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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Researching RV Living -> Considering a Full-Time Fifth Wheel, Gray Water Disposal?
Post Info TOPIC: Considering a Full-Time Fifth Wheel, Gray Water Disposal?
amlitaker


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Considering a Full-Time Fifth Wheel, Gray Water Disposal?
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My husband and I are seriously considering buying a fifth wheel and living in it full time on his parents' property for a few great reasons, and we're really excited to get the ball rolling.  There are a few people doing it openly in our town so I know that we are fine as far as codes and things.  I've been immersing myself in research lately, but I still have a few things that need clarification.  So far I have determined these things:

-We're getting an incinerator toilet. (Yes, I've done my research.)

-We're purchasing a rig with a washer/dryer.

I'm purchasing an incinerating toilet so that black water will not be a problem.  What about the gray water?  What are my options for disposal, or is there anyway to recycle it?  I know there is the option of running a pvc line to the septic hookup but her septic tank is the the front of her home, in other words not accessible to us.  I should also note that we don't have a truck.  We are purchasing and having delivered.  We plan to buy a truck but not for a while, so I can't haul it anywhere to empty it. I also can't just dump it on the ground either.   

Where will my white water come from? lol. I've seen suggestions along the lines of using a white hose to fill up the tank, but is this option as annoying as it sounds?

 We will be moving from a 750 sq ft rental.  I'm a purger and get rid of things I feel like I don't need on a regular basis.  Our house is already too big for our possessions. I know that living in that small of a space won't be a problem for us, as we're not very materialistic.  I also want to address that this is a setup that will last 5 years maximum, so I don't want to make any huge installments that will bug his parents once we move on.

 

Any other suggestions are appreciated.



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Lucky Mike


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first off check with code enforcement.....just because everyone else is doing it doesnt make it legal and if to many do it , they will shut it down on the first complaint.

you need a septic system to dump your grey water ...it is possible to install a dry well but you will have to check the codes in your area...



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GENECOP


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Set yourself up with your own dry well and hose bib....you really will not want to live fulltime without those two items...also if you read reviews you will find many people complaining about odors with an incinerator toilet.....I would go compost....if you install the proper drywell you can also go with a traditional toilet...PS...you should also have a 50amp service.....you are not running a full sized 5th with an extension cord....welcome to the Forum.....



-- Edited by GENECOP on Tuesday 3rd of June 2014 06:16:56 PM

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amlitaker


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Oh I saw a lot of complaints but apparently it's not too bad if the exhaust pipe is above the roof... I'm so afraid to dump piles of poop on property that's not mine. I forgot to mention that, we're definitely running a 50amp.  Thanks for the suggestions.  



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amlitaker


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That's it?  I researched the dry well and the hose bib options and they both seem fairly non-invasive.  So I just attach the thing to an outdoor water spigot with a hose and it monitors how much flows into our white tank?

 



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amlitaker


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Also, as far as winters here in NC, what size propane tank do you recommend?  It doesn't get too too cold.  I should also mention that we have been living without heat or air for the past two years in a non-insulated old mill home.  So anything is an improvement from  here.



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GENECOP


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Pretty much, hook up the hose, you will not be using the fresh water storage tank, the water will be directed right into your plumbing system..for staying put "static" I like to use a 100 lb tank..it stands about 4' tall and weights about 90 lbs when full. I use a hand truck and fill it myself...Your needs are unknown at this point, I would start with the tanks that come with your unit and adjust according to your needs....

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Terry and Jo


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You've not mentioned a time length as to your plans for staying at this place.  If it is going to be a long term (years) period, you might check with propane suppliers in that area and see if they will lease a larger tank near your trailer and deliver fuel to their tank.  We've been static full-timers here in Oklahoma City for the last 3 years and leased a 120 gallon tank for our needs.  If we were to have been here for longer term, I would have requested something larger.

As for the incinerator odor, you might not notice a smell, but you would likely have to put another hole in your roof for the "stove pipe" to get above the roof.  Just make sure that pipe doesn't extend above other items on the roof.  Oh, and while you might not notice an odor, your neighbors might, and I can remember GI's talking about burning human waste in Vietnam and the odor that emanated from that process.

Terry



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