So here's the story. We went camping this week at a place with no sewer hookups so I couldn't flush out blank tank before we left camp. We have another trip coming up in two weeks. I was wondering if we could wait until then to dump and flush the black tank. I searched around and couldn't find any definitive answers so I figured I would ask the internet at large. How long can you leave waste in black tanks? What can go wrong if left for say a week? A month?Tell me your horror stories if you have them or your triumph of dumping 3 month old poop without any issues. Yes this is a serious post but thank you in advance for the laughs that I am sure will ensue.

If there isn’t a gas station or truck stop in your neighborhood to dump, I would suggest adding another dose of black tank chemicals in the next week.

I have gone over winter with the tank 1/4 full. just add a bit more water when you go to leave so it will swish around and dilute a bit more on the drive and then dump it when you can. I try not to do this, but it happens once and a whileSteve

Why tempt fate? Drain the tanks.

Two weeks in warm weather? Not me! I’d find a dump.

pianotuna wrote:Why tempt fate? Drain the tanks.Tempt fate? What in the world does that mean?-----They are poly/plastic tanks. It's not like poop is going to eat through it or cause some kind of explosion.Fill it with water to 3/4+ mark to dilute and wait till you get to the next campground to dump them. You just dont want the tank low and dried crud sticking to the walls.As previously mentioned, add tank deodorizer/cleaner with the fresh water.

Storing with blank tanks 1/4 full??? | Good Sam Community

wopachop
Explorer
Jun 30, 2020
All comes down to heat and smell. Been full timing about 3 years now. Never use black tank chemicals. On average probably dump the black once a month. Grey tank I open slightly and let drip to the ground when it gets full.
kellem
Explorer
Jun 30, 2020
Oh wow, the wife and I have been backyard camping for 20 years using the toilet.

Many times it goes 6 weeks before we make it to a campground to dump, no odors, no issues.

2 years ago I forgot to dump black tank while winterizing, 1/4 full all winter, no issues.

It's just a black tank.
Wishbone51
Explorer
Jun 30, 2020
Mine once sat for 3 years with a tank half full. Every once in awhile, I would check the water level to make sure it wasn't drying out.

When I had the trailer repaired and dumped the tanks, it dumped just fine. No smells.

What really surprised me was that the sensors were operating normally.
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Jun 18, 2020
512Climber wrote:
Thank you everyone for the helpful suggestions. To answer a few questions in the thread...

The campground we were at didn't have a dup station. They drive around a mini backhoe with a waste tank trailered to pump out waste they only pump on weekdays and we left on a Sunday.... hence 2.5 days with of poop accumulated. My son literally lit it up as soon as the dump truck pulled away.

As for a sewer hookup in my yard... unfortunately it's not an option in my town.

I like the idea of dumping in my home toilet. I'm going to look into that option.

Thanks to everyone for the help and suggestions.

Sewer Solution allows you to dump into any sewer clean out using a 3/4" hose. Research it on YouTube for more information. Not a fast way to dump but works great at home when You're in no hurry
512Climber
Explorer
Jun 16, 2020
Nearest to me is a little over an hour. So two hour round trip. Its not awful just would rather wait until the next trip if I can.

I've been adding a gallon of water a night through the toilet. Should be good and watered down by the time i get to jellystone.
CavemanCharlie
Explorer III
Jun 16, 2020
Yes, as long as you keep water in there so it doesn't dry out you will be fine.

Are you sure there is no where to dump closer to you then a 2 hour drive ??? I'm not from your area but, most of the small towns near me have a dump station some were. Though It might be behind a building or something and sometimes they charge you 5 or 10 bucks. Maybe call a few municipalities near you and ask.
spoon059
Explorer II
Jun 15, 2020
pianotuna wrote:
Because if it dries to the bottom of the tank it won't be pretty. He wants to store it for months.

He said two weeks, not months. OP, you'll be fine. If everything works correctly (your tank vents aren't blocked, you have a water seal on your toilet) you won't have any problems.

RV.net people are fanatically searching for a problem for which they can complain...
512Climber
Explorer
Jun 15, 2020
Thank you everyone for the helpful suggestions. To answer a few questions in the thread...

The campground we were at didn't have a dup station. They drive around a mini backhoe with a waste tank trailered to pump out waste they only pump on weekdays and we left on a Sunday.... hence 2.5 days with of poop accumulated. My son literally lit it up as soon as the dump truck pulled away.

As for a sewer hookup in my yard... unfortunately it's not an option in my town.

I like the idea of dumping in my home toilet. I'm going to look into that option.

Thanks to everyone for the help and suggestions.
Veebyes
Explorer II
Jun 15, 2020
2 weeks, don't sweat it. Add at least a few gallons of water & an extra dose of treatment if that makes you feel better then dump at your first convenient opportunity on the next trip.
Bob_Olallawa
Explorer
Jun 14, 2020
Only problem I can think of is poor installation of the tank. If it can't handle the extra weight you might end up having a problem. More so with more weight but it could happen with just 1/4 tank.

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Storing with blank tanks 1/4 full???

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