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Old 08-18-2012, 11:18 PM   #1
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sewer odor when traveling

When pulling my camper we occasionally enter the trailer to grab something. When I enter the camper I smell sewer like odor in it. We usually travel with the tanks emptied from the previous trip. Once we arrive at the destination and vent out the trailer then everything is good. Any ideas on where the odor might be coming from or what I should check or do?
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Old 08-19-2012, 12:27 AM   #2
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the wind from driving is forcing the air down the vent into the tanks. most likely anyway. they make a different vent cap to stop this problem. think of installing it on MH. Mine only smells if someone goes to bathroom while driving.
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Old 08-19-2012, 12:33 AM   #3
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Do you make sure there is 1" (roughly) of water in the toilet? The water keeps the gasses from coming up from the septic.
I learned here recently, that you should use the Geo method, and have a little water/solution in both the gray and black water tanks when traveling, or just staying at home.
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Old 08-19-2012, 04:49 AM   #4
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I had that problem in my last travel trailer I put on a Cyclone Sewer Vent
the smell went away

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Old 08-19-2012, 06:38 AM   #5
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If the odor is from the Black tank, water in the both in the tank and the toilet will solve it, if the odor is form the gray tank then the cyclone vent top is a better option, the water will not stay in the p traps so that odor will keep coming up when driving but at least the vent cyclone will stop the backflow of air into the system forcing the smells up.
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Old 08-19-2012, 10:31 AM   #6
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After I dump the tanks we add about a gallon of water solution (includes deodorizer drop-in) into the black tank. Yes, we leave some water in the toilet as well. How much water is needed in the black & gray tanks when traveling?

What is "Geo method"?

Sounds like it's time to install new vents. We are leaving for another trip today. We'll make sure to put the rubber stops in all gray water drains and pour some water into the tanks.
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Old 08-20-2012, 09:35 AM   #7
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Don't rule out the grey tank causing the smell. If the water in the P traps has escaped due to trailer movement that can release the grey tank smell out the drains, which can be pretty bad as well!
3 things I do is make sure there is water in the traps then I close all the sink drain plugs, plus I'll add just a bit of water to the sink/tub as one last barrier from odors.
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Old 08-20-2012, 12:23 PM   #8
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GEO method:https://sites.google.com/site/cbruni/

There are also several good threads on this forum discusing it. Just search GEO method.

I switched this year and haven't had any problems. No more smelly tabs added to the tank.
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Old 08-20-2012, 12:26 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SnoSheriff
After I dump the tanks we add about a gallon of water solution (includes deodorizer drop-in) into the black tank. Yes, we leave some water in the toilet as well. How much water is needed in the black & gray tanks when traveling?

What is "Geo method"?

Sounds like it's time to install new vents. We are leaving for another trip today. We'll make sure to put the rubber stops in all gray water drains and pour some water into the tanks.
Not to change the subject of your questions but normally one gallon of water isn't enough in your tank since most of that gallon sits in the outlet pipe.

I use 4 gallons in black and 3 gallons in gray to help ( sloshing action)

Use the geo method as well
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Old 08-20-2012, 12:28 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by f1100turbo View Post
Not to change the subject of your questions but normally one gallon of water isn't enough in your tank since most of that gallon sits in the outlet pipe.

I never really thought about that before. Thanks for the tip.
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Old 08-20-2012, 01:37 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by Rugged Brown

I never really thought about that before. Thanks for the tip.
Your so very welcome
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