Can you guess the RV accessory that is often left off of “must-have” lists but is, in fact, a must-have? RV sewer supports! Sure, you can live without them, but these simple pieces of RV equipment really do come in handy.
Here are all the reasons you really should invest in an RV sewer hose support, as well as what to look for as you’re shopping for one.
What is an RV Sewer Hose Support?
Not even sure what an RV sewer hose support is? Also known as sewer hose ramps, these simple contraptions do exactly what the name suggests: They sit under your RV sewer hose and…well, support it.
Not only do these ramps lift the “stinky slinky” off the ground, but they also hold it at a slight angle so that water drains easily from your wastewater tanks into the sewer. This is more helpful than you might imagine.
Why an RV Sewer Hose Support is Important
Still not convinced you need an RV sewer hose support? We hear you. Some campers actually do go years without investing in RV sewer hose supports. That said, they do offer some pretty great benefits.
Here are a few of the reasons you might want to buy a support for your sewer hose.
Get the Hose Up Off the Ground
A sewer hose coiled up outside of your camper is a recipe for disaster. Just imagine what might happen if someone were to trip over the thing and dislodge it from where it should be.
Getting the hose up off the ground lowers the risk of someone tripping over it. It also helps keep the outside of the hose free of the mud, dirt, and grass that tends to stick to a hose sitting on the ground for an extended period.
Drain Tanks More Efficiently
Yes, your wastewater tanks will manage to drain whether or not you have a support under your sewer hose. That said, they will drain more quickly if you have a support holding the hose at a slight angle all the way to the sewer hookup. It also helps to have a sewer hose support holding the end of the hose at the level of the sewer hookup if it happens to be sticking up out of the ground.
Avoid Sewer Hose Buildup
You know what happens inside the sewer hose when it’s sitting on the ground? Water sits in there. Unfortunately, this means that any debris in the water will often stick to the sides of the hose. Depending on what exactly the debris is, it can be very difficult to wash off, especially if it’s halfway down the hose where a stream of water from a hose can’t reach easily.
Having a steady incline from your RV to the dump point helps the wastewater flow where it needs to go rather than sticking around inside the hose.
Meet Campground Requirements
Lastly, it’s important to note that some campgrounds actually require campers to use RV sewer hose supports. In some cases, this is even a city-wide rule, meaning that moving to another campground in the same area may not mean you can go without a hose support, regardless of whether their rules specify it.
Because of this, we recommend buying a sewer hose support now so you have it when you need it.
What to Look For in an RV Sewer Hose Support
Ready to buy an RV sewer hose support? You might want to know what exactly you should be looking for. In our opinion, there are five important attributes to keep an eye out for when searching for the perfect RV sewer hose support:
- Length
- Portability
- Durability
- Functionality
- Price
Obviously, you will want to make sure your sewer hose support is long enough for your sewer hose. You will also want something portable enough to fit easily into your storage bay and durable enough to last a long time.
Of course, you will also want something that does its job well without buckling under the weight of the hose or wandering out from under it. Lastly, it’s important to consider the price of any support you buy.
The Best RV Sewer Hose Supports
Still not sure where to begin shopping? Not to worry, we’ve done a lot of the work for you already. Below are three of our absolute favorite RV sewer hose supports. Pick and choose from this list and you really can’t go wrong.
Note: While all of the products below are made by Camco, these recommendations are based on the author’s experience and opinions and were not sponsored by Camco.
Camco Sidewinder RV Sewer Hose Support
A basic yet popular choice, the Camco Sidewinder is easy to find, easy to use, and affordable. We appreciate that it is available in a variety of sizes, making it easy to find exactly what you need.
We also love the support’s telescoping design, which makes it easy to fold small for storage. This same design also makes the support fairly adjustable, allowing you to choose the right length for each occasion.
Finally, we must mention the awesome carrying handle that holds the support in its folded position and offers users an easy way to hold onto the accessory as they put it away or pull it out to use it.
Pros
- Very light
- Folds for storage
- Includes a carrying handle
- Available in various lengths
- Can be adjusted to suit your needs
Cons
- Can suffer damage from UV rays
- Tends to creep closed under the hose
- Doesn’t stand well on uneven terrain
Camco Rhino Nesting RV Sewer Hose Support Kit
The Camco Rhino Nesting RV Sewer Hose Support Kit is a tougher option that campers might prefer. Made of durable plastic that can withstand prolonged sun exposure, this RV sewer hose support provides a sturdy base for your sewer hose, even when the ground is less than even.
Rather than a telescoping design, this support comes in three sections of varying heights. These sections will hold your sewer hose at a slight angle to take advantage of gravity. When it’s time to store the support, simply nest the pieces in one another and use the included strap to hold them together.
Pros
- Very durable
- Stands sturdy, even on uneven terrain
- Sets up in a snap
- Pieces nest inside of one another for storage
Cons
- Limited length available
- Can’t be adjusted much
- Higher cost
Camco Aluminum Sewer Hose Support
Finally, there is the Camco Aluminum Sewer Hose Support. This support is made entirely of aluminum, making it the most durable option we’ve found. We’re betting it would last a decade or more. The support stands up nicely on uneven ground, and the included strap system will hold your sewer hose in place.
This support is similar to the aforementioned Sidewinder in that it has a telescoping design. That said, because it is so sturdy, it never creeps shut the way some plastic telescoping supports will.
Pros
- Most durable option
- Folds for storage
- Won’t move under the sewer hose
- Strap system keeps hose from moving
Cons
- Only comes in a short 6-foot length
- Is a bit heavy
Hopefully, this guide has given you a better understanding of RV sewer hose supports and helped you find one that is right for your camping style. Go ahead and toss your sewer hose support into the storage bay as soon as it arrives so you’re ready to go camping at the next opportunity!
Have you looked into the “sewer solution” as an alternative to bulky 3inch hoses and the need for hose supports?
I’ve heard of it, but have not used it personally. I can see it being great for weekenders. I’m not so sure i want to fuss with it as a full-time RVer myself. I have an electric macerator pump I can hook up to a garden hose if needed.
I find the best support of all is to use plastic gutters from Home Depot or lowes, they are cheap, sturdy, and easy to use and if you need shorter lengths you can cut them easily, they work many times better than anything you listed and cost 10% of the other’s prices
I use them when possible. I drive a motorhome. My problem is that at least 7 out of 10 campgrounds that I have visited the sewer hookup is higher then needed to get a good drain flow and I have to handle the hose to finish the drain. 5th wheels and travel trailers drain connections sit higher and do not have a problem of using a support system.
Fifth wheeler here. We have TWO drains on our GD Momentum, so I carry two sets of these. I use them all the time. A couple of times, though, heavy winds might tip them over, but if so, I just reposition them a bit snake-like. Having the hoses off the ground means less wear and tear on the hoses. (Rather have plastic on plastic movement than plastic on dirt/rock.)
And some campgrounds (usually per city ordinance) require them.
I agree with most of this article. But actually raising the height of a hose will prevent more peope from tripping over it. The opposite is true.