3 Best RV Portable Waste Tanks Buying Guide

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Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Paul Clayton

3 Best RV Portable Waste Tanks Buying Guide

RV portable waste tanks come in various sizes to meet different needs and preferences, ensuring every RV owner can find the perfect fit for their vehicle. High quality can significantly enhance your RVing experience, making your journeys more comfortable and worry-free.

• RV portable waste tanks maintain cleanliness and hygiene.
• There are two main types: grey water tanks and black water tanks.
• Features: portability, durability, ease of use, capacity.
• Crucial for safe waste disposal during RV trips.
• Regular cleaning and proper storage are essential.
• Consider RV size and trip length when buying.

Camping trips are a lot of fun, aren’t they? There are times when you go for extended periods and don’t want to worry about many things, at least for that moment.

You’re on vacation mode, after all. So, the last thing you want to consider is where to dump – your dump.

Almost all RVs nowadays have modern conveniences that are usually confined to your home, such as a kitchen sink, a shower, a bed, a fridge, and a toilet. However, in RV living, sizes are significantly reduced to make it happen in a limited space.

That includes a small waste tank, the contents of which you need to dispose of via a sewer dumping ground.

The truth is that such facilities may not exist, especially in locations deep in the mountains or wilderness where campers like you would like to explore.

This is why the RV portable holding tank is such a thoughtful invention. It is a wheeled container for wastewater, which can be emptied much later in any dump station.

These holding tanks have either a two-wheel or a four-wheel model. The former has those two wheels on the rear side.

This means that when this black and grey tank is at total capacity, you may have to drag it using the two wheels while lifting it with the front portion like a bag stroller.

When dumping its contents, it usually has to stand on end to be completely disposed of, so you get the picture.  You will also feel its heaviness in this position.

On the other hand, a four-wheeled waste tank has the added comfort of an extra two wheels.  Thus, you will no longer have to lift it when you dump the waste material in a sewer, which, as I have mentioned, can be very heavy, especially when it’s full.

So, what’s the point of having two wheels when life could be so much easier with a four-wheeled waste tank? There’s the price of course. Two-wheeled tanks cost less to purchase, but there are tradeoffs.

It makes it physically challenging to lug to the sewer and back to your rig.

Based on experience, I suggest going the extra mile regarding a home portable holding tank and getting the four-wheeled unit. You’ll save yourself some trouble (and back pain); I tell you, it’s worth it.

The best tanks also attach easily to your camper or tow vehicle, allowing you to drive to the sewer station for emptying. They come in different sizes and capacities.

They are usually made of polypropylene and polyethylene plastic, which makes them heavy-duty and durable so that you won’t need a replacement for quite some time.

Several home brands are out there, and I have chosen three products that I consider the best in their respective categories.

Top Overall Portable Waste Tank: Barker 4-Wheel Tote-Along

Available Capacities:

• 16 gallons
• 25 gallons
• 32 gallons
• 42 gallons

Features:

• Pneumatic all-terrain tires
• Tank indicator
• Horizontal drain trank
• Tow handle
• Sewer accessories

Top Two-wheel Portable Waste Tank: Barker Original Tote-Along

Available Capacities:

• 10 gallons
• 15 gallons
• 22 gallons
• 30 gallons

Features:

• Tow handle
• Sewer accessories

Top Budget-friendly Portable Waste Tank: 4-Wheel Tote-N-Stor

Available Capacities:

• 18 gallons
• 25 gallons
• 38 gallons

Features:

• Tank indicator
• Horizontal drain tank
• Tow handle
• Sewer accessories

What, No Thetford SmartTote?

Before I delve further into my top picks, I know that those of you who are RV experts might be wondering why a popular portable waste tank, such as the Thetford SmartTote, was omitted.

This device has been used for a long time and has recently succeeded with its supposed updated version, the SmartTote 2.

The OG model has received much favorable feedback from buyers but is no longer available for purchase, perhaps to give way to its newer model.

Unfortunately, SmartTote 2 does not cut the mustard. Since its release, it has received numerous negative reviews. Its handle is said to be easily broken during its first few uses, and other parts seem of inferior quality.

This model has even more design flaws. Even with four wheels, the front ones seem useless and only run on smooth concrete.

The handle also comes off when hooked up with a trailer hitch. Worse, when used, the hose detaches from the dump valve, which can be pretty terrifying.

And because of these findings above, the Thetford SmartTote did not make it to my top list.

Portable Holding Tanks – My Top Picks

Let’s get right into it, I present the top portable holding tanks, one of which you may consider for your RV. With any of these choices, there are no more messy affairs to deal with. And nothing will stop you anymore whenever nature calls.

Top Overall Portable Waste Tank: Barker 4-Wheel Tote-Along Review

Summary

This US-made portable waste tank from Barker Manufacturing is the best. It is made of polyethylene, making it highly durable and dependable.

It has premium features that simplify the otherwise unpleasant task of dumping waste material in the sewer.

Features You Will Love:

• Pneumatic tires that can run on all kinds of terrain

The Barker 4-Wheel Tote-Along has large air-filled tires for most of its sizes, making it ideal for rolling along even on rough surfaces.

This way, you don’t need to bring your whole rig to the sewer stop, making a somewhat unpleasant task much more accessible.

• It comes in multiple sizes

This product has a 16-gallon capacity and is the only option that lugs on hard rubber tires.  If you need a bigger size, no problem. It also comes in 25 and 32 gallons, with the 42-gallon tank as its most significant variant.

• The 4-wheel advantage

Feeling frustrated every time you use your two unbalanced wheels? You won’t feel that way with this portable tank, given its 4-wheel design, which can make handling much easier than having just two wheels.

It even connects to axles with ball bearings and grease attachments, guaranteeing longevity.

• Allows movement and dumping in a horizontal position

Another thing you do not want from having just the two-wheeled tank is that it entails being lifted vertically whenever you tow it and empty its contents.

This makes it all the more cumbersome for the user, especially if it’s filled to the brim. With this Barker tank, you tow it to the sewer and open the valve to eject the contents without having to tilt it, and you’re done.

• Bigger three-inch waste valve

The Barker 4-Wheel’s waste valve has a diameter of 3 inches, identical to that of a trailer, which allows for easy handling and utmost convenience.

• Tank indicator and more

The tank indicator is an important feature that lets you know when to unload its contents.

Bonus accessories include a bayonet cap, a sewer hose, a hose adapter, hose clamps, a water hose, and a tow handle. Furthermore, it has a 2-year warranty.

Given the valuable features of the Barker 4-Wheel Tote-Along, its equivalent price is higher than that of other brands. However, this is justified, and I think it’s worth investing in, especially if you’re an avid RV adventurist.

Top Two-wheel Portable Waste Tank: Barker Original Tote-Along Review

Summary

If you are budget-conscious, it’s perfectly fine to opt for a two-wheel portable holding tank. The best would still come from the same company that manufactures our top overall pick.

Commonly called the blue boy, the Barker Original might appeal to your needs.

Features You Will Love:

This product has four sizes: 10 gallons, the smallest, and 30 gallons, the largest. This is a two-wheeled tank, and picking out the smallest size would be best, considering that you need to lift it when handling it.

This will also work if you don’t use your RV as much. Otherwise, you will be better off with a four-wheeled tank.

The Barker Original Tote-along is made of polyethylene and has larger, more durable wheels. Like its four-wheeled sibling, it comes with portable tank accessories.

The tank gauge may not come with the package, but you can purchase it as an add-on.

Disadvantages:

• Need for lifting

As is usually the case with a two-wheeled tank, this product is no different in terms of its cumbersome handling when towing it and dumping its contents in the sewer. Perhaps the back pain you’ll get from carrying it is not worth it.

• Limited towing surface

While the Barker Original may have larger wheels than its two-wheeled counterparts, it is thin and can only be adequately dragged on smooth concrete.

Previous Experience with a Two-wheeled Tank

I used to have this type of portable holding tank for my trailer. I guess I didn’t know better back then. I once decided to visit my grandparents’ home, which took me three days on the road.

When I finally got to their place, I had to deal with my waste. I took out my portable tank, which was almost full and heavy. On its two wheels, I had to tow it one hundred feet toward the septic tank.

It may not be that far of a distance, but when you’re talking about hauling a 20-gallon tank across, it can be a pain. I think I’m only in my early thirties, and I’d like to believe I’m in good shape.

Yes, supporting the bulky tank with your hands is inconvenient as you drag it. Its skinny wheels would sink into the ground, adding more hassle to a cumbersome task.

My arduous chore did not end when I reached the sewer spot. I had to hold the tank upright so that it would stand on its two wheels.

Only then will it be able to dispose of all that’s inside? And I did say the tank was almost complete at 20 gallons, didn’t I?

That is why I recommend anyone contemplating getting a holding tank for their RV get the pricey Barker four-wheeled tank. This tank will prevent frequent back pain, especially if they use their RV a lot.

Top Budget-friendly Portable Waste Tank: 4-Wheel Tote-N-Stor Review

Summary

This portable holding tank has the advantage of four wheels at a cost your wallet will prefer.

Features You Will Love:

Like our top pick, the 4-Wheel Tote-N-Stor does not require tilting or lifting to dump its contents in the underground sewer. It is available in three sizes, with a maximum capacity of 39 gallons, allowing you to use your toilet for days without the need to do any immediate emptying.

Its polypropylene construction makes it rugged and less expensive than the Barker 4-wheel tote. This product is a good alternative, provided you tow it on even surfaces. Its translucent pipe lets you know when the tank is full.

The 4-Wheel Tote-N-Stor boasts a more extended three-year warranty to allay any fears of this product not working accordingly.

Disadvantages:

This tank is cheaper because it has quality issues you wouldn’t find in the Barker tank. It uses hard rubber, albeit very narrow wheels, which will be challenging to drag on mud surfaces or rugged terrain.

Some have even claimed their structure is weak because they easily break after a few uses.

If you want a heavy-duty portable tank that will last many years, you should shell out the extra bucks and get the best of them all: the Barker 4-Wheel Tote-Along.

You can easily lug it on rough terrain without feeling its bulky weight. Attach it to the fittings, and it will do its job without requiring anything else from you.

• Optional hose purchase

When you buy any portable holding tank, a hose up to five feet long is a default accessory. However, its quality is not up to par.

I suggest buying another one, such as the RhinoFLEX Tote Tank Sewer Hose.

This type of hose is collapsible and has a ninety-degree elbow that allows easy transmission of toilet waste into the portable tank. The elbow is translucent, which indicates when everything has been emptied.

Buying The Right Portable Waste Tank

Now that I have announced my top choices and recommend getting the Barker four-wheel device, you should still determine which one to buy based on various factors.

Trip Duration

The gallon capacity of the portable holding tank you will need will depend on the length of your trip. If you plan to camp out for a long time, you will want a bigger tank that can hold more before it has to be emptied.

You already know that each portable holding tank has many sizes; going with the one with the most significant capacity is always a safe choice. It is a better option for those who plan on longer trips.

Number of Wheels of your Portable Tank

I have stressed the clear advantages of four wheels over two wheels. So if you want comfort and hassle-free handling, go with the four-wheeled tank.

The two-wheeled version becomes an option only if you know the price since it is cheaper than the four-wheeled unit.

Product Durability

The last thing you would want to happen is for your waste tank to have leaks. This is not only disgusting but can also be hazardous to one’s health.

To ensure their integrity and lifespan, it would be best to consider buying portable tanks made of durable plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene.

• Polyethylene Material

This solid plastic material is lightweight and can securely hold its contents in cold winter temperatures. This feature makes it a preferred material for portable waste tanks. It suits any RV and has been proven to last a long time.

• Polypropylene material

A portable holding tank made from polypropylene, a non-toxic and reliably stable material, is as durable as polyethylene and can withstand different types of weather.

The portable tank will contend with its heavy contents and work efficiently despite varying temperatures.

Often, it has to be outside, so you must get something tough and rugged that will last long, such as a tank made from this material.

Price

As with any purchase, the all-important consideration is the price. Buyers always want more value for their hard-earned money, so they usually get something cheaper, thinking it’s enough to do the task.

While there are cheap products that have good-quality features, they’re pretty different from portable holding tanks. The premium models come with a price tag but are worth the investment.

More Information About Portable Holding Tanks

There’s more to learn about handling your RV waste tanks, so I won’t spare you the gory details any longer.

Lifting a Heavy Dump Tank

So you won’t be dragging your portable tank unit all the time. Whether it’s a four-wheeled tank or just the one with two wheels, you will probably need to lift them at some point by placing them and all of its fifty-pound heavy load onto your truck or any higher surface.

What to do? Well, there’s the Rack Jack to assist you with that.

The Rack Jack is designed to lift your portable holding tank and any heavy load, such as a generator or a filled carton box.

A mounted hoist lets you lift, load, and maneuver large items independently on your vehicle.

The Swivelift feature, included with the Rack Jack package, allows your load to be positioned on the shelf. This way, you don’t need the crisscrossing straps to secure your item when lifting it.

How to Use the Portable RV Holding Tank

A portable holding tank is a must-have in any RV adventurist’s arsenal. It avoids the unpleasant task of manually removing your black and grey tanks to dump their contents.

With wheels that aid in towing to the sewer station, the portable holding tank can be easily connected to the hitch ball of your trailer. You can also load it on the back of your pickup truck to empty it at the sewer.

In this application, however, you must note that you won’t be able to drive at 50mph because it should be towed slowly.

When you get to the sewer location, you will have to do some heavy lifting if you have a two-wheel tank or remove your portable tank from your truck’s rear compartment.

A liquid gallon is equivalent to more than eight pounds. So, if you have a small holding tank full of 15 gallons, you will have to practically lift a normal-size adult weighing 120 pounds to the spot.

RV Waste Management

The most feared item about portable waste management is the black tank.  While it can be disgusting, you must know how to deal with them. Afterward, you will realize that it’s not as bad as you fear it would be.

Grey Tank vs Black Tank

Grey tanks are called such because they hold grey water. This is wastewater used in the bath and the kitchen sink, among others. Although it is unclean water, it is good enough to reuse, like lawn maintenance.

An average-sized RV has one grey tank, while the bigger ones, such as 5th wheelers and longer trailers, would usually have two.

The setup will be the latter if your kitchen and bathroom are further apart. This will entail more work because you will be draining not one but two grey tanks.

On the other hand, a black tank contains human waste passed on from the toilet. Unfortunately, waste spillage is not uncommon, and it can be any RVer’s nightmare.

Given the solid waste material that goes into it, a black tank clogs more frequently. Using the wrong kind of toilet paper makes matters even worse. Some RV owners also dump the black water too often.

While this may initially be considered a good, hygienic practice, it leads to more solid waste build-up inside.

When you empty your black tank at the right time, meaning it’s at full capacity, more waste will be disposed of. This is because there is more water to wash down the waste.

Otherwise, your waste will just get stuck inside and mess with the sensors, causing them to provide inaccurate readings.

Nonetheless, there are chemical treatments that can address these tank issues to keep everything working in order.

However, it would be best to handle the dumping more efficiently by flushing out your black tank first, followed by the gray tank. This way, the grey water will somehow wash down any residue in the sewer hose.

Drain Valves

When your trailer is attached to a sewer at your camping site, your valve must remain closed until it’s time for you to unload. It is imperative not to leave it open because the liquids will flush out freely while the solid waste gets stuck, clogging your mechanism.

On the other hand, you can leave the valve for your grey water tank open while connected to a sewer. This is acceptable, just not the valve for your black tank.

Sensors

While such devices help provide us with necessary info, more often than not, these sensors are not as reliable when they refer to your black tank.

The ones for your grey tank should be pretty accurate, though, unless you are not strict with preventing any solid particles from coming through. This might also happen with soap buildup.

But if everything functions accordingly, then you can trust your sensor readings without a doubt.

Offhand, it’s pretty easy to determine, even without sensors, if your grey tank is already full. If the water from your shower does not come down quickly, the tank has been maxed.

If you choose to ignore this, grey water may overflow back upwards, creating a cesspool in your bath.

Returning to your black tank, which has mostly solids in it, not to mention toilet paper, can mess with your tank sensor and give you an incorrect reading.

Struvites are cement-like crystals that form from released gases of decomposing sewage. They commonly inhabit RV tanks and can cause all sorts of problems. One is to cause sensor failure, and the second is to trap odor-causing bacteria.

It is good that they can be solved with suitable cleaning materials, such as a probiotic tank treatment, which prevents their formation and foul smell.

So, while sensors can be helpful, use your experience and common sense when dealing with clogged tanks.

After all, as long as you know the size of your tank, you will already know how much it can hold.

Before you get to the point of your toilet flush failing you, observe proper care and maintenance to proceed without issue.

Cleaning Treatments

There are many cleaning agents out there, and mind you, it can be pretty overwhelming when you go to your hardware store and see multiple options on the rack.

TankTechsRX holding tank treatment is a good cleaning solution for avoiding tank sensor failure. It is a probiotic liquid that converts waste into liquid form and eliminates foul odors at the same time.

You can check this one out because it is pretty affordable as well.

Dumping Grounds

We have already discussed the portable holding tank, which is where you can dump the contents of your black and grey tanks.

This holding tank is a savior, especially if you dislike breaking your camping stay by driving your rig to a dump station, which may be far from your location.

A portable holding tank can house your black and grey water for days, enough to finish your camping trip without interruption.

Alternatively, you can dump your solid and liquid waste at any campsite with a sewer you can hook up to. If not, you can bring your rig to a dedicated dump station.

Always dump only when your black tank is nearly full to dispose of its contents more efficiently. A heavy load will create enough force to weigh down everything inside compared to a lighter load. With enough liquid, you should be able to empty it.

Why You Are Better Off With Our Own Portable Holding Tank

There will be instances when you encounter camping areas with no sewer. As such, it could be a potentially messy affair because you have to bring everything with you, waste and all.

Not only does this entail more work for you, but it can also be very stressful to agonize over.

Even if you leave your camp temporarily to dump your dirty business, you may no longer be able to reclaim your spot because another camper has already parked in your slot.

A portable holding tank then becomes a crucial component of an RV toilet. These two indispensable items help make camping fun instead of skipping the experience because you don’t want to deal with nature’s call when you’re out in the wilderness.

It also keeps your RV’s black and grey tanks less odorous and safer to maintain a hygienic trailer environment.

It would be best to have a portable holding tank bigger than your rig’s black and grey tanks. Otherwise, you are defeating its purpose of unloading your waste safely and efficiently.

Other Tips to Ensure Proper Dumping

Even if you have extended the comforts of your home to your RV, you must remember that the toilet in your trailer is different from your house toilet. Without the usual toilet tank, you must take two steps to flush.

One must push the lever or handle halfway through to refill the toilet bowl with water, and the second is to press down to flush the waste thoroughly.

Avoid throwing trash in your RV toilet because it can come back to haunt you. A clogged tank is one of the nastiest situations you will deal with.

It can be solved, but why risk getting to that point when you can take proper measures to prevent it from happening? Always wear gloves whenever you touch the tank and its fittings.

Don’t just empty your tanks on any camping ground, thinking it’s okay because it’s natural. Blackwater is gross for a reason—it is full of bacteria that can make anyone who comes into contact with it sick.

Grey water should be disposed of at the appropriate facilities, such as a sewer station.

Use appropriate cleaning liquids for your tank maintenance. This will reduce odors and further break down any sticky residue inside. You can even use a dishwashing liquid for this purpose.

However, it would be best never to use windshield fluid to flush your toilet during wintertime. This will wear off the sealants in your tank, leading to a nightmare-inducing scenario of waste leakage.

While you can use flushable toilet paper when you do your business in your RV toilet, it’s best not to throw it down the toilet like you would with your home toilet.

Just use a lined trash can with a lid. This way, your black tank will be less likely to clog and save more room, so you can maximize your camping days without needing to dump a full black tank during your stay.

Final Words

RV Portable Waste Tanks are an indispensable component for any recreational vehicle (RV), providing an efficient solution for waste management while on the road.

These tanks are pivotal in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene during RV trips, ensuring a comfortable and sanitary environment.

Generally, there are two main RV Portable Waste Tanks: grey water tanks, used for storing wastewater from sinks and showers, and black water tanks, designed for toilet waste.

Key features that distinguish these tanks include their portability and durability. They offer users an easy way to transport and dispose of waste safely.

Moreover, they offer ease of use and varying capacities to meet different needs. The tank’s capacity should align with the RV’s size and the trip’s length.

Regular cleaning is imperative to keeping the RV Portable Waste Tanks in optimal working condition. Proper storage, when not in use, also contributes to their longevity.

When purchasing these tanks, consider the RV’s size and the trip’s duration to ensure that the tank can efficiently accommodate the waste generated.

In conclusion, RV Portable Waste Tanks are essential assets for any RV trip, promoting hygiene and ease of waste disposal.

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