Which tote to buy?

[12VOLTMAN]

I like some of the features on the Thetford Smart Tote, but I think I like the Barker more. The pneumatic wheels are a big deal to me. It doesn't have the auto shut off feature like the Thetford, but does have an indicator. One question I have is how do get all the water out of the five foot hose and into the tank she it's full without spilling it? After you shut the gate valve, isn't there still some water in the hose?

[Hitch Pin]

Originally Posted by 12VOLTMAN

I like some of the features on the Thetford Smart Tote, but I think I like the Barker more. The pneumatic wheels are a big deal to me. It doesn't have the auto shut off feature like the Thetford, but does have an indicator. One question I have is how do get all the water out of the five foot hose and into the tank she it's full without spilling it? After you shut the gate valve, isn't there still some water in the hose?

On mine when the indicator shows full, I shut off the gate valve on the trailer, and there is still room for the water that's in the hose.

[glsimms]

The wheels on my Thetford smart tote hold up well.

I don't think wheels should be an issue. Plus you don't need to be "screaming" to the dump station at 25-30 mph!!

Where we camp, there is a grey water dump station within walking distance

[Hitch Pin]

Originally Posted by glsimms

The wheels on my Thetford smart tote hold up well.

I don't think wheels should be an issue. Plus you don't need to be "screaming" to the dump station at 25-30 mph!!

Where we camp, there is a grey water dump station within walking distance

With the old type wheels, it said not to pull the tote any faster than you can walk. The dump station at the campground where we stay most of the time is almost a ½ mile away from the lot where we camp. With the new type wheels on the Barker I can pull it a lot faster, and that is a big plus for me when you have to pull it a 1/2 mile there and then a 1/2 mile back.

[12VOLTMAN]

It's no so much the speed that worries me, it's uneven terrain. If I dump at home, I'll have to drag it down my gravel driveway and then about 120' through a grassy field to my septic system lid. I think the pneumatic wheels would handle that job a little better.

[Hitch Pin]

Originally Posted by 12VOLTMAN

It's no so much the speed that worries me, it's uneven terrain. If I dump at home, I'll have to drag it down my gravel driveway and then about 120' through a grassy field to my septic system lid. I think the pneumatic wheels would handle that job a little better.

You are right about that! Before I installed the new wheels on mine, when I hit a little bump it sounded like the whole thing was flying apart, I was driving very slow because the wheels that came on it would not hold up if you drove past a walking speed.

One other thing, the pneumatic wheels are wider, and in your case wider would be better for you.

[Nighthawk 96]

I have a 35 gal Thetford. Barker is probably better quality based on other threads about this. We had a gift cert to CW so Thetford is what they carry. It was recommended that you get a tote to be able to accommodate the whole contents of your grey water tank. Our 26BH had a 32 gal tank so got the 35 gal size.

I don't like to put black water in it. We generally camp at one location no longer than five days and we do not fill up the black tank.

The Harbor Freight pneumatic wheel mod is a good idea.

[Hattie]

How do you sanitize the tote after use? Suggestions on removing all moisture before storing it? Don't have a tote, but starting to look into the concept and willing to learn!

[norty1]

I just rinse it and make sure the 2 openings are closed tightly. If you use it for black water, a little more cleaning may be required.

[Paintinfool3]

yeah I used mine for black tank and had to rinse a couple of times to get the bulk of the smell out

[edatlanta]

After a good flush, pour in a little bleach. Works for me.

[Iraqvet05]

I made the mistake of leaving some grey water in mine for a month or so and it smelled pretty bad the next time I used it. My Barker is a bit hard to completely empty since the drain sits slightly above the bottom edge of the tank (when stood up). I'll try the bleach next time.

[Brownie]

I have the 35 gal. Thetford, and like it a lot. I'd also recommend getting one big enough to hold your entire black tank contents. The fill gauge is suppose to be an auto shut-off . . . not so much! But there is enough space left over in the tank to hold what's left in the hose. The tires on my model are like lawn mower wheels, and handle rough terrain quite well. Since the speed limit in most campgrounds is 5-15 mph, you don't really need a tote you can pull around the Indie 500!

Bleach works good for disinfecting/de-stinking, but don't leave it in the tank "long term". Bleach can damage the rubber washers/gaskets/O-rings.

[Seann45]

Yes try to always get a tank that is larger than your largest wastewater holding tank. Gets messy otherwise.

[RoyBraddy]

Just be sure the TOTE is larger than the biggest tank you are going to dump into. Then you don't get an over-fill surprise.

Some folks will carry the empty tote in the back of the truck bed and fill it with one of those 12VDC mercerator pumps. Then tie off the fill hose high on the truck... Then head for the dump and let it gravity feed empty. Sure is an easy way to haul it to the dumps - no mess....

Roy Ken

[12VOLTMAN]

One side note to getting one bigger than you need. My "bigger is better" mentality led me to buy a Barker 42 gallon tote. I got it late last summer so I haven't really had a chance to use it other than at home when I did an end of season tank flush. The problem I now have is that the inlet of the tote is slightly higher than the discharge of my X23B. Looks like I'll be shopping for a pump next!

[Hattie]

Where/how do you store/secure your (empty) tote when travelling?

[Iraqvet05]

Originally Posted by Hattie

Where/how do you store/secure your (empty) tote when travelling?

I put mine in the back of the TV...there is no way the stinky thing is going inside my TT but I'd put it in the storage space if I had room. They take up a lot of space. Mine is about the size of a large suit case.

[12VOLTMAN]

I got the idea to carry mine on the back bumper from some research I did on the internet. I attached an old hand dolly with some 'U' clamps, and then used pipe insulation to pad it. I then strap it down with ratchet straps.

[Seann45]

Originally Posted by Hattie

Where/how do you store/secure your (empty) tote when travelling?

I stand mine on end at the front of the pickup bed and secure them with a ratchet strap..