Do I need to have a sewer hose?

[awetsch]

So I'm completely new to any type of travel trailer camping, so excuse my ignorance. I'm curious if I need a sewer hose or can I dump directly into a dump station when I park over it?

Thanks!

[Rich W]

Unless you're a really good shot, I'd say use a slinky.

Seriously, the AS should already have a hose (stinky slinky) in a compartment under the trailer. Wear gloves, open the slinky door and remove it, connect it to the trailer dump valve, put the other end into the dump station receptacle/hole, close the lid on the hose (or put the rock on top of the hose) then pull the black valve, close, use the hose connection to add water to the black tank (or put a couple of buckets of water into the toilet), pull black valve again. When's that's empty, close the black valve, open the gray valve (cleans out the slinky). Remove and clean the slinky with hose, put the cap back on the dump valve, store the slinky and close the cover at the dump station. Add a bucket of clean water in the toilet, secure everything and head out to your next stop

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by awetsch

So I'm completely new to any type of travel trailer camping, so excuse my ignorance. I'm curious if I need a sewer hose or can I dump directly into a dump station when I park over it?

Thanks!

In most cases a hose is necessary.

Rarely, I have encountered dump stations that have a sort of concrete basin that is large enough that it is possible, if odoriferous, to dump without a hose.

[drboyd]

You need to have a sewer hose. The dump station pipe is pretty much a 4" hole in the ground and usually looks like this:

http://sanistardump.com/images/step3.png

By not using a dump hose, you'd be treating all the onlookers to the sight of you trying to swish various objects and substances down that hole with a garden hose. They do not - trust me on this - want to see that.

You also need to verify whether you have a Thetford or Valterra connection on the trailer, and set yourself up with the right fittings. You don't want to be the person trying to duct tape leaking connections together.

[Tltulsa]

uh... hose...without question. As they say, there are no stupid questions, but you will realize that this one has only one answer after your first dumping!
Whoa blackwater, keep on rolling...Mississippi moon won't you keep on shining on me!

[awetsch]

Thanks for the input! I do know that I have a 4in hole, but I do not know the connection type. Here is the best picture I have of it below. Also, there is no compartment under the trailer for a hose, and I don't think I have a grey water tank. Did they make grey water tanks on early 60's airstreams? I only have one lever to pull on to open the waste valve.

[DaveFL]

If a stone or heavy block is not available to hold down hose in opening you will be surprised at the force the black water shoots out. Most dump stations don't even try to make a basin and if they do the plumber makes it non draining by elevating the pipe coming out a few inches. A good sewer hose to use is one that has a 90 degee elbow at the dump end.

In the sixties they didn't have a grey water tank, just let dump to the ground, which is not allowed in most places now.

[Tltulsa]

I see the "thetford" style teeth on there. Just slide on and twist to tighten. THEN open the valve and let her flow! Follow with grey water or buckets of clean water in toilet if storing unit. You could probably just use a hose if handy...and remember, "everybody poops!"

[AtomicNo13]

I carry 2 hose assemblies, one is a short 4 foot hose designed for dump station use, it has the bigger Thetford end. It is the perfect length. Then my regular 15 foot Viper. This hose needs a Thetford to valterra adapter for use on my Classic.

Just yanking the plug is a crap shoot at best (get it) as you might not hit your target with accuracy.

Try it once, you'll be a believer after a whiff of your effluent!

[awetsch]

So if i have the thetford style can I just buy the Camco Revolution or RhinoFLEX and that will have the connector that I need, or do I need to buy a Thetford branded sewer hose?

[AtomicNo13]

You can use any modern hose, but you'll need a thetford to valtera adapter. It's about $8

[AtomicNo13]

I might suggest the Valtera viper hose system. I've personally had the best luck with these. They truly stay flexible under any scenario, and will not crush or deform. Rhino flex is awful!

[AWCHIEF]

OP, this is what you may need to use modern hoses and accessories.

Amazon.com: Valterra T05-2285VP Thetford to Valterra Universal Adapter: Automotive

I buy 3 at a time. They are flimsy and break easily.

I use the Sewer Solution. Shop around you can find it at better prices else where.

Amazon.com: Sewer Solution: Sports & Outdoors

[xrvr]

You can put an extension of about 6 inches permanently on the toilet outlet and that might make it easier to hook up. Check ground clearance before doing that. A right angle one works well for access. Jim

[Wayne&Sam]

Originally Posted by AtomicNo13

Try it once, you'll be a believer after a whiff of your effluent!

Lucky for me, mine doesn't smell.

[xrvr]

Most parks require a hose, health regs. This is one reason flying j started to charge for dumping I heard. Too many just pulled up. Pulled the handle, and drove away without even trying to rinse everything down the hole. We have a county dump here and after the football games the ground around it is full of leftovers from those who do not want to get dirty themselves but do not mind leaving a mess for others. These people are football tail gators and their behavior will eventually lead to the dump being closed to all. Jim

[AtomicNo13]

Kind of related....
We boon docked at the WalMart in Butte Mt last year. I made coffee then stepped outside to walk the dogs. The owner of a giant, very new Moho decided to dump his black tank right there in the middle of the parking lot. I doubt he used a hose. The trail led right to his valve!

[jcanavera]

If you need to buy a hose, buy a good quality hose. I've learned over the years that extra money spent to buy the heavier hose will pay dividends. The low cost ones will puncture on rocks, pieces of tree branches, etc.

Jack

[awetsch]

Thanks everyone! I decided to purchase two of the Theford to Valterra Adapters and a Valterra Viper hose. Does anyone know the size of my black water tank? Are they typically the same size as the fresh water tank? Everything is still orginal in my trailer. Even the 200lb cast iron fresh water tank.

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by awetsch

Does anyone know the size of my black water tank? Are they typically the same size as the fresh water tank? Everything is still orginal in my trailer. Even the 200lb cast iron fresh water tank.

No, the fresh water tank is larger...probably in the 20-30 gallon range in a early sixties trailer. The black tank is only going to be about 10 gallons. They figure, rightly so, that more fresh water is used as gray than black...in the sixties, it was okay to dump your gray on the ground and there is a bypass to do so.

Several years ago, we replaced the valves & repaired the tank on our (then) '64 GlobeTrotter. Here is a link to some pictures of what everything looked like under the belly pan:

Maxwell gets some TLC! Hope this helps ~

Being yours is a different year & model, the tank will be slightly different, but it still won't be 20-30 gallons...

Shari