Dumping the holding tanks

[Bruce & Terry]

Was wondering how well the holding tanks empty! Our current Laredo 245RL takes forever at the dump site. The valves are hard to open & close too! In fact, the gray valve cable snapped not long after we purchased the unit, new. I'm hoping our new Reflections 29RS, will be much easier to dump and clean!

Our first RV was a HiLo, and you could literally hear the water whoosh out of the tank. Laredo has always been slow to empty and at times we questioned if all contents dumped!

Since we'll be dealing with 3 tanks now, I sure hope they function better!!

 

[LCBoyer]

Mine empty easily

 

[dchrist1733]

I have a Solitude 369RL have had it for two years and no problems with the tanks at all except sometimes the gauges are a little inaccurate but a little cleaner helps that.

 

[Bruce & Terry]

I noticed the dump levers are mounted in a compartment on side of the RV instead of underneath. Are the easy to opperate?

 

[Barbara & Dave]

I noticed the dump levers are mounted in a compartment on side of the RV instead of underneath. Are the easy to opperate?

Pull handle to open, push to close valve. Not much force required.

About the only problem I see is if you have a lot of other stuff in the compartment. Water hose, TV cables, etc., sometimes have to be pulled/pushed out of the way to get full extension (6" or so) on the valves.

 

[mtpocket]

My experience has been that the black tank has a low spot in it. It's always the first dumped but after traveling with all the valves closed be wary when opening. Others have put a valve at the connection where the hose connects. I have had the dealer look at the cables twice. One tank, not sure which is always harder to close. Cable has been rerun a couple of times.

 

[TucsonJim]

When our 337 was back in Indiana for service, they replaced the middle gray tank (shower) valve because it had manufacturing debris in it which prevented it from fully opening/closing. It works perfectly now.

If you believe you have a low spot in the tank that doesn't completely drain when you dump, you can pull up on a couple of 2x8 planks on the passenger side when you dump, and it will really help that.

 

[TNFLineage]

I have a Solitude 369RL have had it for two years and no problems with the tanks at all except sometimes the gauges are a little inaccurate but a little cleaner helps that.

We also have a 2 year old 369RL and noticed the gauges can be inaccurate from time to time. What cleaner are you using? Thanks.

 

[Bruce & Terry]

Would be interested to know what works too! Hubs & I just assumed sensors give false readings because of any sludge/film that might coat them. If there is a way to keep them clean, I would love to hear!

 

[Barbara & Dave]

Each time after I empty the black tank, I pour about a cup of dishwashing liquid down the toilet, followed by a generous amount (2-4 gallons est.) of water. This helps to liquefy the solids that are added later. Most places we camp have fairly hard water, so I also add 1/2 cup or so of a water softener (Calgon). This also helps to reduce odors.

I like to let the tank get 2/3 or so full before dumping. This lets some of the soapy water get high up on the sides of the tank, thus helping to clean them. This also means there is a strong flushing/rinsing action in the tank and drain pipes when I do empty the tank.

I've never tried the ice cubes in the tank cleaning method, but it should work.

Dave

 

[TNFLineage]

thanks for the cleaning tips.

 

[pauliwalnutz]

Not sure about anyone else but my Reflection 293 gray tanks are pretty slow to empty. Takes a very long time. My friends Reflection 303 is the same.

 

[Steve and Lynne]

Dave, is this in place of the commercial tank additives available at RV stores/dealers? If so, we like it!

 

[gordofuchs]

I would agree that the gages are somewhat unreliable at times. My gray tanks do seem to take an unusual amount of time to empty, considering that they are only gray with no solids. We have a 2015 Solitude 305RE.

Gord and Janet Fuchs
Presently at Davis Mountain State Park
Texas

 

[gr8daggett]

I never got around to installing these in my travel trailer.
Maybe I can get them in my 337RLS some day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXdZgFLO4hY

 

[Paul & Deb]

I never got around to installing these in my travel trailer.
Maybe I can get them in my 337RLS some day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXdZgFLO4hY

Mike, I needed to replace my black tank in my last trailer so I added those sensors. I can't say I was super impressed. They still had some times when they wouldn't read accurately but I think they were a little better than the OEM sensors. I also added a Tornado Rotary tank flusher. Now that baby was an upgrade. Worked so much better than the OEM tank flush system. I still can't understand why these manufacturers don't make these simple upgrades from the start. The Tornado flush is only a $30 part!

 

[gr8daggett]

Thanks
I agree. It is the little things that can irritate.