Before hitting the road in your RV or camper, you need to account for hundreds of factors, all essential to a pleasant journey. One of these is how to take care of your waste disposal and the best way to store RV sewer hose. Fortunately, a key piece of equipment that makes the entire process easier is an RV sewer hose. You connect it to your rig’s holding tank so that it can transport your waste to a drainage point at a campsite.
When you purchase an RV sewer hose, you should consider its size, amongst other factors. This factor is crucial because it plays a large hand in how you store the hose. The pipe is flexible, plus it expands and contracts quite easily. You can think of it as a larger version of the pipe directly under your bathroom sink.
The RV hose is an undeniable necessity, and you may be wondering how to store such a big piece of equipment inside the RV. Wonder no further, as we have mindfully researched and compiled the most effective ways to store this vital hose while on the road.
The Top 4 Best Ways to Store RV Sewer Hoses
- Plastic storage bucket: Simple and cost-effective
- RV sewer hose storage tube: Durable
- Sewer hose storage bag: Trustworthy back-up
- RV bumper: Convenient
1. Plastic Storage Bucket
The simplest method of storing your lengthy RV sewer hose is a plastic storage bucket or bin. We consider this method the most efficient because it is cost-effective, durable, and easy to compartmentalize. You can wash the storage bucket out easily with soap and water. The size of your bucket will depend on your hose, but a three-gallon container is the safest option.
When you store the RV sewer hose in a bucket, you must ensure the hose is clean and dry. RV experts advise you to clean and disinfect the hose well because failure to do so could result in awful smells and bacteria. You must also leave the hose in the sun to dry out after you wash it, and once it is dry, you can put it inside the bin or bucket.
Pros
- Affordable and easy option
- Various sizes and shapes to choose from
- Bins have secure latch lids
- Buckets have lids to prevent leaks
Cons
- You cannot leave the sewer hose in a bucket for too long
- Cracks in the container could cause foul leaks
- It might take up too much space
2. RV Sewer Hose Storage Tube
Since the sewer hose is compact, it can fit into a good-sized storage tube. This method requires some DIY work, but it is not as hard as it may sound. With this technique, you must either purchase a PVC pipe from your local hardware store or use a hollow plastic fence post that is strong and sturdy. As this pipe will be outside, you want to make sure you use a long enough, good-quality plastic pipe that will endure tumultuous weather.
If you decide to use a fence post, buy end caps that you will attach to the tube. The end of the tube that you can open should be placed in a convenient location to dump the waste, like the rear bumper. When mounting the pipe, you must ensure it is securely held up by hardwire or a strong material of your choice.
Pros
- No smells or potential leaks into the RV
- The plastic pipe reinforces the sewer hose
- It doesn’t take up space inside the RV
- Water on the outside of the hose dries quickly
- Easy to pull out at dump stations
Cons
- It may be unsteady due to poor mounting
- Requires frequent stops to dispose of waste
- Cracks in the hose won’t be immediately visible
3. Sewer Hose Storage Bag
A mesh or plastic bag can be a great place to store your RV sewer hose; though it is not the most durable method, it is cheap, and it works! You can use a standard heavy-duty garbage bag or opt for a mesh material bag specially designed to store hoses. There are various styles, colors, and textures to choose from. With this method, you do not have to worry about the size as most bags are universal fits, and they can stretch to fit the hose.
If all other options fail, you can use a garbage bag; this is a trustworthy backup plan. It does the job, and it’s easy to use. Alternatively, you can use a contractor trash bag as it is the stronger and more durable of the two. The contractor trash bag can ensure that the hose stays inside the bag, and it is less likely to tear.
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Readily available
- Versatile
Cons
- It can be untidy and hard to store in an RV
- Rips easily and leaks as a result
- Moist air trapped within the bag can cause mold to grow
4. RV Bumper
In our opinion, this is the best way to store RV sewer hose. You may not have considered your RV bumper as a secret storage place. Yes, the bumper can store your sewer hose at little to no cost at all. Some RV manufacturing companies have made this method even more effortless by adding caps onto the ends of the bumper. If your bumper doesn’t have lids, you can buy special ones at your local hardware store.
This method is popular because it is incredibly effective; it keeps the hose out of the RV and doesn’t require much upkeep or changes. If you are lucky enough to have a bumper that your hose can fit in, then this is an ideal option for you. You do not have to worry about extra support because the bumper is directly attached to the RV, so unless your bumper falls off, you will not have to worry about the hose.
Pros
- No space taken up in the RV
- Easy to set up and slide in and out
- Hose stays securely in place
- Can drill holes in for ventilation
Cons
- It might cause rust in the long run
- Residual water may remain in the bumper from the hose
- The hose might not fit properly
Factors to Consider When Choosing an RV Sewer Hose
● Design of the RV Sewer Hose
The size, material, and style of your hose will dictate the method you can use to store it. If you own a ridged accordion design hose, you can make it compact size, and you can compress every ten feet of the hose into three or four feet. This property makes it easier to fit the hose into familiar storage places. You can view our choices for the best RV sewer hose here.
● Size of RV Hose
The bigger your hose is, the bigger the storage space needed, especially if it is not non-compact. With non-compact hoses, you will only be able to use the storage tube or the bumper as your storage method. So, when choosing what way you want to store your RV sewer hose, make sure you know exactly what type of sewer hose you have and what size you can shrink it to.
● Sanitation
Waste matter can become a very smelly and hazardous problem if you don’t sanitize your hose regularly. While cleaning your hose, you must also sanitize the container that you store it in to prevent contamination. You can sanitize the containers when you stop at a sewer dump by soaking them in soapy water and bleach for a few hours, and this should get rid of germs and residue.
● Storage Upkeep
The storage bucket, storage tube, and RV bumper will do well with a good scrub and soapy soak. Most of these are plastic, so you can easily wash them with a tap or bucket. However, the RV bumper might require a water hose, so if you choose to use this option, make sure you stop at a sewer dump with one available or learn how to make one yourself with your RV system. If you choose the garbage bag you can just throw it away and replace it, so ensure you have an adequate supply.
Storing An RV Sewer Hose Questions (FAQs)
1. Are RV sewer hoses universal?
The sewer hose is not universal but the RV sewer connections are universal as the adapters are all the same size.
2. Can I use a vinyl fence post to make a tube?
Yes, you can, and it is easy to assemble. You can use this if you don’t have a PVC post
3. Can you thoroughly disinfect an RV sewer hose storage?
Bleach treatment does the trick when you want to disinfect your storage; however, it would be best to handle the entire waste system with gloves as a precaution.
4. Is it okay to store a wet hose?
No, let it dry out before storing it; otherwise, bacteria could breed.
Essentially, you should pick the method that works best for you and your RV space. Most people prefer the bucket or bin because it is easy to fit into an area, cheap, and repurposable. The other methods, such as the mesh and garbage bags, can be tedious because you need to replace or wash and dry them after use. Basic hygiene practices should be enough to help you cleanly store your RV sewer hose any way you like. The vital factor to consider is the size and style of your hose when considering the best way to store RV sewer hose, as this enables you to determine what method to use for storage.
