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Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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Essential Guide to RV Holding Tanks
It is impossible to imagine having an RV without a proper holding tank. Doing so would mean an RV’s kitchen and bathroom would be useless. Typically, an RV has two holding tank types: the first stores freshwater, and the other holding tank stores wastewater.
RV Holding Tank Types
Before speaking about the sizes of RV holding tanks, one must understand that three different holding systems exist in an RV and have their purposes.
Black Water Tank
Water flushed from the toilet is stored safely in a wastewater tank known as the black water tank.
Grey Water Tank
The grey water tank is the tank that usually stores wastewater from the shower or the sink. This water typically contains food particles or soap residue.
Freshwater Tank
The freshwater tank is a storage tank that holds the freshwater used on the RV. The water flows through the RV’s plumbing system when municipal water is unavailable.
Each of these three tanks is kept separate, requiring adequate maintenance for efficient function.
What size should an RV Holding Tank be?
A tank’s capacity can significantly influence your RV travels. If an RV has
a smaller tank than required, it could mean that specific outings and fun events will have to be cut short simply because the tank is full and needs to be emptied.
This also goes for the freshwater tank. Imagine being in the middle of nowhere only to discover you are almost out of fresh water. That can be quite a disturbing realization.
In either of these situations, you must pack everything up and locate the nearest municipal sewer to dump your wastewater. Additionally, you will have to search for the closest water hook-up to refill the fresh water tank.
The best way to avoid the above scenarios would be to ensure that your RV has a suitable holding tank that meets your specifications. When it comes to a typical RV holding tank’s size, the actual size depends on the size of the RV and the occupants.
It is possible to find 15-gallon black water tanks, a minimum of 32 gallons for greywater, but as said earlier, the holding tank size should correlate with the size of the RV.
Is there a way to tell when the holding tank is at total capacity?
Most RVs sold have a built-in system that lets you know the exact capacity of every holding tank. This is a feature that is typically found in newer RV models. Regarding smaller and older RVs, a backed-up toilet might indicate that the tank is at total capacity.
Can you put bleach in an RV black water tank?
Yes, you can put bleach in an RV black water tank. This is a common practice among RV owners to neutralize unpleasant odors that may arise from the tank. Bleach is an effective disinfectant, killing bacteria and other microorganisms, thus keeping the tank clean and odor-free.
However, it’s crucial to understand that this is part of a more extensive sanitation process. All three tanks in an RV – fresh, grey, and black – need regular cleansing and sanitizing. Some owners neglect this comprehensive maintenance, only dumping or filling the tanks when necessary.
This could lead to long-term issues and affect the overall functionality of the RV. Therefore, bleach in the RV black water tank is allowed and recommended for proper sanitation.
Is it OK to drive with a full black tank?
Driving with a full black tank is generally acceptable, provided you have confirmed the availability of dumping facilities at your next stop. This could be another RV park, a resort, or perhaps near your home if that’s your destination and no dump facilities are available there.
It is recommended to retain some fresh, clean water in your holding tanks, including both black and gray. However, it’s important to remember that an overly full tank can strain your vehicle unnecessarily due to the extra weight. Therefore, managing the levels appropriately is essential to avoid any potential issues.
How do I stop my RV black tank from smelling?
9 Best RV Holding Tanks
As we have covered the basics surrounding what a holding tank is and why it is necessary, it is time to look at 9 of the very best holding tanks available for sale today.
One thing to note, however, is that RVs usually have built-in tanks, but if you require extra support for your RV or your RV does not have a holding tank, then purchasing a portable tank should be something you do.
Barker (27844) Tote Tank
This Barker Tote Tank proves the Baker brand is synonymous with great quality products. It has a 32-gallon storage capacity, ensuring that storage will never be a problem.
The 27844, like the other Barker product on this list, has embedded zin and aluminum plates in its housing, ensuring that it is rust-free, light, and yet sturdy. The 27844 comes with a 5-foot sewer hose and bayonet fittings.
Tote-N-Store 20129 Portable Transport 4 Wheeler
This holding tank is perhaps the largest on this list regarding storage capacity. Thanks to its massive 38 gallons, you are bound to have no problems using this tank.
Apart from its size, a great feature of this tank is its ability to drain rapidly. It takes just a couple of minutes for the tank to be empty. Tote N Store has designed this tank to be drained seamlessly without lifting.
Regarding additional accessories, you are not left out with this tank. It has a 3-inch and ¾ inch garden hose and a straight hose adapter measuring 3 inches.
Tote-N-Store 25609 Portable Transport
This Tote N Store tank is another excellent tank that comes with a decent amount of storage capacity. The tank is capable of storing a maximum of 32 gallons. It comes with rubber wheels, which make portability smooth and also help reduce the noise level typically associated with transport.
When you get this tank, you get many extra accessories, such as a hose clamp, drain hose, adapter, a 15-inch garden hose, and a garden hose cap. Every one of these accessories can prove helpful when it is time to drain the tank.
SmartTote Portable RV Waste Tote Tank
This SmartTote tank is perfect for those who travel alone in their RV. This is because it has a storage capacity of just 12 gallons, ensuring it is ideally suited to those looking for a small tank.
While the SmartTote may be smaller than the tanks on this list, it does not suffer regarding quality. It has been constructed with polypropylene, ensuring that the tank remains sturdy. Regarding portability, this tank comes with a tow bracket and rubber wheels.
Thetford SmartTote2 RV Waste Tank
This tank has a rugged structure, sturdy wheels, and a body rounding up its heavy-duty design. This is a tank that has been created to last quite a while. The Thetford comes with a gauge that stops you from overfilling the tank.
Regarding portability, its four wheels make moving it a breeze. The tank can be quickly drained thanks to the bayonet-fitted sturdy hose.
Camco Rhino (39002) Tote Tank
The Camco Rhino Tank has been designed to be heavy-duty and has a completely sealed design, making it one of the very best holding tanks available for purchase. As with most tanks here, the Camco tote tank is already assembled and ready for use.
Additionally, a kit consisting of storage, maintenance, and cleaning accessories is included with it. The Rhino tank has been fabricated from UV-stabilized, high-density polyethylene, ensuring it can survive the most grueling weather conditions. In addition to that, it comes with a 21-gallon storage capacity.
Alpha Systems Holding Tank VB22548H
This Alpha Systems tank has been created to be highly durable. It also ranks as one of the tanks with the largest storage capacity on this list, which can hold 33 gallons. The tank has been designed to meet international standards, and one of its outstanding features is its versatility.
This tank can be attached to just about any RV type. It can also be used for grey or black water, as long as your preference is met.
Barker (31342) Tote Tank
The Barker Tote Tank 31342 has a massive 30 gallons of storage capacity, which, depending on how you use it and how many people are in the RV, could last a couple of days. This Barker Tote Tank has been designed with zinc-lined brackets.
The reasoning behind this is to prevent foul odor. Its frame is constructed with embedded aluminum, which makes it easier and lighter to transport. Additionally, maneuvering the tank is easy thanks to its vast rubber-constructed wheels and sturdy tow handle. The tank has been pre-assembled and can be used instantly. It comes with a 5-foot sewer hose and a 3-inch sewer valve.
Tote-N-Store 20123 Portable Waste Transport 4-Wheeler
The Tote N Store Tank has been constructed with a compact design that can still provide much storage. It has a storage capacity of around 25 gallons, making it one of the smaller-sized tanks on this list.
It weighs just 39 pounds when empty. It has been designed to have a low profile, which, with its very long tow handle, makes it easier to move around. Its portability is considered, given that it also has rubber wheels. This tank has been pre-assembled, making it available for use almost instantaneously.
It also comes with engineered vents to allow seamless filling. A standout feature of this tank is the fact that it has an indicator system that enables you to oversee the tank’s capacity seamlessly.
Conclusion
After reading this article, it should be much easier to figure out the typical RV holding tank size and its vital capacity in selecting a tank. The most important thing to do is to assess your preferences and needs when purchasing a holding tank or RV.
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