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09-04-2008, 11:23 PM
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#41
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Rivet Master
2012 25' FB Eddie Bauer
Vintage Kin Owner
Virginia Beach
, Virginia
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,801
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gray water "safe to dump"?
Quote:
Originally Posted by purman
How remote is this camp site. You know that they use to dump the grey water right out on the ground.. If it is just water used for washing hands and body and no food in it that is a option.....
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Detergents in shampoo, body soap, creme rinse for hair - brush your teeth & spit, wash your privite parts, shave your pits or face? Dish detergent, grease, coffee, etc. Gray water may be a lot "blacker" than we think.
50 years ago there were a lot fewer campers so the environment and time could more easily take care of that waste without help. I don't think my boondocking is that "boonie". 2 Air is right about clogging the head on the tank cleaner. I'll use the sewer solution to drain into a 5 gallon drywall bucket, then dump it down the toilet. (Don't trip, and don't overfill the damn bucket!)
Thanks 2 air. Paula
__________________
Today is a gift, that's why they call it the present.
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09-05-2008, 07:56 AM
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#42
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Rivet Master
1968 28' Ambassador
Cedaredge
, Colorado
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,542
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Guess all those years as a white water guide and mountain guide makes my grey water not so grey, Bio soaps don't drink coffee, the wife does, but it's empty when she's done, If you are gonna dump it just be careful..
Where do you think the stuff you dump at those remote dump stations go????????? Into a septic system that leaches into the ground... You should always think about what you put in your grey tanks, and black for that matter....
Whether it is dumped on the surface or underground it still ends up in the ground.... It's just nice not to see it on the surface, thats for sure..... (Yes the tanks help break it down, the natural stuff, but not the unnatural stuff...)
Just a thought..
__________________
Jason
May you have at least one sunny day, and a soft chair to sit in..
2008 5.7 L V8 Sequoia
AIR # 31243
WBCCI # 6987
FOUR CORNERS UNIT
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09-05-2008, 07:58 AM
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#43
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Moderator Emeritus
1972 31' Sovereign
High Springs
, Florida
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 2,311
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I don't understand what the big deal is with letting gray water drain on the ground in a boondocking situation, IF it is at a site that is used only a few times a year. It is not much different than washing your car in the yard. Your typical septic system drain field is not absorbing pristine crystal clear drinking water either.
__________________
ARS WA8ZYT
2003 GMC 2500HD 4X4 D/A Ext. Cab
Propane Powered Honda EU2000i
Lots of Hot Sauce!
Air # 283
WBCCI 1350
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09-05-2008, 09:47 AM
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#44
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Ready-to-Travel
2012 30' International
Walkerton
, Virginia
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,167
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I think it has to do with the "leave it cleaner than when you arrived philosophy".
Pat
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09-05-2008, 10:07 AM
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#45
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Rivet Master
1968 28' Ambassador
Cedaredge
, Colorado
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,542
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Well I wouldn't dump it on sand stone but run a hose into the bushes and you should be ok, Just remember if you are in bear country they will be attracted to the smell, especially perfume soap smells, and any food bits.....
Be smart about it.......
And I have only done this in the open forest camp places... and then I have filled the portable tank and hauled it off away form the trailer, when in bear country...
__________________
Jason
May you have at least one sunny day, and a soft chair to sit in..
2008 5.7 L V8 Sequoia
AIR # 31243
WBCCI # 6987
FOUR CORNERS UNIT
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09-05-2008, 11:15 AM
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#46
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Rivet Master
2004 30' Classic Slideout
2021 33FB Classic
Colleyville
, TX
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 1,540
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....and when the bear is finished be certain to take one of those little blue bags and pick up after him.
HAPPPY TRAILS
__________________
In dog years, I'm dead!
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09-08-2008, 01:08 PM
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#47
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New Member
Currently Looking...
port saint lucie
, Florida
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 1
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www.tractorsupply.com has a huge selection of wheels of all types and sizes
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02-08-2009, 04:22 PM
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#48
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Rivet Master
1989 29' Land Yacht
Mesa
, Arizona
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,804
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Fresh and waste water tanks
Here is my waste and fresh water hauling system.I use this in the back of my Ford Excursion with the 3rd row seats removed.After the tanks are in I have plywood that goes on top of them so I can store stuff on top.
Photo 1. Is 100 gal fresh water tank.You could use 50 Gal tank.It goes in SUV first behind the 2nd row seats.
Photo 2. Is fresh water pump.This is same pump as used in the trailer and I plug it into one of the power out lets in the SUV.Then I can pump in to my trailer tank or I just hook it to my city water connection then when I turn the water on in the trailer the pump comes on and when I shut it off the pump stops.The pump is on RT side of SUV at end of the tank.
Photo 3. Is my 100 gal Black/Gray waste tank.You could use a 50 gal tank.It goes in behind the fresh tank at the rear doors of the SUV.The pump valve can be put up so you have more storage room on the floor.The dump valve goes to LF side of SUV.
Photo 4.This is the 12V DC Macerator pump.I power it from my trailer batteries.You hook the large hose to your trailer dump and a 3/4th hose from pump to top of wast tank.You DO WANT to start the pump 1st then open you trailer dump valve.
I have used this now for 3 years and it has worked very well for the kind of boondocking we do.
__________________
Live every day as if it is your last one and one day your going to be right.
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02-08-2009, 05:36 PM
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#49
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
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Sir Craps-a-Lot
10 days, 6w 3 adults, 4w/two. Black, grey 3/4+ full. Fresh 3/4+ empty.
Granted we started with our 63 Safari so conservation of supplies was paramount, but what are ya'all do'n to fill up in three days? 2gal flushes?
OH...we got no wee ones with us.
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
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02-08-2009, 06:05 PM
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#50
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Cyclist
2007 28' International CCD
Windermere
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 457
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Our bathroom sink runs into the black tank as well. Gray get shower and kitchen sink.
Wife and I both pee alot. So, 3 days is about max on the black tank.
Gray nearly fills in two days with a shower each daily, even on dribble mode as much as possible.
I try to stay where there are sewer hookups or honey depots. Otherwise a three day weekend is it.
I use several collapsable 5 gallon jugs and an electric pump to add extra fresh water. I like the smaller jugs as I can tote them by hand if the nearest faucet has no parking near.
Tom
__________________
2007 28' Int CCD.
2011 F 250 Big Honking Diesel
DTV 5lnb on a tripod.
Wilson wired repeater with YAG.
Two big screens
15dB Backfire WiFi antenna and WaveMagnum
Centramatics.
Hawkshead Tire Monitors.
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02-08-2009, 07:14 PM
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#51
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
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Quote:
Originally Posted by henw
Our bathroom sink runs into the black tank as well. Gray get shower and kitchen sink.
Tom
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Now that's something I wasn't aware of, does that apply to all newer units?
We have always brought about 12gal of bottled water with us for cook'n and coffee.
With the 63, after the black tank was 3/4 full, we got in the habit of turning the toilet off and dropping into an open hole, something we still do on occasion, although it's harder getting to the shut-off on the Classic. After dumping a triple flush was needed.
This was a few years ago when most of the remote places allowed grey water honey holes, we always strained thru cheesecloth to separate the gunk.
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
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02-08-2009, 07:26 PM
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#52
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Rivet Master
1989 34.5' Airstream 345
Silverton
, Colorado
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,102
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We have a hand-spray option on our toilet...gives direct spray where you need it and uses a lot less water...when in real conservation mode(fresh tank empty), we use a dishsoap bottle and squeeze it away. I often just 'shower' with a 1 gallon jug outside...it can be done, and well enough to be allowed back in the unit
I was told by the BLM guy out here at Quartzsite that if you wash your dishes in a plastic pan, you can throw out the water on the ground...if you have an outdoor shower, you can wash yourself outside...if you use the gray water tank, the contents are suddenly considered "toxic"...I have no clue as to the reasoning behind this, but, then, it IS a governmental agency...
Nightime discretion is the better part of valor, common sense in any given situation doesn't really cost anything, and WHERE else but the Forums could you discuss...uhm...'stuff' like this??? Gotta love it.
__________________
Michael & Tracy
1989 345 Motorhome
CHARTER MEMBERS: FOUR CORNERS UNIT, AND PROUD OF IT!!!
We live for the moment, 'cause when you get there, it's gone...
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06-03-2009, 11:03 PM
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#53
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Rivet Master
1978 28' Ambassador
Morada
, California
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,584
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Here's some pics of the 50 gal tank we use to transport the contents of our 20 and 16 gal waste tanks on the AS...when boondocking or dry camping at state parks...
We have a matching 50 gal tank to use for freshwater, and a 12 volt RV pump to transfer the water to the AS...
Thanks Jimmini for the inspiration...
__________________
Ray & Pat; Morada, CA
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06-04-2009, 08:16 AM
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#54
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Rivet Master
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,190
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The voice of experience.....
Wally use to dig a " gopher hole " for running waste into. At first I was apalled to find out that this practice was in the owners manual. Now I think differently.
My buddy who had saved up his grey water, dumped it out all at once. I ran into his camper to warn him that his black water was leaking.
It smelled soooooooooooo bad. I educated him. Let they grey water go as you use it. A minute ago it was on your face and it didn't smell. ( even urine isn't toxic untill it grows bacteria ) If grey water sits in a tank it will grow stuff. A waste pump out " technician " was pumping out the same friends black water tank at the same outing. The "technician" had technical problems and ended up dumping about five gallons of raw black waste on to my campsite. I was furious. He then watered down the area with a few gallons of fresh water and the smell went away in 15 minutes. So I didn't shoot him. A horrible practice none the less.
Now my semi scientific reasoning. There was a study on outhouses.
They found that the nasties didn't get more than an inch or two away from the pit before micro organizims " ate " it. Backup arguments: a hundred gazillion cars loosing 1/4 inch of tread each year. Where do the
bits of rubber go. Micro organizims eat it before it gets a few feet from the road. Cover a tree stump with soil. It will be gone in a few years.
On the otherhand, Jamestown, the first " town " that the settlers settled,
was soon contaminated by waste. Disease is one of the reasons that they moved the town to Williamsburg. On yet another otherhand, the farmers on my road still use cow manure to fertilize the growing fields.
Now for the practical practices. Don't use your sink as a a disposall.
Wipe your dishes into a garbage pail. This also prevents your P-trap from smelling and drawing ants. Use enzymes, not perfumed chemicals, in both waste tanks.
Most of all, use your conscientious best judgement, to protect this fine land, and to honor your neighbors health. I realize that I am inviting backlash from other tree huggers everywhere. I am really only talking about fresh grey water. Dave
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06-04-2009, 11:12 AM
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#55
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Tramp Streamer
Commercial Member
1995 28' Excella
Artist
, at Large
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 2,002
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS
Now that's something I wasn't aware of, does that apply to all newer units?
We have always brought about 12gal of bottled water with us for cook'n and coffee.
With the 63, after the black tank was 3/4 full, we got in the habit of turning the toilet off and dropping into an open hole, something we still do on occasion, although it's harder getting to the shut-off on the Classic. After dumping a triple flush was needed.
This was a few years ago when most of the remote places allowed grey water honey holes, we always strained thru cheesecloth to separate the gunk.
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The bathroom sink in my 28" Classic runs into the BLACK water tank. An install of convenience.
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06-04-2009, 04:02 PM
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#56
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4 Rivet Member
1966 30' Sovereign
1963 22' Safari
orlando
, Florida
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 280
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I personally have not tried this method of conservation ,but here goes.Kitty litter! It works for cats indoors and solves the odor problem.I can think of a thousand jokes to fill this post but all joking aside isn't it feasible for humans? Rap it up in a plastic bag and throw it away.Absolutely no black water is used.There is none to cart to the dump.Call me a pig but after being outdoors for a few days I become acclimated to the weather and just don't have the need to wash much.Of course my wife is not there to tell me otherwise,so I'm good.However,a hot shower in the woods is a pure luxury when I use it.Handy wipes,I like them.Use them and into the plastic bag as well.If all that paper and waste is an odor problem,seal it in an air tight container until its time to go.Meow.
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06-04-2009, 07:59 PM
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#57
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Rivet Master
1989 34.5' Airstream 345
Silverton
, Colorado
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,102
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I don't mind the kitty litter idea, but I'm gonna balk at the scratch-over that follows...a good field shower can be had with a gallon jug of H2O warmed in the sun...
__________________
Michael & Tracy
1989 345 Motorhome
CHARTER MEMBERS: FOUR CORNERS UNIT, AND PROUD OF IT!!!
We live for the moment, 'cause when you get there, it's gone...
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06-04-2009, 09:02 PM
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#58
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2 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Vero Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 24
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Cat Box????? I will walk into the woods and go behind a tree before I use a cat box, besides what would my cat say?
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06-04-2009, 09:29 PM
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#59
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Tramp Streamer
Commercial Member
1995 28' Excella
Artist
, at Large
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 2,002
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Quote:
Originally Posted by richie rich
I personally have not tried this method of conservation ,but here goes.Kitty litter! It works for cats indoors and solves the odor problem.I can think of a thousand jokes to fill this post but all joking aside isn't it feasible for humans? Rap it up in a plastic bag and throw it away.Absolutely no black water is used.There is none to cart to the dump.Call me a pig but after being outdoors for a few days I become acclimated to the weather and just don't have the need to wash much.Of course my wife is not there to tell me otherwise,so I'm good.However,a hot shower in the woods is a pure luxury when I use it.Handy wipes,I like them.Use them and into the plastic bag as well.If all that paper and waste is an odor problem,seal it in an air tight container until its time to go.Meow.
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Hi Richie rich,
Let me get this straight. You line the crapper with a plastic bag and back fill the toilet with Kitty Litter. Is that how it works?
Michael
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06-04-2009, 11:34 PM
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#60
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1 Rivet Member
Holladay
, Utah
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Silvertwinkie
What I then do is use the fresh tank for just drinking, cooking and basic things.
I
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I never knew you could drink water all by itself until I joined this forum. We only use fresh water for bathing, cleaning, and to put in our Britta filter pitcher. When we need to drink water, even from the Britta, I find it safer to put antiseptic in the water before drinking. After trying several, I find that Bourbon and Scotch work best. Do anything less, and you are taking a big chance. Remember W.C. Field's quote on drinking water: " I never touch the stuff. Fish !#%* in it."
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