New campers in Georgetown, TX

[rbowles]

We are brand new to RVing. Bought a new Lacrosse 318BHS TT and took our maiden voyage just down the street to Jim Hogg Park at Lake Georgetown. Had a great quiet site and enjoyed a relaxing weekend.

My question is how do you put up with the black tank smell? We were recommended Power Blue liquid chemical by the tech who did the PDI delivery, but holy hell it didn't do the job. There are no site sewer connections, so the holding tank is what it is and after the first 24 hours I hated the idea of having to flush the toilet! People live in these things, what's the secret?

[ryand]

Welcome! Black tanks should not stink....make sure there is enough liquid in the tank to help break down the "solids" and turn your fan off when you flush. Plenty of help here...also always fill the black tank before pulling the valve. Even if this means filling it with water.

[raspivey]

Originally Posted by ryand

and turn your fan off when you flush.

No joke there....I was in a guys camper (just got it) once and he turned on the "fart fan". Trailer was sealed well, pulled air down from the tank vent, through the tank, up through the toilet, and out the fan vent.....but not before some escaped into the rest of the trailer. EVERYBODY new it when he flushed it.

[rbowles]

No fan then. Good to know.

[Wiscampsin]

Start with water in the tank to break down the solids like ryand said. I start with 5 gallons and also use some powdered toilet tank treatment.

[Flying dutchman]

Younmay search this forum for the GEO method for black tanks. Excellent and highly recommended.

[VinceU]

One other "strong" possible cause. Dometic has had a big problem with the model 300 toilet with poor gasket fit. It's like a open vent to the black tank. Check model in back near the flush. If you have it, call Dometic.

[tanddc]

And if you do want to use the fan, make sure there is a window or vent open to allow air to come in. Also, make sure your black tank vent is open. Sometimes they get a little wild with the sealant. We don't do a lot to our tank (dergant an a half gallon of water on our way to the campsite) and haven't had any issues (since doing the detertent). We do use the deoderizer too.

[rbowles]

The Geo method is very interesting, makes sense. I'm going to give it a shot.

The tank was filling quickly day 1 and it was only the wife and I. I think we were refilling too much water in the bowl (maybe 1/3 bowl, like home) post flush the first day. Just filled to cover gasket after the first day.

Also gonna check the black tank vent for sure.

[rbowles]

Originally Posted by tanddc

And if you do want to use the fan, make sure there is a window or vent open to allow air to come in. Also, make sure your black tank vent is open. Sometimes they get a little wild with the sealant. We don't do a lot to our tank (dergant an a half gallon of water on our way to the campsite) and haven't had any issues (since doing the detertent). We do use the deoderizer too.

Which deodorizer do you use?

[tanddc]

I don't think we are locked in on any brand. We just picked up some stuff at Walmart. Some came with the camper.

[rwtdct]

Welcome from the central coast of California