Honey truck pumping out tanks ?

[Crazycanucks]

We attend 3-5 festivals a year with either no services or just electric. By the end of the events our tanks are normally pretty full, for 25-50 bucks the local honey truck ( septic pump out) drives the campsite and pumps out your tanks.....any chance the high pressure vacuum could cause damage to an AS, never had issues with our SOB .

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by Crazycanucks

We attend 3-5 festivals a year with either no services or just electric. By the end of the events our tanks are normally pretty full, for 25-50 bucks the local honey truck ( septic pump out) drives the campsite and pumps out your tanks.....any chance the high pressure vacuum could cause damage to an AS, never had issues with our SOB .

I've seen that done hundreds of times at Nascar races. They don't attach directly to your tank, as I recall they have a small drop tank and as you empty yours, they pump that one out, no vacuum on your black tank.
I didn't study it like a scientist, but I wondered the same thing. It's like making sausage, you don't want to know all the details.

BTW, they have a sense of humor. One company is called "Johnny on the Spot" and their motto is, "We're #1 in the #2 business."

[Crazycanucks]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

I've seen that done hundreds of times at Nascar races. They don't attach directly to your tank, as I recall they have a small drop tank and as you empty yours, they pump that one out, no vacuum on your black tank.
I didn't study it like a scientist, but I wondered the same thing. It's like making sausage, you don't want to know all the details.

BTW, they have a sense of humor. One company is called "Johnny on the Spot" and their motto is, "We're #1 in the #2 business."

The times I have seen it done they attached the hose right to the grey/black tank...I was fine with it on our old SOB but am a bit nervous to have them connect that much suction directly to the AS .

[WayneG]

I have had it done both ways, most pumpers do not have the fitting for Airstream.
Simple solution is a 5 gallon bucket under the dump port and they put their hose in the bucket, and open the valve not exactly classy, but gets it done in a pinch

[Wingeezer]

Originally Posted by Crazycanucks

The times I have seen it done they attached the hose right to the grey/black tank...I was fine with it on our old SOB but am a bit nervous to have them connect that much suction directly to the AS .

I wouldn't think it could cause damage - the tanks are vented of course so it isn't as though you are gong to implode them.

[n2916s]

The black tank is vented through a 1 1/2" line through the roof. Unless the honey wagon pulls some ridiculous vacuum, it won't be a problem.

[AlinCal]

As said the tanks are vented thru the roof plus any drains you have into the tank, it would pull thru the p traps before the tank implodes. I also think the trucks have some control and asking to not set a record time might be worth a $5 tip.

[aftermath]

The last time I went to the Balloon Festival this is how they serviced the 100 or more Airstreams parked in nice rows. I didn't watch them empty mine but it was nice to have the empty tank. I would doubt that this is going to cause any trouble with yours.

[cliffcharb]

As the owner of a "Honey Wagon" I will tell you don't worry if using a competent operator. Most trucks pull about 15-20hg of vacuum and can easily collapse a tank. Our RV attachment has a valve which pulls in air so as not to build up too much vacuum. Also most operators use a clear hose or attachment so they know when the tank is empty. I take my trailer to race events quite often, and always hold open the toilet when being emptied as I don't know their reputation.

[AWCHIEF]

For your entertainment.

https://youtu.be/hZmQGAgboBU

https://youtu.be/qIemIacNAFM

[GammaDog]

In terms of vac truck humor, we were behind a local septic service truck in northern Kentucky. Its slogan was "yesterday's meals on wheels".

I feel cheap, dirty and irresponsible just having shared that with you.

Please forgive me.

I won't do it again... unless I happen to get behind another truck with an even cheaper, dirtier and more irresponsible corporate slogan.

[Wingeezer]

Originally Posted by GammaDog

In terms of vac truck humor, we were behind a local septic service truck in northern Kentucky. Its slogan was "yesterday's meals on wheels".

I feel cheap, dirty and irresponsible just having shared that with you.

Please forgive me.

I won't do it again... unless I happen to get behind another truck with an even cheaper, dirtier and more irresponsible corporate slogan.

haha,

I think I saw one! It said "No lady, that isn't mud on your windshield!"

[terrylarock]

I had a sailboat moored on the Merrimack River and occasionally had to use the pump out services. A smaller craft with similar equipment as described would pull along side and attach a hose and do the deed. Believe me their is sufficient suction to collapse a tank, just saying.