Portable Waste Tank

dlkuhn573 · 12-13-2012, 06:47 AM

Has anyone purchased the new Thetford Smart-Tote, and if so, does it perform like advertised? Need to purchase a portable tank and obviously want one that will operate with the least amount of hassle.

Doug · 12-13-2012, 07:51 AM

I believe I was going to buy this brand and my local dealer only sold the Barker Brand.
They said there was an issue with spillage during use or disconnection with this model?
I found a Barker 15 gal on Craigslist for $20.
Doug

thomasmnile · 12-13-2012, 08:24 AM

Thetford is too expensive and flimsy compared to the Barker products IMHO. Looked at both before buying; bought an 18 gallon Barker. Might have to make 2 trips to fully empty a tank, but I wouldn't want a larger tank than what I bought, because of the weight when full. Pulls nicely behind the truck to CG dump station and easy to use. And, it's stores nicely in the basement of our White Hawk.

clubhouse · 12-13-2012, 08:43 AM

Haven't used Thetford, I have a 25gal barker. Picked it up on Craigslist for $50. My Barker has been great and easy to use, we tow it to the dump station.

Seann45 · 12-13-2012, 09:20 AM

I looked at the Thetford ones and did not like the looks of them for useage so I went with 2 Bakers... just make sure you get the ones with the 3" valve on it not the ones you have to lift up to empty.. they are too hard on the back and camping is supposed to be fun!!!

clubhouse · 12-13-2012, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seann45

just make sure you get the ones with the 3" valve on it not the ones you have to lift up to empty.. they are too hard on the back and camping is supposed to be fun!!!

Mine is the 2-wheel (tip to dump) version. Although I initially wanted the 4-wheel version, that isn't what I found on CL. After using the 2-wheel I'll say 2 things....

1). My 25gal isn't hard to tip up to dump. If there isn't a curb at the dum station I carry a small 2x4 to bracket the wheels. If you can wheel a wheel barrel then you'll have no issues.
2). I travel with my tank strapped to the TT rear ladder via ratchet straps and a chair carrier. Works very well with 2 wheel version with the metal handle accessory, not sure how well the 4-wheel would strap and rid back there.

Diesel Donnie · 12-13-2012, 10:27 AM

Had a small "blue boy" that did it's job until I dropped the pin box on it- Now have a 35 gal. Thetford 4 wheeler- It tows behind the tv very nicely and is large enough to empty each holding tank- We have used the Thetford for at least 5 years without any problems- JMHO- DD

tls001 · 12-13-2012, 01:37 PM

We have the 32 gallon Barker 4 wheeler. It works great and is easy to handle. Very well made.

tlhdoc · 12-14-2012, 08:02 AM

A friend of mine has the Thetford and she loves it. I does work as advertized. I have a small (15 gal) Barker, so no personal experience. I have to haul my tank up hill to the outhouse to dump it. I purchased my tote at a flea market for $15. It did not come with a handle.

**norty1** · 12-14-2012, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlhdoc

A friend of mine has the Thetford and she loves it. I does work as advertized. I have a small (15 gal) Barker, so no personal experience. I have to haul my tank up hill to the outhouse to dump it. I purchased my tote at a flea market for $15. It did not come with a handle.

You can purchase replacement handles at most camping suppliers.

drfife · 12-14-2012, 08:19 AM

A camping buddy had the wheels fail on his Thetford tote tank. It was not repairable. He bought a Barker to replace it. He says the wheel design is much better on the Barker. And he claims that service and support is better with Barker. When he had a wheel problem with his out or warranty Barker, they sent him a new one at no charge.

tlhdoc · 12-14-2012, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by norty1

You can purchase replacement handles at most camping suppliers.

The handles cost more than the tote did. I don't tow it with my vehicle, I have to tow it by hand to the outhouse. I made a handle with a piece of rope rapped around a hammer handle. Works for hauling it 120 feet to the outhouse.

Doug · 12-14-2012, 06:22 PM

A buddy of mine bent one out of rebar that works great.

Doug

RoyBraddy · 12-15-2012, 07:09 AM

The portable tote has to be pulled to the dump site as we all know.

I saw one guy get around this problem using one of those FLOJET 12VDC pump kits. He had his empty 30 Gal tote in the back of his truck and used the FLOJET to drain his black tank into to the tote. It only takes a few minutes using the 3/4-inch hose. Then he unhooked the hose from the FLOJET pump and left it connected to the tote and hung it up high on his truck and headed for the dump. At the dump he just let gravity empty his tote into the dump. Never had to move the tote from the back of the truck.

I thought that was a nifty idea...

Roy Ken

Doug · 12-15-2012, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoyBraddy

The portable tote has to be pulled to the dump site as we all know.

I saw one guy get around this problem using one of those FLOJET 12VDC pump kits. He had his empty 30 Gal tote in the back of his truck and used the FLOJET to drain his black tank into to the tote. It only takes a few minutes using the 3/4-inch hose. Then he unhooked the hose from the FLOJET pump and left it connected to the tote and hung it up high on his truck and headed for the dump. At the dump he just let gravity empty his tote into the dump. Never had to move the tote from the back of the truck.

I thought that was a nifty idea...

Roy Ken

Which Flowjet pump are you referencing Roy?
With my low drain valve, this could be a simpler fix.

Best regards,
Doug

Seann45 · 12-15-2012, 10:13 AM

I have been doing that for 5 years now...

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoyBraddy

The portable tote has to be pulled to the dump site as we all know.

I saw one guy get around this problem using one of those FLOJET 12VDC pump kits. He had his empty 30 Gal tote in the back of his truck and used the FLOJET to drain his black tank into to the tote. It only takes a few minutes using the 3/4-inch hose. Then he unhooked the hose from the FLOJET pump and left it connected to the tote and hung it up high on his truck and headed for the dump. At the dump he just let gravity empty his tote into the dump. Never had to move the tote from the back of the truck.

I thought that was a nifty idea...

Roy Ken

allen8106 · 12-20-2012, 06:59 AM

I have had two of the Barkers and they have both developed leaks. I'll never buy another one.

tlhdoc · 12-20-2012, 09:08 PM

I am hopping to get a pump in the spring, but I need to find out if it will pump it to the outhouse which is up hill from my camper.

Seann45 · 12-21-2012, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlhdoc

I am hopping to get a pump in the spring, but I need to find out if it will pump it to the outhouse which is up hill from my camper.

How far and how much higher? As long as it is not tooo high or tooo far it should be able to do it... might slow it down some though.

You may also like: