5 Best RV Portable Waste Tanks in 2024
LOOKING FOR THE BEST PORTABLE WASTE TANK FOR YOUR RV?
You are in the right place because the best portable waste tanks for your camper are all featured here. How do we know they are the best? We have traveled in our RV since 2010 and bring you the best information, guides and products for your RV.
When RVing and there’s no dumping facility in sight, the last thing you want to do is to have your black tank sit weeks on end and not be able to dump and get all that yuck out of it. An RV portable waste tank can be a lifesaver.
These nifty containers make the dumping task more convenient; they let you dump your RV waste without moving your trailer.
Now, if you feel an RV portable waste tank might be useful for your RV life, we’ve scoured the internet and reviewed the top 5 RV portable waste tanks. We’ve also included a handy buying guide to help with the selection.
Top 5 RV Portable Waste Tanks
1. Barker 4-Wheel Tote-Along Portable Waste Tank
Barker’s 4-wheel portable waste tank dominates our number one position for the best RV portable waste tank.
One of the huge positives of this tank is its large capacity. It can accommodate 42 gallons, allowing most RVers to dump with confidence that they won’t overflow the tote. For me, it’s large enough to allow my entire family to take a bath instead of having to go to the bathhouse, making it a great gift for RV owners!
The large capacity isn’t the only positive of the Barker. This 4-wheel tote tank is built with convenience in mind. For example, the gate valves work well, and the design drains well without lifting the tank to empty at the dump station.
It’s also designed to stay close to the ground and has a long handle that allows you to transport it easily. The double swiveling wheels at the front also help with easier maneuverability.
Dumping waste from your toilet from the Barker tote tank is also a breeze. There’re three-inch valves to stop the need for lifting the waste tank to the dump tanks. Also, the waste tank comes fully assembled, and you could use it right out of the box. It also comes with a 5’ sewer hose.
It’s also well-constructed, and the blow-molded polyethylene, zinc-plated steel, and aluminum material will withstand years of abuse and exposure to inclement weather.
Pros
✔ Generous capacity
✔ Easy to use
✔ Durable
Cons
❌ Thin sewer hose
▶ SHOP Barker Portable Waste Tank
2. Camco Rhino Portable Waste Holding Tanks
The Camco Rhino Portable Sewer Tank contains everything you need to empty your waste-holding tank. It includes a nice storage compartment to hold the extras, including all the accessories needed to clean and maintain the tank.
While compact, it’s extremely heavy-duty and a must-have if you’re tired of breaking down your flimsy waste tanks. It also has a generous capacity of 28 gallons, perfect for holding waste to empty in a dump facility for most RVers. It’s also perfect when you’re parked away from an RV sewer hose.
Maneuvering the Camco Rhino tote tank is also pretty easy. Equipped with a large steel tow adapter and heavy-duty wheels that won’t go flat, it’s easy to transport this waste tank like a wagon or a cart. Alternatively, you could use the tow RV portable waste tank mount and lug it behind a golf cart or truck.
The low drain hose holes also make emptying the Camco Rhino Holding tanks easier. Meanwhile, the integrated ladder hooks and grooves make it easier to secure it on your RV during storage.
Pros
✔ Easy to store
✔ Great maneuverability
✔ Decent capacity
Cons
❌ Bit expensive
▶ SHOP Camco Rhino RV Portable Waste Tank
3. Original Barker Tote-Along Tote Tank
Our number three position on the list of the best RV portable septic tanks for RVs is held by the Original Barker Tote-Along Tank. It’s available in a sleek container and has a 15-gallon capacity, making it the ideal choice for smaller spaces.
Maneuvering this 2-wheel RV portable waste tank is a breeze. It’s available in oversized wheels and oversized handles. The handle makes it much easier to tow, pull or lift the tote tank, while the large wheels mean it can navigate across most rugged terrains.
Emptying the Original Barker Tote Tank should also be the least of your concern. An optimally low-placed drain hole and smooth interior make emptying this tote to the dump tanks effortless. Meanwhile, the Blow-molded polyethylene construction is rugged and durable to last for years, so you know the Baker Tote Tank isn’t the product you’ll be worried about replacing soon.
Other awesome features of the Original Barker Waste Tank include bayonet fitting, tow bracket, and a 5′ sewer hose.
Pros
✔ Easy to empty
✔ Awesome portability
✔ Plenty of extra features
Cons
❌ Capacity is only ideal for smaller spaces
▶ SHOP Original Barker Waste Tank
4. Thetford SmartTote Portable Waste Holding Tank
The Thetford SmartTote, built with durable polypropylene, is rugged and will survive anything you throw. It also lasts longer and won’t need constant replacement as other Portable septic tanks for RVs need.
Thetford SmartTote’s capacity is a rung lower than most options on the list. It has a 12-gallon capacity. But the thing is, these tote waste tanks were built to cater to the needs of the smaller class B and vans’ black water tanks.
Handing the Thetford SmartTote gets easier, and you’ll enjoy every moment. For example, it has a built-in handle for easy towing or pulling and will make an otherwise arduous and heavy lifting job into kid’s play. It also has oversized, durable wheels, making it easier to lug this tank on uneven camping terrain.
I’m also pleased with the large air vent, which lets you quickly and efficiently purge any stored water. Meanwhile, the AutoStop feature also comes in handy for preventing overspills, which is handy if you’ve a larger holding tank and aren’t sure about the filling capacity.
Thanks to the included tow strap, storage is also one less thing to worry about with this tote septic tank.
Pros
✔ Compact and portable
✔ AutoStop feature to prevent overspilling
✔ Large air vent for quick purge
CONS
❌ Smaller tank capacity
5. Camco Rhino with Steerable Wheels
I’ve used the Camco Rhino tank for a couple of seasons, and I can’t get enough of how it works flawlessly.
The 36-gallon Camco Tank is ready to use out of the box and comes with everything you need to empty your RV holding tank. The accessorized kit on this tote tank includes all the accessories you need to dump waste from your RV.
Maneuvering the Camco Rhino Steerable Tote is also a breeze. The two front wheels are mounted on a swivel mechanism and help with even weight distribution and maneuverability. On the other hand, the two rear wheels aid with smooth transport over uneven rugged surfaces.
Furthermore, the tank has a tow adapter that lets you pull it like a suitcase or tow it behind your truck for extra convenience.
Cleaning the Camco is also less arduous, which is helped by the optimally low-placed gate valves. They make dumping your waste an effortless and more efficient task. Finally, the manufacturer provides a good storage solution for the portable septic tank for an RV by integrating optional ladder hooks.
Pros
✔ Generous capacity
✔ Easy storage
✔ Easy to use
Cons
❌ Front steering wheels are sometimes awkward to use
▶ SHOP Camco Rhino RV Portable Waste Tank
What is an RV Portable Waste Tank?
An RV portable waste tank, also known as an RV tote tank, is simply a container that lets you empty the contents of your RV’s holding tanks to the nearest dump facility without moving your RV. The tote tank can also store the holding tank waste before you find a designated dumping facility.
A portable septic tank for an RV can extend your stay off-grid and allow you to visit the dump stations less frequently. You’ll also appreciate the importance of this tank if you frequently camp at popular campsites and don’t want to lose an ideal parking spot.
Who Would Use a Portable RV Waste Tank?
Not everyone needs a portable waste tank for an RV, but if you love boondocking, these waste containers will let you stay in one location for extended periods. Having a portable waste tank lets you stay off-grid longer and dump periodically.
RV waste tanks are also nice for RVers who want to stay at campgrounds without full sewer hookups, like most of our state parks. It opens up the options for sites you could visit that most people seem to avoid, which helps with last-minute bookings.
Finally, if you’re finding your RV severely lacking in the holding tank department and filling up quickly, RV portable gray water tanks would save you from the constant trips to the dump station.
Cons of Using an RV Portable Waste Tank
There are few cons to portable RV waste water tanks, and most drawbacks usually come from improper use.
Portable waste tanks aren’t too messy, but if you use them wrong, things could turn ugly. And this is why you should be diligent when securing and hooking up the hoses. It’s also vital that you wear gloves, work slowly, and keep everything clean.
Some RV waste tanks also lack the flush valves and need you to purge the waste manually, and this is certainly more work and potentially messy. You also need to keep an eye on the risk of toilet paper clogging. Post-maintenance and cleaning of your RV waste tank are necessary to avoid clogging.
And finally, depending on the weight and variety of sizes, some tote waste tanks can get bulky to transport. It’s not to mention that it may gobble vast real estate on your rig.
How to Use an RV Portable Waste Tank
If you get an RV portable waste tank, you need to know how to use it. Fortunately, it’s easy enough and not any different from dumping using the traditional sewer hookup.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to how to use an RV portable waste tank:
- Take precautions; have some protective gear on. I suggest you wear some dump gloves and goggles and generally cover your body to avoid coming into contact with accidental spills.
- Hook your sewer hose to the waste tote septic tank and connect the other end to your black tank.
- Double-check both connections to ensure they’re secure. Also, depending on the portable waste tank design, you may need to open a separate air vent to allow air to escape.
- Open the RV holding tank valve and dump the waste into your tote tank.
- Before disconnecting the sewer hose from the holding tank, ensure all the slug gates are closed (these are the ones you open on your black and gray tanks).
- Lift the sewer hose higher than the portable system itself, and walk it toward your portable black water tank. The reason for doing that is to ensure that everything in the hose has made its way to the portable tank.
- Disconnect the sewer hose from the portable tank and wheel it to the dump station.
How to Empty Your Portable RV Holding Tank
Emptying an RV septic holding tank isn’t tedious either, but the key thing to remember is you can’t dump your waste anywhere. Federal, state, and local regulations dictate where you dump your waste.
But generally, most will require you to empty your RV waste tanks in designated dump stations. Most campgrounds usually have dump stations dedicated to holding black or gray water.
Most will charge for every waste tank emptying, and this is for maintenance and treatment.
Important Factors When Choosing a Portable Waste Tank for an RV
Here’re the crucial factors to consider when selecting an RV portable waste tank. Accounting for these elements will ensure you choose the right portable RV holding tank for your dumping needs.
Capacity
There’re two ways to look at the capacity. The first one is the different sizes, which affect portability. Generally, the more voluminous a portable RV dump tank is, the more cumbersome it gets to lug around and empty. Now, depending on the volume, the tanks can get heavy, especially when filled.
Therefore, if you think your waste tank will be a hassle to empty due to weight, consider those with portability features. For example, some come with wheels for convenient lugging.
The other factor regarding capacity is determining how much of the black tank waste a tote tank can hold. An appropriately-sized tote tank should correspond to your RV septic holding tank size. For example, if your holding tanks have a capacity of 40 gallons, go with a 40-gallon RV portable holding tank.
How Does it Store
Storing an RV portable tank presents a huge problem for most RVers because space is usually premium in their rig.
Of course, if you’ve a Class A motorhome, that’s not as big of an issue. However, for the other RV models, you need to be creative.
The good thing is trailers have exterior storage spaces, which you could use to hook up your waste tank. Most tanks have an integrated ladder hook and strap, which you could use to strap on the ladder or back bumper.
How Do You Transport It
There’re several ways to transport your RV waste tank, and your choice will depend on your camping situation.
If you’re boondocking, and there’s no waste dump option available, you could load your portable RV dump tank in your RV and transport it to a hookup facility.
And if you’re camping in a facility with an established sewer connection, simply attach your waste tank to the tow bracket and then connect it to your vehicle hitch. Understand you should be cautious with your speed; slow and steady is the trick for a successful waste tank transport.
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30-Day Free Trial2 Wheels vs. 4 Wheels
Most portable waste tanks for RVs have wheels for easier portability. All wheeled RV dump tanks have two wheels on the rear, but the four-wheeled options have an extra set at the front. The extra set on the 4-wheeled tanks is usually mounted on a swivel assembly for easier maneuverability.
Generally, I’d recommend you choose the 4-wheeled version on your RV dump tanks, especially if it’s bulky to move around.
Also, if you’re planning to take on unpaved campgrounds, you’ll want dump tanks with large, solid pneumatic wheels.
Tow Bracket
If you’re in a campground, move your RV waste tank to the dump station. An easier way is to secure the waste tank to a tow bracket, connect it to you your vehicle’s tow/trailer hitch, and move it slowly to the nearest dump station.
Cleaning an RV Portable Waste Tank
After using your RV portable waste tank, you’ll want to clean it thoroughly. Cleaning your waste tank helps prevent odors until you need to use it again.
Cleaning an RV portable tank is fairly simple. Here’s a cleaning guide:
· Fill the RV portable waste holding tank ¾ of the way with clean water, give it a little shake, and dump
· Add more clean water, but now with bleach or any cleaning agent
· Let the solution sit for several hours
· Drain the water into a wastewater facility. Ensure the RV portable waste holding tank is completely dry before storage.
FAQ: RV Portable Waste Tank
What Size RV Portable Waste Tank Do I Need?
The perfect size for your RV portable waste tank should correspond to your RV holding tank size. For example, if your holding tanks are 45 gallons, then go for a 45-gallon portable waste tank.
What is the best portable waste holding tank?
The best portable waste tanks ultimately depends on your waste disposal needs. But generally, the best portable RV waste tank should have some desirable features that make it an attractive option for RVers.
For example, your RV portable waste tank should have a generous capacity and be easy to use, portable, and store. It should also be of decent build quality.
How do you dump RV waste after boondocking?
If you’re boondocking and there’s no dump station available, the only option is to carry the waste with you until you find a designated dumping location. Just because you’re out in the wild doesn’t give you the option to dump your waste there. It’s harmful to the environment.
Conclusion: RV Portable Waste Tank
That’s a wrap and everything you need to know about a RV portable waste tank. The best RV waste tank provides a handy way to dispose of your holding tank waste without moving your travel trailer.
You must ensure you choose a heavy-duty, reliable, and easy-to-use waste tank tote for your holding tank disposal needs.
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