Emptying Holding Tanks

[TheCalicoCruise]

I was just wondering how hard it is to empty the tanks. It's something I need to know before buying an RV. I have cardiac issues and don't want to find out it's too heavy after it's too late. I guess what I'm asking is approximate weight of the tools involved. Thank you.

[Peg_Leg]

I have a bad back, one leg and eight trigger finger surgeries. The hardest part for me is twisting the connection to get the cap off.

Tnx Henry, I remember putting Vasoline on the rubber seal of the cap at one time. I didn't mention memory problems, guess I forgot. Hope I can remember to dig out the vasoline.

[Johno02]

Getting old is easy. Being old can be really tough!

[bikendan]

Instead of watching Robin Williams, go to YouTube and watch some tank dumping videos.
Then you can judge whether you'll be able to do it.

[Lwiddis]

"I have cardiac issues"

Dumping isn't physically taxing. Its part of RVing, not nasty. If you are still concerned go to an RV dump and watch.

[Henry]

TheCalicoCruisers wrote:
I was just wondering how hard it is to empty the tanks. It's something I need to know before buying an RV. I have cardiac issues and don't want to find out it's too heavy after it's too late. I guess what I'm asking is approximate weight of the tools involved. Thank you.

A strap wrench is handy sometimes when the snap on hose hangs up. I put Vaseline on mine to keep it easy to remove.

[myredracer]

Depending on what you want to get for an RV, you might also want to check where the outlet pipe(s) is located. Our main black/grey is under the end of the slide and hard to reach without getting on my knees. Handles aren't easy to reach either. Planning to relocate them one of these days.

We have a 2nd outlet for the galley grey tank. I always just lay the hose directly on the ground and walk it over to the galley outlet after dumping the black/grey. Not heavy at all or difficult in any way other than having to get under the slide to disconnect the hose.

Note that attaching/disconnecting the bayonet fittings can be difficult. You can get a pair of wrenches for some brands/types of sewer hoses tho.

Getting old just plain sux. Ask me how I know... 😞

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

Mortimer Brewster wrote:

Johno02 wrote:
..... like they say, s--- happens!

It certainly does. The girl in this recent news story can verify that. Talk about a date gone wrong!

That chick is hard core! Makes the pyramid of shame seem tame! :B

[TheCalicoCruise]

Thanks for all the replies. They have really helped. The last comment reminded me of the movie RV when Robin Williams was trying to empty the tank, LOL

[time2roll]

Dumping is probably not an issue and maybe something else is...
Rent an RV (class C?)for a long weekend and see how you do before you buy.
Trailers including fifth wheels also have challenges with hitching and unhitching.

[Mortimer_Brewst]

Johno02 wrote:
..... like they say, s--- happens!

It certainly does. The girl in this recent news story can verify that. Talk about a date gone wrong!

[Johno02]

Just don't understand some peoples attitudes towards dumping tanks. After all, Its just poop, and at least its your own. And lots better than changing diapers and kids, especially those of us that used and had to wash cloth ones. Done right, there is no mess and little odor. Of course, there are those times (and if it hasn't happened to you, it will) when something goes wrong, or a pipe comes loose..... like they say, s--- happens!

[Johno02]

I do ours all the time, and I am 77 years old and getting older. Do have to get DW to help with some stuff low to the ground, but we have managed so far. No real weight involved.

[Durb]

Don't get a RV with electric dump valves to make it easier. My experience is that about half the time you have to crawl under the trailer with a hex key to make it work. You can have a permanent macerator pump installed and the outlet would be a lightweight garden hose size hose.

[DanNJanice]

georgelesley wrote:
My 67 yr old 5' tall DW does ours all the time. We trade off who does what.

I wish I could get my 51 yo DW to help with mine. If it involves excrement (of any kind/animal) it automatically becomes my job:(