Waste water tote selection

[Bama Camper]

I'm shopping waste water totes. I'd like to make this selection just once, so... I would like to know what your experience has been with different models. I anticipate using it only for gray water, and I am looking at a medium size 25-27 gallon. It will be transported in the back of the truck, so weight (dead lifting in the truck), and size are important factors. I don't mind tipping a 2 wheel model to completely evacuate it if there is some other advantage.

The only one I've actually seen is the Thetford 4 wheel LX model. The models I'm considering are:

Barker Tote-along, 25 gal. - I like the simplicity of a gate valve. The overall construction looks good and the review are good for customer service. pneumatic wheels. This unit is heavy - per Barker, this unit is 37 lbs. is that right? seems heavy.

Thetford 27 gal. Smartote2 LX model - larger but lighter, have heard of problems with the coupling. 26.5 lbs.

Thetford 27 gal., 2 wheel standard model - less expensive, lighter. Must buy options which increase the price. 21.5 lbs

Tote-N-Stor - 25 gal. - not really interested because of the pivot valve they use - looks troublesome.

Thanx - Your input is welcome.

[maximo]

27 gal of water will weigh right at 225 lbs plus 26 lbs of tote come to right at 250 lbs. That is a lot of weight to lift and set in the bed of a truck. I bet the tote does not have handles on it to lift with.

[stengels]

I have a 35 gallon model Thetford that has the swivel wheels in the front, unlike the current models. I do use the truck to pull it to the dump station due to weight. Not sure, but even 27 gallon would be difficult to lift into the back of the pickup without assistance. I wouldn't be without the front wheels, just too much to lift around. I used to be able to handle this sort of thing but...

[Bama Camper]

quote:Originally posted by maximo

27 gal of water will weigh right at 225 lbs plus 26 lbs of tote come to right at 250 lbs. That is a lot of weight to lift and set in the bed of a truck. I bet the tote does not have handles on it to lift with.

Oooops... my first post was poorly worded. I didn't mean I would lift it into the truck when full. I intend to drag it to the dump in the conventional way, by a trailer hitch. I was concerned about just lifting the tote into the truck when empty. I have to watch the weight because of recent shoulder surgery.

Sorry guys... thanks for the responses. That'll teach me to read my posts before sending!

[chris199]

Have the 27 gal here. Take it frequently. It fits perfectly between the hitch and the cab. I use a bungy on each side to keep it secure. At 27 gal, there will be mult runs to the dump station. I sometimes think about going larger but it's not worth it to me. Larger ones would be a little more awkward to lift in and out. Recommendation: go to a nearby Camping World or a local RV dealer and try lifting the different sizes. I bet they would allow you to try in/out of your truck if you explained. I have had this one several years now.

[Bama Camper]

quote:Originally posted by chris199

Have the 27 gal here. Take it frequently. It fits perfectly between the hitch and the cab. I use a bungy on each side to keep it secure. At 27 gal, there will be mult runs to the dump station. I sometimes think about going larger but it's not worth it to me. Larger ones would be a little more awkward to lift in and out. Recommendation: go to a nearby Camping World or a local RV dealer and try lifting the different sizes. I bet they would allow you to try in/out of your truck if you explained. I have had this one several years now.

Thanx Chris, which one you have? And is it a 2 wheel or 4 wheel?

[stengels]

I too fit my 35 gallon unit between the cab and the hitch, tied in with a couple of bungies. It's really not too heavy when empty.

[pkbridges77]

I have the Barker 42 gal. Tote and it is reasonably easy to get in and out of the truck. Not too heavy. Thinking about strapping it to the ladder for storing and traveling but haven't decided yet. Weighs much less than a bicycle

[WeBeFulltime]

What ever size you decide to get be sure it is a BARKER! My 32 gallon Barker is 8 years old and 5 1/2 of those are full time and is still as good as new. It is easy to load in the back of the truck behind the hitch. If I ever have to replace it I will get the Barker 42 gallon. A friend is already on his THIRD Thetford in about the same time span!

[PackerFan]

Where do you find the Barker Model and what are the prices?

[catskiner]

You might try Amazon.

[pkbridges77]

Amazon x2

[Bama Camper]

quote:Originally posted by WeBeFulltime

What ever size you decide to get be sure it is a BARKER!

Thats good information, and about what i expected. The Barkers are typically 60-80 bucks higher than the Thetfords, but id rather spend more money once than have to do it again. They are apparently much heavier though.

[Trailer Trash 2]

I have been using my 22 gal Blue tank for 15 years or more, from one RV to another, I did put inflatable tires on it. it rolls a lot quitter than with those hard rubber plastic wheels,

[pkbridges77]

When I received my Barker one of the rear axle press-on cap nut and spacers was missing, as well as two front wheel nut/bolt combinations. Not really sure how it made it out of the factory that way, but one call to Barker customer service and received them two days later, no questions asked. The 42 comes with inflatable tires now.

[WeBeFulltime]

I bought my 32 gallon Barker from tweetys.com and also added inflatable rear tires to it.

[Bama Camper]

Thanks everyone for the good information.

[MHC305RL]

We have at Thetford 27 gallon with the swivel wheels up front. Everything has worked good with it but it does not have a valve on the hose. So sometimes I spill some waste trying to get the hose to the pipe in the ground. Some of the barker brands come with a gate valve built in, I believe. I wished I would have bought one of them.

[chris199]

Sorry Bama...2 wheels in rear...swivel wheels in center up front. Happy with it. Fyll fisclosure: It did wear on the expandable hose..putting new one on this year. $12 fix I think. Still endorse it...

[Bama Camper]

After all input, I decided to go with the Barker unit. This unit has rubber tires/pneumatic wheels, real bearings on the axle and a grease fitting to lube them. I like the simple hose connector on top and a gate valve for the discharge instead of a captive hose. The handle is removable so it will have to be stored separately, as will the 5' hose, but no big problem. That keeps the unit smaller and fits better in my truck like that.

https://www.barkermfg.com/4-wheel.html

PPL Motorhomes had the second best price at 209.99 + 9.99 shipping. Best was RVpartscountry.com by a couple of bucks, but they didn't answer the phone when I called to check stock. Unbelievable response from PPL - I ordered the tote at 1:30PM yesterday and it will be delivered today by UPS after 2PM! I think they are shipping from their Atlanta facility.

Thanks again for all the info.