Three weeks ago we looked at how to maximize your potable water while in the boondocks, this week we will look at the other end of the equation – your holding tanks.
Let’s look at some ways to maximize the use of your holding tanks in the boondocks.
Many of the water conserving methods we learned last week also apply to maximizing your holding tanks. Obviously the less water that comes out of your faucets, the less waste water that flows into your holding tanks.
A quick review from last week: – Don’t let the water run unnecessarily while waiting for hot water to reach the faucet, brushing your teeth, washing your hands, etc. – Take sailors showers
– Minimize the amount of water used to wash dishes
The next step is to maximize the capacity of both holding tanks. If you have been RVing any length of time, you have undoubtedly learned that when the gray tank reads full on the monitor, the black tank likely registers a quarter tank or less. Take advantage of this inequality by catching your dishwater in a dishpan and pouring it down the toilet. You can take it even a step farther by using the dishwater to flush the toilet saving water and tank space.
Along the same lines, consider combining your tanks to form one large holding tank.
A twist-on valve http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/twist-on-valve/27868 easily mounts on your RV’s termination fitting allowing you to open both your gray and black dump valves forming one big holding tank.
Utilize your outside shower for things that can be washed or cleaned outside.
Rinsing off the family dog or your feet after a run on the beach, cleaning the days catch of fish or the BBQ grate after dinner, are all great uses of your outside shower. Every ounce of water used via the outside shower is one less ounce in your gray tank.
Know the rules on dishwater / gray water where you are boondocking. Many public lands list provisions for proper disposal of dishwater in primitive camping areas. Utilize that dishpan just like you did in your tent camping days. As I pointed out in a previous entry https://rvlife.com/index.php/67-dave/2037-to-dump-or-not-to-dump.html, dumping of gray water is still legal on some BLM lands.
Traveling with pets? When you freshen up their water dish, throw the old water outside instead of down the sink drain.
Maximizing your holding tanks while boondocking, just one way to avoid an unpleasant adventure in RVing!
Dave Helgeson’s many roles in the RV industry started before he even had a driver’s license. His grandparents and father owned an RV dealership before the term “RV” had been coined, and Dave played a pivotal role in nearly every position of an RV dealership. He and his wife Cheri launched their own RV dealership in the Pacific Northwest. The duo also spent 29 years overseeing regional RV shows. Dave has also served as President of a local chapter of the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA), worked on the board of advisors for the RV Technician Program of a local technical college, and served as a board member of the Manufactured Home and RV Association. Dave’s reputation earned him the title of “The foremost expert on boondocking,” bestowed by RV industry icon, the late Gary Bunzer (The RV Doctor). When he’s not out boondocking, you’ll find Dave in the spotlight at RV shows across the country, giving seminars about all things RVing. He and Cheri currently roam in their fifth travel trailer, with Dave doing all the service, repair and modifications to his own unit.
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