Keystone RV's Matt & Bart are back with the latest episode of our First Time Camper's Series. In this video, they will cover your RV's black and gray tanks and how to hook up your sewer hose.

Tools and equipment recommended:
Sewer hose
Safety glasses
Rubber gloves
Holding tank deodorant/chemicals

The wastewater system is selfcontained within the RV. There are two types of systems within each unit. First, the “Black Water” system accumulates waste from a toilet. Second, the “Gray Water” system(s) typically accumulates waste water from sinks and showers. Some units may have more than one gray water system. Like in residential homes, the drainage system has drain lines, ptraps, and plumbing vents that route gases/odors out through the roof assembly. Typically, there is a termination valve for each waste holding tank in the RV located on the roadside.

Here are a few tips that can make for a more pleasant camping experience:

First, be sure to utilize appropriate holding tank deodorant to help with odor control and to help break down black tank solids. The gray system can produce just as offending odors as the black system.

Second, even if your camp site has a dump station, DO NOT leave the black termination valve open while you are camping. The solids will stick to the bottom of the tank while the water waste runs off making getting the solids out of the tank a real challenge later. Leave the black termination valves closed until it is time to dump and the gray as well.

Third, be sure to add plenty of water to the bowl prior to using/flushing the toilet when solids are involved. Not doing so can also cause solids to build up.

Fourth, only use toilet paper approved for use in recreational vehicles. The package will say something to the effect “safe for RV’s”.

Following these tips can reduce stress, frustration, and unexpected out of pocket expenses later.

Remember to use proper personal protection equipment whenever you’re maintaining or dumping the waste water system.

DUMPING YOUR WASTEWATER AT A DUMP STATION:
1) Verify the termination valves are closed before you remove the sewer cap (trust me, you don’t want that surprise).

2) Hook up the hose adaptor and route to open end to an approved sewer dump station. Make sure to have a good slope down and away so the tanks empty as much as possible.

During your camping trip you may have to dump the tanks before it’s over, here are the basics.
Start by opening the black tank termination valve. Once you hear the flow has reduced, usually a minute or so, open the gray tank valves one at a time.This will allow the gray waste water to help flush the sewer hose of black water residue. Once all tanks are drained, close the termination valves.

After that is done, go inside to add the proper amount of tank deodorant and water to each tank per the instructions on the bottle.

For more information on the waste water system, please review chapter 10 of your Owner’s Manual, which can be found digitally on our website.

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About Keystone: The #1 manufacturer of fifth wheel camping trailers and the third largest manufacturer of pull behind camping trailers, Keystone RV Company’s most recognizable brands include Cougar, Montana, Sprinter, Outback, Passport, Bullet, Springdale, Alpine, Laredo, Hideout, Raptor and Fuzion. With headquarters in Goshen, Indiana, and manufacturing locations in Northern Indiana and Pendleton, Oregon, Keystone RV Company employees over 5000 manufacturing, sales, and support personnel in 40 plants encompassing more than 3.2 million square feet.