When you plan your next camping trip, you’re thinking about the sights you’ll see and the things you’ll roast over an open fire. The last thing on your mind is how you’ll dispose of waste. An adequately-sized sewer hose could mean the difference between taking a deep breath of fresh mountain air or taking a deep breath of, well, something else.
Generally, your RV sewer hose’s size should be 15 to 20 feet or long enough to connect your vehicle’s plumbing system to your destination’s sewage system. Often, it is better to have an RV sewer hose that is too long than too short.
Continue reading to learn more about what type of RV sewer hose could meet your needs. The right one for you depends on your RV, your waste tank, and how you plan on disposing sewage.
How Long Should an RV Sewer Hose Be?
In general, RV sewer hoses 20 feet long should offer more than enough length to suit your traveling needs; as mentioned above, in these situations, it’s always better to have a hose that is too long than too short.
However, in some cases, you may want to opt for something shorter, depending on these factors:
- The type of waste tank you have
- Hose thickness
- RV storage available
- Budget
Below, we’ll cover some of these considerations in greater detail so you can determine what type of RV sewer hose is best for your next traveling adventure.
Waste Tank
You might find a sewer hose that’s the perfect length, but you could still find yourself in a rough situation if it isn’t compatible with your RV’s setup. When looking for a new sewer hose, take note of your waste tank’s:
- Volume
- Ports
- Operation
- Location
- Design
Once you have these specs, compare them to the specs available on the RV sewer hose you’re thinking about purchasing to make sure they will work together. This could save you the burden of having a lot of waste, but nowhere to put it.
Hose Thickness
You don’t want a hose that’s so thick that it’s unwieldy to store, but you don’t want a hose that’ll get holes and perforations over time. You also don’t want the inner tube itself to be too narrow, as this could cause clogs and blockages.
An RV sewer hose’s thickness is measured in millimeters, so fractions of an inch. Check your RV’s plumbing setup and take accurate measurements to aid in your decision, as different lengths of hoses can also vary in thickness.
Storage Options
Let’s face it: after using your sewer hose a couple of times, you don’t want it sitting in your RV’s common space. While some RVs have storage for these types of things, others do not.
Check your RV’s various compartments and judge what size hose would fit in those spaces. If you find a hose that you like but don’t have the storage, you can buy a sewer hose carrying case, like the Dee Zee Z91717P Poly Triangle Trailer Box. This 22-pound container not only protects your hose from damage, but its design minimizes any unpleasant smells.
Alternatively, you could get the Valterra A04-5094BK RV Adjustable EZ Hose Carrier. You can mount this device onto the outside of your RV, so the sewer hose never makes it into your temporary home.
Budget
A quick search on Amazon reveals that a highly-rated sewer hose could cost you around $30 to $50. That’s not so bad, considering that this device is an investment in your future camping experiences. However, some cost less than $20. What does this mean for you, as the buyer?
Trying to pinch pennies could result in a really “crappy” experience. For instance, imagine that you’re in a national park and your bargain sewer hose breaks down. It’s not like you can run to the store and buy a new one. You’ll have to throw yourself at the mercy of the Great Outdoors.
So, consider what price point works for your budget. Then, using this as your starting point, read reviews, research any recalls, and consider your needs.
Alternatives to RV Sewer Hoses
You have options when it comes to using the restroom in your RV. Many travelers have turned to compost toilets. Instead of fussing with waste systems, RV hoses, and the general chore of disposing of waste, these toilets convert waste into fertilizer. Simply install the device, use the toilet, and, over time, your waste will transform into compost, which you can dispose of anywhere.
Note: This option’s viability depends on the type of RV you have, how long and often you plan on traveling, the number of people traveling with you, and other related factors.
In Summary
Opting for an RV sewer hose that’s anywhere from 15 to 20 feet should suit most situations. However, the details of your trip, including your destination, traveling companions, and setup, should factor into your final decision. There’s also the alternative of using a compost toilet to make waste disposal easier and more environmentally friendly.