FUTURE FRIDAY! The Future of RVing: Check out the New CyberTrailer!

 Cybertruck, meet CyberTrailer.

RV

The futuristic Tesla Cybertruck made its debut in late 2023. Love it or hate it, you can’t deny the popularity of Elon Musk’s latest Sci-Fi creation. As a result, it was only a matter of time before an equally forward-thinking RV trailer followed suit. That future is now. Living Vehicle, a California-based luxury RV specialist, has unveiled the CyberTrailer, a self-sufficient, sustainable trailer that embodies what the manufacturer calls “The spirit of independence from utility connections.” 

The CyberTrailer Experience

With a profile inspired by the aerodynamic design of the Cybertruck, the all-electric CyberTrailer is made for adventurers who seek freedom from the limitations of conventional camping setups—namely, freedom from traditional campground hookups. Designed and built by Living Vehicle (LV), a successful luxury off-grid trailer manufacturer, this upscale travel trailer is made with the company’s “Luxury Unplugged” lifestyle in mind. 

“The main limitation to current all-electric RV design is charging and utility infrastructure,” says Living Vehicle CEO and Founder Matthew Hofmann. “The CyberTrailer is resource-independent and can venture to nature without needing RV parks or charging stations.”

Charge It!

The CyberTrailer ain’t your father’s RV. It has all the amenities you’d expect in a luxury trailer. But it’s designed to be a mobile charging station, allowing the trailer to provide independent power for all its needs—plus additional power for the tow vehicle when off-grid. The CyberTrailer utilizes power sources including solar panels and backup power generation systems to provide enough juice for extended off-grid adventures.

Drink Up!

The CyberTrailer is equipped with a proprietary water-generation system that extracts moisture from the air. This system, combined with additional water and waste recycling processes, enables owners to extend travel without water or waste hookups.

Cyber Buddies

The CyberTrailer is built to be paired with electric vehicles like the Tesla Cybertruck, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Rivian R1T. However, it’s also compatible with conventional half-ton gas and diesel vehicles. LV says that high-power alternators installed in traditional motor-based tow vehicles may provide a backup power source to the Cybertrailer. 

Secure Your CyberTrailer Now!

More detailed specifications will be released as LV continues toward production. The CyberTrailer starts at $175,000. About 80% of the reservations have already sold out, so interested buyers should secure their spot today. All it takes is a fully refundable $100 deposit. Deliveries are planned to begin in 2025.

MIMOSA VALLEY RV PARK

Best Kept Secret in Wise County!

RV LEVELING MADE EASY: TIPS, TRICKS, AND EQUIPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

 

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SMOOTH OUT YOUR JOURNEY WITH EXPERT-LEVEL RV LEVELING TECHNIQUES

The joys of RV leveling are truly exponential (sarcasm intended). After a full day on the road, cramped into your seat, fighting traffic, and holding back the yawns, it’s time to go to work. Placing your wedges, dropping the front feet, unhitching, and making incremental adjustments is the last thing you want to do when your backside is still asleep from the long trip.

That’s why you’re here—you’re looking for a better way and, who doesn’t want more convenience when you just want to settle in and avoid the stress of getting the perfect level (within 1° to 2° plumb) so all of your appliances function? The good news is, there are a lot of different options out there.

Sit back and let your brain sponge away as we share some of the lesser-known tricks of the trade, the available technology, the importance of leveling your RV, and how to make it as convenient as possible. In other words, spend less time worrying and more time camping.

RV leveling is not optional, it’s a must-do task you should tackle immediately. Much of the functionality of your camping adventure depends on how level your RV is. Even your sleep depends on it.

• The fridge won’t function properly.
• It exacerbates gastric reflux.
• It’s difficult to get a good night’s sleep.
• An unlevel RV stresses the frame.
• Tank sensors often won’t read correctly.
• It can bind your slide-outs or damage them long-term.

As you can see, not leveling your RV or not leveling it correctly leads to a lot of stress and unnecessary heartache. On the flip side, you won’t have to worry about any of the above if your RV is level. Plus, there are benefits to leveling your RV that aren’t as talked about as often as the drawbacks.

For instance, properly leveling your RV extends the longevity of your RV, avoids expensive repair costs, avoids pooling in the tanks, and ensures you get a comfortable night’s sleep.

BASIC RV LEVELING TIPS

If you’ve ever worked in the shipbuilding industry or been on a large cruiseliner, or Navy vessel in dock, you know what it feels like when the vessel is just a bit off-balance. This is especially true when emptying or filling the ballast tanks. It messes your whole world up, even when it’s off by only a couple of degrees.

Your mind is always trying to level things out and when you’re standing on an unlevel surface, its messes with your brain. It’s a fundamental principle of physics—Newton’s Law of Conservation of Energy. We naturally seek out level surfaces because everything functions better on a level surface. Before you ever start the RV leveling process, you already have that going for you, which leads to our first point.

HOW TO FIND LEVEL GROUND

The garrulous explanation above is to let you know that your eyes, feet, and brain will naturally find the best spot. For most practiced RVers, that’s more than enough to kick things off. Find a good, level spot and start unpacking. Avoid slopes and uneven surfaces unless you have no other choice. The leveling process is easier on the ground that’s already close to level.

You should always take the time to check your spot before you park your RV, even if you’re in a campground. You’ll get an idea of how flat and level the surface is and avoid running over anything like rocks, logs, low-hanging branches, etc. Parking your rear, and passenger side tire on a small rock is enough to throw everything off.

LEVEL SIDE-TO-SIDE, THEN FRONT TO BACK

Again, it’s a matter of physics. Side-to-side leveling comes first. If your right side is 5° higher than your left, leveling from front to back would place undue strain on the frame. Side-to-side is the shortest distance and leveling it first turns the rest of the process into a simple seesaw.

For newbie RVers, side-to-side leveling is done with the travel trailer still hitched or while you’re still in the driver’s seat in a motorhome. You’ll do a lot of back-and-forth movement with this process, checking your bubble level (which should be placed near the rear axle or in a rear, flat compartment) or your automated leveling system display.

If you can’t achieve a side-to-side level by moving backward and forward, it’s time to break out the leveling blocks. Place them under the RV tires and pull them forward or back up to roll the tires up and on top of them.

RV leveling is a lot simpler when you use the tools you have on hand. Nowadays, just about everyone carries a smartphone around and there are multiple RV leveling apps out there that take advantage of your smartphone’s built-in accelerometer and gyroscope.

• WoBLR: Available on the Google Play Store and the App Store
• LevelMate Pro and Pro+: Available on the Google Play Store and the App Store
• CamperSet: iOS App Store only
• Motorhome Level App: Available on the Google Play Store and the App Store
• Camper Leveler:  Google Play Store only

WoBLR and LevelMate Pro require additional hardware but either choice is an affordable and easy-to-use option. With WoBLR and LevelMate, you install a separate device in your RV and that device communicates with the app on your smartphone to level the RV. With the other apps, you enter the wheelbase and RV width information into the app, place your smartphone on a central, flat surface, and let the app do the rest.

Built-in RV levels are bubble levels installed in the appropriate section of your RV. Keeping a steady eye on it as you make adjustments is necessary. Reading a bubble level is very easy. The goal is to maintain the bubble in the center block. Whichever side or end of the RV is higher, the bubble will travel upward in the tube.

RV LEVELING TRICKS

Carpenter’s levels are excellent tools to have with you no matter what you’re doing. When you’re in the middle of side-to-side RV leveling, keep the carpenter’s level in the rear, perhaps in a storage compartment or somewhere else with a flat, smooth surface. Remember, with a level, if the bubble is too far to the left, your left side is too high. The same goes for the right.

You can fine-tune everything by placing the carpenter’s level on the flooring, centered to the best of your ability, inside the RV. This is also something you can do during the stabilization process. RV stabilization comes after RV leveling and is an entirely different topic altogether (though closely related).

Four-point and six-point automatic leveling systems are beasts but not everyone can sell a kidney on the black market to afford a purchase and install. With that being said, there are other, generally effective methods as well. For instance, if your sink is flowing and draining correctly, with no pooling along the sides, your RV is pretty level.

However, using the sink is not the most accurate method. It’s enough to get the fridge operating correctly, but it’s not precise enough to get the RV within 1° to 2° of plumb. Using the sink is what you do when you’re in a pickle and it’s the best method left available. If you have a dual-basin sink, always use the primary. The secondary has an elbow joint, making the whole process more iffy since it clogs easily.

If you have slide-outs, keep them closed throughout the leveling process. Only open them when you’re completely finished. Also, unless you’re in a motorhome, keep your travel trailer/toy hauler hitched while you do the side-to-side leveling. Unhitch it when you are ready to do the front-to-back.

RV LEVELING EQUIPMENT

Not all RV rigs are created equally. Whether you purchase used or new, what it comes with (in terms of a leveling or stabilizing system) is what you get. Fortunately, RVs are endlessly customizable and there is a ton of leveling hardware (and even software) out there to bring a little more convenience to your RV lifestyle.

This is the simplest and most basic of RV leveling equipment. You should have these on hand no matter how sophisticated your leveling system is. You never know when you’re going to need them. Leveling blocks are exactly what they sound like, strips of hardened plastic that go under the RV’s wheels, raising one level or the other.

There are a few different kinds, including DIY wood blocks, stacking pads, and drive-on levelers. Their strength is in their versatility.

Pros

• Versatility: You can stack them for incremental leveling or drive on top of the tapered risers until reaching the desired level. You can also stack up your own boards.
• Lightweight and Compact: They’re easy to carry around and store when not in use. They’re entirely negligible when it comes to weight-carrying capacity.
• Durability: Plastic leveling blocks often come with a lifetime warranty and are designed to withstand thousands of pounds for years.
• Affordable: Leveling blocks are easily the most affordable when it comes to RV leveling equipment.

Cons

• Different Types: This would be a pro in most circumstances, but depending on which type you purchase, each has different drawbacks. You need to know what you want and what the blocks can withstand before you purchase them.
• Not Great for Soft Surfaces: Heavy RVs are capable of driving blocks into the ground, negating their purpose altogether.

LEVELS

Probably the most obvious part of any RV leveling equipment is the levels. Usually, these are built-in bubble levels, carpenter levels, or software levels (on your smartphone). Bubble levels are highly efficient because they are ingeniously simple in design and function. If the bubble is in the center, you’re good to go.

Pros

• Efficiency: Bubble levels are must-have tools in any trade precisely because of their efficiency and accuracy.
• Affordable: It doesn’t cost much to buy a carpenter’s level and many RVs have them built-in.
• Easy to Read and Understand
• Expedites the Leveling Process

Cons

• Lacks Precision Accuracy
• Can’t Calibrate Built-In Levelers

AUTO LEVELING SYSTEMS

Automatic RV leveling systems take most of the guesswork out of the task. They come in two types—hydraulic and electric, both of which have their benefits and drawbacks. Overall, either version involves pressing a button on the control panel.

Hydraulic systems are far more powerful, work quicker, and feature a smooth operation. However, electric systems are generally simpler to fix while being more difficult to troubleshoot. After all, a faulty wire is more difficult to locate than a hose, spewing hydraulic fluid everywhere.

Electric systems are typically much weaker and work more as stabilizers than levelers because they can’t handle the weight like a hydraulic system. Plus, most of these systems are model-specific. If your RV comes with a hydraulic system for slide-out operation, a hydraulic leveling system either comes with it or is necessary.

Pros

• Simple to Operate: At the press of a button, the system goes to work, leveling your RV out.
• Powerful: Takes all of the laborious sides of leveling out of the equation.
• Fast: These systems don’t take long to level out the RV.
• Removes the Guesswork

Cons

• Very Expensive
• Complex
• Expensive Repairs
• Often Difficult to Troubleshoot

MANUAL LEVELING JACKS

Far more cost-efficient than auto-levelers, manual leveling jacks are simplification personified. It doesn’t take much know-how to use them, so long as you are frequently checking your level status as you work the side-to-side and the front-to-back.

They’re also highly reliable, will likely last the life of the RV, and are much easier to repair (and much less costly) than automated systems. Tongue jacks are usually the simplest to install and you can make it a DIY project. Other jacks require a degree of precision and should be installed by a professional.

Pros

• Cost Efficient: You won’t have to refinance your home to purchase manual leveling jacks.
• Highly Durable: You would almost have to try to destroy these things actively. They’re solid pieces of hardware.
• Excellent Backup and Assist for Automatic Systems
• Easier to Repair: Not only are repairs simpler, professional repairs cost a lot less.
• Come in Power or Hand-Crank Variations

Cons

• More Labor Intensive

WHEEL CHOCKS

Not to be confused with the blocks and ramps, wheel chocks go into place once the tires are up on the block/ramp. Even if you don’t use a block or ramp to elevate one side or the other, wheel chocks should always go in place to keep your RV from rolling. It’s a safety feature more than anything else and should be treated as such. You should always chock your wheels before you unhitch.

RECOMMENDED RV LEVELING EQUIPMENT

On their own, RVs are expensive, even if you buy used ones. A moderately customized, used teardrop will run you a cool $5K all by itself. Throwing in leveling equipment can either be an affordable exercise in convenience enhancement or an expensive endeavor.

Fortunately, a toolbox full of quality but affordable RV leveling gear is just as effective as an automated system. The only difference is the added work to get the job done.

RV LEVELING BLOCKS/RAMPS

Andersen Hitches produces a leveling kit that includes one block and one chock. The ingenuity of the block itself is fantastic. All it consists of is a single piece of plastic, with a moderate curve, that’s four inches thick on one end and tapers down to 1/2 an inch on the other end.

This allows RVers to ease the tire onto the low end and only go forward enough to level on one side. The curved plastic elevates the wheel smoothly and seamlessly. It’s that simple. If you prefer stackables, Camco Heavy Duty Leveling Blocks are the end-all-be-all. They’re extremely durable, long-lasting, and stack on top of each other for quick and easy storage.

MANUAL LEVELING JACKS

Keeping things in the realm of affordability for the moment, manual leveling jacks are the way to go. Lippert is a huge name in the RV industry and one of their more popular options is the Lippert Power Tongue Jack Electric Trailer A-Frame. It can lift up to 3,500 lbs, comes with LED lighting for those inevitable nighttime arrivals, and is very easy to install.

If you need a little more oomph, there’s also the Husky HB4500 4500 lbs. Brute Power Jack. If both are still a little too rich for your blood or you just don’t see the need for the power lift feature, there’s the CURT 28204 A-Frame Trailer Jack for the frame or the Quick Drop Tongue Jack.

LEVELS

Stabila makes some of the most accurate bubble levels on the market. They have different lengths and use steel hairline indicators within the vials. It’s hard to find a bad bubble level but if you want the most accurate picture when leveling your RV, you should go with one of Stabila’s kits, such as the Stabila 196 Level Set Kit.

It’s a bit on the expensive side but it’s the most accurate and precise spirit level on the market. Fortunately, they sell individual bubble levels as well, like the Stabila 29072. If you want to use your smartphone as a level, WoBLR and LevelMate Pro are the most accurate.

Both options require you to download their respective apps on your phone, as well as purchase and install their devices. The first is the RV Intelligence WoBLR, and the second is the LogicBlue Technology LevelMatePRO+ Wireless Vehicle RV Leveling System.

AUTOMATIC LEVELING

These systems are typically OEM (factory-installed) on motorhomes and large, premium travel trailers and fifth-wheels. However, you can purchase them as an aftermarket installation as well. One of the best hydraulic systems is the Bigfoot, four-pump, four-point leveling system with 100 in² foot pads. The system comes with a lifetime warranty and 24/7 customer support.

Equalizer Systems manufactures hydraulic lifting and leveling systems for fifth-wheels, Class C, and Class A motorhomes. The system is designed for aftermarket installation but it’s a system that is regularly used as an OEM on brand new motorhomes.

Lippert manufactures four-point, five-point, and six-point leveling systems in electric and hydraulic options for travel trailers and fifth-wheels. They also have a six-point hydraulic option for motorhomes.

HOW TO USE RV LEVELING EQUIPMENT

Now that you have all of this stuff and you’re off on your very first RV adventure, how to use it? Well, we glossed over some of the ways to use these devices and equipment above—now we’re getting into the nitty gritty.

Bubble levels are the tried and true leveling systems for RVs and everything else, for that matter. They’re tried and true because they work. However, you can’t just throw a bubble level down anywhere you want and expect the RV to come out level.

First and foremost, side-to-side leveling. You want to place the bubble level near the rear axle or you can place it in a rear compartment, so long as the compartment features a flat, smooth surface that’s level when the RV is level. Placing it on a surface that the kids could use as a slide is not a good idea. After placing your level, the level blocks/ramps come into play as well.

To use stackers, ramps, or blocks, the trailer has to remain hitched. First, you check your level without anything under the tires. Once you have an idea which side needs to go up, place the block beneath the tire as far as it will go and either reverse or drive forward (very slow and easy) over the top of the block, depending on where your RV is positioned.

For front-to-back, place the level so it aligns with the front-to-back axis. If you envision a seesaw, the rear axle encompasses the central pivot point of the seesaw. Raise or lower the front as needed. Of course, automated systems take much of the trial and error out of the equation. However, you should still make leveling adjustments to get as close as you can before engaging the automatic system.

CONCLUSION

RV leveling is the most important step when you first pull into the campground or before you start your first journey into boondocking. Find that level spot and get to work, even if you have an automated leveling setup.

Without properly leveling your RV, you’re bound to foment chaos within—a non-functioning refrigerator, sleep deprivation, wonky holding tank readings, shower not working, faucets not draining, etc. The good news is there are plenty of tools for the job, including bubble levels, chocks, leveling blocks, manual jacks, and automated systems.

RV leveling is the key to having a good time on your camping trip. It’s an easy thing to get in a hurry over the excitement of arriving but if you take your time to level and stabilize the RV properly, you’ll be that much closer to having a blast on your camping trip.

MIMOSA VALLEY RV PARK

Best Kept Secret in Wise County!

CHOOSING THE BEST TOILET PAPER FOR RVS: MYTHS VS. FACTS

 DECATUR TX RV PARK, WISE COUNTY TEXAS - MIMOSA VALLEY RV PARK

Let’s talk about toilet paper – a topic often overlooked until it runs low. However, diving into RV life brings it front and center. Initially, we all do the same: purchase the designated RV toilet paper for our campers to avoid clogs and protect our black tanks, despite its higher ‘RV price.’ This term refers to the markup on household supplies branded for RV use. But then, the revelation hits. We discover that septic-safe toilet paper might be a budget-friendly alternative. Prompted by curiosity, we find ourselves searching for the ‘best toilet paper for RVs’ online.

RV Toilet Paper Wars

Our simple search quickly unveils an overwhelming sea of opinions—too much, perhaps, with intense online debates to boot. On one side, there are RVers who adamantly advocate for RV-specific toilet paper as the only acceptable choice. On the opposite end, a laid-back group believes any regular toilet paper will do.

Off on a trip starting later today and found there’s only a few sheets of RV TP left in the RV. Tested Charmin and the stuff does not dissolve even after 30 seconds of shaking (and we use this for a septic system!)

That’s when the debate intensifies. Entering the fray are RVers who wouldn’t dream of flushing toilet paper down their RV toilets, opting instead to collect it in a wastebasket beside the toilet. It’s quite impressive that the complexities of human nature, something as mundane as toilet paper selection, lead to such fervent discussions. Above all, this reveals how even the topic of toilet paper can stir confusion and controversy among internet strangers.

Even if the toilet tissue for your RV hasn’t crossed your mind much, you might be intrigued by the depth of conflicting views on the matter. In this article, we aim to sift through the mix of information and misinformation swirling around RV toilet paper.

BUSTING COMMON RV TOILET PAPER MYTHS

MYTH #1: ANY TOILET PAPER IS SUITABLE FOR RV USE

You really don’t need “septic safe” TP because you don’t have a septic tank in your RV, you have a holding tank.
There is no need for it to break down like in a septic system. It will all come out when you empty your black tank. Use plenty of water when flushing out the tank.

– An example of the many forms of this mythi on iRV2 Forums

A widespread myth suggests that the type of toilet paper used in an RV doesn’t matter, reasoning that it all ends up flushed into the black tank and then dumped. But here’s the crucial detail: RV toilets flush into a holding tank, not directly into a sewer system. Toilet paper that fails to dissolve into small pieces can cause clumps to accumulate in the black tank. These clumps have the potential of bottlenecking at the drain hole of the tank. Non-dissolving toilet paper can quickly lead to a clogged tank, a situation no one wants to face. It’s clear, then, that not all toilet paper is suitable for RV use—it must dissolve quickly and thoroughly to avoid problems.”

MYTH #2: RV-SPECIFIC TOILET PAPER IS THE ONLY SAFE OPTION

RV toilet paper, typically single-ply, is designed for rapid breakdown when wet, and most brands excel in this regard. However, its thinness means you might end up using more, even though it tends to be less soft and can feel rough. Additionally, RV and boat toilet paper usually cost about twice as much as standard household toilet paper. Finding RV toilet paper can also be a challenge on the road, adding to the inconvenience.

A viable alternative is toilet paper labeled as septic-safe. It’s generally thicker, softer, and more readily available than its RV-specific counterpart. Yet, despite being marketed as quick-dissolving, not all septic-safe toilet papers dissolve faster than regular household types. Caution is key, as dissolving rates can vary significantly.

MYTH #3: SEPTIC SAFE TOILET PAPER WON’T WORK AS WELL AS RV LABELED TOILET PAPER

Contrary to some beliefs, septic-safe toilet paper can be just as effective as RV-specific varieties, though performance varies. To identify the best options for your RV, consider two approaches: consulting with a certified RV technician or conducting your own rapid dissolvability test.

Conduct Your Own Dissolvability Test

Materials Needed:

• 4-5 medium-sized glass jars with lids
• Labels or painter’s tape for marking
• 3 sheets from each of 4 different toilet paper brands
• Water

Procedure:

1. Label each jar with the brand you are testing. Trust me, you’ll be glad you labeled them later!
2. Fill each jar about 2/3 with water.
3. Put 3 sheets of each brand of toilet paper in the jar with a corresponding label.
4. Swirl the jar a little. Don’t shake because the idea is to simulate what would happen to the toilet paper in your holding tank.
5. Since toilet paper usually sits in the holding tank for days before the black tank is flushed, we’re going to simulate that. So just let all of the jars rest for 24 hours.
6. Afterward, give each jar a gentle swirl. Observe and record which brands dissolved completely and which did not.

At the end of this experiment, you should have at least one or two brands that you can be confident aren’t going to wreak havoc with your RV plumbing.

BRANDS REPORTED TO BE SAFE FOR RVS

Below are some of the more popular RV and household brands of toilet paper to give you a head start.

RAPID-DISSOLVING RV TOILET PAPERS

These toilet papers are specifically designed for RVs and marine systems, offering quick dissolution to prevent clogs and maintain efficient waste management:

1. Scott Rapid-Dissolving Toilet Paper: Engineered for fast breakdown, making it ideal for RVs, boats, and buses.
2. Thetford Aqua-Soft Toilet Tissue: A trusted brand in RV accessories, offering toilet tissue that’s friendly to RV and marine systems.
3. Camco RV & Marine Toilet Paper: Known for its biodegradable properties and quick dissolving capability.
4. Freedom Living Septic Tank Safe Toilet Tissue: Safe for RVs and marine environments, this toilet paper dissolves quickly to avoid plumbing issues.
5. Firebelly Outfitters RV Toilet Paper: Biodegradable and designed for rapid dissolution in RV and marine systems.

HOUSEHOLD BRANDS KNOWN TO BE RV-FRIENDLY

Many RVers have found that the household toilet paper brands below work just as well as RV-specific options, dissolving quickly and safely for use in RV sanitation systems. It’s important to note that formulas can change, so if one of the household brands looks good for your family and your wallet, you will want to perform a dissolvability test before using it, even if it’s listed below.

1. Angel Soft: Offers a soft yet quick-dissolving bathroom tissue that’s been recognized for its RV compatibility.
2. Kirkland Signature: Costco’s brand is known for being septic-safe and has been noted by the RV community for its effectiveness in RVs.
3. Scott (Regular): A widely available brand that offers septic-safe options suitable for RV use.
4. Seventh Generation: Known for its environmental friendliness and quick dissolution, making it a viable option for RVers.
5. Great Value: Walmart’s brand provides an affordable, quick-dissolving solution for RV sanitation systems.

CONCLUSION: CHOOSING THE RIGHT TP FOR YOUR RV’S BLACK TANK

Ensuring your RV’s black tank operates smoothly for years involves careful selection of toilet tissue that dissolves quickly. Whether you opt for RV-specific brands or septic-safe alternatives, the key is to avoid products known for poor dissolvability. If uncertainty arises, a straightforward water test can illuminate which brands are safe for your RV, helping you steer clear of potential black tank issues. It’s a simple step towards maintaining peace of mind on your travels.by Lynne Fedorick (RVer & Freelance Writer)

Discover More RV Sanitation Tips: For clear, actionable sanitation advice that simplifies RV maintenance, don’t miss the video below. Dive deeper into expert recommendations to keep your journey smooth and your RV in top condition.

MIMOSA VALLEY RV PARK

Best Kept Secret in Wise County!

WHY RV SEWER HOSE SUPPORTS ARE A MUST-HAVE: IMPROVING SANITATION & STABILITY

 DECATUR TX RV PARK, WISE COUNTY TEXAS - MIMOSA VALLEY RV PARK

Can you guess the RV accessory that is often left off of “must-have” lists but is, in fact, a must-have? RV sewer supports! Sure, you can live without them, but these simple pieces of RV equipment really do come in handy.

Here are all the reasons you really should invest in an RV sewer hose support, as well as what to look for as you’re shopping for one. 

WHAT IS AN RV SEWER HOSE SUPPORT?

Not even sure what an RV sewer hose support is? Also known as sewer hose ramps, these simple contraptions do exactly what the name suggests: They sit under your RV sewer hose and…well, support it.

WHY AN RV SEWER HOSE SUPPORT IS IMPORTANT

Still not convinced you need an RV sewer hose support? We hear you. Some campers actually do go years without investing in RV sewer hose supports. That said, they do offer some pretty great benefits. 

Here are a few of the reasons you might want to buy a support for your sewer hose.

GET THE HOSE UP OFF THE GROUND

A sewer hose coiled up outside of your camper is a recipe for disaster. Just imagine what might happen if someone were to trip over the thing and dislodge it from where it should be.

Getting the hose up off the ground lowers the risk of someone tripping over it. It also helps keep the outside of the hose free of the mud, dirt, and grass that tends to stick to a hose sitting on the ground for an extended period.

DRAIN TANKS MORE EFFICIENTLY

Yes, your wastewater tanks will manage to drain whether or not you have a support under your sewer hose. That said, they will drain more quickly if you have a support holding the hose at a slight angle all the way to the sewer hookup. It also helps to have a sewer hose support holding the end of the hose at the level of the sewer hookup if it happens to be sticking up out of the ground. 

AVOID SEWER HOSE BUILDUP

You know what happens inside the sewer hose when it’s sitting on the ground? Water sits in there. Unfortunately, this means that any debris in the water will often stick to the sides of the hose. Depending on what exactly the debris is, it can be very difficult to wash off, especially if it’s halfway down the hose where a stream of water from a hose can’t reach easily.

Having a steady incline from your RV to the dump point helps the wastewater flow where it needs to go rather than sticking around inside the hose.

MEET CAMPGROUND REQUIREMENTS

Lastly, it’s important to note that some campgrounds actually require campers to use RV sewer hose supports. In some cases, this is even a city-wide rule, meaning that moving to another campground in the same area may not mean you can go without a hose support, regardless of whether their rules specify it.

Because of this, we recommend buying a sewer hose support now so you have it when you need it. 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN AN RV SEWER HOSE SUPPORT

Ready to buy an RV sewer hose support? You might want to know what exactly you should be looking for. In our opinion, there are five important attributes to keep an eye out for when searching for the perfect RV sewer hose support:

1. Length
2. Portability
3. Durability
4. Functionality
5. Price

Obviously, you will want to make sure your sewer hose support is long enough for your sewer hose. You will also want something portable enough to fit easily into your storage bay and durable enough to last a long time.

Of course, you will also want something that does its job well without buckling under the weight of the hose or wandering out from under it. Lastly, it’s important to consider the price of any support you buy. 

THE BEST RV SEWER HOSE SUPPORTS

Still not sure where to begin shopping? Not to worry, we’ve done a lot of the work for you already. Below are three of our absolute favorite RV sewer hose supports. Pick and choose from this list and you really can’t go wrong. 

Note: While all of the products below are made by Camco, these recommendations are based on the author’s experience and opinions and were not sponsored by Camco.

CAMCO SIDEWINDER RV SEWER HOSE SUPPORT

A basic yet popular choice, the Camco Sidewinder is easy to find, easy to use, and affordable. We appreciate that it is available in a variety of sizes, making it easy to find exactly what you need. 

We also love the support’s telescoping design, which makes it easy to fold small for storage. This same design also makes the support fairly adjustable, allowing you to choose the right length for each occasion.

Finally, we must mention the awesome carrying handle that holds the support in its folded position and offers users an easy way to hold onto the accessory as they put it away or pull it out to use it. 

PROS

• Very light
• Folds for storage
• Includes a carrying handle
• Available in various lengths
• Can be adjusted to suit your needs

CONS

• Can suffer damage from UV rays
• Tends to creep closed under the hose
• Doesn’t stand well on uneven terrain

CAMCO RHINO NESTING RV SEWER HOSE SUPPORT KIT

The Camco Rhino Nesting RV Sewer Hose Support Kit is a tougher option that campers might prefer. Made of durable plastic that can withstand prolonged sun exposure, this RV sewer hose support provides a sturdy base for your sewer hose, even when the ground is less than even. 

Rather than a telescoping design, this support comes in three sections of varying heights. These sections will hold your sewer hose at a slight angle to take advantage of gravity. When it’s time to store the support, simply nest the pieces in one another and use the included strap to hold them together. 

PROS

• Very durable
• Stands sturdy, even on uneven terrain
• Sets up in a snap
• Pieces nest inside of one another for storage

CONS

• Limited length available
• Can’t be adjusted much
• Higher cost

CAMCO ALUMINUM SEWER HOSE SUPPORT

Finally, there is the Camco Aluminum Sewer Hose Support. This support is made entirely of aluminum, making it the most durable option we’ve found. We’re betting it would last a decade or more. The support stands up nicely on uneven ground, and the included strap system will hold your sewer hose in place. 

This support is similar to the aforementioned Sidewinder in that it has a telescoping design. That said, because it is so sturdy, it never creeps shut the way some plastic telescoping supports will. 

PROS

• Most durable option
• Folds for storage
• Won’t move under the sewer hose
• Strap system keeps hose from moving

CONS

• Only comes in a short 6-foot length
• Is a bit heavy

Hopefully, this guide has given you a better understanding of RV sewer hose supports and helped you find one that is right for your camping style. Go ahead and toss your sewer hose support into the storage bay as soon as it arrives so you’re ready to go camping at the next opportunity!

by Chelsea Gonzales (Full-Time RVer and Freelance Writer)

MIMOSA VALLEY RV PARK

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