Sewer Hookup - what do I need to know?

southpaw211 · 08-12-2013, 01:54 PM

We don't normally camp with full hookups, but after our last week out and getting the gray tank dangerously full, we've chosen a site with full hookups for our next week out. I just ordered the rhinoflex sewer hose, which appears to be a complete kit (though I'm not sure just yet what that means).

Is there anything special I need to be aware of, or on the lookout for when we use this? I've heard other campers mention when people don't hook the sewer hose up correctly and the area stinks. I don't want to be that person, haha!

Thanks!

Karen

Threebutchers · 08-12-2013, 02:08 PM

Complete means the hose kit comes with a sewer adapter (that fits standard size septic holes and keeps the odors down) and a swiveling 90 degree end that locks into the sewer adapter. It also holds a rigid shape so you seldom have to support the hose (with additional aftermarket hose bridges) to keep a good drainage slope to the septic connection.

Afterthought...sometimes I get my hose out before I set the final resting place of the TT. You don't want to be too close or too far away from the sewer hook up. The less you "extend" the Rhinoflex hose the more rigid it is - and - you'll have the steepest slope to the sewer hole for faster / better draining.

Good Luck!

Doug · 08-12-2013, 02:18 PM

Leave your drain valves closed until almost full before draining. Then close them again.

Flush your black tank 1st and then gray just as if your at a dump station.

The only difference in procedures is that when sewer is on site, it saves you from having to pull to a dump station.

Doug

Threebutchers · 08-12-2013, 03:41 PM

Nice little YouTube introduction to your purchase....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI-_s8WdjWY

**norty1** · 08-12-2013, 03:47 PM

Another plus is you can take your time flushing the tanks without holding up the line at the dump station.

clubhouse · 08-12-2013, 04:20 PM

Also, buy a clear 45* adapter that goes between the TT valve and the hose. Although a little gross, it allows you to see the flow as it dumps. Rhyno makes this piece too, it's additional to the kit.

Always dump black first then grey, make sure the black tank is at least 2/3 full before dumping. You can always hold the toilet peddle down to add water to reach 2/3+ if necessary.

ktbarrentine · 08-12-2013, 06:36 PM

I purchased a clear 45 degree elbow with a flushing attachment on it. Works like a charm. Tank doesn't have to be 2/3 full when using this (but if I am at a site with hook ups, then I wait until nearly full!). Just drain, flush, drain (I usually do two flushes....enough to get clear water). Then drain the grey. The flush provides just the right amount of turbulence to "break things up" and get it flowing good. Drawback is you need to make sure your dump station has a water spigot (everyone I have been to does). If you are flushing at your campsite with hook-ups, you can take your time! (I'm mostly a boondocker)

RedHorse1 · 08-13-2013, 08:03 AM

I keep a box of disposable latex gloves handy. When "doin the nasty" I put one on, when hooking up the sewer line I use 2. I don't know if they're really necessary but it just makes me feel better about life in general. I also use a "Sewer Solution" system which I like a lot. Somebody posted that they got scolded for using too much water, hasn't happened to me, yet.

southpaw211 · 08-13-2013, 08:09 AM

Thanks guys! I'll check out that clear elbow with the flusher. We're really getting spoiled by these hookups. I remember back when we went to a pop up from a tent and I felt so guilty for not roughing it anymore. Now I pick a site with cable! Haha!

TX_Arvee · 08-13-2013, 08:16 AM

I experienced a campsite recently that I did not have a proper fitting for. This site had sewer cleanout connections coming out of the ground at a low angle. I typically use a 90 fitting into a clean out that in most places is flush with the ground. In this case I needed a straight connector to the clean out. I have since added an adapter to do this and a rubber/foam hose end adapter.

Plowtoy · 08-13-2013, 09:58 AM

I know I'm new to the site, however, I've been camping for a very long time. When I have access to a full hook up site, I leave my gray water open and retain my black water. My reasoning for that is the black water (toilet) has no "trap" to keep the oders out, but all the gray waters do. I only empty the black tank as needed during the summer months and use a chemical made to keep oders down in the black tank. By leaving the gray water open, I dont have to depend on the gauge being correct, thus I can shower with out having to worry about overfilling the gray tank. Thats just my $.02

TCNashville · 08-13-2013, 03:23 PM

I keep my gray valve open as well, but I close it 2 days before I leave to give the grey tank a chance to fill up so when I dump it, it rinses out the sewer hose after dumping my black tank. Dump black first, then grey.

Gibby3275 · 08-13-2013, 05:04 PM

Gloves are a good idea.

I had my trailer out for the first time last week. I didnt realize that the black tank had a leaky valve. When I took the cap off to hook up at a full hookup site I was greated by a full gushing tube of.............you know.

I didn't have gloves on.....................

clutch · 08-13-2013, 08:59 PM

ooooooppppsss

clutch · 08-13-2013, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TCNASHVILLE

I keep my gray valve open as well, but I close it 2 days before I leave to give the grey tank a chance to fill up so when I dump it, it rinses out the sewer hose after dumping my black tank. Dump black first, then grey.

That is what I do. I close the grey tank a couple of days before I dump. No body likes to handle a crappy hose.

glsimms · 08-14-2013, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gibby3275

Gloves are a good idea.

I had my trailer out for the first time last week. I didnt realize that the black tank had a leaky valve. When I took the cap off to hook up at a full hookup site I was greated by a full gushing tube of.............you know.

I didn't have gloves on.....................

You didn't have a Robin Williams "RV Moment" did you???? :dunno:

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