Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 09-10-2019, 04:53 PM   #1
Bronze Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Florida
Posts: 41
Default Newbie question about blackwater tank

Recently bought a 1999 RT Popular. There are slot of different products for black water tank treatment. I tried the stuff left in the cabinet by the previous owner and the "deodorizer" smelled worse than the "odor" it was supposed to control.I like some recommendations and experiences from more experienced owners.
Thanks, Ed
__________________
1999 Roadtrek Popular 190
Dodge 3500 chassis
RedPanEd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-10-2019, 05:10 PM   #2
Platinum Member
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: California
Posts: 336
Default No Particular Recommendation

I've used Camco RV Toilet Treatment and Thetford Aqua Kem. Both work well, in my opinion.
rvsprinterguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-10-2019, 05:14 PM   #3
Site Team
 
avanti's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 5,426
Default

Why do you think you need to use chemicals in your tank?

A properly-functioning plumbing system needs no chemicals. All that junk is palliative for covering up a problem. If you have order, find and fix the leak.
__________________
Now: 2022 Fully-custom buildout (Ford Transit EcoBoost AWD)
Formerly: 2005 Airstream Interstate (Sprinter 2500 T1N)
2014 Great West Vans Legend SE (Sprinter 3500 NCV3 I4)
avanti is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-10-2019, 07:07 PM   #4
Platinum Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Arizona
Posts: 1,215
Default

Although I agree with avanti, I have always used a product by Happy Camper that doesn't have an odor and uses a bacterial base. I've lately wondered if many of the vault toilets in campgrounds that used to smell so much are now using a similar chemical. Their smell is much better overall.
GallenH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-11-2019, 03:16 AM   #5
jon
Platinum Member
 
jon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Seattle
Posts: 291
Default

I've been using Odorlos and it seems to work great. It is suppossed to help break waste down faster as well as neutralizing odors. One of the old timers on this forum suggested it.
Not having a p-trap in RV toilets means that sewage gas is going to escape whenever the flap is opened. A roof vent might help but I don't know I have a side vent so I installed a low power (SOG) inline vent fan.
jon is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-11-2019, 07:43 AM   #6
Platinum Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: CA
Posts: 103
Default

my favorite black tank treatment is a half cup of dishwashing soap (like Dawn, not the stuff for automatic machines), and a half cup of Borax powder.

cheap, and works well!
BigFatGuy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-12-2019, 04:29 AM   #7
New Member
 
SnSC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Alabama
Posts: 2
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by BigFatGuy View Post
my favorite black tank treatment is a half cup of dishwashing soap (like Dawn, not the stuff for automatic machines), and a half cup of Borax powder.

cheap, and works well!
Inexperienced here with a question. What level do you have in the black tank when you pour the ingredients in?
SnSC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-12-2019, 04:55 AM   #8
Platinum Member
 
rowiebowie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,651
Default

Welcome to the forum SnSC!

Best to never let your black tank run completely dry. After you dump it, add whatever your ingredients and about a half gallon of water.
rowiebowie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-12-2019, 05:12 AM   #9
Platinum Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: CA
Posts: 103
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SnSC View Post
Inexperienced here with a question. What level do you have in the black tank when you pour the ingredients in?
I never really measure... i give the toilet a couple of good flushes.
BigFatGuy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-12-2019, 09:03 AM   #10
Gold Member
 
bigfelipe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: NC
Posts: 98
Default

If you keep your tank clean it doesn't stink. I regularly clean mine out. Dishwasher detergent and a couple bags of ice with a few gallons of water then go for a drive...

When you use it, clean it out asap. I do my best not to go #2 in my rig if I can help it though.

I always found chemicals to be worse than any smells and they seem to soak into the walls/fabrics in an RV...
bigfelipe is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-15-2019, 01:49 PM   #11
New Member
 
SnSC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Alabama
Posts: 2
Default

Thanks to all for the info

Steve
SnSC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-20-2019, 03:09 AM   #12
New Member
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: CA
Posts: 11
Default Downy fabric softener; one cup

Downy fabric softener; one cup: coats the tank to prevent stickiness. Best benefit; smells great. Got this tip from this forum 2 years ago!
Kevin Graves is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-20-2019, 06:05 AM   #13
Bronze Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Washington
Posts: 25
Default

https://youtu.be/iH6acEmqvcw
jjustj is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-20-2019, 07:08 AM   #14
jon
Platinum Member
 
jon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Seattle
Posts: 291
Default

I didn't know that you're supposed to dry out you black tank and set it in the sun for a few hours before you clean it. WOW
jon is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-20-2019, 07:43 PM   #15
Platinum Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Tinley Park IL
Posts: 368
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by BigFatGuy View Post
my favorite black tank treatment is a half cup of dishwashing soap (like Dawn, not the stuff for automatic machines), and a half cup of Borax powder.

cheap, and works well!
Same here, except I use Dawn with Calgon. Works great, and yes I clean the sh** out of it about every 3rd dump.
ChicagoTom is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3

All times are GMT. The time now is 07:57 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.