Hooking Up A Grey Tank To Your Pop-Up Camper

Pop-up campers are compact with minimal water systems. Most do not have built-in greywater tanks, so you will need to find a way to dispose of wastewater from your shower, kitchen, and bathroom sink safely. Greywater contains soap, food particles, bacteria, grease, and grime, so it should not be dumped on the ground. In some areas, you will face a heavy fine for doing so. This article will explore various options for hooking up a grey tank to your pop-up camper.

Buy a portable grey water tank

When buying a portable grey water tank for your pop-up camper, it's important to consider the tank's capacity, portability, and ease of use. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Capacity:

The capacity of the tank will depend on the size of your camper and the number of people using it. For pop-up campers, tanks typically range from 5 to 42 gallons. It's essential to choose a tank that can accommodate your wastewater needs to avoid frequent emptying.

Portability:

Look for a tank with features that make it easy to move and transport. This includes considerations such as size, weight, and the presence of wheels or a carrying handle. For example, the YITAHOME 10.6-gallon tank features large wheels and a metal handle for easy carrying and fast emptying.

Ease of Use:

Choose a tank with a simple and secure drainage system. This might include a drain hose, a rotating spout, or a sewer hose connection. Some tanks, like the Camco Rhino 21-gallon tank, come with additional accessories, such as a removable steel tow adapter and an RV sewer hose, making the process more convenient.

Durability:

Select a tank made from durable materials that can withstand the weight of the water and the rigours of camping. Look for terms like "heavy-duty" and "leak-free" in the product descriptions. The Barker 10-gallon tank, for instance, is known for its durability.

Odour Control:

Greywater tanks can sometimes emit unpleasant odours. To mitigate this, look for tanks with odour control features, such as airtight seals or built-in deodorizers. The Hike Crew RV 6-gallon tank, for example, is advertised as odourless.

Price:

Finally, consider your budget. Portable grey water tanks can vary in price, with some basic options starting as low as $24.95, while more advanced tanks with larger capacities and additional features can range from $50 to over $300.

When purchasing a portable grey water tank for your pop-up camper, it's beneficial to read reviews, compare prices, and assess the specific features that align with your camping needs.

Connect to the sewer connection

Connecting your grey tank to the sewer connection at a campground is a straightforward process. First, you will need to ensure you have the correct hose to connect your grey tank to the sewer hook-up. The sewer hook-up is generally a larger diameter pipe, so you will need a hose that fits both your grey tank and the sewer connection. You can purchase these hoses online or at an RV store.

Once you have the correct hose, simply connect one end to your grey tank and the other end to the sewer connection. Make sure the connections are secure to prevent any leaks.

If your pop-up camper does not have a grey water tank, you can purchase a portable grey water tank and run the hose from the drain plug on your pop-up to the sewer connection. This way, you can still connect to the sewer without having a built-in grey water tank.

It is important to note that grey water contains soap, food particles, bacteria, grease, and grime, so it should not be dumped on the ground. Some areas have strict regulations against this and you may face a heavy fine if caught. Instead, always connect to the sewer connection or use an approved portable grey water tank.

Additionally, some campgrounds may not have a full sewer connection but instead offer a grey water line, which is more common in the northeast. This grey water dump line is typically smaller than the full sewer connection and may be easier to connect to. It is always a good idea to ask the campground about their specific sewer or grey water connections before your trip.

By following these steps and staying informed about the regulations and connections at your campground, you can easily connect your grey tank to the sewer connection and enjoy your camping experience.

Use a tow bracket to pull the tank

Using a tow bracket to pull your grey tank is a great way to save your back from the strain of lifting and carrying a heavy tank. This method is especially useful if you are camping for a longer period or have a larger setup that generates more wastewater.

First, you will need to purchase a tow bracket and a blue tote portable holding tank. The tow bracket will be used to pull the tank into the nearest dump station, which is useful if your tank is too heavy to carry. You can find these products at most camping supply stores or online. Make sure to check the weight capacity of the tow bracket to ensure it can handle the weight of your tank when full.

Next, you will need to set up the system by connecting the tow bracket to your vehicle's trailer hitch. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for a secure fit. Then, attach the blue tote portable holding tank to the tow bracket. Again, ensure that the tank is securely attached to the bracket before use.

When your grey tank is full, simply attach the tow bracket and pull the tank to the dump station. This process will save you time and effort, as you won't need to lift and carry the heavy tank. Remember to empty your tank regularly, especially if you shower, wash your hands, or cook frequently.

Using a tow bracket to pull your grey tank is a convenient and efficient way to manage your wastewater when camping with a pop-up camper. It eliminates the need for heavy lifting and makes it easier to dispose of wastewater at the dump station. Remember to follow the guidelines and regulations of the campground or area you are camping in for proper wastewater disposal.

Combine grey and black tanks

Combining grey and black tanks in a pop-up camper can be done in several ways, but it is important to understand the capacity of your specific RV tanks before attempting to combine them. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to combine the grey and black tanks in your pop-up camper:

Firstly, consider the benefits of installing a composting toilet, which eliminates the need for a black tank. This option may not be suitable for everyone, but it offers a simple solution by freeing up valuable space in your RV. Alternatively, you can add a PVC pipe with a shut-off valve between the black and grey tanks to combine them without extensive plumbing modifications.

If you decide to combine the tanks, follow these steps:

• Understand your RV tank capacities: Calculate the capacity of your freshwater, grey water, and black water tanks. Ensure you know the rate at which your grey tank fills up compared to your black tank. This information will guide the combining process.
• Install a third valve: To combine the tanks without significant plumbing changes, install a third valve at the end of your pipe. This valve will allow you to control the flow of grey water into the black tank.
• Open the grey valve: Start by opening the grey valve and waiting for the piping to fill up. This step ensures that the pressure in the system is balanced.
• Open the black valve: Once the piping is full, open the black valve. This action will force the grey water into the black tank due to the increased pressure in the system.
• Close the valves: After approximately 1.5-2 minutes, close both the black and grey valves. By doing so, you have successfully transferred grey water into the black tank.
• Repeat as needed: You can repeat this process as necessary to manage your tank levels effectively.

It is important to note that this method works best when the black and grey tanks are mounted at the same height. Additionally, always consult with RV experts or manufacturers before making any modifications to your system.

Another approach to combining the tanks involves the use of a Twist-On Waste Valve:

• Attach the Twist-On Waste Valve: When your grey tank is full, attach the Twist-On Waste Valve and ensure it is closed.
• Open the black tank valve: Pull the "black" handle to open the black tank waste valve.
• Open the grey tank valve: Pull the "grey" handle to open the grey tank waste valve, allowing water to flow between the tanks.
• Let the water auto-level: Keep the valves open until the water levels out between the two tanks.
• Close both valves: Once the water has auto-levelled, close both the black and grey valves.
• Leave the Twist-On Waste Valve attached: Do not remove the Twist-On Waste Valve until after you dump the tanks.

This method has been tested and confirmed by RV enthusiasts as a safe and effective way to combine the black and grey tanks.

Remember to consult with your RV manufacturer and test any new processes on a small scale before fully implementing them. Combining the black and grey tanks can help extend the time between visits to the dump station, especially when boondocking or staying at campgrounds without full hook-ups.

Check the capacity of your RV tanks

Checking the capacity of your RV tanks is essential, especially if you plan to camp without campground hookups. The capacity of your RV tanks will determine how long you can camp for, so it's worth doing your research before buying an RV.

The first step is to consult the specifications section of the brochure for your RV's make and model. You can also check the manufacturer's website for a PDF of the brochure or other technical documents. If you can't find the exact year of your model, don't worry—tank sizes don't vary too much from year to year, so a year before or after should have the same size tanks.

A good rule of thumb is that the combined capacity of your main black and grey tanks in gallons will be roughly equal to the capacity of your freshwater tank. However, this is only a general guideline and won't apply if your RV has more than one grey or black tank.

RV tank capacities also tend to vary depending on the type of RV:

• Travel trailers typically have 30-50 gallons of freshwater, 25-40 gallons black, and 30-50 gallons grey.
• 5th wheels usually offer more capacity, with 80-100 gallons of freshwater, 40-60 gallons black, and 40-75 gallons grey.
• Motorcoaches have the largest capacities, with 80-150 gallons of freshwater, 40-75 gallons black, and 40-100 gallons grey.

It's also worth noting that RVs usually have three types of tanks: freshwater tanks for showering, washing dishes, and flushing toilets; black water tanks for sewage and human waste; and grey water tanks for waste water from sinks and showers. The capacities of these tanks can vary, and they are rarely the same size.

If you're planning to dry camp, it's crucial to consider the size of your black and grey water tanks. The more people using the RV, the larger the tanks you'll need, and the more often you'll need to dump and refill.

Additionally, the size of your RV doesn't always indicate the size of its tanks. Larger RVs tend to have larger tank capacities, but this isn't always the case. When purchasing an RV, don't assume tank capacity based solely on the size of the vehicle.

Finally, if you're combining your black and grey RV waste tanks, it's important to understand the capacity of each tank to avoid overfilling.

Frequently asked questions