Storing with tanks empty

lostinmerica · 08-12-2024, 11:04 AM

I recently purchased a WW 28 View, my first RV/TT.

I am not planning to travel with it, but to put it on a property and live in it full time while I build a house. The RV was picked up new from the dealer, where they put water in tanks, presumably to test the plumbing before delivery. Tanks were drained, and the TT was moved and is currently stored (tanks empty) at a friend's property until I can get power and water setup at my new place. TT has been sitting now for a few months.

I will not have sewer/septic on site for a long time, and no tow vehicle to take it to a dump facility. So, in this situation it seems that a compost toilet may be a good solution.

I have been searching the forums and it seems that many people say to keep water in the tanks to protect the seals and to prevent solids build-up/solidification.

Questions:

Since this is a new unit that has presumably just had water in the tanks for testing, is it "safe" to leave the tanks empty for a few months until the unit is put into use?

If I do go with a compost toilet, it would seem to make the most sense to leave the black tank empty and simply not use it. Since the black tank has never had sewage in it, there would be no "solids" to create issues. When people talk about keeping water in tanks to protect seals, are they talking bout the seals in the valves, or are there other parts in the tank assemblies that might also be damaged from drying out?
Aren't the units shipped empty and sit that way at dealers until sold?
From the forums, it seems that compost toilets are not a popular option, but one that seems to be a good solution in this particular situation. Wondering if anyone using one might chime in and offer advice/suggestions/criticism?

Any feedback appreciated.

RobbieH · 08-12-2024, 11:08 AM

I have been RV'ing for many, many years and I routinely store mine with the tanks empty. Zero issues.

Oaklevel · 08-12-2024, 11:34 AM

We have had several RVs over 40 years and always store with empty tanks.

Just curious where are you plan on dumping the composting toilet's waste?

Oaklevel · 08-12-2024, 11:52 AM

Every county / state has different rules...

We could not live in our RV while our house was built unless the well and septic were already permitted. Keep in mind if the RV is within eye site of the new house. It will be within their ( the building inspector) view as well.

Dumping any liquid waste on the ground can get you in big trouble / fines. (black or grey).

Not as big of deal but are you going to get power from the builders temp power pole or your own?? Two meters?

If you have already checked into these things for your area great.

lostinmerica · 08-12-2024, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oaklevel

We have had several RVs over 40 years and always store with empty tanks.

Just curious where are you plan on dumping the composting toilet's waste?

Probably in a compost bin on the property.

jlankford · 08-12-2024, 12:01 PM

If the dealer put water in the system to test it before delivery, don't leave it stored like that during freezing weather. If it will remain stored over the winter, I suggest making sure the water heater is drained and blow out the lines with a portable air compressor.

To answer a question you didn't ask... I'd be tempted to get the septic system installed ASAP on your new building site and make sure there is a "cleanout" installed very close to where the trailer will be parked. If you have city sewer, again make sure to position a cleanout appropriately. Just be careful not to leave the dump hose connected to your cleanout whenever an inspector might be dropping by. I'd make sure the hose is nowhere visible...

lostinmerica · 08-12-2024, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oaklevel

Every county / state has different rules...

We could not live in our RV while our house was built unless the well and septic were already permitted. Keep in mind if the RV is within eye site of the new house. It will be within their ( the building inspector) view as well.

Dumping any liquid waste on the ground can get you in big trouble / fines. (black or grey).

If you have already checked into these things for your area great.

The only permits and inspections in this area are for septic installs and related to development in wetlands and flood zones. We're good.

I think our compost bin is likely less of an environmental concern than the neighboring fracking ponds, gas wells, oil wells, and farming chemicals.

We will also have a construction porta potty on site, so we can also dump into that if necessary.

Oaklevel · 08-12-2024, 12:10 PM

It is ok for an RV to be used on site during the build??? Without a well and septic??

Would hate for the inspector to say you can't do that later.

We found out the county did not want long term RV living (with people living in them) too many people lived in RVs for years while they built a house ......

Oaklevel · 08-12-2024, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lostinmerica

The only permits and inspections in this area are for septic installs and related to development in wetlands and flood zones. We're good.

I think our compost bin is likely less of an environmental concern than the neighboring fracking ponds, gas wells, oil wells, and farming chemicals.

We will also have a construction porta potty on site, so we can also dump into that if necessary.

The crazy thing is not which is a bigger environmental concern but they are permitted by different governmental agency's..........

and...have different requirements...........

Hope you have a smooth build (not sure what that is.)

lostinmerica · 08-12-2024, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oaklevel

The crazy thing is not which is a bigger environmental concern but they are permitted by different governmental agency's..........

and...have different requirements...........

Hope you have a smooth build (not sure what that is.)

Understood and you are 100% correct. I don't want to pollute, but I also really don't want trouble with the regulators!

Based on my conversations with the county, I think we are good, but of course there could always be "that guy" having a bad day...

I'm not sure what a smooth build is either, but I'm hopeful. And thank you!

TitanMike · 08-12-2024, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lostinmerica

I'm not sure what a smooth build is either, but I'm hopeful. And thank you!

A "smooth build" is what all contractors PROMISE.

lostinmerica · 08-12-2024, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TitanMike

A "smooth build" is what all contractors PROMISE.

promises, promises...

The other approach would be to have the porta potty company empty the RV tanks. Could do this with or without the composting toilet, and with or without an external waste tank too. Lot of options I suppose.

Thanks to all for the feedback as I try to figure this out.
Going to be fun living for a while!

Aussieguy · 08-12-2024, 04:22 PM

CAREFULL ... none of your wastewater makes a puddle

all building will cease and you'll have to get a impact study on the "wetland" and "navigable waterway"

lostinmerica · 08-14-2024, 10:59 AM

So, I've been thinking about my options and researching various toilets and configurations. I'm not livng in the RV yet and the toilet and black tank are still "new" - never been used, so I decided to take a look and see how things are assembled, how things are positioned, and what the clearances are.

I thought I would post some photos and details just in case some other knucklehead is searching the forums and might find these useful.

(Remember, this is a 2024 Forest River Wildwood 28 View).

- The toilet sits at a 45 degree angle, with the back towards the corner.
- The toilet flange is positioned 11" to 12" off the adjacent walls.
- There is a 3.5" OD pipe (nominal 3") extending about 7" down to the black tank.
- The connection to the black tank is not threaded or glued, there is a rubber grommet connection with no fasteners.
- Water connection comes up through the floor.
- Black tank appears to be vented by a pipe running to the roof, inside the wall between the bath and kitchen, between the toilet and the shower.

Whether I replace the stock toilet or not, I may rotate it so that is back against the wall, facing the sink, instead of back against the corner. Seems like it would be more comfortable and offer more leg room.

Anyway, hope this helps somebody.

Boomerweps · 08-14-2024, 12:34 PM

Toilet was likely angled for elbow room, often a problem.
Composting toilet is a good idea. I’d use the construction supplied port a potty as much as possible.
Gray water (kitchen and shower) shouldn’t be much problem. You can get an add on sewer valve for the output and then open the gray and black valves to let the gray water equalize into the black tank. Get a replacement sewer cap with a garden hose fitting on it (available in clear to look for leaks before attaching hose). Then, occasionally, with a long garden hose, you can water the area with the gray water.
If using the freshwater tank for kitchen and shower, you’ll need to have movable water storage to fill the tank. If not, you’ll need to effectively winterize your water systems.

lostinmerica · 08-14-2024, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boomerweps

Toilet was likely angled for elbow room, often a problem....

Since I don't have much RV experience, I didn't think of elbow room. I just rotated the stool, sat on it, and thought, "That feels pretty good." Didn't go through the motions...

Thank you for the tip. I will test things out before I make any changes, for sure. Thank you for the other tips too. Appreciated.

RobbieH · 08-14-2024, 12:59 PM

I'd say it's that way for knee room too. I have had both houses and RVs with it in both orientations, in RV bathrooms when you put the back parallel to the back wall, it really cuts down on knee (and elbow) room on one side.

RamManMN · 08-19-2024, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lostinmerica

I recently purchased a WW 28 View, my first RV/TT.

I am not planning to travel with it, but to put it on a property and live in it full time while I build a house. The RV was picked up new from the dealer, where they put water in tanks, presumably to test the plumbing before delivery. Tanks were drained, and the TT was moved and is currently stored (tanks empty) at a friend's property until I can get power and water setup at my new place. TT has been sitting now for a few months.

I will not have sewer/septic on site for a long time, and no tow vehicle to take it to a dump facility. So, in this situation it seems that a compost toilet may be a good solution.

I have been searching the forums and it seems that many people say to keep water in the tanks to protect the seals and to prevent solids build-up/solidification.

Questions:

Since this is a new unit that has presumably just had water in the tanks for testing, is it "safe" to leave the tanks empty for a few months until the unit is put into use?

If I do go with a compost toilet, it would seem to make the most sense to leave the black tank empty and simply not use it. Since the black tank has never had sewage in it, there would be no "solids" to create issues. When people talk about keeping water in tanks to protect seals, are they talking bout the seals in the valves, or are there other parts in the tank assemblies that might also be damaged from drying out?
Aren't the units shipped empty and sit that way at dealers until sold?
From the forums, it seems that compost toilets are not a popular option, but one that seems to be a good solution in this particular situation. Wondering if anyone using one might chime in and offer advice/suggestions/criticism?

Any feedback appreciated.

I see you are in Texas?

Here in Minnesota, our travel trailer, like nearly everyone, is stored for the winter. Usually in a storage unit from early/mid Nov to late March...so 5 months out of the year. Our storage is indoors but not heated so there is no way we would leave water in any of the tanks. It gets winterized which involves draining all the liquids and running RV anti freeze through the plumbing. But the tanks are essentially dry. Never had a problem and neither has any of our friends and relatives with RV's.

Also, I spent some time in Texas back in the early 80's. I remember one time when it dropped to 15 degrees in Del Rio while I was there. Probably a rarity but I'd also worry about a partially filled tank sitting for long periods in the Texas heat and growing mold. Dontnknow if that happens but something to think about.

Grapehound · 08-19-2024, 07:06 PM

I think I would rent a porta-potty and have it just outside my trailer. Don't think you need a permit for those on a construction site. Might be helpful for the guys building your house too, if you gave them access to it.

With the climate in Texas it should be above freezing most of the time. The porta-potty p[eople may have additives for cold conditions. You could even run a 110 v. line for a portable heater in it if needed.

That way, someone else services/empties it and when your house is built, they take it away. No manure pit/compost pile to deal with.

Freetyme · 08-19-2024, 08:23 PM

No problem leaving tanks empty. No experience with composting toilets. Agree ideally an operating septic / sewer system on site would be priority if planning to live in an rv for any length of time. If strict water conservation is followed, one could make a week maybe where a portable waste tank could be taken to a proper disposal site. Or look into renting one of those chemical out houses you see on construction sites sometimes. I'm for making the most of the conveniences your rv provides.

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