Leave Holding Tank Valves Open?

[drjjj]

I don't think I dreamt this, but I think I remember seeing someone post recently that when they stored their rig they left the cap off of the holding tank drains and put a screen or something on it, with the valves open, so that air could get in to both grey tanks and the black tank. Good idea? Pros and cons? Would a piece of screen with a hose clamp work?

[HamRad]

Drjjj,

I'm sure someone probably posted such information. As long as you block the entrance with a screen it probably wouldn't hurt to do it. But if you're doing it so the system will be dried up then you don't really need to do anything. The vent pipes will let enough air in and out and the system should be dry after a prolonged storage period.

I did not see the original post so don't have a clue.

HamRad

[richfaa]

We did not make that post but we did leave the valves open when we stored the camper... It seemed like a good idea???

[scductman]

drjjj I do that to mine every time I store it for a month or so. It lets the tanks dry out and cuts out odor in the tanks. The screen keeps out critters. bobby

[bsmeaton]

We are in partial indoor storage, and I think they would push my rig out of there with a front end loader if I left the caps off !

Other than that, seems like a good, but maybe unecessary, idea.

[Mudchief]

I do the same as scductman. However mine is stored in my barn.

[Waynem]

I keep mine capped off.

It actually helped in the repair of the toilet. The technician that did the repair complained and i know he doesn't want to have to do it over.

As previously posted, the vent going to the roof should be sufficient to air it out after long periods of time.

[jackel1959]

We always leave the valves open with a screened cap over the outlet when the rig is not in use. When we started RVing about 6 years ago it is something my Uncle (who has been RVing for many, many years) recommended. It has worked for him and I cannot see any harm as long as the rig is outside. To each his own.

Jack

[racerjoe]

You did not dream it, I just read the same in Trailer Life,10 minute tech. I don't see how it helps, tank is vented, and if anything left in there drys out, I don't think you will ever get it clean.