Are RV sewer hose supports necessary?

[GravelRider]

We just got our travel trailer a couple months ago and have only been out a few times. Thus far, we've only ever boondocked or dry camped, and plan to continue camping this way for probably 90+% of our camping. In a couple of weeks we're leaving for an 11 day trip where we'll be staying in a full hookup spot two nights (not consecutive). Realistically, I will probably empty the grey water tank a time or two (long showers by my wife), and might empty the black once right before we leave. The hose supports seem like an unnecessary expense and packing bulk for only occasional use. Is this really necessary at most campgrounds?

[BobsYourUncle]

I dont like those expandable adjustable slinky stands, I dont want to fiddle with them.

I ran into a situation at a nice CG on a lake a few years ago where my site had the hookups on the wrong side for me to face the lake when set up.

I drove out to a local building supply store, bought a 10 foot length of 4" PVC pipe, drew a line lengthwise on both sides, pulled out my cordless reciprocating saw and cut the pipe in half lengthwise.

I carry several lengths of slinkies, coupled them together and tied my half pipe at the drain outlet, running it to the drain via under my TT. A few blocks in the right place allowed it to fully drain properly.

Works like a charm. I carry it in the back of my truck now when we camp. Simple and easy to use.

[kellem]

20 yrs, weeks at a time with full hookups and never used them.

It's obvious that they would provide some mechanical efficiency but simply something else to carry.

[Bobbo]

No, they are not. IF the hose fills up because the outlet is raised, wait for it to stop running, then lift the end nearest the trailer and walk it to the drain. Do that 2 or 3 times and the hose will be empty. (Be sure the drain valve is still open to vent the hose while doing that.) In 14 years, I have never used one, never seen the need for one, and never been in a campground that required one.

[Veebyes]

12 years of hundreds of dumps in hundreds of CGs & have not seen a need for a slinky yet. Rarely stay anywhere for more than 5 nights. Rarely use a FHU site. 5 nights without dumping is easy.

At the CG dump if the sewer is higher than ground level picking up the hose & 'walking' whatever to the sewer is easy.

[rwess]

I do not use one while camping. It is a simple matter of hydraulics. If the camper outlet is higher than the sewer opening, eve if the sewer opening is raised. The incoming water from the camper will push whatever is in hose on through and down the sewer.

Of course you must have a hose with no leaks. After 24 years of campers I have never had a problem. I have never stayed anywhere that required one.

[wa8yxm]

Two yes answers
First there are a few places which have a rule that requires them. When I returned to MI this summer I spent a couple nights in a campground that did so. (Since I did not dump there no problem I used some fresh water but that's all) the other place is Clark County (Las Vegas) Nevada.

The other yes answer is the supports keep the hose off the ground. Some hoses are not all that puncture resistant and can be damaged by rocks on the ground.

[valhalla360]

If it's only a night or two, just don't leave it hooked up and it's not an issue.

Usually they require them if you will leave it hooked up. Basically, they don't want the hose sitting there full of liquid. Most sewer hoses are thin and weak, so they don't keep odors in well and they are prone to pinhole leaks.

[bucky]

Parks are now being required to install high rise sewer inlets to avoid standing water getting into the septic systems.
We ran into that for the first time last month. The camp host said everybody was raising heck about it. Our 5er sits low, it was a royal pain. This was a state park but it's probably coming anywhere intrusion is likely. The inlet was about a foot off the ground. A round concrete base about 3 inches and then a tube up to a water tight lid that could not be left open unless you tied it to a tree.

[Jim_n_Steph]

When the hook up is further away we use a plastic rain gutter cut a 10 foot piece in half place them inside each other slide the length you need. Stores on top of 4 inch tube bumper .

[craig7h]

I have a cheep plastic expandable one. I have had it for years and have used it maybe 10 times. I have found the need if the distance from the camper connection to the sewer was a very long run, more than 10-12 feet. Probably could have done with out but as long as I had it I would use it. The other would be if the rv park sewer connection was high out of the ground I would us backwards, high in at sewer.

It one of those things do you need probably not. Is it one of those things nice to have, kind of.

[stickdog]

We're fulltime and only use them when we're stationary for a week or more and then only if needed. For a week or two moving from a winter site to a summer site we often only use W/E sites and use the dump station as needed. No need for hose support there.

[jbbrick]

I've never used one and I can't see the need for one. For proper tank usage, you should never leave a drain valve open for constant drainage, even the gray tank. Let the tanks mostly fill up then dump all at once to flush out debris, soap, particles.

[MitchF150]

I don't have one. I only connect my sewer hose when I need to dump and that's the day I leave the site, even with full hookups.

I don't use "hundreds" of gallons of water a day while "camping" either. I never even hook up to the city water line, even in full hook up sites for a long 4 day weekend.

I bring my own water and like using it as needed. Do I need to take a 10 minute shower while "camping" like I do at home every day??? no... I like being dirty once in a while and roughing it while "camping". It is my time to do that... ha, ha... I don't have kids so that helps a lot too I'm sure! Wife and I do just fine with each other!

Everyone does what they need to do while "camping". What I do or what you do, it does not matter... It's what works for you while you are out doing what you want to do in the wilderness..

I LOL to myself at folks that I see hooking up their sewer line even before they have unhitched their trailer! But, that's the way they setup camp for themselves, so that's what works for them. I'm sure I give a lot of 'observers' something to talk about with the way I setup my rig or do things during my stay. Who cares? I'm doing what works for me and that's all you need to do too.

Good luck! Mitch

[pianotuna]

I've never used one. But I don't keep connected either.

[time2roll]

Some campgrounds require the supports if you remain connected. In almost 20 years I have never used one and don't have one. Worst case buy it when needed at the camp store.