Table of Contents
Advertisement
GRAY WATER HOLDING TANK
No special preparation is required. However, placing a small quantity of chemicals into this tank,
such as baking soda or a Thetford chemical, will reduce odors from food particles in the system.
y
WARNING: We recommend that you DO NOT travel with full gray or black holding
tanks. Full holding tanks are not calculated into the cargo carrying capacity of your
motorhome. The weight from full holding tanks will greatly diminish the cargo
capacity and possibly cause you to exceed the gross vehicle weight rating. This can
affect suspension components, reduce fuel economy, and create adverse handling
characteristics. If you are dry camping and cannot immediately empty your tanks,
reduce your speed until you reach a dumping station.
All drain pipes have a "P-trap" installed into each line. Water in these traps prevent odors from
escaping into motorhome. During travel, water from the P-traps may spill and permit odors into
motorhome. These odors come from food particles decomposing in the tank. By adding water and
using a RV approved deodorizing agent will dissolve the contents faster and will keep the drain
lines and tanks clean and free flowing. Chemicals are available at an RV supply store.
DRAINING THE HOLDING TANKS
On the outside of the motorhome are labels (Fig. 4-20 & 4-21) that indicate the location of the gray
and black holding tank drain. A typical set up of the tank drain and termination valves is indicated
in Fig. 4-22 for non-basement models and Fig. 4-23 for basement models. Look for the labels to
locate the drain and follow the instructions below to empty the tanks.
1. Place the motorhome as level as possible to make
drainage easier.
2. Attach a flexible sewer hose to adapter and secure
with a clamp.
3. Remove cap and attach adapter onto valve housing.
4. Turn adapter 10° to lock onto pegs.
5. Place other end into approved sewer system.
6. Open the 3" drain valve to drain the sewage tank.
7. Open the valve on the gray water tank to utilize the
water to wash and rinse the hose.
Most states and parks have strict laws and regulations to prohibit dumping of wastes of any kind
into anything other than proper disposal facilities or sewer systems. Almost all privately owned
parks have either a central pump facility or offer a campsite hookup of sewage. You can find lists
of many dump facilities throughout the United States in Woodall's, Rand McNally Camp Guide,
Good Sam Camp Guide, KOA Kampgrounds Camp Guide, and various other publications. Some
fuel stations also have dump stations.
28
Fig. 4-12
Fig. 4-13
Fig. 4-14
Escapade Type C Owner's Manual
Advertisement
Table of Contents
