Owning an RV is a great way to travel and see our beautiful country. You can enjoy a trip and go camping in a much better setup than a simple tent.
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. At some point you are going to need to empty the sewer tank and it is usually the most dreaded part of owning an RV. But with the right type of sewer host for your camper, it can be a simple and, most importantly, clean process.
RV parts manufacturers keep making new sewer hoses, but not all are worth your money. Finding the best rv sewer hose can be challenging. Our simple guide here takes care of everything. Here is everything you should know before getting your RV sewer hose.
What to look for in an RV sewer hose?
You will find so many kinds of RV sewer hoses in the market. However, you need the right pick. If you have no idea what a great RV sewer hose should have, here is a quick overview of the qualities of a good RV sewer hose.
Easy to use
Since you are dealing with human waste, it is very important to get one that is easy to use and doesn’t require much work. A good RV sewer hose is straightforward to use and makes the process as easy as possible.
Ease of installation
Some hoses may take you a while to install. If that’s the case, it’s time to look a for a different one.
Length
You want a hose with a good length to make the process of emptying the tank easy. Anything above 15 feet is a good length to take with you. If you need more, there are 20 foot hoses that you can buy. If the distance from the RV to the dump is far, consider a longer pipe.
Storage
When you are not using the RV, you want to store the hose out of sight. Most RVs have a back bumper with caps on each end. The caps pop off and your sewer host slides into the bumper for safe storage. In our opinion, this is the best way to store an RV sewer hose.
That being said, you obviously don’t have a bumper that is 20 feet long. So you will want to make sure you get a sewer hose that compresses down to a smaller size. Most high quality hoses will have this feature..
Cleaning
Have a clear cleaning plan when buying an RV hose. You will want to choose one that you can easily clean before you put it away.
You want to keep the hose clean to protect it from damage. Raw sewage will affect the lifetime of the hose. Flush water down the hose often or use external cleaning attachments to clean out raw sewage.
Reasons why cleaning is important
- Removes the odor
- Eases waste removal
- Prevents plumbing damage
Attachments
Attachment makes it easier to transfer waste through the hose. We highly recommend a clear hose elbow that allows you to see the flow when emptying your tank. Swivel connectors are also great to have as it make maneuvering the hose much easier. Also be sure that the sewer connection fit your hose.
Types of RV Sewer Hoses
There are different kinds of sewer hoses. Your choice solely depends on your needs. Here is a breakdown of different types of sewer hoses.
Polyolefin
Polyolefin is the best option for a camper sewer hose as it is the strongest and last the longest but also comes with a slightly higher price.
Vinyl
Most hoses come in vinyl. They are relatively affordable, and they last long. Other perks of using vinyl include ease of installation, light in weight, and are highly recyclable.
Plastic
Plastic is one material we do not recommend. They will be the cheapest but are prone to breakage and have a much short lifespan.
RV Sewer Hose Storage
RV sewer hose needs proper storage. When buying the hose, consider how you will store it. If your RV has a storage area on the side, you can keep it there. If the space is not too large, consider a collapsible pipe that is easier to store.
Most pipes also come in friendly sizes and are built to shrink once not in use. Therefore, a well-hidden place where they will be safe from sun exposure is a good storage area. You should also consider keeping it out of reach where people do not come into contact with it. The most common place to store them is in the back bumper of your RV.
RV Sewer Pipe Fittings
An RV sewer hose needs other fittings to support the process. Some fittings include bayonets, elbows, seals, and caps. They are there to connect parts and also hold them in place. Seals ensure that there are no leaks in the joined areas.
Are sewer hoses universal?
Sewer hoses are universal. Notably, all pipes have an equal diameter of 3.5 inches tubing. Almost all piping comes in equal measurement. Ultimately, it is unlikely you may buy a sewer hose that does not fit your RV. Make clarifications if you doubt the fitting of your RV before you buy your piping.
The Best Sewer Hose For RVs
Camco 20′ RhinoFLEX 20-Foot RV Sewer Hose Kit
Camco’s claim to fame is its manufacturing of RV parts. The most notable one is their range of RV sewer hoses. The Camco 20′ Rhinoflex is an amazing choice for a sewer hose. The Rhinoflex is simply the best and the toughest hose you can buy. The length is ideal, and it is steady enough to withstand any pressure. It ismade of 23 mils of durable polyolefin and reinforced with steel wire for exceptional durability.
What makes it unique?
The 10-ft hose compresses to just 39 inches for easy storage (it comes with 2 10 foot hoses) and it is very reasonably priced. It comes with an assortment of fittings, and they fit on almost all kinds of setup. The pipe can also work in -40 degrees Fahrenheit environment.
Our favorite thing about this hose is that the end fittings are trimmed so they have flat sides which allows it to fit inside your back bumper.
Pros
- Ideal length
- Tough
- Durable
- Easy to use and install
- Collapsible
- It comes with a complete kit of accessories, including a clear elbow
- Secure connection
Cons
- On the higher end for cost
Camco 39634 Revolution 20′ Sewer Hose Kit
The Camco 39634 comes with 360 Degree Swivel Fittings and a 4-in1 Elbow Adapter. It comes with a complete kit and the fittings are universal.
It comes with everything you need for an easy sewer hookup. The add-ons are a bonus as they only make it more reliable. The swivels rotate 360 degrees.
The extras in this kit include an elbow fitting and a wire guard to protect your hands. As with all Camco hoses, this one has an adapter and caps.
What’s unique about it?
The kit does not require any tools and clamps. It compresses to about 2 to 4 feet for easy storage.
Pros
- Easy to use and install
- Fittings seal tight
- Heavy duty
- High quality
- Durable
Cons
- It is a step down from the RhinoFlex version
Thetford Titan Premium 15ft Sewer Hose
The Titan Thetford is a real titan giving you a tough pipe to use. They offer quality and make sanitation a pleasant process. Additionally, the 15-foot UV-resistant pipe is a product from Thetford, a leading manufacturer for RV pipes.
The seals close tight, and you can attach them permanently to the sewer outlet for an easier and faster evacuation process. The fact that you can do that is a win for people who hate handling the sewer hose. The universal fitting makes the pipe ideal for use on any sewer dump point.
It is ergonomic in that it has an extended grip. The caps are secure leaving zero room for leaks and odor. The hose is also easy to align and the 90-degree translucent nozzle is yet another great feature that allows you comfortably maneuver the hose.
The nozzles compress up to 60 inches which allows you to fit bumpers. The ends close for clean storage.
What makes it unique?
The compressing nozzles stand out as it makes the pipe more adaptive. It is also ergonomic with an amazing grip that also protects your hands.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Easy to store- fits in the bumper
- Heavy duty
- Affordable
- Functional
- Innovative
- Sturdy
Cons
- Hard to compress
Verdict
The three hoses above are great choices for RV sewer hoses. They bring innovation and functionality to emptying your sewer tanks. Whichever you choose, learning how to use it can give your sewer hose a longer lifetime.
Additionally, all the companies above are industry leaders in quality. The years in the industry also guarantee that they know their stuff. You will enjoy using any of the products.
Best RV Sewer Hose Kit
RV sewer hose kits include other things you need to connect the tank for the emptying sewage. The hose comes with several fittings that you need to use when clearing the tank. You have a see-through elbow adapter and prongs.
There are RV hose kits that also include caps and seals. They are essential at both hose mouths. A seal helps connect two ends and tightens the bond so the pipes do not come off with pressure. A cap closes the ends of the hose. Close off the caps before storing the pipe.
RV Sewer Hose Support
If you want to connect your sewer hose and leave it while it empties, you need sewer hose supports. The support is important if you will be away because any movements and pressure issues can lead to a mess. Support holds the hose in place as the pressure may cause the hose to experience movements and jot it from the attach point.
Sewer hose supports also help to empty your tank fully. When you empty your tank it is working with gravity, essentially running downhill to the drain. However, unless you are going to constantly hold the hose up, not everything is going to empty out since the hose is laying flat on the ground.
Hose supports solve this issue. They create a gradual decline for the hose to sit on, ensuring everything empties properly.
The last thing you want is to pick up your hose after emptying your tank and still have some raw sewage left in the hose.
Conclusion
Buying a new sewer pipe does not have to be complicated. The guide above gives you insider details on how to get the best sewer hoses. They also come at great prices and they will serve you for a long time.
Get yourself the right RV sewer hose and take your RV out for a camp. Whether you want the complete hose kit or just the parts, you can never go wrong with the products above. The guide gives you all the knowledge to make emptying your RV sewer tank bliss.
