RV Holding Tank Dump 1-2-3

By the RV Geeks
Dumping your RV's black and grey tanks might seem like a no-brainer, but we can't tell you how many times we've seen people who could use a little help with the basics.

Be sure to watch the video below. 

Properly dumping your RV's holding tanks requires a few simple procedures to help keep things odor-free and running smoothly. For everyday tank dumping, this video is the "express version" of our original "How To Dump & Clean an RV Black Tank." If your black tank really needs a super cleaning, you can watch the original, more detailed video here: 

If you're not having tank odor problems and just want a quick overview of basic tank dumping procedures, this new video gets right to the point. Many RVers seem to think their black tank is clean when they just empty it and flush out the sewer hose with water from the grey tank. Even those RVers who use a black tank flush system often don't utilize the most important piece of equipment necessary for monitoring the cleanliness of the tank: a clear sewer elbow.

But using a clear sewer elbow on your camper isn't enough. As we demonstrate, even a black tank flush connection still won't do the job unless used correctly. We'll show you how to be sure your black tank is really empty, keeping it clean and odor-free and making your motorhome, travel trailer or fifth wheel a nicer place to be.



RV Geeks offers basic DIY (do it yourself) RV service, repair, maintenance and travel tips from full-time RVers who have been handling most of their own maintenance since hitting the road in 2003. Be sure to confirm that all methods and materials used are compatible with your particular recreational vehicle. Every type of motorhome, motorcoach, fifth wheel, travel trailer, bus conversion, camper and toy hauler is different, so your systems may not be the same as ours. RVgeeks is proud to be affiliated with RVtravel.com.

While we're not RV technicians, we're very mechanically inclined and have learned a lot about RV systems over the years. We handle most of our own minor service, maintenance and repair work on our 2005 43' Newmar Mountain Aire diesel pusher. We also maintained our 2002 39' Fleetwood Bounder Diesel during our first two years on the road.

We meet lots of newer RVers who are eager to learn some basics about maintaining and caring for their rigs. After more than 9 years on the road, we want to share what we've learned (some of it the hard way). We hope our experiences can help other RVers go DIY, saving some time, money and effort, while experiencing the satisfaction of a job well done. We do not pretend to be experts on any particular RV topic, and mostly know about maintaining our own rig. But lots of things are the same on RVs in general, and diesel pushers in particular. Comments welcome!