DEALING with waste is nobody’s favorite part of RV camping. But it’s essential, which is a word many owners also use to describe RV waste totes. They are simple accessories that can have a big impact on how long you can stay and which types of sites you’ll be comfortable in. If you’re unfamiliar, it’s worth learning about camper tote tanks and their benefits.
Key Takeaways
- Function: RV totes are portable waste containers that let you transport sewage to a dump station without unhooking or moving your RV.
- Benefits: They enable longer stays and save money by allowing you to camp at sites without full hookups, such as state parks or off-grid boondocking locations.
- Drawbacks: The main disadvantages include the extra storage space required and the potential need for multiple trips to the dump station due to available tank capacities.
What Is A Camper Tote Tank?
An RV tote is a portable holding tank that temporarily holds waste while you transport it from your campsite to the dump station without moving your RV. It’s a popular option for camping in state parks without full hookups, but also serves full-time RVers on extended stays. It can extend your trip without having to move your recreational vehicle.
RV sewer totes come in varying sizes, but most are smaller than built-in holding tanks. That means you may need to make multiple trips to completely empty your tanks. Some have two round three-inch openings, while others have only one. Most also have a waste tank vent opening that serves as a pressure relief valve.
The Pros and Cons of RV Sewer Totes
There are definite benefits to emptying camper holding tanks without moving your RV, but there are also some considerations. Let’s look at them closely:
Advantages
- Expand campground options to parks without full hookups.
- Save you money by allowing you to boondock or camp at sites with fewer amenities.
- Allow you to dump holding tanks without moving your RV.
- Extend off-grid camping stays.
Disadvantages
- Need storage space when they’re not in use
- May require multiple trips to the dump site because they typically hold less than RV holding tanks.
Do You Need an RV Waste Tote?
RV waste tote tanks are great for many reasons. First off, finding RV parks with full hookups isn’t a reality for everyone. Campers on long road trips or living on the road full-time often find themselves boondocking or staying in sites with partial hookups. The major downside of RV camping without full hookups is having to move every few days to empty your tanks.
A portable RV waste tank solves this issue and lets you partially empty your tanks into a tote, roll it to the dump station, empty it, and be good to go for a few more days… without moving your RV.
So, if you enjoy extended stays in state parks or campgrounds with only partial hookups, an RV tote tank is a great addition. They’re also good for full-timers, as you’ll have more flexibility in places to arrange monthly stays without needing a waste hookup.
If you’re a weekend warrior, you probably don’t need an RV waste tote because you’re either camping at full hookup sites or staying for such a short time that hitting a dump station on the way home isn’t too much trouble.
Learn more about the process of dumping RV totes.
RV waste is never a glamorous subject, but handling it in the least stressful way possible helps you enjoy the rest of your RV travels. Here are a few more helpful resources:
- How RV Plumbing Works
- Guide to RV Septic System Cleaning
- What Is a Cassette Toilet?
What questions do you have about RV sewer totes? Let us know in the comments below!
