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Re: Sanitary Dump System, continued... [message #239921 is a reply to message #239860] Thu, 13 February 2014 19:04 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
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Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
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mickey szilagyi wrote on Thu, 13 February 2014 14:12

First, thanks to all of you that responded to our recent post about replacing our black tank and installing a macerator. You provided a vast amount of information and we now have a plan that should come to fruition some time this spring.

There are a few other details we'd appreciate more information on. We have seen or driven by only a couple dump stations and have not use one yet.

About what length of macerator dump/pump hose should we plan to have available from where it exits/leaves the coach. This is the distance to the dump hole at a dump station. Is 10 feet enough? Or what would be a reasonable length necessary for the average dump station? We probably will carry an extension just in case we need more.

Secondly, is the RV toilet paper a must or is that just a marketing gimmick? Can we use regular toilet paper?

Thirdly, are the RV black tank chemicals/additives necessary. Do they really work? Our local RV sales/parts supplier tells us the chemical mix is mostly formaldehyde. Do the chemicals really help break down waste and toilet paper? Is it more of a deodorizer than anything else? Thoughts?

Lastly, is there any dumping station etiquette that we should be aware of so we don't look like novice idiots. Can equipment be washed off at the station, like the slinky if used? Is there anything we should absolutely not do so as not to piss off the nexts in line?

Ah, one more thing just came to mind. It sounds like there might occasionally be a fee to use a dump station. Is this common and what would be an average or range of fees?

************

And off this topic but somewhat related - potable water supply and hoses.

I believe at each dumping station we've seen further on down the line a spigot for potable water. Or is that off at some other location? How many of you trust this source of water or do you think like I'm thinking that someone has inadvertently used the "wrong" hose on that spigot and we're better off gathering our fresh water supply at some other location.

Have any of you used one of those newly advertised expandable hoses that "fit in a paint can" for storage? Are they any good? Or would we be better off just getting a separate old fashion 1/2 inch hose for potable water.

Again, thanks to all. I've said it before but it's worth mentioning again - this forum is priceless

Mickey,

You have some good answers here, but I will clear up just a couple based on work experience and some since.

Whether you are using a macerator or not, use TP that has low wet strength. The high strength will even choke the plumbing of a macerator system given the chance. We use stock we have tested and carry a peanut butter jar to test new stock if we have to acquire any mid-excursion.

We carry two household size hoses. The potable hose is dedicated to that service. It is carried inside the coach with the ends coupled and cleaned regularly. The washing hose lives in the LP tank locker.

As to black tank treatments, avoid anything that contains formaldehyde. It will kill a septic system and does not work all that well. Want some? (I did work for Thetford at one timeWe.) We have been satisfied with a product called Happy Camper. It isn't cheap, but it does work pretty well. When we are traveling or at any number of dry camp locations we do use the head for everything.

Matt - time for the next tip - we're head this time

Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit

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