Toilet paper

[danjoe91]

I have been trying to find out if 'septic safe' toilet paper is alright to use in Airstreams, ( more specifically, my '85 Excella), or should I only use 'RV' approved tissue?

[dznf0g]

I have used off the shelf household TP for decades in TTs. Just don't get the real thick quilted stuff. This issue is more about a solids to liquid ratio in the black tank, than anything else.

[Protagonist]

Seconded. As long as you don't discharge through a macerator pump or a Sewer Solution, it shouldn't matter too much.

[Soyboy]

We buy the Scotts "thin", septic safe paper "1,000 sheet" rolls at Costco in the big packs. Works great. We like it so much we use it at home now, as the thicker stuff would clog at times with our "low flush" toilets. Also saves having to buy 2 different types of TP. Stores nicely too as each roll is wrapped in paper.

[mimiandrews]

Originally Posted by Soyboy

We buy the Scotts "thin", septic safe paper "1,000 sheet" rolls at Costco in the big packs. Works great. We like it so much we use it at home now, as the thicker stuff would clog at times with our "low flush" toilets. Also saves having to buy 2 different types of TP. Stores nicely too as each roll is wrapped in paper.

I agree completely. We do the same thing.

[switz]

The 2 ply paper was nearly $1.50 per roll at Camping World last week. At CostCo, their private label rolls are under $0.50 per roll. That is a huge price differential, especially since the RV stuff has less material per sheet.

[dbj216]

Toilet paper is pretty weak stuff compared to Sears Robuck paper. I have tried to find a chemical that would dissolve it into fiber, but to no avail. I wad up a bunch, throw it in a bucket of water, and add different products. None will dissolve it. How to make paper back into pulp? Must be a way.

I have a SanaCon Macerator pump for my Airstream. My problem is the fact that Airstreams are lower than other campers, and sewer connection pipes at campgrounds are sometimes higher, or sometimes level. The macerator pump allows me to pump to the sewer with no problems or spillage. I have a clear plastic 45 connection to the macerator, and I am surprised how the toilet paper stays in wads. Could it stick in a dump valve and cause it to leak? Maybe so. The macerator also allows me to use my gray water to rinse the black tank. I continue to get toilet paper wads even after two rinses with the gray water. I always keep about 25% water in the black tank, especially when I'm towing. I like to agitate my black tank!

I need a safe chemical to dissolve the toilet paper within an hour of contact. Then I would not worry about a wad of toilet paper jamming in my dump valve. (I prefer the Valtera valves as they have just two face seals and a nice sharp blade. )

David

[featherbedder]

Regardless what tp you use if hooked up in campgrd. or rv park keep black tank valve closed untill full then dump close valve, if valve is left open solids will build up in bottom of then harden big mess and very hard to clean out some time along the way will clog valve more troubles. as dbj216 writes put some water into let slosh as it kleens tank. I do not dump unless fills up at cg then will dump for longer stay. My is 1976 pur. 1977 never have dumped, always dump as soon as get home before trailer is parked when get home then flush rinse. Helps to have farm dump in field good fertz. or if you have farmer friend that will let you dump. You can shine lite down toilet tank is white no sign of affluent evident, & trailer gets used not babied, & we use every kind of tp except quilted but will use if have to

[BeachHouse]

I recently tested several brands and types of TP. Some regular quilted two ply, some septic safe and some RV paper. NONE of them dissolved when left in a jar of water overnight. The thick quilted one did make a substantial lump. No difference/ benefit with the others including $7/ four roll RV paper. So we are using up our yukky $7 paper and will use cheap thin paper in the future.


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[Foiled Again]

Don't use anything labeled "EXTRA" - extra thick, extra soft or extra strong. It's more thicknesses of paper.

Toilet paper remains as it was flushed down the toilet until (A) some new stuff lands on it or (B) until it is agitated .... and new stuff landing on it can be the agitator. If you are breaking camp and draining the black tank prior to moving, just shake the tank by raising the stabilizer jacks and using the tongue jack to turn the Airstream into a rocking chair. The tank cleaners break up a lot of paper into small flakes.

And being single I could go for a month without flushing if it wasn't for the smell - So dumping a couple of buckets of water down the drain is a third agitator.

paper towels are BAD news. Don't ever let a guest use your trailer without thoroughly understanding to avoid flushing paper towels, paper napkins or feminine hygiene products down the drain!

[J. Morgan]

Regular old Scott toilet paper seems to work fine.

[mefly2]

I am more concerned about the smear on the rear ...especially if/when the thinnest gives out ...

[tkb2041]

Oh mefly2 your killing me!

[jbauer]

Still shopping for my first Airstream but the rule on boats I have sailed has been been put anything you want in the head (OK, that's the toilet) so long as you've eaten it first. Just saying.


No matter where you go, there you are.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by mefly2

I am more concerned about the smear on the rear ...especially if/when the thinnest gives out ...

I think that's why, in some cultures, you don't shake hands!

[prairieschooner]

after living on a boat and having to deal with this on numerous occasions with "guests". I now use only Scott RV, I found that Walmart has consistently has the best price. We also have an '82 38' Newell so I buy in "bulk" when I find it on sale.

Yes, I have heard that you can use any TP but really....do you want to deal with a problem of this kind when .........................

[Isuzusweet]

Take a pickle jar and fill it half full of water. Take two or three sheets of your household toilet paper and place in jar of water. Attach lid and shake for 10 seconds. If you end up with little bits of toilet paper in the jar, your regular paper is RV safe. If not, buy some other brand and try again. We use Cashmere 2 ply and it saves use big bucks over buying "RV" toilet paper.

[Nimbus]

Protagonist... why do you say to not use a macerator pump or Sewage Solution? I ask because I take delivery of my Flying Cloud this month and I sure don't want to do anything stupid.

[AWCHIEF]

My new to me Safari came with 4 packs of 4 Scotts RV tp. I do not think I will have to by any for some time. As to the Sewer Solution. I acidently tossed a sheet of paper towel in the the head. The SSF shredded it to bits and passed it right thru the hose. Not something to make a habit of doing.

[JamuJoe]

Originally Posted by jbauer

Still shopping for my first Airstream but the rule on boats I have sailed has been been put anything you want in the head (OK, that's the toilet) so long as you've eaten it first. Just saying.


No matter where you go, there you are.

You'll find a big difference in this regard between the Airstream and the boat (and I've had to tear down marine heads myself, so the same rule applies on our boat). Hundreds of dumps with our Airstream using a standard flex hose (Rhino brand is tougher) without problem. Sloshing water in the black tank works well, so add a few gallons after dumping before you drive away. I do flush my coffee grounds followed by a pot of soapy water, and have never noticed an odor.


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