The Best RV Portable Waste Tanks to Easy Dump Your Waste

An RV is like a second home; the only difference is that it’s mobile. And while you go on a trip on your RV, you can’t bring the sewer system with you. This is a great problem as you’re bound to feel nature’s call every now and then. The good thing is that you can invest in the best RV portable waste tank so that you don’t have to think about how and where you’re going to dump your dirt.

With RV portable waste tanks, you no longer have drive to a dump station in order to eliminate the waste. Also, you can stay in places other than a campsite. But which one should you buy? With so many options in the market, it’s easy to get confused. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of top RV portable waste tank:

11 Best Portable Waste Tank for RV Reviews 2023

1. Barker 42 Gallon Tote Tank

This is one of the smoothest rolling tote tank I’ve ever used. I love its 3-inch conventional waste valve as it makes the tank easier to use and more dependable. I do not have to worry about lifting the tank in order to empty it. To do this, the valve only needs to be opened.

If you are going on a long road trip, I suggest that you get the 42-gallon tank capacity. It’s constructed of zinc plated steel, aluminum, and blow molded polyethylene. Thus, it is easy to clean. A little warning though: Some materials used in the construction of this tank is highly hazardous. You should not, for whatever reason, keep it within a child’s reach.

I got the Barker Tote Tank with plastic wheels. However, since they’ve upgraded into air-filled rubber wheels, I have had mine changed. With the new wheels, it’s much more durable. Also, it’s easier to maneuver it over rocks. I always hear people worrying about leakage and spillage. However, I’ve never had that problem with the Barker 42 Gallon Tote Tank, and I’ve been using the same model for more than five years now.

2. Camco Rhino Heavy Duty Portable Waste Tank

This remains to be one of the most top rated portable waste tanks in the market and for a good reason. It comes with many great features including its heavy-duty wheels and low drain hole. However, what I love most about it is its construction. Cam Rhino Waste Heavy Duty Portable Waste Tank is made from durable blow molded and UV stabilized HDPE material. It is designed to be tough from the inside out. This means that you won’t have to worry about leaking and deterioration even when the tank is often exposed under the sun.

Because the inside of the Cam Rhino Waste Heavy Duty Portable Waste Tank is smooth, it does not trap any stink. When you clean the waste tank, you can easily remove the smell. It also comes with an integrated tank rinser, which can assist you in cleaning it. This also means that liquid and solid waste can easily slide down from the tank. Emptying it can be done quickly.

3. Barker 32 Gallon Tote Tank

Barker is one of the most trusted manufacturers of RV waste tank. Thus, it’s hard not include another one of its product in this list. Unlike the 42 Gallon capacity tote tank, this one can only hold up to 32 gallon of waste. This means that you might have to go back and forth the dump station more frequently. On the other hand, it’s smaller and takes less space.

Like other Barker tote tanks, this one is made from zinc plated steel, aluminum, and blow molded polyethylene. It has wheels in front and at the back. Thus, pulling it towards the dump station is easy. Its sewer hose is 5 feet long. There’s also a tow handle.

I’ve only used this gallon tote tank once or twice because I prefer the bigger one for my long trips. As those experiences have taught me, it can function almost exactly as the other Barker product. However, I don’t think the sewer hose is made from the same material. The hose that came with this tote tank was obviously cheaper. I had no problems using it, but I knew it will not last long.

5. Tote-N-Stor Portable Waste Transport

The Tote-N-Stor Portable Waste Transport may look rugged, but it’s a highly reliable portable RV septic tank. It is made from the thick and solid HDPE plastic. It also has all the good features– completely assembled, steel tow bracket, quiet rubber wheels, and more. But what makes it different from the rest of the RV waste tanks in the list?

I should say that the Tote-N-Stor Portable Waste Transport has a genius design. It has a special storage compartment where you can store all accessories. If you are like me and you always misplace your things, this compartment is a great addition. In this compartment is the accessory kit including the 3-inch sewer hose, hose clamp, 3-inch cap, 15-inch garden hose, and straight adapter.

This waste transport comes with wheel kit. If you encounter any problems with your rubber wheels, you can replace some of its parts. If you don’t like personally pulling your waste tank, you can tow it with the use of the towing bracket. Unlike other waste transports, Tote-N-Stor Portable Waste Transport only has two wheels. This said, it is not suitable to move this item in some types of terrain.

6. Barker 30 Gallon Tote Tank

I have the Barker 40 gallon tote tank, but I have to admit that it is too big to bring on weekend trips. I have thought for a long while before I’ve finally decided to buy the 30 gallon. I have expected this to be exactly the same as the other one except for its size. In other words, it’s made from zinc plated steel, aluminum, and blow molded polyethylene.

This is more convenient for a 2 or 3 days of trip. You can also use it to hold gray water. However, if you are going away for a longer time, I don’t recommend this. You’ll only end up making lots of trips from the RV and to the dump station, which is both time-consuming and tiring.

Unlike larger Barker tote tanks, this one only comes with two rubber wheels. Still, it’s easy to pull or tow the tank to the dump station. I don’t have problems emptying it as well. However, four-wheeled Barker tote tanks can get you to the destination more quickly. It also comes with a pull handle and flushing hose, which are handy. When I want to lift or reposition the wheel of the tank, I only have to pull the handle. This helps prevent straining my back.

7. Thetford SmartTote2 27 Gallon Waste Tank

Versatile, accessible, convenient, and innovative– these are the words I’d use to describe this portable waste tank. The rugged design with its extendable handle are what I really love about it. It can hold up to 27 gallons of waste, so it’s quite small. And because you can also fold the handle, this thetford portable waste tank can be easily stored when not in use. It’s obvious that Thetford spent a lot of time thinking about its design.

Right after you get the product out of the box, you can directly use it. There’s a comprehensive manual that comes with the waste tank, which definitely helps. The tank is easy to fill and tow behind a trailer. However, I prefer to store it in my RV and manually pull it to the dump station when I need to empty it.

I’ve used this tote tank about 6 times during my previous road trips, and it still works great until now. The only reason I’ve bought another portable waste tank is because this one does not hold a lot of waste. I had to go back and forth the RV and the dump station to completely empty my holding tank. I also find the tank quite flimsy, so it’s surprising that it has not been broken after being used for too much.

8. Tote-N-Stor 4 Wheeler Waste Transport

Tote-N-Stor promises to provide a waste water storage that is easy to use and maneuver, and they do not disappoint. It is made from plastic, so you can be sure that it’s less susceptible to corrosion and cracking. Meanwhile, it has four wheels made from rubber, making an easy and quiet trip to the dump site.

Like other Tote-N-Stor waste tanks, this one comes with a low-profile design and a compartment storage. In here, you’ll find the complete accessory kit include two garden hose caps of varying sizes, a hose adapter, garden hose, a waste drain hose, and some clamps. The tow bracket of this waste transport might not be the best in the market. However, it is interesting that it never touches the ground. Thus, it’s always kept clean. Also, you don’t have to completely bend down in order to get it.

For a portable waste tank, I’d say that Tote-N-Stor 4 Wheeler Waste Transport does its job quite well. You don’t have to exert much effort in using or pulling it. Its stable design greatly helps. With a capacity of 38 gallons, you can also take it with you when you are going on longer trips. It is durable and can last for months.

9. Thetford SmartTote2 35 Gallon Waste Tank

Thetford Corp. is known to be one of the leading manufacturers of mobile sanitation products. I think they’ve managed to live up to their name. Thus, they earned another spot in this list. Made from polypropylene, this portable waste tank can work with almost any types of RV. It comes with impressive features– universal bayonet, retractable discharge hose, AutoStopTM gauge, and more.

The first time I’ve used this waste tank, I found that it’s easy to use. It can be filled and emptied quickly, which is a huge advantage. When I was transporting it from the camp to the dump station, the discharge hose, which is retractable, is kept in place by a rubber strap. Is it weird that the hose is already attached to the tank? I did not find it so. In fact, I’m pleased as it has made things easier for me. I don’t have to connect, detach, and reconnect the hose every time I’m using the tank.

I’d like to put more emphasis on the AutoStopTM gauge of this portable waste tank as well. It’s inventive of Thetford to add it in the construction of the tank. The AutoStopTM gauge and the 90-degree elbow nozzle work together in order to improve the speed in which the tank is emptied.

10. Thetford SmartTote2 12 Gallon Waste Tank

If you’re going out for one-day or two-day trip, then this waste tank might be sufficient for your needs. Although I usually don’t recommend smaller tanks as they don’t give you much leeway for extra waste, I have to add this one because, like other Thetford products, it comes with amazing features. This tote tanks is made from polypropylene. You can use it to empty your gray water or black water holding tanks so that you don’t have to drive your RV to the dumping station.

When I received this waste tank, I immediately noticed that it did not come with a hose. Thus, I’ve only used it for gray water. If you’re planning to use it with black water, you might have to buy your own hose. This said, I’m assuming that the Thetford 12 gallon waste tank is meant for gray water.

The tank comes with two rubber wheels and a handle, so you can easily pull it to the dump site. It also comes with a tow strap, which you can use to hook to a trailer. However, this is optional, and I haven’t used it so far.

What do I love this product? It is small and does not come with as many accessories as other Thetford products in this list, but it works. It works because it is designed to do so. I had filled the tank fully and pulled it across an undesirable terrain, but it was able to withstand the incursion. This left a great impression on me as it said a lot about the portable tank’s durability.

10. Alpha Systems Holding Tank

You might think that the Alpha Systems holding tank is misplaced in this list. However, it has rightly gained its place here.

Being advertised as an RV waste holding tanks, it has a thickness that makes it highly durable. This tank can hold up to 33 gallons of waste. It is made from blow-molded HDPE and is built to meet the standards of the Canadian Standards Association and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). This said, you can trust in this waste tank’s reliability and functionality. I’ve been using it for a long time now, and it’s still in the best condition.

4. VINGLI Portable Tote Tank

I would say the VINGLI Tote Tank is a multipurpose container suitable for an RV family’s various needs.

As a portable black water tank RV transport system, it has enough features to make water and waste management more efficient for full-time campers.

Like many portable gray water tanks, this product has large casters to make transporting sewage more convenient. Its dual 6.7-inch wheels should make it easy to pull this tote tank on craggy terrain, grass, and sand. RVers will never worry about carrying their wastewater to the dump station because of this product’s rollers.

I like its high-density polyethylene construction with a food-grade rating. Unfortunately, some RV owners confuse this with a container for holding drinking water.

Although the plastic is food-safe, the brand insists that people use the product only to transport clean or freshwater for washing dishes and other activities that aren’t drinking.

I once had a used portable RV waste tank, and refilling and emptying it was cumbersome. This tote tank addresses such concerns because it offers multiple openings for filling and draining.

RVers can use the 4.7-inch port for super-quick filling of the tote tank or the ½-inch-wide faucet port for slower refills. There is a three-inch quick-draining port and a ½-inch slow-emptying opening, too.

Cleaning is also effortless because the multiple openings allow for simultaneous filling and draining. Weighing only 9.3 pounds, this container is easy to shake and carry. Adding to the convenience of transporting this tote tank is a hidden grab handle at the tank’s bottom.

Unfortunately, the openings do not have rubber seals. Leaks can be an issue if RVers do not tighten the caps before transport.

What to Look for When Buying an RV Portable Waste Tank

There’s a lot of things you have to consider when buying the best RV portable waste tank. You don’t want to end up with something that you actually can’t use or is an inconvenience to you. So before you make a purchase, consider the following things:

Type of Tank

Most tanks can hold both gray water and black water. However, there are specialized RV tanks that can only hold one of them. Be sure to check the description of the product before you buy it. While buying the wrong tank might not make a big difference if you’re going to transfer gray water, it’s a big deal if you are handling black water.

Materials Used

Portable waste tanks can be made from several different materials. However, the most common ones are plastic and polyethylene. Plastic is less prone to cracking and corrosion, which is often the problem with metal tanks. Meanwhile, polyethylene has the optimal usage capability as it provides the right thickness and prevents odor from reeking through its walls.

Ease of Use

Most RV waste tanks come with flush valve, which you can hook to the hose and run. This will automatically flush waste out of the tank. In its absence, you have to do the labor manually or buy a separate tank flush valve. It’s important that the tank does not clog, so read reviews about the ease of emptying the tank.

Portability

Portability should be one of your top priorities when buying a tote tank. There are tanks that come with no wheels, two wheels, or four wheels. The more wheels that tank has, the easier it is to tow it. However, you also have to consider the wheel material; rubber wheels are much preferred.

Length of Your Trip

If you are going on a trip for more than three days, then you should bring with you a portable waste tank with at least 40 gallon capacity. If you are only going to be out for the weekends, a 30-gallon waste tank is good enough.

Budget

You can’t spend too much money on a waste tank especially if it’s not going to last long. An expensive product does not always mean a durable one. Check the reviews to gauge the product’s durability and determine whether or not it’s worth the price you’ll be paying it for.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If it’s your first time buying and using a portable waste tank, it’s natural that you have questions you want answered. Here are commonly asked questions as regards this product and their answers:

What is an RV portable waste tank?

There are two types of water that you want to dispose of while you are in travelling in an RV– gray water and black water. Gray water is wastewater from the shower, sink, etc. Meanwhile, black water is collected waste from the RV toilet. There are several ways to dispose of gray and black waters, but the most effective on is using an RV portable waste tank.

An RV portable holding tank collects both waste liquids and solids from the RV. You can easily attach it to your RV and fill it up until it’s almost full. If you don’t want the tank to stink, you can add tank treatment chemical. Because it is portable, you can tow it towards the dump station, where you’ll dispose of the waste. This tank is in demand among people who frequently go on road trips because it’s convenient and easy to use.

You can use two different tanks for gray water and for the black water. The advantage of doing so is that you’ll be able to use the gray water in cleaning the portable black water tank. However, you’d have to tow two tanks at the same time. Of course, you can also store all your waste in a single tank.

How does It work?

One thing that you will surely love about owning and driving an RV is that it lets you travel anywhere in utmost convenience. The problem is that you can’t expect all campsites to be created equal. There are times when their dumpsites are too far from your RV, making it hard for you to reach them.

If you want to avoid such hassle then investing in the right portable waste tank can do you a lot of good. It promotes ease in accessing dump stations while also providing you with flexibility by ensuring that you can reach the mentioned stations without the need to move the whole vehicle.

So how does it work exactly? Well, the answer is that it basically functions by letting you empty the black or grey tank of your trailer or motorhome into the portable waste tank. It does so to ensure that you can transport the content into the dump station. With that, you have an assurance that it promotes longer camping trips.

It is mainly because you no longer have to relocate every time there is a need for you to empty the tanks in your recreational vehicle. In case you need something for both your black or gray water storage then the portable sewer tank is ideal for you.

In most cases, it has odor tight hoses as well as valves that satisfy the municipal regulations regarding the use of RVs. With that, you know that it can help you and your loved ones have a pleasant experience while on the road.

What are the different types of RV portable waste tanks?

Now that you have an idea about how the portable waste tank for recreational vehicles work, it is time to gather information about its different types and what each one is designed for. Note that each of these waste tanks requires sanitizing and cleaning, so ensure that you include such activities in your regular RV maintenance tasks.

Grey tank – This specific tank works by holding water that has already moved down the sink or shower drains. Such includes water utilized to wash dishes, shower, and cook. The water stored in this tank is called grey since even if it has already been used, it is still safe to say that it is not fully dirty.

With that in mind, it is still possible for you to dispose of it through different means. One way is to connect to a sewer line while you are in large camping grounds. Another option is to flush it out into vegetation provided this move is allowed. However, take note that grey water is often composed of food particles as well as other wastes.

This might cause odors to build up inside the tank. You can minimize or prevent that risk with the help of a tank treatment. It is also advisable to flush out this tank thoroughly when emptying.

Black tank – This specific tank holds waste and water coming from your toilet, which is the main reason why you are only allowed to dump it at sites specifically designed to handle black water. If you are not emptying or cleaning it yet, it is necessary to tightly close the dump valve of this tank.

It is mainly because of the risk of accumulating solid wastes in case the water drains away slowly. This can lead to blockage, eventually, which is difficult to clean. It is possible for you to invest in chemicals that you can add to this tank.

Such chemicals can help regulate the odor while aiding in breaking up the solid matter. With that, emptying the tank when necessary will be easier.

Polyethylene waste tank – In terms of the materials used, one type of portable waste tank for RVs that you can choose is that constructed out of polyethylene material. One thing that makes this type of waste tank stand out is its solid construction. Despite being solid and durable, it is still lightweight.

What is good about this tank is that it is capable of keeping up in cold temperatures, such as the winter. You can also commonly find it in the market because aside from being totally functional, it can also resist various elements. It is long-lasting and suits various kinds of RVs, tiny homes, campers, cabins, and motorhomes.

Polypropylene holding tank – You can also go for the holding or waste tank made of polypropylene material. Just like polyethylene, the polypropylene material is also durable and lightweight. One strong advantage of this waste tank is that it is highly resistant to the elements and harsh compounds.

You also have a guarantee regarding its non-toxic nature. It also promotes long-term use because it is heavy-duty, allowing it to perform its function in RVs, trailers, and campers for quite a long period.

When it comes to choosing the right RV waste tanks, whether it is the black, the grey, or any other tank, it would be best to go for the portable ones. What is good about portable waste tanks for RVs is that they offer flexibility as far as extending your trip is concerned.

It is mainly because you can empty your black and gray tanks while on a trip with its help. One great thing about these portable waste tanks is that they are available in different sizes. You can find small tanks that can only hold approximately six gallons. You can also go for bigger ones that can hold a max of 32 gallons.

It is also possible for you to find large yet portable tanks that come complete with wheels, thereby promoting ease of transport to a dump site. You can also choose those tanks with two wheels installed at the rear as well as a durable carry handle integrated in front.

Such tanks are often designed in such a way that you can tow them by hand. Others, on the other hand, feature four wheels as well as a longer tow handle. You can also tow these by hand. However, several RV owners choose to attach them into a hitch found on their vehicle then slowly drive to reach the dumping station.

What are the benefits of RV portable waste tank?

Admittedly, emptying a septic holding tank is not an appealing task. So why should you do it instead of camping in a place with public bathroom facilities?

For one, there are destinations that simply don’t have an established camp. You can’t simply dump your waste in random areas. There’s also the chance that you have to go to the bathroom even when you are still far away from the camp. In both cases, an RV holding tank becomes handy. If you’re still not convinced that you need one, here are three benefits of a portable waste tank:

Convenient: Imagine waiting in line the sewer trap even if you really have to go to the bathroom already! The wait can be excruciating. However, you can avoid it if you have a holding tank with you. Yes, emptying its contents later on can take time, but you can at least do it at a time of your choice. Nature’s call, on the other hand, is not always in your control.

Environmentally-Friendly: There is a considerable amount of water that you can save as you learn to limit the amount of water you use according to the size of your waste tote. Also, it’s easier for you to measure water used if you do so by counting the trips you make to and fro the dump station. If you are to buy a waste tank, just make sure that it’s made from environmentally friendly materials.

Clean: Nobody likes a mess. You particularly have to be careful when you are camping with other people. Luckily, the waste tank can keep gray water and black water in a single location. As for the smell, you can control it by using a treatment chemical. Cleaning the tank comes easy as well. You have to empty the black tank before the gray tank so that you can use gray water to clean the first tank.

So you have a holding tank, why should you buy an RV tote tank? The primary reason for this is that bringing your RV to the dump station is not always convenient. Sometimes, the road gets too narrow. With a portable waste tank, you can easily navigate your way there.

Where can I empty my portable RV waste tank?

We must always empty their grey water portable tanks in approved and designated dump stations. This rule also applies to RV waste from the black holding tank.

RVers can also check out RV dump stations throughout the country. These online resources provide critical information on where people must bring their portable camper waste tank units for proper disposal.

Performing a Google search can also provide us with critical information about waste dump stations in any area. Alternatively, one can call the campground or RV park in advance to learn if they have a dump station. RV rental companies can also have this information available to lessees.

Every RV park and campground should have a waste dumping facility connected to a sewage treatment plant. Campers must never empty their portable RV waste holding tank units in bodies of water, open lands, and other non-designated areas.

Doing so introduces pathogenic microorganisms, heavy metals, toxins, and other harmful substances into the ecosystem.

How do I prevent black water tank clogs and waste tank clogs?

We should avoid lack of water and waste tank clogs to keep their motorhomes smelling fresh and free of harmful substances. The following tips can prevent obstructions in a black water camper dump tank.

• Keep the tank valve closed unless you are emptying the black water tank.
• Use an RV black tank cleaner and treatment formula with biologically active ingredients, such as bacteria and enzymes. These microorganisms break down organic matter, preventing clogs in the black water tank.
• Avoid cleaning the RV toilet with hand soap, antibacterial dish soap, and chemical agents because these substances can counteract the biologically-active RV black water tank treatment.
• Be generous in flushing the RV toilet by pressing and holding the flush pedal for ten to fifteen seconds.
• Maintain the RV ambient temperature at 45 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit to promote microbial action in the black water tank.
• Flush or rinse the black water tank after emptying the contents into a dump station.

RVers can observe the following tips to prevent gray water tank clogs.

• Scrape all utensils, dishes, and pans before rinsing them in the RV kitchen sink.
• Cover the kitchen sink drain with a strainer.
• Clean the gray water tank periodically.

Is an RV portable waste tank necessary?

Yes, owning an RV portable waste tank is necessary. You need it especially in both remote sites and camping grounds. One reason behind your need for an RV portable waste tank is that it promotes ease in wastewater or black water transport. Wastewater is often a huge concern among those who usually camp in their RVs.

This is something that you can avoid worrying, though, if you own a holding tank, which allows you to transport black water easily from your vehicle to the dumpsite in a campground. This is especially useful if you park in a place, which is far from the dumpsite. In this case, the tank is a big help, particularly that with wheels.

Another reason behind the need for a portable waste tank in your RV is that it promotes a high level of health and sanitation. It can help ensure that wastewater and black water will be in their right places, thereby preventing flies from penetrating your vehicles.

With that, you and the ones you are with during your trip are guaranteed to be safe from health concerns brought on by improper sanitation. The fact that it is one of the vital components in your RV’s sanitation system also means that the waste tank promotes utmost convenience and comfort while you are on the road.

It can help ensure that your RV environment will be clean. There will be no insects flying around because of leaks caused by grey or black holding tanks. With that, you will not only feel comfortable but also attain peace of mind.

What are good portable waste tank brands?

You will never run out of choices if you are searching for the perfect portable waste tank brand for your recreational vehicle. It is because you can find numerous brands of this wastewater tank. One great brand is Camco, which offers portable waste tanks with plenty of excellent features including their heavy-duty wheels.

You can also choose the best rv portable waste tanks offered by the Thetford brand. What is good about the tanks that this brand offers is that they are not only innovative but also versatile and convenient to use. Other famous brands that you should check out are Barker, Tote-N-Stor, and Alpha Systems.

How to dump an RV black tank?

Dumping your RV’s black tank can ensure that your vehicle will be free from wastes. Fortunately, this is not too hard to do. The first thing to do is to pull your vehicle into a dump station. Your goal is to put the black water output close to the dump station. Wear your disposable gloves then check the tank’s valve to ensure that it is shut tightly.

The next thing you ought to do is to connect the sewage pipe or hose in your RV into the right output. Ensure that you are connecting to the tank specifically designed for black water. Also, the hose needs to be tightly clamped with the help of an extra ring clamp.

The next step is taking the other end then using a pipe elbow as a means of connecting it into the dump facility. This step promotes ease in connecting the pipes while also preventing or minimizing the risk of spills. After clamping down everything, release the valve of the tank.

Doing that will let you hear wastes flowing out. Allow them to continue flowing until there is no longer sound from this activity. The next step involves flushing your toilet for a few times to ensure the removal of all the wastes. Flush the gray water tank afterward.

Once done, you can refill both the water tanks (the black and the grey) with water then flush it again in case you wish to fully rinse them. The next step is shutting off the release valves of the black and grey water. The hose from your RV should then be reconnected.

Rinse the dump hose as well as the dump area in case there are spills. Put the dump hose into its storage area. Move your vehicle from the area then use some enzymes or chemicals designed to treat the tank.

How to empty your RV holding tanks?

Emptying your RV holding tank is possible by following simple steps. Make sure to prepare a sewer hose as well as some gloves designed to protect your hands prior to starting the process. Look for the valves on the outer parts of your vehicle. Here, you will see clear marks, like the black and the grey.

Hook the hose to the RV’s valve. Get the other end then secure it into the sewer and fasten it tightly on two ends prior to pulling the valve. You should then begin the emptying process with the black waste tank. Keep in mind that the wastewater in the toilet is directly dumped into this tank.

You can then start the emptying process by pulling the valve first then allowing the tank to drain. The valve should then be completely closed after fully draining the tank. After shutting it down, you can pull the valve of the grey tank and do the same steps and process to empty it. Close the valve completely right after the process.

Do I need holding tank chemicals or treatments?

Chemicals or treatments for your RV holding tank actually use various methods as a means of masking or getting rid of offensive and foul odors caused by the breakdown of waste. The best chemicals and treatments, in this case, are the following:

Chemical treatments – These are actually the most commonly used holding tank treatments as they are capable of providing the perfect odor control. Some of the treatments in this category contain chemicals designed to kill bacteria.

You can also find those that use chemical reactions with the aid of odor-causing molecules as a means of deodorizing the tank. What is good about these treatments is that they are less expensive than other treatments.

It is also easy to find those that have additives designed to dissolve water. You can add these treatments in the tank without having to clean it first.

Enzyme treatments – You can also choose enzyme treatments that are known to accelerate the process of digesting the organic materials found in waste while neutralizing their odors. One advantage of enzyme treatments is that they have an extremely low toxicity. The treatments are good for the environment, too.

Some of these treatments are also designed in such a way that they can emulsify sewage and paper. Just make sure that you add them to the tank regularly. You can also expect them to work perfectly in a well-ventilated system. Avoid using it during cold or hot climates.

Nitrate treatments – With the help of these treatments, you can speed up the process of breaking down water and waste while minimizing the risk of producing odors. The treatments make use of nitrates that are known to be environmentally friendly.

These are perfect for systems that have less ventilation. Before using the treatments, ensure that the waste tank is free from residuals taken from other treatments or products.

Bioactive treatments – What is good about these specific treatments is that they contain live aerobic bacteria designed to break down waste quickly and effectively. They can break down sewage and continue working for a long time even after completing the treatment process.

How to clean RV black tank sensors?

The black tank sensors in your RV function by sending you alerts in case it is already time to dump your black water tank. With that, you need to clean the sensors often to ensure that they will continue functioning as promised. The first step in cleaning it up involves draining the contents of your black water holding tank.

The next step is clamping a sewer hose into the adapter, which is designed to fasten into the drain outlet of the tank. The hose’s opposite end should then be run into the waste dump. Refit the drain outlet cap into the tank.

Fill the black tank with water, reaching up to the one-third mark. You can measure that by checking out the levels of the sensor. Prepare a half cup of a dishwashing detergent then pour it into your toilet. You should also prepare another half cup of the detergent and pour it into your kitchen sink.

Each half cup of detergent poured into either the toilet or the kitchen sink should be followed with one gallon of water. Flush it down so this will promote a cleaning action that will clean the black tank sensor thoroughly. Wait for around sixty minutes or the amount of time required to reach your destination.

How to choose the right size?

When deciding the size of your portable waste tank, you must consider the length of your trip and your bowel health. How often do you have to go to the bathroom? How long will you be on the road trip? As much a possible, you have to buy a portable tank that will allow you to drain all the content of your gray and/or black tank into it.

If you want to be on the safe side, you can simply buy the biggest waste tank. However, this will add weight to your RV. Weigh in your options carefully.

How to use a portable waste tank?

First of all, wear hand gloves. Then, connect the sewer hose of the portable tank to the holding tank of the RV. Make sure that you are connecting it to the right valve; check the “gray water” and “black water” labels. Fasten the hose carefully. Then, you can start draining the tank.

Once the portable waste tank is full or after you’ve drained the RV holding tank, it’s time for you to close the portable waste tank. Pull or tow it to the nearest dump station.

After which, you can empty the waste tank. How to do it usually depends on the tanks manual. For standard waste tanks, you have to turn on the flush valve and let the tank drain. Wait until no more waste, liquid or solid, is coming through the hose.

Lastly, before you shut the portable waste tank back, you have to carefully clean it.

Note: If there are any spills during the transfer of waste from the holding tank to the portable waste tank, check all equipment. You might need an RV holding tank replacement or a better portable waste tank.

How to clean RV portable waste tank?

Cleaning a portable waste tank can easily be done. First, you have to add bleach and water to the RV holding tank installation. Run the water until the bleach has completely mixed with it. Allow it to sit for 24 hours. Then, drain the bleach water. Keep the tank open until the bleach smell is gone. Add treatment chemical to hide the smell of the waste that you are soon to fill the portable waste tank. A couple drops of the chemicals will be sufficient to hide the smell.

Conclusion

Dealing with waste is one of the few unpleasant parts of a road trip. Once you get used to it, you’ll realize that it can easily be done and does not really take too much time. You only have to have the right equipment. Thus, a reliable portable waste tank is necessary.

Hopefully, this guide has helped you pick the best RV portable waste tank to buy for your own needs. Knowing your travel and bowel habits can greatly aid you in making your decisions. Of course, you should also take into account other factors as well. Once you have bought one, it’s important that you learn how to clean and maintain it. If you don’t, it can easily break.

We would like to thank you for reading this article. Find out more about how to choose the most trusted RV macerator pumps, RV toilet papers and RV toilets with our reviews and ratings. Furthermore, please take a look at the top-rated RV sewer hoses and RV holding tank treatments to choose the best one for your RV waste water and sanitation.

William Turner

Hi, I am William Turner, a junior color consultant. My work is to create designs that make visual impacts as desired by clients. I am here to introduce you to the current color trends and combinations that create the right mood for your rooms.