I personally never met any one using one. I don't think you have to worry about it too much, but if a MH you bought did come with one, just remove it.Bill

My Roadtrek has a macerator, and it's been problem free, so far. The hose is a smaller diameter than the typical hose used with gravity-dump systems. There's also a button (on the drivers seat) that is held down when using the macerator. Shouldn't be hard to spot if you inspect whatever RV you're interested in. For anything recent, you can probably find the owner's manual on-line, too.

If it has a macerator, it will be at the end of the dump valve and look like this: macerator.As Trackrig mentions, they are not very common and I think most people who use them have added them after purchase. In those cases, they will most likely indicate it in the ad. If you really like the RV, I wouldn't let the macerator make it a no-go. You can easily have it removed. I also think a lot of folks add the portable version (that's what I have), so they will likely keep it to go on their next RV.

I have a macerator on my Winnebago ERA. The sewer hose as mentioned is small at about 1" and there are levers to pull for gray water vs black water dumping. As mentioned above there is a button to push to run the macerator. This is all in a single running board compartment on the driver's side. They are expensive components and with the low clearance difficult to get at when there is a problem. There isn't a good way to drain gray water without the functioning pump in case it fails. Our 2010 pump failed.

Our 04 Roadtrek came with a previously installed after market macerator. It is the one thing I would repair at nearly any cost on the RT. Convenient and clean. Don't be too quick to discount the value of a macerator.

Macerator pumps--how to spot one? | Good Sam Community

coolmom42
Explorer II
Feb 01, 2016
Good to know about the curb issues, and hose replacement.

Thanks for the info, everyone.
candlback
Explorer
Jan 31, 2016
I replaced my gravity dump hose several years ago and do not regret it and have had no problems with it. I tried to dump at too many places with a high curb and my Roadtrek like others is low to the ground. That stuff doesn't flow up hill.
TinyoneRV
Explorer
Jan 30, 2016
Coolmon42, The macerator pump is semi-permanenty installed at the end of the 3" hose. I remove it for winter storage since some gray water is usually left in the hose and pump. Also, should it fail, I can disconnect the electricity and remove the pump and still dump without the macerator. This link may be useful

http://www.rvsani-con.com/road-trek-rvs-install.html
My_Roadtrek
Explorer
Jan 30, 2016
I think most of the hose problems were with the older systems. Rt had a bad batch at one time. The biggest problem is (IMO) user error. Stuff getting dropped into the tank, and damaging the impeller, or running the pump dry. A macerator, and a gravity feed system would be a major plus for me.
PSW
Explorer
Jan 30, 2016
I replaced the hose on my 2007 Roadtrek 210 one time. I bought a twenty foot hose at Lowes in the landscaping department that was designed to be used with pumps on ornamental ponds. It worked great for me and was on the rig when I sold it. Cost twenty bucks and I did the work myself. So, if you are one of those inclined to DIY go to it! The Lowes hose is not as flexible as the regulator macerator hose I suppose.

Yes, I intended that little ditty in the last sentence.

Paul
coolmom42
Explorer II
Jan 29, 2016
Thanks for the tips!
nbking
Explorer
Jan 29, 2016
Some people on this forum have reported problems with the macerator hose. It does not last long. Replacing it is not a job for someone who is not completely familiar with them. They are costly. I paid around $80.00 and then two hours installation for a total cost of $300+. Mechanic must have been on a slow down or something.

Anyway, if you get an rv with a macerator, check the hose carefully. Adjust your price if it needs replacement. I didn't and I got stuck with the repair bill.
Davydd
Explorer
Jan 29, 2016
coolmom42 wrote:
Some good points made. My big fear would be the macerator pump failing without a manual dump option, as one person commented. I can believe handling the smaller hose is easier.

Lots of Class Bs now have macerators along with an optional bayonet connection for a gravity slinky. If the macerator fails you always have the fall back. For us the macerator has proven to not only be faster to dump but also more sanitary. It is also a lot easier at those dump stations designed for bigger RVs that have those 6" high containment curbs all around the dump hole.
lanerd
Explorer II
Jan 29, 2016
Trackrig wrote:
I think the reason you see so few for sale adds mentioning macerator pumps is because they're not very common. I personally never met any one using one. I don't think you have to worry about it too much, but if a MH you bought did come with one, just remove it.

Bill

I'm with Bill... if you find a coach you like and it happens to have a macerator...just remove the darn thing. No big deal and you shouldn't base your choice on whether or not the coach has one.

But just look in the wet bay, if it has a small drain hose (1 inch or so), it has a macerator.

Ron
coolmom42
Explorer II
Jan 29, 2016
Some good points made. My big fear would be the macerator pump failing without a manual dump option, as one person commented. I can believe handling the smaller hose is easier.

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Macerator pumps--how to spot one?

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