Revolutionizing Boondocking RV Life: Our Game-Changing Black Tank Tote Solution

Boondocking RV life just got a whole lot easier with our game-changing black tank tote solution! We’re two weeks into our 42-day Colorado boondocking adventure, and we’ve stumbled upon a waste management system that’s truly revolutionizing our off-grid experience. Our 44-foot Alliance Valor toy hauler has been our home base as we explore the breathtaking landscapes of Colorado, but managing waste tanks has always been a challenge – until now. We’re excited to share this innovative 143-gallon collapsible tank that’s transforming how we handle one of the less glamorous aspects of RV living.

How Does Our New 143-Gallon Black Tank Tote Transform Boondocking RV Life?

As full-time RVers, we’re always looking for ways to improve our boondocking experience. Our latest game-changer is a 143-gallon collapsible waste tank that’s revolutionizing how we manage our black and gray water during extended off-grid stays. This new solution allows us to empty our RV tanks less frequently, saving time and reducing trips to dump stations.

Key benefits we’ve experienced:

• Increased capacity: At 143 gallons, it holds nearly four times the volume of our previous 36-gallon Camco tote
• Space-saving design: When empty, it folds down to fit in a small storage bin
• Versatility: We can empty multiple tanks (two black tanks and one kitchen tank) in a single trip
• Cost-effective: At $62, it’s significantly cheaper than many traditional RV totes

DIY Setup: Customizing Your High-Capacity Waste Tank for RV Use

While this tank wasn’t specifically designed for RV use, we’ve found it to be an excellent solution with some modifications. Here’s how we set ours up:

1. We installed a valve and adapters to connect it to our RV’s sewer hose
2. We use a macerator pump to transfer waste from our RV tanks to the portable tank
3. For dumping, we added a larger hose to speed up the emptying process at dump stations

Waste Tank

VEVOR Portable Water Storage Bladder,87 Gallon Large Capacity Water Storage Containers,1000D PVC Water Bladder Including Spigots and Overflow Kit,Water Tank for Garden Water Catcher,Black https://amzn.to/4eOPS73. (be sure to choose the right size)

For standard 3″ RV sewer hookup (recommended)

Valterra – 1216.1011 T1029-4 Termination Adapter – 3″ Bayonet x 3″ Male Thread https://amzn.to/3BxVe8r

Fernco P1056-315 Flexible PVC Reducing Coupling, Connects 3″ Pipe to 1-1/2″ https://amzn.to/3Y7cc6s 

Spears 461 Series PVC Pipe Fitting, Adapter, Schedule 40, 1-1/2″ NPT Male x 1-1/2″ Spigot https://amzn.to/3zFVt0H

1-1/2 Inch PVC Pipe Fittings Hex Nipple G1-1/2 X G1-1/2 Male Thread Coupling Adapter Connector (this can be purchased as a single from your local hardware store) https://amzn.to/4gNRFep

For smaller hose hookup:

Valterra SS15 Extension Hose for SewerSolution System – 15′ https://amzn.to/4eL1AQ4

VALTERRA SS06 Replacement Sewer Adapter for SewerSolution https://amzn.to/3NaTSTD

Other products

RV Macerator Pump 12V 12GMP, RV Waste Pump with Garden Hose Discharge Port, Quick

Release Sewage Pump with fresh water rinse and manual crushing function https://amzn.to/3XJlowc

Flexzilla Garden Hose 5/8 in. x 25 ft, Heavy Duty, Lightweight, Drinking Water Safe, ZillaGreen – HFZG525YW-E  https://amzn.to/4eRvKRV

American Valve P200 1 1/2″ PVC Ball Valve IPS Schedule 40, 1-1/2-Inch,White https://amzn.to/3N8Hcg7

PVC Garden Hose Adapter (Male 1.5″ NPT x 3/4″ GHT) for Sump Pump and Pool Pump Hose Adapter https://amzn.to/4dvB9wU

Pipe Dope- Rectorseal 31631 1/4 Pint Brush Top Tru-Blu Pipe Thread Sealant , Blue https://amzn.to/3NwKLwV

**Remember to use plumber’s tape and pipe dope on all connections to ensure a leak-free system. It took us about an hour to put everything together, but we believe it’ll save countless hours in the long run.

Cost-Effective Boondocking: How Our New Tote Solution Saves Time and Money

This new setup is not just about convenience; it’s also a money-saver. Here’s how it’s impacting our boondocking budget:

• Fewer dump station visits: We can now go about three times longer between dumps
• Lower dump fees: At $10 per dump, we’re cutting our monthly dump station costs by two-thirds
• Fuel savings: Less frequent trips to dump stations mean less fuel used

For example, during our 42-day boondocking stay in Colorado, we estimate this system will save us at least $60 in dump fees alone, not counting the fuel savings from fewer trips.

Comparing Solutions: Why We’re Ditching Our Old Camco Tote

After using this new system, we’re seriously considering getting rid of our old Camco tote. Here’s why:

Advantages of the new system:

• Much larger capacity (143 gallons vs. 36 gallons)
• Takes up less storage space when not in use
• More cost-effective in the long run

Potential drawbacks to consider:

• No wheels (but we find it easier to transport in our truck bed)
• Requires a macerator pump (an additional investment if you don’t already have one)
• Takes longer to empty at the dump station due to its large capacity

While the wheeled Camco tote might still be useful in some campground situations, we’ve found those to be rare in our two years of full-time RVing. For boondockers like us who prioritize longer stays off-grid, this new high-capacity, collapsible tank is a game-changer.

🛒 More RV Gear We Use and LOVE- https://www.amazon.com/shop/liketheresnotomorrow

Remember, every RV setup is unique, and what works for us might not be the perfect solution for everyone. We encourage you to consider your specific needs and camping style when choosing a waste management system for your RV.

Final Thoughts
As we continue our 42-day boondocking adventure in Colorado, we’re thrilled with how this new waste management system is enhancing our off-grid experience. The ability to stay in beautiful, remote locations for longer periods without frequent trips to dump stations is a game-changer for us. While every RV setup is unique, we believe this solution offers significant benefits for fellow boondockers who prioritize extended stays in nature. We’re excited to keep exploring and finding new ways to improve our RV lifestyle. Here’s to more time enjoying the great outdoors and less time worrying about waste tanks! Stay tuned for more adventures and discoveries from our life on the road.