First Time Black Tank Use

Extreme

Extreme

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Joined
Sep 12, 2020
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152
Location
Riverside, California
At the end of the month we pick up our 2500rl and after 3 days on the road we will be bringing it home.
Question is what do I do to the Black Tank for its VERY first use? :confused:
Keeping in mind I"ll be dumping it at the end of the 3rd day due to we won't be taking the rig out for another 14 days.

After that we will be taking 4 day trips once every month until August when we will be camping for 3 weeks straight in Colorado.
I'm a Newbie to all this type of camping. Appreciate any help you can give. :)
Thanks
 
nothing special...just ensure there is an adequate amount of water in there before you begin using it....I typically like to put 5 gallons or so in the tank. I also use one of the Porta-Pak dissolving deodorizers as it helps break down the solid and TP. My unit came with a bottle of Thetford Bio holding tank treatment when I picked it up. So yours may as well. If so, that will get you thru your first 3-day trip.

Before you dump it, I would add a bunch of water until it is at least 2/3 full and leave that in the tank while you drive to the dump station. it will help agitate things and aid in breaking up any larger chunks for easier removal. Always dump your black tank first and shut the valve before you dump your grey tank(s). The grey tank water will somewhat rinse out the plumbing and sewer hose so it is less of a mess to deal with...
 
Extreme said:
At the end of the month we pick up our 2500rl and after 3 days on the road we will be bringing it home.
Question is what do I do to the Black Tank for its VERY first use? :confused:
Keeping in mind I"ll be dumping it at the end of the 3rd day due to we won't be taking the rig out for another 14 days.

After that we will be taking 4 day trips once every month until August when we will be camping for 3 weeks straight in Colorado.
I'm a Newbie to all this type of camping. Appreciate any help you can give. :)
Thanks
Click to expand...

Look for a dump station and dump on your way home. Some places will charge a minimal fee, $5 or so, but many are free.
 
Always "recharge" (add water and choice of chem) after dumping. Never leave black tank empty. JM2C
 
So when the Black tank is not in use I should keep water in it?
How much clean water should I leave in it?
Our Black tank is 45 gallons.
 
So you leave 5 gallons in the Black Tank even if the Rig is not going to be used for 4 months?
What about the Fresh Water and Waste Water tanks, do you leave water in them too?
 
Extreme said:
So you leave 5 gallons in the Black Tank even if the Rig is not going to be used for 4 months?
What about the Fresh Water and Waste Water tanks, do you leave water in them too?
Click to expand...

You have got excellent advice above. I use the Geo Method and after final stop at dump station, and when I get home, I put about 5 gal of water and my Geo Method solution in tank and leave it. I have never found a need to add chemicals on next camping trip.

I have not found that the Geo Method solution to keep my black tank sensors clean, but have never found that to be an issue.

Personally, I find no need to leave water in fresh or grey tanks, but it sure won't hurt anything.
 
Extreme said:
So you leave 5 gallons in the Black Tank even if the Rig is not going to be used for 4 months?
What about the Fresh Water and Waste Water tanks, do you leave water in them too?
Click to expand...

Yes. I even leave 5 gallons of water (plus a little antifreeze that washes down) in the black tank over the winter. I am in Colorado we get well below freezing. Never had a problem.

I drain the grey and fresh tanks as completely as I can at the end of each trip. If I get any order from either (I have 2) of the grey tanks, I will add a little deodorizer (geo method) and 3~5 gallons of water at the start of the next trip. Nothing but sanitizer solution (every spring) or fresh water goes in the fresh tank.

Chris
 
I do similar to what others are mentioning above except, I would drain the fresh water tank and leveling the drain valve open to let it air dry if we weren't going to use it for an extended period of time.

Note: I store my TT in my RV bay in my garage at home so not need to worry about any rodents looking for a good nesting site. If I parked it outside, I would likely close the drain.
 
To add to all the great advice you received, you should also add some water in your gray as well. This will keep the gasket on the gate valve from drying. BTW, I also add the geo method to our grey tank via the sink. Help to keep those sensors clean.
 
I use Pure Power Blue. You pour it in your commode and down a drain (shower or sink). I’ve been happy with it. I don’t like the pods. Too many times they come thru the hose “whole”.
Grab a box of latex or rubber gloves to keep for dumping tanks or a pair of gloves to keep just for handling your hose/dumping tanks. Hand sanitizer or soap / paper towels.
When you pick up your RV...be sure to take the caps off the dump lines. I didn’t and I like to have never got them off. Took WD-40 and several minutes of “tapping” around the cap to break it loose.
Ask during your demo how often to use the black tank flush system.
We don’t put toilet paper in our black tank. I have a large cereal Rubbermaid container with a lid in the bathroom where the tp goes. Use Walmart sack - empty trash daily. We only use the wipes. So far only liquids have been in the tank. We use the bathhouse for the serious business. Not always an option though. Never had an issue or had any smell.
Good luck. Enjoy.
 
raggdoll said:
The link doesn't give clear directions on how to make the solution, how do you do it?
Click to expand...
If you look at the very end of the article they give the instructions. This what we use only I put a full cup in the black tank and we use the liquid Calgon.
Here’s how to make your own:

Purchase or find a clean, one-gallon (128-ounce) bottle

Pour in 40 ounces of Pine-Sol (generic or alternative pine-based cleaners can also be used)

Pour in 4 ounces of Calgon (we like the bath beads)

SLOWLY pour in water to fill the one-gallon bottle (it will foam like crazy and take time to fill completely)

Gently shake

For most holding tanks (both black AND gray; 30-50 gallons in capacity), pour in four ounces (1/2 cup) EVERY time you empty your holding tanks. A one-gallon bottle of this solution will give you about 50 tank treatments, all for a cost of roughly ten dollars


Sent from my SM-P610 using Tapatalk
 
Thanks, didn't the article say something about using Dawn dish soap? It didn't give measurements on that?
 
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