After market black tank flush for new 284bhs slx?

[caddison]

Hello,
I am new to the forum and a first time travel trailer owner. We just purchased a new jayflight slx 284bhs because we loved the floorplan. After driveway camping with the kids throughout the holiday break we love it.....but even with all of the research I did I completely overlooked that it doesn't have a factory installed black tank flush system. I have three questions here.....
1) After seeing many varying opinions, will I regret not having this option?
2) If so, I think I prefer adding an aftermarket "no fuss" spray type system versus a hydroflush or wand system(not crazy about sticking hoses down the toilet at all). Thoughts?
3) And lastly and more importantly, will this after market installation (preferably through dealer) void my warranty?

Thank you in advance for your assistance!

[alwalk63]

They are nice but not the be all and end all. Keep lots of water in the black tank and it should empty a lot easier.

Sent from my SM-T713 using Tapatalk

[caddison]

Thanks for the feedback alwalk63!

[RayBo]

I use this stuff:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Extreme Holding Tank Cleaner. It is really good, and I also use the organic "Odor free holding tank treatment." I've never used anything else close to this good.

If you don't have a flushing system, get a cap for your sewer drainpipe that has a hose fitting. Install the holding tank cleaner, then fill 50% with water. (You might have to look down the toilet to estimate the "half full" mark. Make sure your "cap" has a simple valved fitting between it and the hose, so you can turn it off and disconnect the hose without spilling everything on the ground.

Then drive around a while, doing some S-turns, aggressive braking, basically things that "slosh" the contents of the tank around. Then let it sit overnight and drain the next day. Once drained, fill with 1/2 tank of plain water, slosh around and drain again.

This is a "once a year" thing I do, but it really improves everything and it only takes a little while. It also makes my tank level indicators work much better.

[caddison]

Thanks for the feedback RayBo!

[caddison]

Quick follow up questions.....if this is something you do on a yearly basis do you do any type of backflush during the camping season or just drain the black and then the grey tank? Also, do you add the organic holding tank treatment after each sewer dump?

Sorry for all of the questions....but that black tank being clean after the sewer dump is the only thing that gives me any trepidation on our first official camping trip (hopefully in late February or early March here in Georgia). I definitely don't have the stomach to be cleaning out a clogged and caked tank....lol!

[Isaacs]

My toilet is located right over the tank. I made a wand out of 1/2" pvc, elbow on the bottom, with a shut off valve and a quick disconnect to use as a swivel. It's a pain in the butt dragging the hose into the trailer but it cleans better than any flush system.

Many trailers have an elbow and a length of sewer pipe running from the toilet to the tank. In this case, I can't see a wand working very well. Installing a flush fitting is easy, cheap, and easy to use. I'd say do it!

And, as others have said, keep things nice and liquefied between cleanings!

[RayBo]

Originally Posted by caddison

Quick follow up questions.....if this is something you do on a yearly basis do you do any type of backflush during the camping season or just drain the black and then the grey tank? Also, do you add the organic holding tank treatment after each sewer dump?

Sorry for all of the questions....but that black tank being clean after the sewer dump is the only thing that gives me any trepidation on our first official camping trip (hopefully in late February or early March here in Georgia). I definitely don't have the stomach to be cleaning out a clogged and caked tank....lol!

I have a few thoughts/experiences that might answer some things for you. First, I have a 2012 Seneca, which has a flush port and the ability for me to flush it whenever I want, which I do every time. However, on my past motorhomes, I've done the method I described to you as I had no other option.

So, here's my way of doing it if I'm really wanting to clean a tank I believe is really caked and clogged and might give me grief:

I drain the tank and flush until water appears to run clear. (I have a clear fitting that I put in between my hoses so I can see the effluent.)

Then, I install the tank cleaner solution (which from the smell and appearance seems to be most likely something in the Drano family aka sodium hydroxide, but not sure.) A lot of years in chemistry has possibly affected my sniffer.

I then fill a 5 gallon bucket with HOTTEST water I can get and pour it in the toilet while holding the valve open.

Then I drive back and forth and brake hard in my parking lot, maybe 15-20 times to slosh it, kind of like a washing machine might. Then I fill it 1/2 or more with regular water from the hose. Then I let it sit overnight. Then I dump it into my septic cleanout port, refill with water, slosh it again, and I'm good for a year. (NOTE: You have to replenish your enzymes and bacteria in your septic system after you do this. I use 3x the normal dosage of Rid-X to do this. Your results may vary. The sodium hydroxide kills everything and renders your bioactivity in your tank virtually null. The Rid-X restarts...mostly.)

I do use the organic Happy Campers tank treatment every time I dump. I've been doing this for a long time and never have any issues, and most importantly, no smell. It really is excellent.

Not many folks say so, but let me advise something important. Wear new gloves (latex or nitrile, single use then dispose) and wear a mask over your face. (Cheapie to protect from droplets is enough.) Wear safety glasses or goggles. Be prepared for the uneducated to make fun of you. Then recognize that one amoeba can kill you, not worth the risk. Sewer is dangerous.

Another tip: When you move the motorhome/trailer, make sure you cover, plug, or insert closures in all your drains. This will ensure the gases go out your vents and not inside. It's a small thing that makes a big difference.

Let me know how it goes or feel free to ask about anything unclear.

Cheers.

[caddison]

Thank you for the detailed feedback RayBo! I have zero qualms and fully intend to wear gloves and a mask......hopefully the fact that I am 6'4" and 275 lbs will reduce the laughter, but if it doesn't that's okay....being amoeba free will cheer me up....LOL! I am usually anything but OCD about things, but a clean system is uber important....mainly because my wife has never camped and I don't want a preventable issue be something that dampens her spirits in the beginning....or the kiddos either.

I am still thinking having the dealer install an aftermarket black tank flush may alleviate some concern....as long as it doesn't void my warranty.

Thanks again!