I always empty the black and gray water tanks after traveling, not after sitting at the camp site, before leaving the camping location. The traveling swishes the black tank contents and breaks up any solid contents. If it's emptied as soon as possible after arriving at your destination it will not have time to settle and you will flush out more of the contents. If you wait until you are ready to leave the site the contents will have a chance to settle and may not empty fully.

I bought a used 5th wheel..Of course I was assured tanks were all clean..After driving and in the dark I thought would be great idea to go by a local RV/Truck repair...Of course I forgot everything I thought I knew...Did not anchor hose well going into ground( it was just a hole that it seems nothing I had fit). Had no idea that the rocks provided were for holding hose down...You got it...Not only was there sewage left in tank it had been setting for some time...So ended up with sewage on my pants, my shoes, inside my gloves and upon my wifes shoes and legs..Yes sir great time at 1030 pm...Lessons learned are many..Wish had of seen a few more videos like yours before trying this Crap out LOL

another tip i have is to open the grey first for 2 seconds, then close, look around for leaks, if ok, let the black flow .................. then the grey.

@SOS-dr2oo

8 жыл бұрын

That is an excellent tip! Thanks.

@chrisb4840

5 жыл бұрын

Good one!

@toolmanweed

5 жыл бұрын

Oh I like that! I’m going to do that!

@dancindavey1515

3 жыл бұрын

Good idea.

When it comes to the RV dump station you left out the biggest thing to avoid making a mistake. "Don't rush when there is a line of RV's behind you waiting to dump". When I first started Rv'ing (travel trailer) a few years ago I used to get hurried when someone was waiting on me.. NOT ANYMORE.. DO the same process no matter what.... They can wait their turn!

Loved your comment about sharing, we took a trip this summer (2016) to Seattle from the LA area and back. At a lookout point along the 5 freeway we stopped to take pics of Mt Shasta and stretch our legs. As we walked back we saw a car broken down waiting for the tow truck. A few minutes later two ladies came to us and asked if they could use our rest room since the car was broken down and there was no were for any one most of all women to go. Being good travelers we said sure, (kidding I said just leave $.50 on the counter) we showed them how to use it and how to rinse their hands over the toilet and flush it. After they used it and we travelers used it another lady showed up and we said yes again. Its alway nice to be able to help and some times its something simple like having a toilet for others.

@LongLongHoneymoon

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks much for sharing your story Scott! You're a kind person and I know those travelers in need greatly appreciated your gesture. Hope you are doing well!

Non-potable doesn't necessarily mean unsafe. It just means it has not been tested for human consumption to meet EPA requirements. Clear mountain stream water is considered 'non-potable'. (Now, having stated that, I still would not be drinking from it unless I was pretty darn thirsty...)

Enjoyed the video, yes, I agree, being in a hurry is the WORST mistake you can make while emptying your tanks. I will share a couple of tips, hope I am not repeating someone else. I like to occasionally use a measure of fabric softener in my tanks, particularly the black tank, besides the enzyme packet. You can choose your fragrance and it will make your coach smell like spring flowers, not rotted flowers. Particularly when someone has the exhaust fan running and flushes....ugh.... On my way home, I dump and flush the tanks, close all the valves and add a few gallons of water back to the tanks. I will add a full measure of fabric softener to the tanks and drive home. I also make everyone use the store potties and not the coach. The softener is an excellent surfactant, with a few gallons of water in the tank and some driving down the road, it will dislodge and breakup a lot of the physical sludge and coatings in your tank, particularly the black water tank. Softener is a surface acting agent and it will get under the crud and loosen it. Close to home and before things have a chance to settle, I dump both tanks and flush well. This system has worked for me in 110 degree weather, with no smell in the coach when we gat back in to start our next trip. I like the Downey brand, but you may have a different favorite. Enjoy...

@LongLongHoneymoon

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks, great tip! I think we will give it a try.

I love you guys videos. You forgot 1 BIG tip, Make sure your valves are close before you take the cap off.

@meriwetherwillie904

5 жыл бұрын

Forgot to close the valves and put the cap back on. Had a very unpleasant surprise the next time I opened up the door to the dump hoses. Hosed it out, cleaned it up and hosed down the area around the door on the ground. Hopefully I learned that lesson

@collyhughes5144

5 жыл бұрын

@@meriwetherwillie904 Sometimes it just takes once to learn a hard lesson! I did the same thing once, that's all it took! Can laugh about it now as we did the ole dance to get out of the way.

I'm learning alot from your videos . We are about a year away traveling getting my ducks in a row now. happy traveling

"You have to learn to embrace the process" - I love that line! 😊

I think for the most part the "non-potable" water at the dump station is the same water and the same pump as the "potable" water 50 feet further up. The difference is that the hose at the dump has been places you wouldn't want to have your fresh water hose having been. It's the same principle as your kitchen sink and your toilet both get their water from the same place but only the dog drinks out of the toilet. Ok the dog and the cat, but the point is you don't. I doubt most campgrounds spend any time or infrastructure having 2 separate water sources, it's all coming out of the same well or city service. The main difference is that the hoses and such at the dump are likely to be "dirty". The potable water hose is probably "dirty" too since the folks using it just got done at the dump station, but less so. At least hopefully. To be extra safe we don't drink any water out of the RV and instead bring bottled water, and we always leave with a full tank of city water. That doesn't eliminate possible contamination of course because we still use the RV water for dishes, showering, and cooking but not for drinking. And we still use the RV water for coffee, but presumably that can be considered "boiled". The other reason I like bottled water is plastic water bottles make great cheap ice packs. Keep the door shelf of the freezer loaded with water bottles and you always have something to throw in your cooler. Then when they are mostly melted you have nice cold drinking water instead of a bunch of ice water in the bottom of your cooler.

@bluedragon1573

5 жыл бұрын

Awesome trick with the water bottles! As for the dump station hose, sometimes when a facility has the correct plumbing they can use reclaimed water. This is water that has been filtered directly from a local sewer. It is mostly used for grass watering and other non-consumable purposes. They do have cleanliness standards, but they are not up to par with city water which is rated safe for consumption. It's up to whoever is using it, but I'd recommend going the extra 50 feet for the fresh stuff.

Great video on turd wrangling. We usually stay in parks with full hook ups, but a few time I have had to use a dump station. Didnt seem like that big of deal. The wife seems to enjoy looking at the clear elbow trying to decided whos was whos....lol Keep up the good vids. Enjoy watching you guys. Happy travels !!

You both did an excellent job! I feel much more comfortable with this process now.

Thank you for these videos. You both are very likeable,and have great information to give people, especially starting out in this rv life, as I have just started. Love and respect

I can't take credit, but this works great. Get a couple of tube socks, fill one with gravel and secure the end with a cable tie. Then insert the first sock into the second, and secure that one also. It make a great "sandbag" to drop over the end of the waste hose where it goes into the sewer. Then it rides in the storage area where the hose lives. When the hose is dancing around like it has an alien trying to get out, the sock full of gravel keeps it tame.

I'm becoming a fan of your videos. I'm still 20 months away from buying my movable retirement home, but I'm getting less frightened of the prospect all the time. Thank you.

This is my most worrisome task, except backing up my camper! Thanks for your videos, I’ve learned a lot from them, enough so I’m not too worried about hitting the road on my own. I have met nice people who were more than willing to offer help or advice. Maybe I’ll see you someday along the way. 😎

Great video as usual, one thing I learned along the way. After all connections are made, I open and close the grey tank for just a second to verify all is well. If no leaks I will open the black tank, I have been saved from a real mess by doing this. Keep up the great videos on both channels. I really enjoy the photography too.

Thanks for the information and encouragement I am just starting the RV adventure and this is my biggest concern. I enjoy the dynamics between you also!!

Having watched several of your videos at this point, I am convinced you guys are nuts! But then again, I think that’s what I love the most! Keep up the good work and keep having fun!

You guys combine information with entertainment. Keep it up, please.

oh my gosh thank you guys for your videos we are newbies and appreciate the help and you both seem so dern likable😀 thanks and GOD bless

As always, great job on the video. Very helpful information and I'm glad you mentioned using a separate hose for black tank flushing. Keep the videos coming. Thanks

I have been watching a lot of your videos as of late. Recently bought a new camper and just refreshing my mind on proper procedures.

Your vids are ALWAYS fun and really informative. And best of all always addressing real life of the camping experience. Always a learning experience and a pleasure to watch.

Ha Ha.. I tell(yell at) everybody.." Hey!! get your shit right!!!"..never been more pertinent than when dumping .Great tips..I see what you mean about the hobby aspect...keep them tips coming!

Thanks for sharing this. I have had my "oop's" moments at the dump station. It's just something you have to do. I loved your comment about "embracing the process." Pure gold.

@LongLongHoneymoon

7 жыл бұрын

Haha I had a new "oops" moment this year that I need to discuss in a video. Basically the hose popped off the trailer connection. It was pretty bad - but could have been a lot worse!

We just bought our first RV Trailer looking forward to a great experience at the dump station thank you for the advice!!

I have to say of all the different tips I have watched ,yours is the BEST..Thank you !! Were in our 70's and just bought a trailer and off and slow driving but we always get there.

@calgal5752

6 жыл бұрын

gail baugh Enjoy your travels! We just did the same...😎

this video was very informative and helpful. I was a bit nervous about dump stations, and I just took possession of my very first fifth wheel. While I won't be moving around a lot due to being a flight attendant this was one thing that was always in the back of my mind, so thank you very much for posting this video

My wife and I are planning our first trip with our new travel trailer. I can't remember if we started watches these videos before or after getting the camper, but I will say that your videos have played a huge part in our willingness to set forth on this adventure! Thank you ;-)

Great video. A little trick is to add ice cubes down the toilet in between moves. They clean the sides and melt to water. Make sure you have a mostly full black water tank so the cubes can move around. The sawtooth mountains are awesome.

I love your sense of humor guys! I am learning a lot from your videos, thanks !

Another note for hand sanitizer. It is a great way to start a campfire. To demonstrate fill a metal teaspoon with it and light it. The flame is blue and hard to see in daylight. You will be surprised at how long it burns.

@LongLongHoneymoon

8 жыл бұрын

+pmsteamrailroading Great tip, I will definitely give it a try! 👍🔥

@back2backband1

5 жыл бұрын

great tip!

@jamesglenn520

2 жыл бұрын

I have actually used it in an empty Sturno can to heat water for coffee and cocoa. The alternatives when tent camping during campfire restrictions. Lol

Great video....... we use the same filter and then a under-the-sink filter as well. We bought the generator you have/recommended......great!! Thanks for the videos......we learn so much from you two. Ken and Nancy in Vegas

Thanks for all your great videos! Another helpful gadget I've been using while dumping is a 90° sewer hose end connector! It really helps with the flow where the sewer line enters the ground. Keep up the good work and safe travels!

@LongLongHoneymoon

8 жыл бұрын

+Thomas Veverka Thanks much for your comment! I'll have to check out one of those connectors. I know that sometimes little gadgets make a big difference when doing a job. Cheers

Thanks guys, that was good. And glad to see you are out on the road!

Good tip on the hoses. I have the white drinking water hose for water to drink (obviously) and a grey hose I bought at home depot exclusively for cleaning the black water tank and the sewer hose.

Thank you much for this and all your videos. I'm getting ready to purchase my first RV and all your videos have been very helpful and encouraging.

Just got my RV and needed a good review of the dump process. Thanks!

Just wanted to say thanks for all the great tips. I still tent camp, but hopefully in a fee years have my own Airstream and begin my adventure.

Good info! Another tip I've learned is to connect a clear piece to your sewage hose so that when you flush your black tank, you can tell when the water is clear and the in-tank washer is not still working on a piece stuck to the wall, haha.

Another grate video thank you. We don't have an rv at the moment but hope to one day. Watching your videos are really helpful and are certainly going to help us in the future thank you. Regards Richard and Sarah.

Thank you for the super informative videos. I just bought an Airstream and I am totally inexperienced. I'm learning a lot from you.

@RVersity

6 жыл бұрын

They don't teach you anything when you are first starting out. It is all a learning experience. :)

Thank you for the info, just retired and buying a 22rr toy hauler, seriously thinking of roamingt for some years. This helps me prep and decide if it is worth tit.

Been watching your 'tips' videos and they are great! Thank you so much for making these!

The best thing I have found for black water treatment is some liquid laundry detergent added before use. A couple of cap fulls from the jug is all you need. Yes, this actually works very well. Breaks down the solid waste and paper very good. Yes!!! Take your time regardless of how many are waiting in line and do a thorough job of cleaning your equipment. When I’m in line waiting I don’t care how long the guy in front of me takes and sometimes I’ll go over and talk to them and even help them if I’m asked, I’m in no hurry.

You rock my friend. Wish you both an incredible Thanksgiving! Looking forward to your new videos and DVD's.

Awesome video! Answered our noobie questions! I'm planning on renting first to see how we like it. A coworker commented that it's too much work! I thought it would make life simpler, better than having to pack the sleeping, cooking and playing gear ie fishing poles, water toys all the time!

love your videos!!! really helping with my education as newbie gathering info prior to purchase and new living!!! Please Keep making videos and having fun!!

@LongLongHoneymoon

7 жыл бұрын

thanks Julie, glad these vids are helpful!

I'm in the thinking process of purchasing an RV and since this will be a solo project, I am very grateful for all of the helpful info you are providing. I look forward to your next video.

@lucyhare5799

7 жыл бұрын

Judy Rehfeld getting mine as a solo tomorrow Nov 28, 16

@BruceS42

5 жыл бұрын

My wife and I are also in the thinking stages of getting our first RV. We're considering going full-time at retirement (

All I can think about is "the scene" in the Robin Williams movie RV. I could even hear the music when you talked about "a little" coming out. Lol! I love that you are not afraid to admit messing up. It makes you real!

When I picked up my 5th wheel we also picked up some bad roadside food on the way up.... Having a bathroom behind me on the 700 mile ride back was worth the price of the 5th wheel by its self...

@LongLongHoneymoon

8 жыл бұрын

Sometimes having your own bathroom is the ultimate travel luxury. 👍

Thank you! We are long time tenters who bought a TT in 2021. We bought it to take our 3 cats with us as our cat sitter moved out of state. We have NEVER used any of the plumbing for fear of dumping. Well, a well seasoned full time RVer said if w don't use it, seals start to go. So, with that bit of advice, in 2 weeks we have promised ourselves to use it. Your video helps. Thanks

Great info. Our new travel trailer will be here in a week! Very excited! Thanks so much.

When everything comes together for me to hit the road - I plan on using a composting toilet! At my house, I use one that I made. Giving it a go to see if it's something I can do long term. I just don't want to mess with the black tank! I really enjoy all your videos - thanks tons!

@jonhamilton2962

5 жыл бұрын

You didn't say where you were. But it looks like the Tetons. Idaho or Wyoming?

I literally watch this video every single day --- it's just that funny !! "You can do it!" CLASSIC!!!

Thanks , I feel a lot better on the flush and fill.

Perfect, full timer here and you totally nailed it!!!

As soon as you said towards the end of this video something about you have to embrace and enjoy the process even if it has to deal with the yucky parts of it all you got my subscription right then and there 🤩 That is one of the most prolific statements I have ever heard in any video watching about RV life 🤗✨ super smart super intelligent

At, you have to love the process, you got another subscriber. Okay, good and enjoyable videos had something to do with it. I just bought a Hi-Lo camper and will be using it this summer for the first time. Next in my process is getting a tow vehicle. The camper is only 3200 pounds so I should not have a problem finding something that will deal with it easily.

love you guys, and would love more frequent videos! my hubby and i are going to buy an rv very soon and we welcome any and all input and advice from veteran rv-ers. :) we've had an rv trip once recently, and we like to over-plan, over-learn, etc. so you guys are a wealth of knowledge. anything would be great. :)

@LongLongHoneymoon

8 жыл бұрын

+Bethany P Thanks much for your comment - more to come!

Getting ready for a 2 night shake down trip with our new trailer. Thanks for this video, getting the separate black water tank flush hose is now on my list of things to buy.

really like your videos, will be going on the road for our first time very soon, thx

Just bought my first RV. This task is one that I dread - dread making a mistake, dread having a hazardous spill, dread looking like the newbie I am. For the first 12 times I have to empty the tanks, I’ll just go at night. And carry a flame-thrower. No one will bother me.

Did the not having hose attached right to my rv and I was glad I had my gloves on. I was in a hurry as said... Like your videos. Thank You.

We are looking to get a T@B with a wet-bath, so I am grateful for this video! Safe Travels.

@LongLongHoneymoon

8 жыл бұрын

+Carrie Takushi Thanks, hope it helps. Enjoy the T@B! :-)

When we are ready to go to the next destination, I like to stop up my gray tank to let some water build up and add some Clorox down each drain, let it sit in there for 1/2 to 1 hour to disinfect the gray tank, then empty the black tank followed by my Clorox water gray tank contents to give the old stinky slinky a nice clean flush too. Used this system for about 7 or 8 years now and never have the gray tank odor problems. BTW, it will not hurt a septic or lagoon system per a septic guy I spoke with and many campground owners have concurred that it will not cause their systems any problems...just as people adding bleach to their laundry doesn't upset the balance.

Most awesome video for a newby! Thank you!

I've been learning so much from all of these videos. Thank you

Great video! Getting ready to go full time in about a year when we retire and you folks have been very helpful. Wrote down 8 out of the 10. You folks should get a stipend from Walex; I wrote that down too.

I made the newbie mistake of always opening both tanks when full hookups were available. after returning from my cross country trip this summer, I noticed my Black tank was showing 3/4 full. I tried putting liquid plumber & pots of hot water to clear it out, they helped but it still showed up half full. I bought one of the flexible wands and cleaned it out. Now I know to wait and allow the liquids to work on the solids until I am ready to dump. Thanks for all your tips.

Worth watching, presented very well.

My little travel travel does not have a built in rinse out function. But I found a great little flush out connector that I use (with a dedicated rinse out only use hose) that does a great job. I also take much pride in my management of the waste tanks. Thank you for your great videos. I enjoy watching them and always learn a few things.

@davidfsikkema1416

8 жыл бұрын

+Liz Souza Liz, if you manage your waste tanks well you should be very proud. I salute you!

Another great informative and pleasant video :) Thanks guys :)

Thank you guys and your right my first experience was easy

Thanks for helping this newbee!

Thanks for this. We haven't had this experience yet. But I know we'll have to do it eventually.

@LongLongHoneymoon

8 жыл бұрын

+vmcshannon haha no worries you will do fine!

Super helpful video. My wife and I are looking to get into the travel trailer game and I'm terrified of the holding tank maintenance. This vid makes it seem pretty easy.

Great video guys. Never be deturd from this job as it just part of the fun of travelling.

@Milesco

6 жыл бұрын

Yeah, dumping your tanks is just a job that you're going to have to do sewer or later.

@mrjamrol

6 жыл бұрын

Deturd - ha!!

That is awesome you said keeping the black tank clean is a thing that is kind of fun to take care of.. me too

Thank you guys. Be safe.

Best part is the ground level camera (the late camera) view at the very end. The anticipation is electric! I try to learn from everyone. Thanks for sharing. btw - the main topic was all a load of hooey.

this is good info if you are traveling a lot. However, if you are the typical weekend camper, like I am, I bring 5 gallons of water with me so I can dump it in the toilet right before i leave the campsite. This way it can slosh around and loosen up the big stuff and then when you dump, it all goes out.

As a physician, stop with the hand sanitizer. Wear gloves, wash your hands with regular soap and water after questionable contact with the black tank or anything else. Hand sanitizer won't work on the bad poop infections, only regular soap and water work.

@LongLongHoneymoon

6 жыл бұрын

As a germaphobe, you can take my hand sanitizer when you pry it from my cold dead fingers. ;-)

@Milesco

5 жыл бұрын

@@LongLongHoneymoon : I'm not a germaphobe; I'm simply mortally afraid of germs. :-D

@back2backband1

5 жыл бұрын

lol i see what you did that was a good though

@rubier.3503

5 жыл бұрын

Long Long Honeymoon Hand sanitizer does not kill clostridium difficile....only soap and water and its very hard to get rid of

@wyattgibson9194

3 жыл бұрын

@@back2backband1 Great name, and keep spreading the truth about Geoengineering!

Gotta say, you tow have become one of my FAVE KZreadrs!! Love your vids! Informative and humorous. You guys seem to get along really well, too. Although, I'm SURE you have your moments like everybody else. haha

Good info. I would suggest drinking bottled water while on the road. Walmart bottled water is cheap. Even if you filter the local water it is different every place you go and can cause you problems. For example... walmart bottled water is the same everywhere you go and is cheap insurance to not have problems on your trip. You could also fill a 5 gallon water bottle with name brand water at the superstores for $1.25.

@Sctvdenmark

5 жыл бұрын

We never drink water from our fresh water tank. We recently had a problem that caused our fresh water to smell like rotten eggs. It was nasty. We had to dump a bunch of bleach into the fresh water tank just to get rid of the smell. I will never trust the water from that tank ever again.

Great vid!!! I am like you guys...it's part of the free life....dumping the black and gray is almost "fun"...doing it , and "surviving" is a challenge, and I am glad to say I have mastered it!!! Not the most pleasant jobs, but a small price to pay for life on the road...small potatoes!

Thank you guys. I do appreciate that video. I have never done it before. we are going to start rving in May, so trying to learn everything.

@LongLongHoneymoon

8 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment. We made this video for you (and others in your shoes). No need to be intimidated!

@Travelbugblogger

8 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I will try not to be. lol

Another black tank tip that a licensed water specialist friend suggested ( can't remember his professional title) was to add a couple of capfuls of Calgon Water Softener and a couple of gallons of warm water down the toilet after dumping right before you drive to your next destination. The sloshing of the solution helps clean and prevent slime buildup on the inside. Even with a tank flush, most of the non-potable water used at the dump station to rinse is extremely hard water (high in calcium, magnesium and iron) and contributes to the buildup. You can add your "bio" mix once you arrive at destination or partway there. This can be done every 3-4 dumps.

@ohioguy215

8 жыл бұрын

PS. This can be used on your gray tank as well.

@garymechling2177

7 жыл бұрын

for the black tank cleaning, say before winterizing, put ice cubes down the toilet, drive around, acting like little scrubbers...and then they just melt away...

@chrisb4840

5 жыл бұрын

I have heard this tip before, been looking where to buy Calgon Water Softener. Cant find it? Is it for sale in Walmart and which department, I may have been looking in clothes detergent and bleach department. and its a liquid? or is it powder?

@guitarsrcool4922

5 жыл бұрын

@@chrisb4840 Amazon and Wall mart both have it at there web sites.

first thing i did when i orderd my truck camper was told them to swap out regular toilet for composting toilet, take out black water tank and put bigger fresh and grey water tank and composting toilets work amazing

Newbie, what a great video, thanks to you both...! LOLOHO👍🇺🇸

Very helpful, thanks again!

I love your videos, u guys make me laugh so much, your videos are informative and hilarious, keep up the good work. My son bought his first trailer today so I am going to get him to subscribe to your channel. I am quite sure he will learn a lot.....thanks.

great tips great video keep em coming

Good tips. I can’t wait for my first dump experience! 😝

This is my first camper . I am staying in a park. That furnish sewer so the hose is all ready connected is it as simple as pulling. The waste lever and it draining

Tip regarding filtering the fresh water: I would suggest that the filtration needs depend on the source. At home, we have excellent city water that we fill with before we leave. I've found that if we use a charcoal filter when filling, the water tends to start growing algae and turns funky between trips of it sits for more than a week or two. This is likely due to the fact that charcoal filters tend to pull the bulk of the chlorine out of the water. Obviously if the fresh water source is an untreated well, the need is different.

Love your videos! This is one task I have not yet had do do. Thankfully my hubby has had the pleasure every trip. 😜

@LongLongHoneymoon

8 жыл бұрын

+April Tatum I (Sean) always handle the task myself, too. I don't know why... but it just seems like a job that falls in my department. ;)

@apriltatum5543

8 жыл бұрын

+Long Long Honeymoon you're a good hubby too!

thanks you guys are great! looks like you have fun!