portable holding tanks

[mamika]

What is the best portable holding tank to buy? Does two or four wheels make a big difference? Is the 27 gal. bigger in size to carry than the 18 gal?

[Ron3rd]

I have a 32 gal Barker, 2 wheeler. The 4 wheel models are seen on the bigger sizes as they can get very heavy when full. Barker works fine for me.

[mosseater]

I have the Barker 42 gal, 4 wheel tote. I put pnuematic tires on it like many here have, and it works great. The only problem I have is the height of the inlet relative to the trailer plumbing. Not much you can do about it but milk the hose when necessary. Macerator pumps and the like eliminate that. I don't use it often, but when I need it, it's much easier than breaking camp. Both my tanks are 40 gal, so one trip per tank and done. Usually only need to empty the gray. We can go a full week on the black.

[zigzagguzzi]

Too heavy! Jim

[wmoses]

2012Coleman wrote:
The first time I used it, I pulled it to the dump station by hand - never again!

Why? Were the looks accompanied by smirks? 😉

[2012Coleman]

bnk190 wrote:

2012Coleman wrote:
I always get looks when hauling it to the dump station - like people heave never seen that done.

I would be one of these people giving you looks. Until reading this post I never knew these could be pulled behind the truck. I had thought some how you lug it in the bed of the truck and I had no idea how that would take place. Learned something new today.

The first time I used it, I pulled it to the dump station by hand - never again!

[Boband4]

I have a Barker, 4 wheel. I really like the capability it gives me, because some of our camp outs dont have dump at each site, and this is easier than breaking camp to empty tanks. I only use it for grey water because I store it in the garage and dont want to stink it up. 3 things to consider: 1. The handle to tow it could be longer. I am tall, and would like it to be longer so I can more comfortably pull it by hand. 2. It can "rumble" when pulling it back, empty, from the dump, I think it would tow easier and quieter if I would get around to putting the lager softer tires on it. 3. The dump valve to empty the tank is on tne side, and a little bit of the tank is delow the valve so getting it completely empty can be difficult.

I bought a "gauge", which is a float that screws onto the tank vent, to get an idea of when the tankmis full. It doesnt work. If it is screwed in it blocks the vent and prevents the tank from filliing. If I loosen it so it vents the floating piece sticks. Dont bother with one of these.

I would recommend a 4 wheel tank with a dump valve on the end to ease tipping it up to get it all emptied out.

[Boband4]

I have a Barker, 4 wheel. I really like the capability it gives me, because some of our camp outs dont have dump at each site, and this is easier than breaking camp to empty tanks. I only use it for grey water because I store it in the garage and dont want to stink it up. 3 things to consider: 1. The handle to tow it could be longer. I am tall, and would like it to be longer so I can more comfortably pull it by hand. 2. It can "rumble" when pulling it back, empty, from the dump, I think it would tow easier and quieter if I would get around to putting the larger softer tires on it. 3. The dump valve to empty the tank is on tne side, and a little bit of the tank is below the valve so getting it completely empty can be difficult.

I bought a "gauge", which is a float that screws onto the tank vent, to get an idea of when the tank is full. It doesnt work. If it is screwed in it blocks the vent and prevents the tank from filliing. If I loosen it so it vents the floating piece sticks. Dont bother with one of these.

I would recommend a 4 wheel tank with a dump valve on the end to ease tipping it up to get it all emptied out.

[bnk190]

2012Coleman wrote:
I always get looks when hauling it to the dump station - like people heave never seen that done.

I would be one of these people giving you looks. Until reading this post I never knew these could be pulled behind the truck. I had thought some how you lug it in the bed of the truck and I had no idea how that would take place. Learned something new today.

[Mr_Beebo]

I have two of the 15 gallon Tote N Stores. 15 gallons is heavy enough for me and I only take one. They are two wheeled models. Works as advertised.

[2012Coleman]

I have a Thetford smart tote as well. The handle is made to fit over your ball for towing. I'm not squeemish about toting black water with it - it was made to do so. I always get looks when hauling it to the dump station - like people heave never seen that done.

[curveballer98]

i have a thetford smart tote... have had it problem free for 8 years now i think...i recommend the 4 wheeler...much easier to pull and i'd get one that's at the least the size of your largest waste tank or as close to it as you can get. has a nice metal handle that fits over the ball on my hitch.

[Jframpey]

I have a 50 gal poly drum (2actually), a macerator pump and adapters. I put the drum on the tailgate and pump away. Then it's off to the dump station. I thought it'd be cool with 100 gals. of waste tanks, but 2 drums take a lot of space. So now I take only 1!

[engine31]

We have the 27 gal 2-wheel version that I typically only use for grey water tank burping..but on occasion I have had to use it for the poop tank the two wheeled style works best for us as we are usually on a gravel or sandy site and once I get it righted on it's wheels the handle will fit right over the ball hitch with ease.

[wmoses]

I too have the Thetford Smart Tote 35 and FloJet macerator pump. Yet to put the adapters together though.