How to Connect an RV Portable Sewage Tank

Campsites that only offer a dump station may require a portable tank instead.

While many campgrounds offer full hookups, which include sewer hookups right at your site, some campgrounds are more primitive and have only one dump station. Even those campgrounds with full hookups available offer some sites without hookups at a lower rental rate. However, RV sewage tanks only hold a limited amount. Therefore, if you are staying for a long period, you will probably need to empty your tank at some point. Without on-site hookups, you must either move your RV to the dump station, or use a portable sewage tank.

Instructions

Connect to the RV

1. Remove the caps from the portable tank and the RV dump outlet.

2. Attach one end of the sewer hose to the portable tank and the other end to the RV dump outlet. Twist the end onto each of the outlets to secure the hose in place.

3. Release the valve to empty the RV tanks into the portable sewage tank.

4. Monitor the portable tank so you know when it is full. Close the RV valve just before the tank is full.

5. Detach the sewer hose from the RV first and lift it up to allow the contents of the hose to empty into the tank. Once the hose is empty, detach it from the portable sewage tank and cap both the RV outlet and the sewage tank.

Connect to the Dump Station

1. Remove the cover over the dump station and place one end of your sewer hose into the hole.

2. Remove the cap from the portable sewage tank and attach the hose to the tank by twisting the attachment piece onto the outlet on the tank.

3. Pull up on the far end of the portable sewage tank to guide the waste through the hose and into the dump station hole. Level the sewage tank when it is fully emptied.

4. Remove the hose from the sewage tank first and hold it up to allow any excess waste to run out of the hose into the dump station. Remove the hose from the dump station last and replace the cap on both the portable tank and the dump station.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear protective gloves when dealing with the sewage tanks on your RV to prevent exposure to bacteria and germs.

• Some portable sewage tanks have a built-in sewer hose, while others require you to provide one.

References

• RV Upgrade Store: Thetford SmartTote Owner's Manual