I wasn't sure where to post this, but I'm wondering when you are on BLM land (especially in the desert) what are you doing to dispose of grey water? I've heard that some areas permit ground dumping as long as it isn't kitchen water(?), but I'm not sure the source is reliable or knowledgeable.
Grey Water Question
- Thread starter jwh92020
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In bear country, the rangers can be a bit rabid about any grey water on the ground, and enforce this vigorously for good reason, but I also agree the don’t ask-don’t tell approach is pretty reasonable many places, using basic common sense and reason as to where and when.
If you are putting in a grey tank it might be to your advantage to put in at least a 10 gallon one with a regular knife valve as some BLM long term and most RV parks that require self contained RV's look for that valve as it is easy to see. If ground clearance is a problem just put an additional removable section comming out ot the tank.
bullfrog - Since I am building from the frame up, I can go as large as I think I need. I was thinking of using a 20 gallon tank built in to the trailer and carrying a 25 gal "portable tank" to allow for dumping without moving the trailer and/or as an additional holding tank.
lenny flank
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I do the "backpacker" thing and dump my greywater in a sandy area far from a water source (I use biodegradable soap, but it's still toxic to aquatic life). The sand filters it as it percolates down to the groundwater.
BUT
I am in a van, not an RV, and I never have more than a half-gallon of greywater at a time.
And as always, follow whatever the rules are if you are in a state or national park/forest/whatever.
BUT
I am in a van, not an RV, and I never have more than a half-gallon of greywater at a time.
And as always, follow whatever the rules are if you are in a state or national park/forest/whatever.
I use a "blue boy" as well to keep from having a valve assembly hanging down to get broken off. I think if I do build in a tank again I will raise it up enough to install a knife valve with a three nub connector parallel to the ground up inside the frame rails so I can install an elbow on a short section of pipe to attach the hose when I dump. The "blue boy" I have is 35 gallons and could use better wheels, axle and tires. In the past when boondocking we used a shower tent as well and always staked out a cheap Harbor Freight free blue tarp to catch drainage and act as a drying basin a little ways away from camp. When it got too scummy we would just throw it away every two weeks to a month.
Keep in mind the weight of water is about 8.34 lbs per gallon... A 25 gal "portable tank" just the water alone is 208 lbs, 35 gal is around 292 lbs, hence the need for hefty wheels and axles. Add to that the weight of the container itself.
Doubleone - The trailer will tandem 3500 lb brake axles and I'll run 15" 10 ply tires, so things will be fine weight wise. It's the idea of handling a 100+ lb portable tank in the event that the on board tank gets full that worries me.
The tanks usually come with a metal attachment that hooks over a trailer ball with wheels (usually sub standard plastic wheels) on the opposite end that makes it sort of like a moving dolly. To dump it you do not pick it up you only have to stand it up as a sewer hose can be attached to an outlet that is on top at the oppsite end of the handle. My empty 35 gallon tank probably weighs less than 15 pounds and other than it's size making it a little awkard it is easy to deal with. Since you pull it with a vehicle the only lifting is when you attach it or take it off the trailer ball hitch and raise one end to dump. You open the dump port and attach the hose while it is sitting flat and wedge the hose in the sewer receptacle and sewage flows out through the hose as you stand up the tank so it gets lighter the futher you stand it up. It when full is difficult to pickup those first few inches so I usually dump it when it is half full or get help if I happen to wait too long.
I've used the portable tanks in the past. I was talking abut those times when you are at a location that does not have a dump station. Not sure the local law enforcement folks would approve of hooking the tank to the hitch and taking for a ride down down the road, That gives me an idea for a new product - street legal portable grey & black tanks. Might be tough to get them RVIA certified though.
It’s been my experience, that where there are prohibitions on grey water on the ground, that is posted where your usual visitor will see it.
Some NF campgrounds have grey water stations, for dish water and I would guess could also be used for bathwater.
Anywhere tents are allowed, you know they will be dumping their grey water on the ground.
I have also seen trickle drains, with garden hoses, for grey water from trailers and rv’s, which gets it away from the campground.
I usually just take my basin and walk it to a thirsty looking tree or bush.
Some NF campgrounds have grey water stations, for dish water and I would guess could also be used for bathwater.
Anywhere tents are allowed, you know they will be dumping their grey water on the ground.
I have also seen trickle drains, with garden hoses, for grey water from trailers and rv’s, which gets it away from the campground.
I usually just take my basin and walk it to a thirsty looking tree or bush.
highdesertranger
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keep in mind it's a 10 gallon black tank that BLM wants not a grey tank. highdesertranger
highdesertranger - Not sure I understand about a '10 gallon black tank". My comment was regarding the idea of someone asking you to empty their portable tan(s) 'as long as you're going that way". Grey, maybe. Black - nope! I'll be using a composting toilet, so a black tank won't be an issue for me.
