rfryer
Phoenix
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Joined: 04/19/2005
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My TT is 22 years old and if there were any odors the DW would know immediately. I've never used any chemicals in the tanks but I try to always keep a little water in them. I use the bio-gradable toilet paper but will use the regular paper if I run out.
Even if you have sewer hookups I wouldn't use them, I'd hook up when I was ready to dump. If the black tank isn't full I fill it with a hose 3/4 full. Then I dump and follow with the gray tank to wash out the lines. Be sure you have a solid connection on the hose at the tank valve, it can be pretty awful if it pops off while draining. As said, the level indicators can be inaccurate and usually are, but you can see the black tank level through the toilet.
As far as accessories I'd keep it to a minimum until you have some trips under your belt. The stores will recommend a bunch of******you'll have no use for except as yard sale items. You will need levelers for the TT and for the tongue and a couple of chocks for the tires. I always carry a volt meter and tester, most problems I seem to have are electrical. And I carry a few electrical and plumbing parts, but that's one of those things I'd put off for now.
Take a notebook along to write down things you needed and didn't bring and things you brought that you don't need. That was very helpful to me when I first started out.
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Camper JamesB
Wichita
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Joined: 07/27/2011
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I use the geo method. Calgon liquid water softener and cheap laundry detergent. The calgon keeps the tank slippery and the laundry detergent helps with odors. Make sure to let the tanks get at least 2/3 full as noted. If I have left over ice after the trip, I dump it down the toilet on the way to the dump site. The ice will help break things up. I have used the chemicals, but the odor was too much after opening the camper in 100+ degree days in KS. I was researching new chemicals when i ran across the geo method and have not been disappointed yet.
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smkettner
Southern California
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Joined: 03/21/2005
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Costco paper and plain tap water works fine for us.
Yes you need mirrors on BOTH sides. Both a citation and safety issue.
2001 F150 SuperCrew
2006 Keystone Springdale 249FWBHLS
675 watts solar
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Dennis M M
Geneva, IL; Tucson, AZ
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Joined: 11/06/2004
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One more thing, whether or not you use chemicals, the secret to black tank management is water and plenty of it. When we are making short stops and want to dump the black tank more frequently, we use a dishpan in the kitchen and dump it in the toilet. That keeps the grey tank from filling to fast as well. Just make sure all the silverware is out of the dishpan!
'99 Volvo VNL610 - 425 HP Volvo; Super 10 Spd
'11 smart fortwo on Volvo
'05 Newmar Mountain Aire 35 BLKS
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JSmith10110
Connecticut
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Joined: 01/23/2011
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We are towing with a 2011 5.7 l tundra. Thanks for all the suggestions and thoughts!
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Chuck_S
Broadview Hts, OH, USA
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Joined: 03/15/2002
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1. McKesh mirrors. Google them.
2. Never put any thing blue into the toilet unless you want it to stink. Toilet management is discussed here daily. Recommend you read (not ask). 
-- Chuck
'06 Roo 23SS behind '07 Expedition out of Cleveland
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Tvov
CT
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Joined: 07/19/2003
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Awning "de-flappers". Any camper supply store will know what you mean when you ask about them. They grip the awning in the middle of the side/end, and wrap around the support bar with velcro. They will save your awning and your sanity on windy days.
On very windy days you do not want to put out your awning, but for unpredictable gusts the de-flappers can save your awning.
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2008 F-250 CrewCab 5.4L,
2004 21' Forest River Surveyor
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mdcamping
Willington, CT
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Joined: 03/04/2007
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As other people have posted, I use the McKesh Mirrors, can't go wrong!
As far as the toilet care, It's better and cheaper to buy the six pack treatments in the camping section at Walmart. Put in one treatment in the black tank when you set up, make sure your black tank is almost full when you dump and thats it. Then sell RV toilet paper there also.
Mike
2007 Toyota Tacoma, Double Cab 4x4 Max Towing 6,500lbs GCWR 11,100lbs
2011 Jayco X20E, Pro Series 800lb Weight Distributing Hitch
Husky Sway Control Bar, Prodigy Electronic Brake Control
McKesh Mirrors
States we've camped in so far...
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Tvov
CT
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Joined: 07/19/2003
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We have found Scott toilet paper to work fine, and it is (supposedly) biodegradable for camper systems.
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Jetta03
Alberta Canada
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Joined: 08/31/2011
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I tried a few different chemicals, the bio stuff etc. but I always had the sensors fouled and giving bad readings. I found the following to work:
- When you dump, make sure to rinse it and add a gallon or so of water.
- Add a cup of borax so it has a chance to slosh around on the drive home. You are now ready for the next trip.
- Before you leave on the next trip add a bucket of ice cubes if the black tank gauge isn't reading empty.
- Repeat
That's it. Worked for us the last couple of trailers and no bad smells.
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