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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> RV Maintenance and Technical Tips -> Holding tanks
Post Info TOPIC: Holding tanks
granny


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Holding tanks
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We are staying in a state park and leaving tomorrow.  Problem is that the dump station is closed all day.  Our next stop is only about and hour away and has full hook ups so we are going to just wait and dump when we get there.

The DH wants to know if there is any danger to our tanks traveling with them between 1/3 and 1/2  full?

He said he just wants to hear from the experts.



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Bill Adams


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No! As a matter of fact I like to travel with my black and grey in that condition as it churns it all up and will likely result in a better flush. If you can, get it done soon after arrival so things don't have a chance to settle again. I don't travel without a reasonable amount of fresh water (at least 1/2) but and I don't worry about dumping until the black is around 3/4 full whether I am parked or planning to go.

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Bill Adams
Trabuco


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I agree with Bill, agitation makes for a better flush.

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Jim01


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There shouldn't be a problem at all. We do it frequently.

I agree completely with Bill. It keeps things curned up in there.

Jim



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GENECOP


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Add a little fabric softener before you role.....helps get the sensors clean......

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PD CFK


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Fabric softener...liquid?? Or could you flush a fabric sheet down?

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GENECOP


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Liquid....maybe a cup or two

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Bill Adams


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Fabric softener? That's new. I have heard of using water softeners like Calgon and I have heard of dish detergent, ice cubes, toilet chemicals, bleach or ammonia (never both), CLR, etc. but fabric softener is new to me. Everyone's got a "method". Water and more water works every time!

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granny


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Thanks for all the tips. We traveled today with the tanks about 1/2 full and flushed the black tank out with lots of water and the sensors are on empty. Seemed to work well.

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Delaine and Lindy


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Key word is Holding Tank, When we travel to destination we dump only when need. However is does add weight. Happy Trails...


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BandA


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Does it matter the brand of fabric softner?



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RVPAINTER


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If you did not want to carry the extra weight could you not bring the tank(s) up to 3/4 full with water and flush and back flush as normal? Then put 3 gallons or so of water with chemicals of choice into the tanks and be on your way with much less weight and lots of slushing action?

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Bill Adams


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You can do whatever you like. That's not meant as sarcasm, just a comment on our ability to do different things depending upon the situation. In this case the dump was closed where he was leaving so that was not an option.
Anytime that you have the time and the option to dump and back flush you can't go wrong. Just don't forget to keep the drain valve open at all times or you get the surprise of your life when the black tank fills up and looks to find a non-traditional way out!!

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Bill Adams
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Bill I don't understand the following comment:

Just don't forget to keep the drain valve open at all times or you get the surprise of your life when the black tank fills up and looks to find a non-traditional way out!!

The part I don't understand is "keep the drain valve open at all times"






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2012 - 31 foot NEXUS Class C with one slide out.

Progressive EMS/Surge

Pressure Pro TPMS

WiFi Ranger Mobile Boost

2012 Honda Fit in tow 

BLOG LINK1: http://rvpainter.blogspot.com/

BLOG LINK2: http://art4rvs.blogspot.com/
bjoyce


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Bill was talking about back flushing the black tank when you do want to keep the drain valve open. Many black tanks come with back flush systems and a handy person can install one if it did not come standard. They are also called tank sprayers since they spray the inside of your tank with water.

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RVPAINTER


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Thanks for clearing that up Bill. I will be using a King Flush and it specifies to leave the drain valve open - makes sense. Not much longer - we pick up our 2012 31' NEXUS on 4/5!!!
Thanks for the help you've given me along the way - apprfeciate it.

I had the WiFi Mobile Ranger installed - it will be interesting to see how well it works. I also got the Progressive EMS/Surge protector.

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2012 - 31 foot NEXUS Class C with one slide out.

Progressive EMS/Surge

Pressure Pro TPMS

WiFi Ranger Mobile Boost

2012 Honda Fit in tow 

BLOG LINK1: http://rvpainter.blogspot.com/

BLOG LINK2: http://art4rvs.blogspot.com/
Bill Adams


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You will like your WiFi Ranger (and hopefully, the Boost). We have been a beta tester for the company since 12/10. We really like the product for the ability to change between cellular and wifi without changing the in-house network setup.
Let us know what you think about it.
Sorry for the "tank" confusion!

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Bill Adams
53 Merc


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RVPAINTER wrote:

If you did not want to carry the extra weight could you not bring the tank(s) up to 3/4 full with water and flush and back flush as normal? Then put 3 gallons or so of water with chemicals of choice into the tanks and be on your way with much less weight and lots of slushing action?

 My rig is set up such that 3 gallons would almost fill the dump line and have little water in the tank proper.  4 inch pipe holds an alarming amount of water.  You would need more water in the system to ever acheive any "sloshing action".  Depending on your configuration your action might vary.  The idea behind doing a good flush and rinsing is valid, but so is the leave it half full before travel.  Like the guy said, it depends.



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53 Merc - thanks - I'm a newbie - so lots to learn - we pick up our 31' NEXUS on April 4th so I can see some experimenting on my part, with lots of helpful suggestions from you folks.

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2012 - 31 foot NEXUS Class C with one slide out.

Progressive EMS/Surge

Pressure Pro TPMS

WiFi Ranger Mobile Boost

2012 Honda Fit in tow 

BLOG LINK1: http://rvpainter.blogspot.com/

BLOG LINK2: http://art4rvs.blogspot.com/
RVPAINTER


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Bill - re: Tanks - I'm a Newbie so I get easily confused! :>) Plus I'm 72 so I suffer from CUS/CRS :>)

I worked with Jack Mayer on the selection of WiFi equipment - he offered some great and very appreciated assistance. For our somewhat limited needs, the WiFiRanger with Boost Mobile seemed the best solution. TWT

Thanks for your help and suggestions.

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2012 - 31 foot NEXUS Class C with one slide out.

Progressive EMS/Surge

Pressure Pro TPMS

WiFi Ranger Mobile Boost

2012 Honda Fit in tow 

BLOG LINK1: http://rvpainter.blogspot.com/

BLOG LINK2: http://art4rvs.blogspot.com/
Bill Adams


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You are welcome. See? I knew we could get along!

 


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Bill Adams
RVPAINTER


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Some things just take a while. :>)



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2012 - 31 foot NEXUS Class C with one slide out.

Progressive EMS/Surge

Pressure Pro TPMS

WiFi Ranger Mobile Boost

2012 Honda Fit in tow 

BLOG LINK1: http://rvpainter.blogspot.com/

BLOG LINK2: http://art4rvs.blogspot.com/
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