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Vents
Another important part of the sanitation system are the vents which release air from
tanks. Each tank has a vent pipe built into the travel trailer through the cabinet, wall and
roof. A vent cap is attached to the roof and must be clear of obstructions to perform as
intended. On some models the vent pipe may be part of the drainage system referred to as
a “wet vent.” This means water flows downward as air flows upward in the same pipe.
Holding Tanks
The final part of your system are the holding tanks. They hold waste and are located
below the floor of your travel trailer. Bath tub and sinks drain into the waste water tank,
also referred to as the “gray” water holding tank. The toilet drains into the sewage
holding tank, also referred to as the waste holding tank. Certain floor plans may also have
the lavatory draining into the waste (sewage) tank.
SEWAGE TANK PREPARATION
1. Release one to two quarts of water into the toilet bowl.
2. Follow the directions on your toilet chemical bottle by placing the recommended
quantity of holding tank chemical into the bowl.
3. Flush the toilet and allow at least two gallons of water to flow into the tank.
CAUTION:
It is important to add enough water to prevent solid waste build up.
Follow these directions each time after emptying your holding tank, except when
winterizing.
GRAY WATER HOLDING TANK
No special preparation is required. However, placing a small quantity of chemicals into
this tank, such as baking soda or an approved concentrated holding tank deodorant, will
reduce odors from food particles in the system.
CAUTION: We recommend that you DO NOT travel with waste in your holding
tanks. Full holding tanks are not calculated into the cargo carrying capacity of the
unit and the extra weight will greatly diminish the cargo weight available to you,
possibly causing you to exceed the gross vehicle weight rating of the unit. This can
damage suspension components, such as springs, tires and axles. If your model has
the holding tanks located behind the axles, the weight of a full tank will reduce the
hitch weight. Sway and other handling difficulties can be the result of the hitch
weight being too light. If you are dry camping and cannot immediately empty the
tanks, use caution when towing and maintain lower speeds for better control of the
trailer until you reach a dumping station.
DRAINING THE TANKS
When hooking up to the sewer drain line in a campground, keep the termination valve on
the waste tank CLOSED until tank is at least 3/4 full. This will provide sufficient water
to assist in complete draining of tank. At this time, open the termination valve to empty
the tank and close the valve when the tank is empty. Repeat this process as needed, but
NEVER leave the termination valve open when hooked up to the park’s sewer system.
A final part of the sanitation system is the drainage of holding tanks.
1. Place travel trailer as level as possible to make drainage easier.
