Waste tank emptying for beginner

[OttawaDon]

Hi folks. I will be a first-time hybrid owner in the spring. Very neophyte question, but I've never even seen how to go about emptying the trailer waste tanks. For example, when you're at the dumping station at the campground, do you just hook up a sewer line equipped with a pump (supplied at campground) to the lines below your trailer and empty?

I guess what I'm asking is do I need to purchase additional supplies like lengths of piping and a pump? I've seen the kits where you can pump the waste into portable tanks, they look handy, but what exactly do I need? Thanks for your patience with a very new beginner.

[Allworth]

And then how far would you have to walk home?

[Bobbo]

mileshuff wrote:
Worst I've seen is someone in a hurry opened the valve then realized he hadn't hooked up the hose yet. No spill since the cap was still on. So he closed the valve then brought the hose over to the TT and proceeded to remove the cap.

What would anyone else do knowing theres junk between the cap and the valve and you gotta take the cap off?

Ask DW to remove the cap while I get the widget out of the bathroom.

[mileshuff]

Worst I've seen is someone in a hurry opened the valve then realized he hadn't hooked up the hose yet. No spill since the cap was still on. So he closed the valve then brought the hose over to the TT and proceeded to remove the cap.

What would anyone else do knowing theres junk between the cap and the valve and you gotta take the cap off?

[Dakzuki]

Most importantly, do not rush the job and do not let yourself get distracted mid task.

I saw a guy rush it once (couldn't wait for me to clear the area) by stretching the hose banjo string tight. You can imagine what happened when it all came loose.

[Mvander]

Make sure the valves are closed before removing the cap. I saw this happen to the guy in front of me at the station this summer. Very messy.

[Tin_Pusher]

And don't bite your finger nails 🙂

[Bumpyroad]

throw away the stinky slinky and buy either a sewer solution or macerator pump and every third day or so get a FHU site.
bumpy

[doxiemom11]

And the dump stations usually have a hose with "non" potable water (means you can't drink it) to then fully rinse your hose. Disconnect it from your trailer while the other end is still fastened into the dump station , hold your end up and rinse with clear water. DO NOT EVER use a hose marked "potable" or drinking water to rinse your sewer hose!

[GMandJM]

And when you finish dumping, it is a good idea to flush your toilet a few times to
add some water to your black water tank. That is also when you will add the chemicals,
if you are using any to help break down the TP.

[OttawaDon]

Thanks folks, that makes it clear. no need for Doritos, I think I've got this. 😉

[jspence1]

Watch the movie RV they do a great job of showing you what not to do.

[Helimech]

I'll get the Doritos

[Road_Runners]

If you are going to a dump station at a park or wherever you only need the hose that attaches to your camper. The other end goes into the dump station receptacle. It is a good idea to purchase what they call a donut, which you put on the end of your waste hose. This donut then plugs into the dump station receptacle. It is not difficult. And, no you don't need a pump of any kind it all works on gravity.

Those portable tanks are used by folks who stay a long time in one place and don't want to move their camper to the dump station. Instead they put the waste in the portable tank and then pull that to the dump station. In the 15 years we have been camping we have never seen the need for portable tank, but we are road runners and don't stay a long time at any one place.

[jfkmk]

No pump required, it is all a gravity dump. Get a good sewer hose kit (I have a Rhino Flex, everyone has their own preference). Get a box of disposable nitrile gloves and always use them just in case. Let the black tank fill completely before you dump so the flow of the liquids helps empty the solids. Dump the black tank first. This will allow the water in the gray tank help to wash out the nasty stuff from the black. After the black tank is completely empty, close the valve and open the gray tank valve. Never leave any of the valves open while you're hooked up. For periodic cleaning, I bought a wand you put down the toilet. It has a spray head on it that spins and cleans the tank. It's all pretty easy, and the RV dealer should go over the whole thing with you. Just keep that black tank clean to avoid bad odors.