busch2fan
Wauconda, IL
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I just read an article in Trailer Life about a gentlemen who made his own "vented waste valve cap" - and he explained why:
He puts this on when he stores his trailer between trips and opens his black and grey tank valves so that air can circulate through the tanks and out the roof vents.
He claims it works wonders for keeping the tanks clean and odor free.
I just found one of these caps at Camping World:
Here's my situation:
I am a firm believer in the Geo Method and use it religiously. To date... no issues at all. But that doesn't mean I can't improve the process or care.
And question:
Is anyone out there using a vented waste valve cap? If so, whats your experience?
I can see both pros and cons...
Thoughts?
Thanks all... see you by the campfire!!
Jeff
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swebber
Brunswick , MD
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I have thought about using one but if the interior of the tank dries out then so does anything that might be stuck in there and then maybe causing a build-up of waste.
Will be interesting to see others replies.
Steve & Tracy Webber
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cruiserjs
Aurora, CO, USA/ Mesa AZ/ openroad
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No I always store my trailer with some water in all waste tanks to prevent drying out of whatever is left in and to keep the seals from drying out. never have had an odor problem in 15 years with fivers.
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busch2fan
Wauconda, IL
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swebber - that is one of the "cons" I thought of....
cruiserjs - that is what I currently do as well...
Jeff
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skipnchar
Topeka Kansas USA
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I'm betting he EVENTUALLY has clog problems with his black tank leaving it dry that way. Looks like one of those really BAD ideas to me. Black tanks should NEVER be stored dry. Good luck / Skip
2004 F-150 HD 3,050 lb. payload
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plauterer
Manitoba, Canada
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Joined: 08/29/2004
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What happens if Mr. Squirrel decides to build a nest in the tank and hauls in a bunch of twigs and grass? Or Mrs snake crawls into the tank and comes up the toilet when it is getting it’s first flush of the year? I will keep mine closed.
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jay2003
San Joaquin Valley, California
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cruiserjs wrote:No I always store my trailer with some water in all waste tanks to prevent drying out of whatever is left in and to keep the seals from drying out. never have had an odor problem in 15 years with fivers.
Never thought of the seals before. I do the same though.. just a bit of water in the tanks with some valve lubricant (coconut oil) when storing to keep the valve from sticking for the next season. Don't think I would use one of the vented caps since the valve would have to be left open and could dry out quicker and get stuck in the open position.
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Doug and Cassi Glass
Clifton Forge, VA
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I keep some water and anti-freeze in mine in the winter. Even if I lived in the tropical south I'd keep my valves closed. I believe in rinsing good and keeping closed, after all it contains sewage and I don't plan to eat off it!
If rinsed good they won't smell unless you get right down there and whiff.
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busch2fan
Wauconda, IL
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I'm in agreement with all of you... I'm currently doing exactly what y'all are doing.
Different strokes for different folks I guess...
I'll stick with the tried and true.
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Mousefart
New Jersey
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Seals drying out????
Unless you have a VERY, VERY old camper that has leather seals (like the old bicycle pumps), this is a non-issue.
The materials used to make dump valve seals do not "dry out". They are more likely to WEAR out or just plain break first. At about $7 each, it's not something I am going to jump through hoops for.
Paul (Mouse)
2007 Flagstaff Shamrock 17 Hybrid (heavily modified for boondocking and winter camping).
2007 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab, 4.7L HO engine, Factory tow package, Equil-i-zer WD Hitch, Prodigy brake controller.
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