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Are you looking for what RV sewer hose length you should buy? Do you think about the places and sights you will see and the things you will roast over an open fire? Let’s face it; the last thing on your mind is how you will dispose of waste, right?
A properly-sized sewer house could mean the difference between taking a deep breath of fresh air or taking a deep breath of something else.
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Normally, the length of your RV sewer hose should be fifteen to twenty feet, or long enough to link the waste tank of your RV to the sewage system of your destination. Sometimes, it is better to have an RV sewer hose that is too long instead of too short.
This article will provide you with information on what kind of RV sewer hose you should get to meet your needs. The correct one for you depends on your RV, your waste tank, and how you wish to dispose of the sewage.
Table of Contents
What is the Ideal Length of an RV Sewer Hose?
As mentioned earlier, it’s always better to have an RV sewer hose that’s too long, rather than too short. Most of the time you will be fine with a sewer hose that’s about twenty feet long, while in some scenarios a length of fifteen feet can be just shy of reaching the sewage system.
If you want the extra length to your RV sewer hose, it’s possible to get two of the same type that connects together for double the length. For example, this 15′ RhinoFLEX from Camco could easily be connected to another sewer hose from Camco and double in length.
Nonetheless, in other situations, you may prefer opting for something shorter, depending on factors like the type of waste tank you have, budget, RV storage accessible, flow, and hose thickness.
What Type of RV Waste Tank
You may find an RV sewer hose that is the ideal length for you. However, you could still find yourself in a difficult scenario if it is not compatible with the setup of your RV. If you are searching for a newer sewer hose, consider the volume, ports, design, location, and operation of the tank.
After you have these specifications, make sure you compare them to the specifications accessible on the RV sewer hose you are planning on buying to ensure they will work perfectly. That could save you the burden of having lots of waste but nowhere to put it.
What’s Your Budget
A quick search on Amazon shows that a highly-rated sewer hose cost somewhere between $30 and $60, such as this one from Camco. That’s not a bad price for something that is an investment for all your future camping trips, right? Of course, there are other, cheaper products, but is it worth saving a couple of dollars on such an important part of your camping experience?
You see, if you try to pinch pennies on the sewer hose, you are setting yourself up for a crappy experience, literally speaking. For example, imagine that you are in a big park and your cheap sewer hose breaks. It’s not like you can just run to the nearest convenience store and purchase a new one, these hoses are not sold just anywhere. Besides, the smell and humiliation are something that I don’t even wish for my worst enemy.
That’s why it’s important to consider what price points work for your budget, as in this case, the price goes hand in hand with quality. Using that as your starting point, make sure you also read up on customer reviews, both the good and bad, consider your needs, and research any recalls.
Storage for Your RV Sewer Hose
After you use the sewer hose a few times, you do not like it sitting in the common space of your RV. Right? Other RVs have storage space for such types of things, but others don’t.
Ensure you check the different compartments of your RV and see what size hose would fit in such spaces. Do you find a hose that you love but do not have any storage space? You can always purchase an RV sewer hose storage case.
RV Sewer Hose Thickness
Obviously, you don’t want a hose that is very thick and difficult to store. However, you also don’t want a hose that will get perforations or even holes over time. You don’t want the inner tube itself to be extremely narrow either, as that could easily cause blockages and clogs.
The thickness of the RV sewer hose is measured in millimeters. Thus, fractions of an inch. Make sure you check the plumbing setup of the RV and take exact measurements to help in your decisions. That’s because various lengths of hoses could differ in thickness.
RV Sewer Hose Flow
When buying an RV sewer hose, you want to make sure that it will not clog up. The ideal way to distinguish flow consistency is to figure out the diameter or the hose’s hole. The perfect hole size for many sewer hoses is 4X4 inches. This can guarantee a good flowing of waste so your hose will not get clogged and end up malfunctioning.
Are RV Sewer Hoses Universal?
Universal RV sewer hoses have been tagged at three inches bayonet connection for the end fitting since the early nineties. Irrespective of the size of the sewer inlet in the ground site, RVs should sport three inches hose along with three inches twist-and-lock fitting.
Just keep in mind that there are normally two types of RV wastewater tanks. Gray water tank, which comes from your sink, often uses a one and one-half-inch diameter tubing. On the other hand, the black water tank, which comes from the toilet, utilizes three inches diameter tubing.
That holds true and is often called universal sizing. Nonetheless, you need to make sure you double-check the lug fitting for the connection point.
Are There Other Alternatives to RV Sewer Hoses?
You have other choices when we talk about using the restroom in your RV. In fact, many travelers have opted to composting toilets these days. Rather than fussing with waste systems, RV hoses, and the general task of disposing of waste, such toilets convert waste into fertilizer.
All you have to do is to install the device, use the toilet, and your waste will convert into compost over time, which you can dispose of anywhere.
Just bear in mind that the viability of this option depends on the RV type you currently have, how often and long you plan on traveling, the number of individuals traveling with you, and other related aspects.
Is it Necessary to Have a Sewer Hose Support?
An RV sewer hose support is one of those accessories you can’t leave without on your RV. It safeguards your sewer hose from any damage and keeps it off the ground. It also enables smoother waste flow. Some campgrounds will oblige you to use sewer hose support.
Do New RVs Come With Sewer Hoses?
Yes. In fact, many RV dealers will include a courtesy starter kit along with any RV they sell. It also has a waste tank draining hose and coupling, as well as a 15 amp to 30 amp electrical cord reducer. All of them are important things carefully planned to get you on your way into the new RV lifestyle.
What is the Diameter of an RV Sewer Hose?
There’s some good news about this topic. Different RV makers have a way of making the operational details of their RV in different sizes. Often, no two RVs are the same.
But that’s not the case with sewer hose connections. In a nearly unanimous decision, roughly all brand, model, and make of RVs utilize three inches diameter hose. The only exception to that rule might be some Airstream trailers that utilized Thetford fittings.
Tips to Keep in Mind When Buying an RV Sewer Hose
Some words of advice are necessary as most RV sewer hoses aren’t as strong as they should be. After you purchase your RV, one of the first upgrades you need to consider is changing the sewer hose. That’s because manufacturers cut costs and offer a cheaper sewer hose to save them money.
Further, you must bring at least two RV sewer hoses with you during your trips. You will never know when you will need the added length, although ninety percent of the time, you can get by with only a twenty-foot hose.
After you have handled that problem, you must know that your RV utilizes at least five different hoses. The secret to a good RV success is not to allow those hoses to meet. If any of those four other hoses meet up along with the sewer hose, you could put yourself at risk for unhealthy circumstances.
All five hoses aren’t interchangeable and must not touch each other at any time, ever. Take note that even your flushing hose must not come in contact along with other hoses. To fix this issue, you could get an RV hose carrier or hose reel. Such convenient tools guarantee your hoses stay in top shape and away from one another.
Summary
Choosing the best length for RV sewer hose can be difficult, all depending on your situation. But generally, you will be fine with a sewer hose that is anywhere between fifteen and twenty feet long. The best solution is to bring two hoses of the same brand that will connect together and double the length. In some situations, you may only need ten or fifteen feet hose, in others you might need twenty or even twenty-five feet.
Make sure you never let the sewer hose get in touch with any of your other hoses in your RV, as this will most likely end up in a disaster. Consider getting yourself a storage case for your RV sewer hose.
Hi I’m Tom! I have been a camper enthusiast ever since I went camping with my family as a kid, love everything that brings me closer to nature. Photographer, RV owner, husband and father, trying to help others interested in camping on this blog.