Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Keystone RV Forums > Keystone Fleet | Keystone RV Models > Travel Trailers
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 06-03-2018, 06:03 AM   #1
Eric MP
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Port Republic
Posts: 22
Black tank cleaner(s)

I am sure that hundreds of black tank cleaning drop packets exist for caring for the black tank.......


Is there a brand that has been found to be better than average......... not cheapest nor most expensive? Thanks in advance..Eric
Eric MP is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2018, 06:47 AM   #2
JRTJH
Site Team
 
JRTJH's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,836
There were a couple of threads last season about black tank "packets".... Complaints about them not dissolving and the "gooey plastic covering" causing problems with dumping were mentioned. While "packets" may be convenient, if you experience the issues they caused some people last year, you might wish for a "bulk product" that doesn't have a partially dissolving bag around it.

As for which product is best? That's really a matter of how it's used. If you dump frequently, a deodorant is a good choice and no need to include digesters or emulsifiers since the waste isn't in the tank long enough for those to work. If you don't dump frequently, then you'll want a different type product that will help break down the solids to help prevent them from adhering to the bottom of the tank, causing problems when you do dump.

Many campgrounds prohibit using anything containing formaldehyde. If you have a septic tank where you dump, I'd suggest avoiding it there. Many people who are environmentally friendly would urge you not to use formaldehyde.
__________________
John



2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
JRTJH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2018, 06:48 AM   #3
Canonman
Senior Member
 
Canonman's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2016
Location: South Jordan, Utah
Posts: 2,221
In our past TT and now with our Cougar 5er, we have always used the "Geo Method".
Never had a problem with odor, clogs, or sensors not reading correctly. Basically we mix a cup of powdered laundry soap and a cup of powdered water softener (no bleach for us) in a 2 qt pitcher. After dumping we pour this mixture down the toilet and add a couple gallons of water. The soap cleans and deodorizes while the softener coats the sides of the tank to minimize any solids and paper from sticking to the sides and sensor.
Here's the best test to see if what ever method you use is working: Turn off the water to the toilet. Turn on the overhead fan. Close the door. Open the toilet flush and wait for the fan to pull any odors up through the open toilet. No odors, All Good! If it's stinky then it's not clean
Also, just as important as any treatment, is filling the tank with water to ensure a thorough "flush" when dumping. We do this flush a couple of times each dump to be sure the black tank is as clean as possible.
here's some helpful videos with more detail:

Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Capitol Reef Sunset (copy.jpg
Views:	114
Size:	101.5 KB
ID:	16780  
__________________
2017 Cougar 279RKSWE
2007.5 Dodge Ram 2500 6.7 Cummins
Retirement Training Completed
I think the little voices in my head have started a chat group.
Canonman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2018, 04:33 PM   #4
rogeru
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 55
I found a "natural" black tank neutralizer/ deodorizer online by the name of "Happy Camper". I've been using it for three years now, and like the way it works. It has NO perfume or smell of any kind - it just keeps the tank odor free. (If you use it correctly, and don't let your tank get 9/10's full at 95 degree heat). lol
rogeru is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2018, 04:38 PM   #5
Triple GGG
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Lenoir City
Posts: 108
Quote:
Originally Posted by rogeru View Post
I found a "natural" black tank neutralizer/ deodorizer online by the name of "Happy Camper". I've been using it for three years now, and like the way it works. It has NO perfume or smell of any kind - it just keeps the tank odor free. (If you use it correctly, and don't let your tank get 9/10's full at 95 degree heat). lol
Happy Camper was recommended by many on a different forum. I started using it last year and have been extremely pleased. Also have used the Geo method and had good results. I guess Happy Camper just simpler than getting the Geo ingredients. Lol. Have always used lots and lots of water too.
__________________
Greg, Gina and Ginger the rescue dog
2014 Keystone Sprinter 302RLS
Triple GGG is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2018, 04:53 PM   #6
travelin texans
Senior Member
 
travelin texans's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Picacho, Az
Posts: 6,809
Quote:
Originally Posted by Triple GGG View Post
Happy Camper was recommended by many on a different forum. I started using it last year and have been extremely pleased. Also have used the Geo method and had good results. I guess Happy Camper just simpler than getting the Geo ingredients. Lol. Have always used lots and lots of water too.
Rinse thoroughly, add a couple gallons of water & a good squirt of Dawn soap. As mentioned most black tank chemicals are for odor control far more than to emulsify solids.
__________________
Full-timed 10+ years
Sold '13 Redwood FB
Traded '13 GMC Denali DRW D/A
Replacement undetermined
travelin texans is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2018, 04:57 PM   #7
Triple GGG
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Lenoir City
Posts: 108
Quote:
Originally Posted by travelin texans View Post
Rinse thoroughly, add a couple gallons of water & a good squirt of Dawn soap. As mentioned most black tank chemicals are for odor control far more than to emulsify solids.
Well a good squirt of Dawn soap about as simple as you can get. Will have to give that a try. I like simple and easy.
__________________
Greg, Gina and Ginger the rescue dog
2014 Keystone Sprinter 302RLS
Triple GGG is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2018, 04:55 PM   #8
MarcS
Senior Member
 
MarcS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Howell
Posts: 581
If you do use the packets, make sure you fill the bowl partially, drop in the packet, let dissolve and flush.
__________________
2016 Passport 3350BH
2017 F350 SRW Gasser
MarcS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2018, 05:33 PM   #9
Steveo57
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Lisbon
Posts: 551
I have always heard dishwasher powder/soap works good. That's what I use.
__________________
2018 Keystone Cougar 22RBS
2020 Ford F-350 XLT SC SRW 6.7l Powerstroke.
Steveo57 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
tank

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates in any way. Keystone RV® is a registered trademark of the Keystone RV Company.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 06:11 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.