5 Top Pro Tips for Using Your RV Waste Tote Tank
You’ve purchased your very own portable RV Waste Water Tote Tank so now what? Well, using a tote tank may seem pretty cut and dry but there are a couple of tips and tricks you need to be aware of to avoid having a very messy day. So, let’s get to it.
Yep, you heard right, I had to modify the tote tank right out of the box to correct a critical but simple manufacturing misstep. So, check out that video here if you plan on purchasing this tote tank.
Since purchasing and modifying the tote tank I have to admit it’s a pretty solid unit and performs very well. I never thought having one of these tanks was all that important but I have to admit that we don’t miss having to close up the RV just to go to a nearby dump station.
Our Top 5 Tips:
- Pro-tip #1. Don’t overfill the tote tank. I like to stick around ¾ full or so. You’re going to have some residual in the hose and if you fill it all the way there will be nowhere for that residual to go except on the ground.
- Pro-tip #2. If you are dumping both black and grey tanks are sure to put black water in the tote first then follow with enough grey to “rinse” the hose. This is why tip #1 is so important. You need room in the tank for that small bit of grey water.
- Pro-tip #3. Make sure you open the vent cap on the tote tank to prevent pressure build-up and something called liquid lock. This is where things get a little stinky but it is very important to open that vent so you don’t end up getting a poop shower from the pressure built up in the tank.
- Pro-tip #4. Transporting the wastewater to the dump station is the most stressful part of this process. I say stressful because it is critical to get ALL the contents safely to the dump station. That said, it’s important to drive slowly while towing the tank. Now if you are able to drag it to the dump station by hand, like a wagon, then no worries, but if you have to tow it with a vehicle be aware of your speed. Camco recommends no faster than 5 miles per hour when towing my tote tank and from my experience that is plenty fast.
- Pro-tip #5. Drain the tote tank slowly. While dealing with your RV wastewater every fiber of your being will want you to get it done and over with as quickly as possible. DON’T RUSH. You never know if the dump station has a venting issue or clog somewhere so in order to avoid the poop shower as I mentioned in pro-tip #3, drain it slowly.
RV Waste Tote Tank
You’ve likely made multiple trips to the dump station to completely empty your RV waste tanks. Now, before you store your tote tank away, ensure you rinse it thoroughly.
Make sure to rinse the tank, hoses, and connectors, you’ll be glad you did. The Camco Rhino Tote Tank I have came equipped with a built-in rinse connection that is very handy but if your tote tank doesn’t have this simply rinse it out with the hose at the dump station.
I can’t stress this enough, NEVER use your drinking water hose to rinse black or grey water. This is a great way to transfer bacteria to your drinking water and you never want to put your family’s health in danger. Just don’t do it!
Overall, using your RV wastewater tote tank is pretty straight-forward and simple. Hopefully, with these pro-tips, you’ll avoid some of the mishaps we have all learned the hard way.
Items used in this episode
- Camco Rhino RV Waste Tote Tank
- Lippert 359724 Waste Master 20’ Extended RV Sewer Hose Management System
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