I take it for a full service hookup I'd need this

[Hackker]

After tenting for the past 15 years with the wife, I'm just a little new to whats involved with the sewer hookups.  If we stay at a full service site, do I need a adapter like this to hook into the on site sewer?  



So far I've only dumped once and the state park had their own hoses at the dumping station.  Is that pretty common or do most places depend on you using your own?

[harleywolf]

What type of PUP do you have? Does it have gray and black water holding tanks?

We have a cassette toilet and no gray water tank, so what we did was to get a couple of 7 gal/ water containers for our gray water. I used some PVC plumbing to make a drain downspout into the water containers and then dump them as needed. You can get larger gray water tanks on wheels, typically called 'totes' that you can use. I went the route I did to see just how much gray water we produce in a normal trip so I can get a tote accordingly (since we are new to PUPS too).
 
I think the product you posted about is typically for black water. If you have a cassette toilet then you wouldn't really need that item for black water as you dump the cassette itself.

[Hackker]

A '07 Niagara.  It has both the gray & black tanks and both exit through the same external connector.

The first time we camped, I was amazed at how much gray water we generated, which is why with a shower I think a full service hookup would be good for longer trips!

[harleywolf]

Then I would think yes you could use that coupler but wait until someone more knowledgeable than I answers this one.

[dthurk]

That particular connector would seal into most sewer connections into the ground.  You'd attach a 3" hose to that, and the hose would attach to the camper.  TT and other darkside campers would have a 3" outlet that is mated to the hose.  I don't know what kind of outlet the Niagara has.  If it's the same as the darkside campers, you should be in good shape.  If it's something different, you'll have to find adapters.

BTW, if you have full hookups, it's pretty standard to leave the black tank closed until it's full and dump all at once.  This helps prevent buildup of solids in the tank.  The grey tank can be left open, but you may want to close it as you're getting close to a black tank dump so you have something to rinse the hose with after the black dump.

[dcampbell1969]

Yes, it is the same connector as a TT.  My dealer inluded a basic sewer kit with my pup.  Some parks will also require a donut seal as well as the fitting you show.  Also, a lot of parks will ask that you only dump when needed, and keep the gates closed until then.

As far as dumping, yes, normally you will have to use your own hose and equipment at the dumpstations.

[Hackker]

Yes, it is the same connector as a TT.  My dealer inluded a basic sewer kit with my pup.  Some parks will also require a donut seal as well as the fitting you show.  Also, a lot of parks will ask that you only dump when needed, and keep the gates closed until then.

As far as dumping, yes, normally you will have to use your own hose and equipment at the dumpstations.

So thats what you us use for your Niagara?  We didn't get anything outside of the hose that stores in the rear bumper.  I did see the donut seals too, they were only a few bucks.  

I always figured you used your own hoses, so I was surprised to see ones already there.  But it was nice since its one less thing to have to hookup for dumping.

[dcampbell1969]

Yeah, just get the standard adapter like the one in the picture and the fitting to connect it to the hose.  I keep an 11 gallon tote as well, to empty the gray water tank during the trip, and also empty the black water tank if needed.  Haven't had to empty the black yet, except for one trip just to get the hang of it all. I also bought an oval sterilite container for the hose, instead of keeping it in the bumper.  I store it in the front compartment.

It may be that someone had left their hose by accident.  I usually find something useful left behind on camping trips on occasion.  last item was an extra 30 to 15amp adapter.  Now I have one at home and 1 in the camper at all times.

[Hackker]

Yeah, just get the standard adapter like the one in the picture and the fitting to connect it to the hose.  I keep an 11 gallon tote as well, to empty the gray water tank during the trip, and also empty the black water tank if needed.  Haven't had to empty the black yet, except for one trip just to get the hang of it all. I also bought an oval sterilite container for the hose, instead of keeping it in the bumper.  I store it in the front compartment.

It may be that someone had left their hose by accident.  I usually find something useful left behind on camping trips on occasion.  last item was an extra 30 to 15amp adapter.  Now I have one at home and 1 in the camper at all times.

Cool - thats what I figured.  My father in law was saying that if you stick the wet hose back in the bumper it'll probably quickly start rusting it out.  Was looking at someplace else to store it - is your container just a generic one or something made for the hoses?  

There were signs at the dumping station saying the hoses were provided for the campers convenience.  And not to steal them.  haha

[SherryandFamily]

That is similar to the hookup we have for our Niagara.  We got ours at WalMart though.  Much cheaper then camping world.

And, yes you should leave the black tank lever closed until it is at least 3/4 full.
Before you dump the black water tank into your sewer connection close off your gray water lever, fill your sink about 1/2 way up with hot soapy water.  Pull the big lever to empty the black water, followed by the gray water lever.  My dealer said this will help clear out anything that might be left behind.

Sherry

[MomboTN]

My hook up is for grey water and I just have a 90 degree adapter to a standard hose.  Then the sewer fitting and foam rubber sewer seal.  If There is no sewer at the site, then I run it into my portable grey water tank for proper disposal.  Make sure to get a 90 degree connector so you don't kink the hose.  I also tie up or support the hose before the tank.  It has kinked on me there and the sink won't drain correctly.  The first few times out check your grey water tank often until you get a feeling for how much water your family uses.  Mine is about 5 gal a day for cooking and brushing teeth ect.