not using the black tank (valves)

[Catya]

Hello,
I don't intend to use the black water tank in my 2016 13' Scamp.
What must I do to keep the black water tank's valves healthy, given that I won't be using the tank?
Thank you,
Catya
P.S. Preemptive strike: Why, you ask? Cause I really don't want to deal with dumping it. No need to tell me why I should. Thanks. :^D

[Donna D.]

You don't need to keep them healthy if you're not going to use the black tank. Eventually the rubber ring that seals the valve will get brittle and hard. It happens even for those that use the tank.

[ShelbyM]

^^I agree. However, if you really want to do something, there is drain lubricant.https://www.amazon.com/Thetford-Drai.../dp/B000BGK2L0 I don't think it could hurt anything.

[Kevin A]

Do you have a gray water tank for sink water? If so, you will need to dump that using the same dumping mechanism as the black water tank. Or, are they combined in one tank and you don’t use any water in the Scamp so there is nothing to dump? Just curious.

[jerrybob]

You must have a very strong bladder.....as for maintenence.......spray some silcone lube on the rubber valves once a year or so......WD 40 makes a silicone product.....so do other companies. Good luck.

[Catya]

Thank you for your responses!
I might use the gray water. I don't think dumping the grey water will be as off-putting as the black water would be--but I have not yet had a chance to use the camper at all--so what do I know? They are separate.
For the past 3 years, I bought a luggable loo when tent camping and never used it once. I tend to camp where I have easy access to the facilities.
Who knows, as I continue to age I might have need; but advanced age probably makes the dumping harder, too, so...
Again, Thanks!

[ShelbyM]

If you ever change your mind, folks here will be more than happy to expound on the advantages of using all amenities. Possibly also ameliorate some of your concerns.

[jerrybob]

Over the years....we camped in almost every way.....nothing wrong with your plan and campground facilities are fine most of the time. I will tell you that dumping the tanks is not difficult......if you can fill your gas tank you can dump your tanks. I bet an experienced camper could have you trained and comfortable in 30 minutes. Have someone show you.....using your own bathroom and shower can be a real pleasure. Good luck no matter which you decide.

[CharlesinGA]

I try not to use the black tank for poop but it don't always work that way. I am up two or three times during the night so it gets a lot of pee in it, plus the kitchen sink water from the dishpan gets emptied into it.

I wished my trailer were plumbed like my motor home was. bathroom sink and toilet goes to the black tank, and shower and kitchen sink to the gray tank. Adds enough water to the black to make it empty properly. Winnebago seems to do all of the motor homes that way, and it works well.

Charles

[Perryb67]

Originally Posted by CharlesinGA

I try not to use the black tank for poop but it don't always work that way. I am up two or three times during the night so it gets a lot of pee in it, plus the kitchen sink water from the dishpan gets emptied into it.

I wished my trailer were plumbed like my motor home was. bathroom sink and toilet goes to the black tank, and shower and kitchen sink to the gray tank. Adds enough water to the black to make it empty properly. Winnebago seems to do all of the motor homes that way, and it works well.

Charles

We use our bathroom sink so little the amount would be meaningless. I would want our toilet and kitchen sink going to the black tank. We do this anyway, since we wash our dishes in a tub and empty that tub in our black tank.

Enjoy,

Perry

[Donna D.]

All this discussion about adding gray water to the black tank... remember, this thread started as a Scamp discussion and a Scamp black water tank is only 9 gallons. Pretty tiny to be adding unnecessary water type to it. A number of people have a hard time stretching their camping trips because the black tank fills. The gray water tank is 21 gallons.

[jerrybob]

Based on earlier discussions......I recommend this book.......

https://www.amazon.com/Poop-That-Que.../dp/B09CRSP3C9

[Kumpel]

I removed the original blank tank toilet from my Scamp. I did not like the "leftovers" in the tank, despite doing a cleaning (which meant moving more water into it). So now I use a toilet that has separate containers to handle waste.

Using coconut coir for the solid dries it and there is no oder. It "cooks" works well in an established compost pile. The container for urine can be used in the flower beds or disposed of in a toilet as needed.

[ShelbyM]

Originally Posted by Kumpel

Using coconut coir for the solid dries it and there is no oder. It "cooks" works well in an established compost pile.

Does the toilet hold enough coir+ for an entire trip or do you have to store it somehow until you return home to your compost pile?

[Kumpel]

It's a five gallon bucket for the solids. I line it with plastic 3 gallon bag and use two cups of coir to start with. add another two when I'm finished. How quickly you need to exchange is up to your comfort level. I've stored the camper with contents in the bag for several weeks and did not have an issue with pests or smell.