To portable dump tank or not to portable dump tank...

Had a tote with my pop-up. Glad to see that go when we sold it. And that was just grey water. With the current trailer I would have to make two trips a week with a larger tote. No thanks, I will move the trailer. And usually we do move every week anyway so not really an issue. I would pay the $20 for the honey wagon. Although if I could stretch the service to every 10 to 14 days I would be conserving water.

cyrus799 wrote:
I need a refresher course on how to dump RV tanks at home. How to dump RV tanks at home in an easy and safe way?

Hi Cyrus - Welcome to the forum.

Please start a new topic with this question.

I think you'll find pretty quickly that dumping the tanks is no big deal.

My only nugget of wisdom is to find something called a "twist-on valve" at Amazon or Camping World. This valve goes at the end of your dump line just before the cap and provides an extra level of insurance in case you accidentally left a valve handle open.

cyrus799 wrote:
I need a refresher course on how to dump RV tanks at home. How to dump RV tanks at home in an easy and safe way?

You should probably start a new thread for your question. There is a lot more info needed about your particular situation. First and foremost, do you have easy access to your septic clean out at your house?

Years ago we stayed at a state park near our kids. At that time we had a TT. I had a 32 gallon Barker that I left in the back of the pick-up. I used a macerator pump to empty the RV tanks into the Barker tank. This system worked well for us. To move the TT, with its small holding tanks, every time I needed to dump was a pain.

blaczero wrote:

dedmiston wrote:
a Silkwood shower

Hah! I wonder if anyone understands that reference.

Good one

I got it.
To the OP is there not a bath house where you are staying that can handle the dooty?

dedmiston wrote:
a Silkwood shower

Hah! I wonder if anyone understands that reference.

Good one

I can pretty easily go two weeks without dumping my black. And I would gladly pay $20 to not mess with the portable tank or to pack up and move.

I have a 20 gallon blue tote tank that I use for grey water. I attach it to my hitch ball and it follows behind the TV to the dump station. You could use a tote tank for your gray tank and have the black and gray tank dumped every 2 weeks.

dedmiston wrote:
I had a tote for years and it seemed like I used it more when we were rookies. But when we needed it, we REALLY needed it.

It was a disgusting hassle though. I'm not squeamish at all about dumping the tanks, but that tote was miserable. I remember having to take a Silkwood shower every time I used it, which kind of defeats the purpose of the tote.



I think we got rid of the tote after about five years of RVing and I've never missed it.

While I understand the larger totes can be more difficult to handle.
I think they make less mess. I finally graduated to a 42 gallon to transport the contents of my 40 gallon grey tank.
Knowing the tote will contain the entire contents of the tank is a game changer as it pertains to keeping the mess down and your hands clean ...and dry! :E
I kind of agree the Tote was a rookie era thing.
But my RV is now has bigger tanks. I have also become proficient in allowing the grey tank to back fill into the black tank.
Lately I seldom use my 42 gallon blue tote..

We're full timers, 5 months a year we cruise the SPs. Been thinking about getting a tote a dooty for a few years now, still thinking...