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Best RV Portable Waste Tank for Convenience & Privacy

This post was updated on September 19th, 2020

Going camping soon and need the know the best RV portable waste tank to take on your trip?

My top choice is the Tote-N-Store 20123 Portable Waste Transport 4-wheel, a 25-gallon tank that delivers durable construction, ease of use, sufficient storage capacity, and a built-in accessory compartment to prevent lost parts.

Tote-N-Store 20123 Portable Waste Transport 4 Wheeler, 25 Gallon
113 Reviews
Tote-N-Store 20123 Portable Waste Transport 4 Wheeler, 25 Gallon
  • Product Type :Auto Accessory
  • Package Dimensions :105.41 Cm L X70.358 Cm W X36.83 Cm H
  • Country Of Origin :United States
  • Package Weight :12.5Lbs
  • Built-in storage compartment with a 3/4 inch garden hose cap; a 3...

RVers with lots of camping experience know that having a portable waste tank, also known in the RVing community as a “honey wagon” is another tool you should never be without while on the road.

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Do you sometimes find yourself at a campground that does not provide full hook-ups?

When you want to enjoy the privacy of using your RV toilet and shower or use the kitchen sink to wash dishes, you’ll need a solution to the problem of disposing of your wastewater.

The answer is an RV portable waste tank that you can carry on your RV or in your tow vehicle. These portable tanks on wheels hold the fluids from your grey and black tanks so you can properly dispose of it at a nearby dump station.

In this guide, I will discuss what to look for in a portable RV waste tank, give you a review of the top five best RV portable waste tanks, and some helpful tips to keep your tank clean and functioning correctly.

So read along to learn everything you need to know about RV portable waste tanks!

What to Look for in an RV Portable Waste Tank

Portable water tanks are a convenient way to empty wastewater from your RV during camping trips when a sewer connection is not available at your campsite.

In order to find the right portable tank for your needs, you must look at the different features found on portable waste tanks for RVs like:

  • Size/capacity
  • Durability of materials
  • Accessories
  • Wheel design
  • Handle design
  • Venting
  • Drain valve openings

#1 – Size and Capacity

Choosing which size tank you need depends on where and how you camp. If you camp with many members of your family and have large holding tanks in your RV, you will want a tank that has as large of a capacity as you can safely handle alone.

A 40-gallon portable tank may sound fantastic (just one trip to the dump station!), but it may be too cumbersome for a single person to fill and drag to the sewer drain.

My suggestion is to get the smallest tank you think you need. Worst case scenario you’ll have to take an extra trip or two to the dump station, but those trips will be less stressful when your tank is smaller and lighter to move.

Smaller capacity tanks also are dimensionally smaller, which means it will be easier to store the container when not in use.

#2 – Durability of Materials

Your waste tank will have to handle the vibrations and bumps of RV travel as well as the actual use of the unit while camping, so the durability of the materials used in construction is paramount.

Prices vary among manufacturers, and a higher price does not necessarily mean better construction. Look for a tank made from a polyethylene material that is less likely to crack or puncture. A blown body will eliminate seams in the tank that could leak over time.

Look for an inner tank that has a layer of aluminum or other metal that won’t rust or corrode. This inner lining can keep wastewater inside even if the plastic outer coating incurs damage.

Make sure connections at the location of the valves are sturdy, and other components like clamps and covers consist of tough materials that won’t break after exposure to the elements while on camping adventures.

#3 – Accessories

Some portable RV tanks come with just the tank and have no accessories like caps and hoses that you need to use the tanks.

Decide on your budget for your portable tank and see if they include all the items you need at the price of your model or what you’ll need to spend separately for sewer and water hoses and fittings.

Check reviews of tank brands to see if any of the accessories that come with a portable tank are not of good quality and will need replacement anyway.

#4 – Wheel Design

Your portable tank must be, well, portable!

Wheels are crucial things to consider when choosing a portable waste tank. You’ll need the wheels to be able to traverse grass and gravel just as easy as cement or asphalt surfaces.

Most wastewater tanks have two wheels, but if you can find a four-wheel option, it will be much more convenient to use.

A swiveling front axle will add even more ease to maneuvering the tank. Large wheels made of rubber will hold up well to the weight of a full tank and be way less noisy to others in the campground if you must pull your tank down the road.

#5 – Handle Design

After wheels, the handle of your portable tank should be a high priority when making a purchase. The longer the handle, the easier it will be to pull and keep you from straining your back.

A built-in handle that folds up for storage is best. Some tanks have the handle molded into the main body which makes it necessary to add a pull strap to tow the tank comfortably. Some tanks have a removable handle that could get lost while camping.

Look carefully at the handle design of any potential waste tank you are considering to make sure you are getting one that you can use with no worries, especially if you plan to tow it behind a vehicle when visiting the dump station.

#6 – Venting

A good RV wastewater portable tank should have vents you can open and close to make filling up your tank and draining your tank at the dump station quicker.

While no vents is not a deal breaker, having vents will make your RVing life better.

#7 – Valve Openings

The valve you need to think about most when choosing a portable tank is the one that you use to fill the tank from your RV black and gray water storage compartments and then drain that fluid at the dump station.

This valve should be substantial. Most portable tanks will have the standard three-inch valve fitting which makes the fill and drain process more manageable and prevents blockages. You may find a model that has a filling valve at the top of the tank, and a drain valve on the edge of the tank near the bottom.

There will also be a valve, or fitting, where you attach a garden-type hose to flush the portable tank after use. Make sure you look at the design of this fitting, since some may use a female thread, while others a male. You should always carry a female/male hose adapter in your RV toolbox for such a reason.

Top Five Best Portable Waste Tanks for RV

Next, I review the top five models of RV portable waste tanks. I will provide all the pros and cons of each tank, plus other important details and features, as well as which model is best for what type of RVer.

BEST FOR – Any RVer who has either an exterior rack to hold this size of a tank, or has room inside a storage bay or tow vehicle to keep it when not in use.

Barker 4-Wheeler Tote Tank - 32 Gallon Capacity (27844) , Blue
2,901 Reviews
Barker 4-Wheeler Tote Tank - 32 Gallon Capacity (27844) , Blue
  • Constructed from blow-molded polyethylene, zinc-plated steel and...
  • Front-mounted double wheel-swivel engineered for easy maneuvering...
  • Designed to be a quiet and smooth rolling tote tank
  • Equipped with a quality, 3-inch conventional waste valve for ease...
  • No longer do you have to lift up your tote tank to empty it,...

PROS:

  • Very easy to maneuver
  • 3-inch dumping valve clears liquids fast
  • Lightweight yet solid construction
  • Durable wheels
  • Convenient fill gauge

CONS:

  • Cost more than other brands
  • Sewer hose could be better quality

The Barker 27844 Tote Tank may cost most than other tanks, but it’s worth the investment since this tank is ready to go out of the box and can handle just about every campers needs for wastewater removal.

The Barker 32-gallon tank is perfect for most RVers who need a sufficient capacity to handle wastewater without the need to empty their tank during a camping trip repeatedly.

The Barker external tank is blow-molded polyethylene with aluminum and zinc-plated steel which makes it very durable and keeps it rust-free. The handle is secure and can handle being “hitched” to your truck or vehicle for the trip to the dump station.

Customers love the four wheels, with the front two able to swivel which makes it very easy to move about and pull, even when full. Customers also like the 3-inch valve fittings that empty the tank fully without having to lift the tank.

Customers also appreciate the bayonet fittings for a secure connection and that this tank comes with a five-foot sewer hose for emptying the tank at a dump station. This tank also gets high marks for the fill-gauge indicator, so you know just how much space you have left in your tank.

The only complaints were that the quality of the sewer hose that comes with this tank is lacking, with many people getting pin-holes very soon after purchase. You may want to consider buying a short sewer hose of better materials if you purchase this model RV portable waste tank.

BEST FOR – Any RVer who does not like to deal with a large-capacity portable tank that is heavy and burdensome to empty.

SmartTote Portable RV Waste Tote Tank - 12 Gallons - 2 Wheels - Thetford 40505
381 Reviews
SmartTote Portable RV Waste Tote Tank - 12 Gallons - 2 Wheels - Thetford 40505
  • 12-gallon portable waste tank only; does not include hose
  • Comes fully assembled with caps for hose opening and vent
  • Light weight and compact design
  • Easy to maneuver and store

PROS:

  • Easy to use and maneuver
  • Affordable
  • Can be fitted with a tow strap
  • Large port for easy draining
  • Rugged design with built-in handle

CONS:

  • No accessories like extra hose or fittings
  • The handle is a bit low when pulling
  • Small capacity
  • Need an adapter for water hose to rinse the tank

The Thetford SmartTote2 Portable Tank is an ideal choice for RVers who have small campers and don’t need a large portable wastewater tank.

The smaller 12-gallon size allows you even to put it under the kitchen sink to catch water if you have a custom-built camper, teardrop, pop-up, or other types of RV that do not have permanent black and gray water storage tanks.

Customers like the compact design that makes it easy to store. The durable molded-polypropylene tank with rubber wheels means it can hold up to rigorous use while camping.

Customers like that the drainage hole is large, making it faster when it’s time to empty the tank. Just stand the tank up, and the wastewater flows right out.

On the negative side, customers didn’t care for having to add a tow strap and sewer hose to this model or that the fittings are odd for a regular water hose attachment when you want to rinse the tank out.

BEST FOR – RVers who want a one-stop-shop portable waste tank that comes with all the bells and whistles like four wheels and accessories at an affordable price.

Tote-N-Store 20123 Portable Waste Transport 4 Wheeler, 25 Gallon
113 Reviews
Tote-N-Store 20123 Portable Waste Transport 4 Wheeler, 25 Gallon
  • Product Type :Auto Accessory
  • Package Dimensions :105.41 Cm L X70.358 Cm W X36.83 Cm H
  • Country Of Origin :United States
  • Package Weight :12.5Lbs
  • Built-in storage compartment with a 3/4 inch garden hose cap; a 3...

PROS:

  • Quickly drains and fills without lifting
  • A breeze to steer and maneuver(longer handle/four wheels)
  • The handle lays flat for storage
  • Storage compartment for accessories
  • Sight tube for monitoring capacity
  • Comes with lots of accessories

CONS:

  • Some random leaks reported
  • No latch on the compartment door
  • A bit heavy

The Tote-N-Store 20123 is the one portable RV waste tank every camper can count on to get the job done fast and clean.

The tank’s 25-gallon capacity holds just enough to handle every RVers needs without becoming so cumbersome that it’s hard to fill and dump while camping.

The low-profile design makes it easier to slip into a storage bay without taking up much room. The tank comes pre-assembled so you can use it right away. Integrated vents make the filling and emptying of the tank much faster.

Customers like the built-in storage compartment which keeps all your sewer connectors handy.

Customers also find the fill capacity indicator helpful to check the fluid level within the tank and the four rubber wheels that make it less stressful to pull the unit to the dump station.

Customers were not so happy with poorly tightened fittings that leak. Thankfully, most leaks stop when the clamps were adjusted and tightened correctly. There were also some complaints that the onboard storage compartment lid did not close securely.

BEST FOR – RVers who want a large capacity tank that can endure years of camping seasons.

Sale
Camco Rhino 28-Gallon Portable Camper/RV Tote Tank | Features Large Heavy-Duty No-Flat...
15,827 Reviews
Camco Rhino 28-Gallon Portable Camper/RV Tote Tank | Features Large Heavy-Duty No-Flat...
  • Transports Waste from Your RV/Trailer: Allows you to transport...
  • Includes: 1 tote tank, 1 large handle, 2 large wheels, 1 tank...
  • Easy to Transport: Large, heavy-duty, no-flat wheels with...
  • Integrated Ladder Hook: Can sturdily clamp onto RV or camper...
  • Simple to Clean: Features a built-in gate valve for effortless...

PROS:

  • Heavy-duty, no-flat wheels (sturdy for towing)
  • Tank drains completely
  • Easy to clean
  • Affordable
  • Comes with durable Rhino accessories
  • Odor-free smooth interior design
  • Materials won’t crack or leak
  • Integrated grooves for secure strapping to RV

CONS:

  • Bulky
  • Tow handle is removable and could get lost

The Camco Rhino 28-gallon portable RV waste tank is heavy-duty and comes with everything you need to use, clean, and maintain the unit.

The tank is of a high-density, UV-stable blow-molded polyethylene that can withstand the harshest of environments with no cracking or leaking. Metal components are zinc coated to prevent rust and corrosion.

Two heavy-duty wheels make pulling or towing the tank easy, and the capacity is plenty for even large motorhomes and RVs to use when full-hookups are not available at your campsite.

Customers appreciate that it comes with all the accessories you need to use the tank like fittings and hoses. They also like the design that drains the fluid from the tank completely, making the container much more straightforward to clean.

The only fault is the removable tow handle. While the handle makes it less of a hassle to move the tank, it is easy to misplace or lose it entirely.

BEST FOR – RVers who take long road trips and want a large-capacity wastewater tank so they can empty their RV quickly at a dumpsite in one trip.

Tote-N-Store 20129 Portable Waste Transport 4 Wheeler, 38 Gallon
115 Reviews
Tote-N-Store 20129 Portable Waste Transport 4 Wheeler, 38 Gallon
  • Built-in storage compartment with a 3/4 inch garden hose cap; a 3...

PROS:

  • Easy to manuever with four wheels
  • Handle design means it can never touch the ground
  • Tow bracket on handle to attach to a vehicle
  • Sturdy and quiet rubber wheels
  • Very large capacity

CONS:

  • Poor quality of included hose
  • Large and hard to store/transport
  • Heavy when full

The Tote-N-Store 20129 has a very large 38-gallon capacity which makes quick work when it comes time to empty your RV during a long road trip.

Like the other Tote-N-Store model above, this tank offers fast draining via the large drainage port with no lifting. This model also features the built-in storage compartment for the included accessories.

Customers like the sight tube to check the level of fluid in the tank which helps prevent overflows. They also note that the long handle makes it much easier to move the tank about without having to stoop.

Customers are also happy with the venting system that makes using the tank hassle-free.

On the downside, some consumers state that the tank is weighty when full making the tank hard to pull on soft surfaces. They also advise checking the nuts and bolts on the tires after use to ensure they are tight, so you don’t unexpectedly lose a wheel.

Tips to Keep Your RV Portable Waste Tank in Good Condition

Just like any RV accessory, you want to protect the investment you made in your portable waste tank by keeping it in good condition so you can use it for years.

Below, I give you some tips on ways to keep your portable RV waste tank working best!

#1 – How to Prevent Clogs

Make sure the tank you buy has valves that are three inches across. The wide valve keeps any toilet tissue and wastes from clogging at this transition point while draining the tank.

Only use single-ply toilet paper in your RV or camper since it will dissolve much quicker than a two-ply tissue. The double ply paper has a lesser chance of dissolving in the water. Another option is to dispose of all toilet tissue in the trash and keep it out of your wastewater entirely.

Bestseller
Camco Camper/RV Toilet Paper | Sewer-Safe, Septic-Safe & Biodegradable | Designed for...
2,334 Reviews
Camco Camper/RV Toilet Paper | Sewer-Safe, Septic-Safe & Biodegradable | Designed for...
  • DESIGNED FOR RV/MARINE USE: Keep your system running reliably and...
  • CLOG-RESISTANT: Say goodbye to those unexpected surprises! This...
  • 1-PLY PROTECTION: 1-ply toilet paper protection offers a soft,...
  • SEPTIC SAFE TOILET PAPER: This biodegradable toilet paper is safe...
  • QUANTITY: Keep yourself well-stocked with (4) toilet paper rolls;...

Make sure you use plenty of water when flushing your RV toilet. Not enough water will create a thick, soupy mess that will be hard to drain from your portable tank and require you to spend extra time flushing and cleaning it before you can store it away.

Drop-in tank chemicals are made specific for RV waste tanks. Use them inside your camper when using your toilet so they can break down solids before you drain them into your portable tank.

SaleBestseller
Camco TST MAX Camper / RV Toilet Treatment Drop-INs - Control Unwanted Odors & Break Down...
30,591 Reviews
Camco TST MAX Camper / RV Toilet Treatment Drop-INs - Control Unwanted Odors & Break Down...
  • TOILET DEODORIZER WITH REACTIVE ODOR-ELIMINATING TECHNOLOGY:...
  • SUPERIOR FORMULATION, UNMATCHED PERFORMANCE: Get exceptional...
  • POWERFUL RV BLACK TANK TREATMENT: Eliminate clogs & odors in your...
  • MULTI-PURPOSE: This RV accessory is great for boating,...
  • MADE IN THE USA: Camco’s TST RV toilet chemicals are proudly...

#2 – Sanitize Your Portable Tank

You need to regularly sanitize your RV portable waste tank to keep odors and bacteria at bay. You can use the drop-in tank treatment tablets to clean and help eliminate odor by filling your portable tank with fresh water, add in a tablet, and let it soak for a couple of hours to refresh the interior and clean out any residue.

You can also sanitize your portable waste tank with three-parts water and one-part bleach mixture that will clean and deodorize your tank without harming your valves or fittings. Let the mixture soak inside the tank for 30 minutes or so, then drain at a proper location.

#3 – Don’t Overfill Your Portable Tank

While portable tanks are made to hold a specific amount of fluid, it’s best to try keeping your tank at around three-quarters full when taking it to the dump station.

Why?

Filling your tank too much can cause it to overflow, especially when you tow the tank and the wastewater inside is sloshing. By leaving extra space, the fluid inside will have less of a chance of seeping out and the reduced weight of the liquid will help keep critical component connections intact over time.

#4 – Dumping Tips

If both your grey and black tanks are full, use your portable tank on the black tank first. Once you dump that tank, return and fill with the gray water. This step will help clean out your RV portable of debris from the black tank and relieve you of more work during the final fresh water rinse.

Use disposable gloves when dumping your tanks to stop the transfer of bacteria. Wash hands thoroughly when your tank dumping is complete.

Bestseller
Camco Durable All Purpose RV and Camper Disposable Sanitation Gloves | Ideal in Wet or Dry...
2,498 Reviews
Camco Durable All Purpose RV and Camper Disposable Sanitation Gloves | Ideal in Wet or Dry...
  • Protect Your Hands: These gloves protect your hands from any...
  • Sizing: One size fits all
  • Material: Does not contain latex
  • Mountable Package: Double-sided adhesive allows you to mount the...
  • Quantity: 100 count; Color: Green

Finally, consider getting an RV macerator pump. This pump fits right onto your three-inch pipe and not only grinds up your waste solids into easily moveable material but will also pump that fluid to your portable tank. This pumping action is ideal for those who like to keep their portable tank in the bed of their truck or are camping on very uneven ground.

Bestseller
12V RV Portable Macerator Waste Pump for Sewage, 12GPM Suction 3.2 feet Lift 10 feet,...
506 Reviews
12V RV Portable Macerator Waste Pump for Sewage, 12GPM Suction 3.2 feet Lift 10 feet,...
  • 【Self-Priming RV Macerator Pump】The RV macerator pump feature...
  • 【Product Specification】Complete RV Macerator Pump Kit, don't...
  • 【High Performance】This macerator pump is composed of an...
  • 【Convenient and Safty】Comes with 2 power cables, 7ft...
  • 【Easy to Clean】Fresh water rinse and manual crushing...

Conclusion

Sometimes camping requires you to do less-than-pleasant tasks like dealing with your wastewater. Having the best portable waste tank for your recreational vehicle, like the four-wheel Tote-N-Store model 20123, is imperative for you to make this chore as fast, easy, and clean as possible.

I hope this buying guide to portable RV waste tanks helps you make the right decision when it comes time for you to make a purchase. Check out the below video for more pro tips on using your honey wagon while camping.

Tote-N-Store 20123 Portable Waste Transport 4 Wheeler, 25 Gallon
113 Reviews
Tote-N-Store 20123 Portable Waste Transport 4 Wheeler, 25 Gallon
  • Product Type :Auto Accessory
  • Package Dimensions :105.41 Cm L X70.358 Cm W X36.83 Cm H
  • Country Of Origin :United States
  • Package Weight :12.5Lbs
  • Built-in storage compartment with a 3/4 inch garden hose cap; a 3...

What’s your favorite RV portable waste tank? Share why you like it in the comments below!

Product data was last updated on 2024-03-18 at 20:50.

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