I'm new to the RV world and haven't messed much with septic systems so please bear with me. I am trying to rig up a septic tank for the camper that my fiance and I will be living in. As of now it's going to be stationary for at least a year or two. I have been trying to research about making your own system and am curious if anyone else has made this set up before. I was wondering if two 55 gal tanks would suffice for two people. Something along these lines with the two tanks plumbed or connected, however you want to say that, together. Then run a leach line from the second tank. We have a 2005 Forest River Cardinal 29rk, if that matters. Also we aren't in city limits, on our own private property.

Oklahoma has statewide regulations relating to septic systems. You'll need to get a permit from the state, have some soil tests done, have various inspections and sign-offs, etc. Professional design is likely a practical necessity, if not actually mandatory. I don't know exactly how things run there, but here in Vermont you're generally talking about tens of thousands of dollars. Two 55 gallon drums and a drain field would definitely not be an acceptable here. Fines and penalties for non-compliance are significant, too.See Title 252 of the Oklahoma Administrative Code Chapter 641, “Individual and Small Public On-Site Treatment Systems” for the details.

You sound smarter than my nephew, a high school drop-out. He was able to build a septic system without any hesitation. They are simple in design. Having enough leach field might be your biggest concern. Google is your friend here. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/496733033879165021/Another way to do it is bury a huge tank (250+ gallons) and have it pumped every so often, negating the leach field.

A DIY septic system is very likely not going to pass muster. Best to find out what is actually required by code before you do anything that will cost money.

I'm pretty sure he just wants to bootleg a system....not for permanent use.

I installed a plastic 55 gal drum with holes drilled in the sides starting about 15” from the bottom to the top. I sat the drum in a hole about 2’ larger in diameter than the drum. I lined the holes sides with plastic drain field mesh followed by filling the sides and top with 57 stone. Has worked as a separate tank washout and septic for family overflow from campers going on 12 years. Now it will not hold you dumping all your tanks at once but would hold a weeks worth of black water with no problem while letting the grays stay open all the time.

Waste/Sewage System | Good Sam Community

RLS7201
Explorer II
Jul 31, 2021
Interesting how RV owners have different experiences with their "Do Dads". We use NO chemicals in either waste tank and have no smell when flushing or dumping.
When flushing the commode, the water and waste create a down flow that creates a down flow of air that keeps the odor going down for a short period of time.
When we dump all connection are tight and the odor follows the waste to its destination. Your mileage may vary................

Richard
dougrainer
Nomad
Jul 31, 2021
mtofell1 wrote:
dougrainer wrote:

RV Holding tank chemicals are NOT for making it smell better. They are used the BREAK DOWN the solids. Doug

I'm no expert on the matter and am not saying you're wrong.... but, if you're right, why do all the chemicals come with varying scents if they are not intended to mask smells?

Well, I AM AN EXPERT:B They make them smell better because sewage is sewage if raw or broken down. If they did not use the scents, every time you flushed your toilet you would get a nice outhouse smell back into your RV. And, If no chemical when you dumped you would such a nice odor that you cannot really avoid no matter how diligent you are when dumping the system. For instance, GRAY tanks which almost nobody uses Chemicals in smells MUCH worse that Most Black tanks. This causes a lot of people to suspect a Black tank causing an odor in the RV when it is really the Gray tank odor. Doug
Dtank
Explorer
Jul 31, 2021
jdc1 wrote:
I'm pretty sure he just wants to bootleg a system....not for permanent use.

jdc1 - *If* your nephew - the HS dropout - is in also in CA, the "bootleg" system could result in hefty $$ fines for disposing of Bio-Hazards - as well as removal of waste by a Haz-mat vacuum truck -AND-
contaminated soil. (Violation/s of state and county codes).

OP - do serious research on your plan - as well as consideration (and cost) of the consequences if you proceed - where ever you are !!

:(..:(

.
Lynnmor
Explorer
Jul 17, 2021
mtofell1 wrote:
dougrainer wrote:

RV Holding tank chemicals are NOT for making it smell better. They are used the BREAK DOWN the solids. Doug

I'm no expert on the matter and am not saying you're wrong.... but, if you're right, why do all the chemicals come with varying scents if they are not intended to mask smells?

I believe that most holding tank treatments claim both odor prevention and breakdown properties.
mtofell1
Explorer
Jul 17, 2021
dougrainer wrote:

RV Holding tank chemicals are NOT for making it smell better. They are used the BREAK DOWN the solids. Doug

I'm no expert on the matter and am not saying you're wrong.... but, if you're right, why do all the chemicals come with varying scents if they are not intended to mask smells?
dougrainer
Nomad
Jul 15, 2021
DrewE wrote:
You don't actually have to use any chemicals in an RV tank, though they can be mighty helpful on cutting down on odors under some circumstances.

I wouldn't worry too much about upsetting the balance in a septic tank from RV holding tank treatment chemicals used in proper moderation. Septic systems see all sorts of household chemicals all the time, due to cleaning bathrooms, washing dishes, and other household tasks, and generally that causes no problems for them if they're properly designed and working correctly. Since not a few dump stations feed into (large) septic systems at RV parks, any tank treatment will be at least reasonably safe for them.

RV Holding tank chemicals are NOT for making it smell better. They are used the BREAK DOWN the solids. Doug
BarneyS
Explorer III
Jul 15, 2021
Moved to Tech Issues forum from DIY.
DrewE
Explorer II
Jul 15, 2021
You don't actually have to use any chemicals in an RV tank, though they can be mighty helpful on cutting down on odors under some circumstances.

I wouldn't worry too much about upsetting the balance in a septic tank from RV holding tank treatment chemicals used in proper moderation. Septic systems see all sorts of household chemicals all the time, due to cleaning bathrooms, washing dishes, and other household tasks, and generally that causes no problems for them if they're properly designed and working correctly. Since not a few dump stations feed into (large) septic systems at RV parks, any tank treatment will be at least reasonably safe for them.
Redeye2280
Explorer
Jul 15, 2021
What chemicals do you use in the RV that won't mess up the chemical balance in the septic tanks?
CharlesinGA
Explorer
Sep 07, 2020
You will not be able to leave the black tank dump valve open, as you will get a solid poop pyramid under that toilet as the liquid drains out. Allow the tank to fill with lots of water to help carry the poop out, and dump when the tank is full. In addition, use probiotics such as Tank Tech to help.

RVs were not made to be stationary or used constantly.

The tank, being pumped out every few months will be the easiest solution.

Charles

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