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Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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Typical RV Holding Tank Size with 10 Examples
Understanding the typical RV holding tank size is essential for planning trips, maintenance schedules, and ensuring a comfortable and hygienic living environment while on the move. This crucial component determines the waste and clean water capacity that your RV can hold during your travel adventures.
- Fresh Water Tank: Typically holds 20 to 100 gallons.
- Grey Water Tank: Usually holds 20 to 60 gallons on average.
- Black Water Tank: Generally holds 18 to 45 gallons on average.
You can’t even imagine using an RV without proper holding tanks, can you? Just like an RV without beds is useless, its bathroom and kitchen will be useless without the holding tanks.
A typical RV consists of two kinds of holding tanks:
- One that stores freshwater
- Other kinds of holding tanks store wastewater
Those familiar with the use of these tanks might be interested in knowing, ‘What is the typical RV holding tank size?’ And for those who’ve just started taking an interest in these recreational vehicles, don’t skip the next section.
Types of RV Holding Tanks
Before I go into RV holding tank sizes, remember that there are three separate holding systems. Let’s look at these systems and their purposes:
Gray Water Tank
When you shower or wash your face or hands, the residual water goes through the pipes and is stored in a gray water tank. This water usually contains soap residue or food particles.
Black Water Tank
The flushed-out toilet water is stored in a wastewater tank called a black water tank.
Freshwater Tank
This storage tank holds fresh water, allowing water to flow through your RV’s plumbing system when you don’t have access to your city’s water supply.
All three tanks are separate from each other and require proper maintenance to function efficiently.
What Size Are RV Holding Tanks?
Tank capacity can have a significant impact on your RV adventures.
Just picture this.
You’re on a fun trip with your loved ones. Everyone is sitting around a campfire enjoying snacks, and your RV is parked just a few feet away.
Someone decides to take a quick trip to the bathroom, only to return in a panic because the RV’s waste tank has reached full capacity, and freshwater is running low.
Disturbing.
In such a situation, there’s no choice but to pack up and find the nearest city sewer to dump the wastewater. That’s not it; you would need to locate a water hookup to refill your freshwater tank.
So, you need to get a holding tank size that fits your requirements. Typical RV holding tank sizes are quite decent.
You may find 15 gallons or so for black water tanks, and 32 gallons or more capacity for greywater. Generally, larger RVs have larger holding tanks.
However, the amount of time it takes for your tank to reach full capacity depends on your personal use. For example, if you’re traveling alone, you might make your tank last for a week.
But, the same water won’t last long while traveling with other people.
How Do You Know When Your Holding Tank Has Reached Full Capacity?
Most RVs have an inbuilt system that allows you to check the capacity of each tank separately. This feature is available in newer models.
A clogged-up RV toilet may indicate that your tank has reached maximum capacity for older and smaller trailers.
How Do I Drain My RV Holding Tank?
Before emptying your holding tank, ensure you have a sewer hose and a pair of gloves for yourself.
Next, identify the different valves on your RV. There will be a clear indication or labels for grey and black water.
Now, hook your sewer hose into the valve and secure the other end into the sewer. Make sure both ends are fastened securely.
Allow the tank to drain by pulling the valve.
You can start by emptying the black water tank. As black water contains human waste, you must dump it into the designated station. You will find that dump stations are usually clearly marked.
Draining the grey water tank after the black water tank helps dump any solid waste that gets stuck in the sewer hose.
Take extra care to ensure the valve is closed completely after you’re done with draining.
How Do I Clean My RV Holding Tank?
Specific cleaners and chemicals are available that are effective for cleaning your RV holding tank.
You must use proper cleaning and deodorizing chemicals to clean your black water tank. These chemicals help break down solid waste and keep bad odors away from your RV toilet.
10 Best RV Waste Tanks
Now that I’ve covered some basics about holding tanks let’s examine some of the best waste tanks on the market.
Usually, RVs have in-built tanks. However, you can invest in a portable RV waste tank if you want additional support or if your RV doesn’t have a holding tank.
1. Barker 4-Wheeler Tote Tank
This portable Barker tank is available in different sizes for all recreational vehicles.
This tank is durable due to the polyethylene used for its construction. It is also plated with zinc and aluminum, so you don’t have to worry about leaks or bad odors.
The wheels and pulley allow you to transport this tank easily. The front wheels can also swivel, making it easy to maneuver the tank.
The best part about this tank is that you don’t have to lift it when draining. It has a 3-inch-wide valve to which you can attach a sewer hose. You don’t need to worry about lifting it or about waste blocking the valve.
2. Barker Tote Tank
Barker (31342) Tote Tank has a storage capacity of 30 gallons, which, depending on your usage, might last you quite a few days.
Like the previous model, this one has zinc-plated brackets, which prevent bad odor. The aluminum embedded in its structure makes it lighter and easier to transport.
Moreover, maneuvering becomes easier because of the extra-large rubber wheels and the high-quality tow handle.
This tank is pre-assembled and ready for use! It comes with a 3-inch sewer valve and a 5-foot sewer hose.
3. Tote-N-Store 20123 Portable Waste Transport 4 Wheeler
This Tote-N-Store Tank is compact yet provides a lot of storage space. With a capacity of 25 gallons, it weighs around 39 lbs when empty.
It has a low-profile design and an extra-long built-in tow handle. The rubber wheels on this tank add to its portability.
This durable tank is pre-assembled and has well-engineered vents that allow easy filling.
Want to know the best features of this tank? It comes with an indicator system that allows you to monitor the capacity of the tank.
Furthermore, the tank comes with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty, so you don’t have to worry about accidents.
4. Camco Rhino (39002) Tote Tank
This Camco Tank is another high-quality product on this list. Its heavy-duty design, combined with a leak-free design, makes it one of the best tanks on the market.
Like most tanks on this list, the Camco Rhino tank comes pre-assembled and ready to use. It also comes with a kit that includes cleaning, maintenance, and storage accessories.
Made of high-density, UV-stabilized polyethylene, this tank can withstand the harshest weather conditions and has a storage capacity of 21 gallons.
5. Barker Tote Tank
The Barker (27844) Tote Tank is the third Barker on our list, which is indicative of the quality of the brand’s products.
Storage will not be an issue with a tank size of 32 gallons. As with the previous models, the 27844’s structure includes aluminum and zinc plates, which make it light, rust-free, yet sturdy.
This tank includes bayonet fittings and a five-foot sewer hose.
6. Tote-N-Store 25609 Portable Waste Transport
The Tote-N-Store 25609 is another tank with a large storage capacity. It can store up to 32 gallons of wastewater.
The rubber wheels on this tank are not only smooth but also don’t make a lot of noise.
This tank also includes many additional accessories, including a drain hose, hose clamp, garden hose cap, adapter, and a 15-inch garden hose, all of which are extremely useful when draining the tank.
7. Thetford SmartTote2 Portable RV Waste Tank
Next is the durable Thetford SmartTote2 Portable RV Waste Tank. Its rugged body and wheels add to its sturdy structure, making it a tank that will last a long time.
The SmartTote2 comes with an Auto Level Gauge, which prevents the tank from overfilling.
Besides, the four wheels on this tank make it easy to move.
Draining this tank is quite easy due to the study hose with the bayonet fitting. Furthermore, the 900 Elbow Nozzle combined with the large drainage port allows you to empty the tank without any blockage issues.
8. Tote-N-Store 20129 Portable Waste Transport 4 Wheeler
The Tote-N-Store 20129 Portable Waste Transport 4 Wheeler has the largest storage capacity on this list, with a whopping 38 gallons. We’re sure you’ll have no issues with storage.
Another great feature is the fast drainage system; emptying the drainage tank only takes a matter of minutes. Thanks to the efficient design, you don’t have to worry about lifting the tank when draining it.
Then, there are additional accessories, such as a ¾ inch and a 3-inch garden hose cap and a 3-inch straight hose adapter.
9. Alpha Systems VB22548H Holding Tank
The Alpha Systems VB22548H Holding Tank is highly durable and can hold up to 33 gallons of wastewater.
This tank meets the international standards set by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and the Canadian Standards Association.
The versatile tank can be attached to any type of RV and can be used for black or grey water, depending on your preferences and needs.
10. SmartTote Portable RV Waste Tote Tank
If you’re used to traveling alone in your RV, then the SmartTote Portable RV Waste Tote Tank is for you. With a storage capacity of 12 gallons, this model is great if you’re looking for smaller tanks.
This SmartTote tank may be small in size, but this does not mean it lacks quality. Made of polypropylene, it is quite sturdy. Thanks to its rubber wheels and tow bracket, it is very easy to move.
Moreover, the AutoStopTM Level Gauge prevents overspilling and ventilates the tank by making drainage smoother.
Do All RVs Have Holding Tanks?
Although most RVs are designed with holding tanks, the setup can vary depending on the size and model of the RV.
Most standard RVs are equipped with a separate grey water tank, which collects water used from the sink or shower. This grey camper waste holding tank temporarily stores the water until it is properly disposed of.
However, it does not hold sewage. There are exceptions to this, as some compact RVs do not include a grey waste tank due to spatial constraints. Therefore, while most RVs have holding tanks, it is not a universal feature.
Wrapping Up
The typical RV holding tank size varies depending on the tank type and the specific RV model. The freshwater tank, which stores clean water for drinking, cooking, and bathing, typically holds 20 to 100 gallons.
This large range allows for flexibility depending on the needs and size of the RV.
The grey water tank, on the other hand, is designed to hold wastewater from sinks and showers.
This tank usually holds between 20 to 60 gallons on average, sufficient for short trips but may require more frequent emptying on longer adventures.
The black water tank, which holds waste from the toilet, generally holds an average of 18 to 45 gallons.
This lower capacity reflects the less frequent use of toilet facilities than sinks and showers in an RV setting.
RV owners need to consider these averages when planning their trips, as exceeding the tank’s capacity could lead to issues with overflow and sanitation.
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