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RVing is a great way to see the country and explore new places, but it’s important to remember that you’re still responsible for your own waste. That’s why RVers need great RV portable waste tanks – so they can stay clean and avoid any unsightly or harmful messes. In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about purchasing an RV portable tote tank, including which one to buy and how to use them safely and effectively.
What Is An Portable RV Waste Tank?
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An RV portable waste tank is a device that allows RVers to store their gray water and black water until they can find a place to dispose of it properly. There are many different portable waste holding tanks on the market, so it’s important to do your research before buying one.
Who Needs An RV Portable Waste Tank?
RVers want to store their waste until they find a proper disposal location.
Many RVs come with a black or gray tank installed. RVers who don’t have a built-in tank will need to purchase a portable waste tank.
RVers want to camp in more remote locations without worrying about finding a proper disposal location for their waste. If you plan on camping without sewer hookups, you will need to dispose of your waste properly. It is not always convenient to move your entire rig whenever you want/ need to dispose of waste. In these types of situations, it is much more convenient to have a portable RV waste tank.
Our Top Picks For RV portable Waste Tanks
Camco Rhino 39002 Heavy Duty RV waste tank
-Capacity: 21 gallon
-Material: durable blow molded, UV stabilized HDPE
-Wheels: 2 wheels
- Transports Waste from Your RV/Trailer: Allows you to transport waste from your RV or trailer to a dump station; Ideal for when youre parked too far away for an RV sewer hose
- Includes: (1) 21 gallon tote tank, (1) large, durable handle, (2) oversized wheels, (1) tank rinser, (1) ladder hook, (1) 3-foot, super heavy-duty sewer hose with swivel bayonet and lug fittings, (1) 15-inch female to female orange Rhino grey water hose, (1) clear elbow with a 4-in-1 adapter, (1) clear double bayonet elbow, (3) storage caps, (2) caps with lanyards for rinse connections and (1) steel tow adapter Easy to Transport: Large, heavy-duty, no-flat wheels with bearings make transport smooth and effortless. A removable steel tow adapter allows you to easily roll the tote tank like a suitcase, or tow it slowly behind a truck or golf cart; Integrated Ladder Hook: Can sturdily clamp on to RV or camper ladder when not in use and the body of the tote tank features grooves to securely strap it in place
- Simple to Clean: The low drain hole ensures that the tote tank empties completely. The smooth interior is easy to wash off using the integrated tank rinser
- Measurements: Tote tank measures 20 ½-inches (L) x 13-inches (W) x 40-inches (H); Minimum Waste Height Hook Up: 13-inches
- Durable Construction: Constructed of extremely durable blow-molded, UV stabilized HDPE that won’t leak or deteriorate in the sun; Weight: 34 ½ lb.; Made in the USA; Patented
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
SmartTote2 35-Gallon 4 Wheels portable sewer tote
-Capacity: 35 gallon
-Material: polypropolene
-Wheels: 4 wheels
Barker 30844 4-Wheeler RV Tote Tank
-Capacity: 42 Gallon
-Material: Blow-molded polyethylene
-Wheels: 4 wheels
- Constructed from blow-molded polyethylene, zinc-plated steel and aluminum
- Front-mounted double wheel-swivel engineered for easy maneuvering and mounted on a heavy-duty, extra large mounting plate
- Designed to be a quiet and smooth rolling tote tank
- Equipped with a quality, 3-inch conventional waste valve for ease of use and dependable performance
- No longer do you have to lift up your tote tank to empty it, simply open the 3 waste valve
- Dimensions: 14.0 x 24 x
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Tote-N-Stor 25608 Portable Waste Transport
-Capacity: 25 gallon
-Material: plastic
-Wheels: 2 wheels
- Accessories stored in special storage compartment.The 25 gallon tank comes with 36 inches of 3 inches drain hose, 1 hose clamp and a tow bracket as standard accessories
- Completely assembled
- Rugged construction
- 25 gallons capacity
- Easy to carry with quiet rubber whe
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Thetford SmartTote2 40505 RV waste tank
-Capacity: 12 gallon
-Material: polypropolene
-Wheels: 2 wheels
- Compact, Easy-To-Use Portable Tote: Smart Tote 2 is a 12-gallon portable waste tank that allows you to empty the tanks without the need of moving the RV to the dump station.
- Rugged Design: Made of polypropylene, Smart Tote 2 comes with two durable rubber wheels and a built-in handle for easy maneuvering.
- Venting Port for Easy Emptying: Smart Tote 2 is fitted with a venting port that helps with the emptying process.
- Hitch Attachment Option: For easy transportation to the dump station, Smart Tote 2 can be fitted with a tow strap that attaches to the hitch of your vehicle.
- Does not include discharge h
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Features To Look For In A Good RV Portable Waste Tank
When you are RVing, there will be times when you need to store your waste. That’s why it’s important to have a good RV portable waste tank. Here are some of the features you should look for:
– A durable construction that can withstand being dragged across rough terrain
– Wheels for easy transport
– A hose and fittings so you can easily empty the tank
– A capacity that meets your needs – you don’t want to have to empty the tank too often
– A level indicator so you can see when the tank is getting full
– A warranty in case anything goes wrong with the product
What Size And Style of Tank Do You Need?
There are many different sizes and styles of RV portable waste tanks to choose from, so it’s important to know what you need before you buy.
You will need to purchase a portable waste tank that is the same size or larger than your RV’s black water tank.
If you plan on camping in more remote locations, you may want to consider a larger tank, so you don’t have to empty it as often.
You will want to make sure to choose one that can have a high enough capacity to hold enough waste and is easy to move around.
Which Is Better Two Wheels Or Four Wheels?
This is a matter of personal preference. Some RVers prefer four-wheeled portable waste tanks because they are easier for transporting the tow tank and don’t tip over easily. Others prefer a two-wheeled portable waste holding tank because they are lighter and take up less space.
What Materials Do Waste Tanks Come In? What To Choose?
ABS, polyethylene, and polypropylene plastic are the two most common RV portable waste tank materials.
ABS is a lightweight, brittle plastic that is not as durable as polyethylene.
Polyethylene is a more durable, heavier plastic that can withstand colder temperatures.
Polypropolene is a lightweight plastic resistant to chemicals and won’t absorb odors.
Choosing a durable material that can withstand being dragged across rough terrain is important. You will also want to make sure it can withstand the weather conditions in the area you will be RVing in.
When choosing an RV portable waste water tank material, you will need to consider the climate you live in and how often you plan to use your tank.
How Do You Transport Your RV Portable Waste Tank?
This will depend on the type of RV portable dump tank you choose.
If you choose a tank with two wheels, you can transport waste by carrying it or dragging it behind your RV or golf cart. We have seen people pull them behind their trucks. Be careful of speed. You could end up with quite a mess if you cause damage to your tank or hit a bump.
If you choose a tank with four wheels, you can transport it like a suitcase – wheel it around.
Read the manufacturer’s rating for towing. Most have instructions for speed and have a max tow rating set to 5 mph.
If you have a ramp, you could transport your tank to the bed of your truck.
How To Empty Your Tank?
- Connect the sewer hose to the sewer drain.
- Open the valve.
- Open the vent hole (this will allow air to flow).
- Once empty…close up shop. ***see video for more info.
How Do You Clean Your RV Portable waste Tanks?
If you’ve ever had to clean your RV’s black water tank, you know it’s not the most fun task in the world. But it is necessary if you want to keep your RV smelling fresh and looking clean. The same goes for portable waste tanks.
There are a few different ways that you can clean your portable tank. You can use a hose to flush it out or a plunger to suction the waste and fluids out. If you have a massive tank, you may be able to get away with just using water to rinse it out.
But if your tank is smaller, or if the waste is caked on, you’re going to need to use some cleaning solution. RV holding tank treatments are made specifically for this purpose and will help break down the waste and make it easier to flush out.
Once you’ve flushed out your tank, it’s a good idea to rinse it out with fresh water. This will help eliminate any residual waste and cleaning solutions left behind.
And that’s all there is to it! Cleaning your RV’s portable waste tank is not the most fun task, but it’s definitely something needs to be done regularly. Follow these steps, and you’ll have no trouble getting the job done.
Do I Need Any Accessories?
- replacement wheels
- bobber gauge
- tow bracket
- cap with vent
- bumper mount
- Sewer hose
- Fits 4 and 4-1/2 bumpers, Perfect for RVs without ladders.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
- Package dimensions :18.75 L x5.75 W x2.75 H
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
- Alerts you before overfilling
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Dumping Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts
When it comes to RVing, there are many things that you need to know to do it correctly. This includes everything from properly hooking up your RV to dumping your waste tanks. And believe it or not, there is etiquette involved in dumping your tanks. Who knew?
Here are a few do’s and don’ts when it comes to RV dumping etiquette:
Do:
-Dump your tanks in a designated dump station,
-Clean up any messes that you make while dumping
-Be courteous to others who are using the dump station
-Use gloves. Don’t spread germs
-Dump black first. Then gray
Don’t:
-Dump your tanks in a non-designated area
-Leave your RV unattended while the tanks are being dumped
-Block other RVs from using the dump station
Following these simple guidelines will help the RV dumping process smoothly for everyone involved. So next time you need to dump your tanks, be sure to keep these etiquette tips in mind.
How Often Do I Need To Empty My Tank?
This question can be difficult to answer, as it depends on various factors, including the size of your tank, the number of people RVing with you, and how often you are using your RV’s facilities. But as a general rule, you should try to empty your tanks at least every other week.
If you’re RVing in an area with no dump stations available, then you’ll need to empty your tanks more often. And if you have a large tank, you may be able to go longer between dumps. But it’s always best to err on the side of caution and dump your tanks more often rather than less.
No one likes having to deal with a full RV waste tank, so it’s best to avoid it if at all possible. You should keep your tanks empty and your RV smelling fresh and clean by following these guidelines.
What Happens If I Let My Tank Get Too Full?
If you let your RV waste tanks get too full, the consequences can be pretty unpleasant. Not only will it make your RV smell bad, but it can also cause damage to your RV’s plumbing system.
The best way to avoid this is to monitor your tank levels and dump your tanks when they get close to full. This will help ensure that you never have to deal with a tank that’s overflowing with waste.
How Do I Find Dump Stations Near Me?
RV dump stations can be found in many places, including RV parks, rest areas, and even Walmart parking lots. You can also find a list of RV dump stations online or using several different apps.
Ask someone locally if you’re ever unsure where to find the nearest dump station. They will likely be more than happy to help you out and may even know of a few places that you weren’t aware of.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for an RV portable waste tank, now you know everything there is to consider. By following our buying guide and considering the factors we’ve outlined, you’re sure to find the perfect tank for your needs. Have any questions? Let us know in the comments below!
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