Imagine this: You’ve found the perfect campsite. The spot is level, the fire is crackling, and you’ve got a killer view. You’ve been there for a few days, and your holding tanks are starting to get full. Now comes the chore: you have to unhook everything, pack up your entire rig, and drive it to the dump station, often waiting in a long line, just to get back and have to re-level all over again.
This is a common frustration for RVers who stay at campgrounds with partial hookups or who enjoy the peace of boondocking. But there’s a simple solution that gives you the freedom to stay put for longer: the portable RV tote tank, often affectionately called a “honey wagon” or “blue boy.”
An RV tote tank is a portable holding tank that allows you to empty your black and gray water tanks and then transport the waste to a dump station without having to move your entire RV. This simple accessory opens up a world of new possibilities and makes your camping life far more convenient.
What Makes an RV Tote Tank So Valuable?
- Extends Your Stay: This is the primary reason to own one. You can stay at a single campsite for much longer, whether it’s a state park with no sewer hookups or a remote boondocking location.
- Saves Time and Effort: No more packing up, hitching, unhitching, and re-leveling your rig just to empty your tanks. You simply connect the tote tank, fill it up, and take it on a quick trip to the dump station.
- Flexibility in Campground Choice: With a tote tank, you are no longer limited to expensive full-hookup sites. You can save money by staying at partial hookup or no-hookup campgrounds and still have the convenience of proper waste disposal.
- Perfect for Boondockers: For those who love to camp off-grid, a tote tank is a non-negotiable accessory. It allows you to extend your stays in pristine, remote locations without worrying about your tanks filling up.
Choosing the right tote tank is crucial, as the wrong one can be heavy, difficult to maneuver, and leak. Here are the top 5 RV tote tanks, with their pros and cons, to help you make the best choice.
1. Camco Rhino Portable RV Tote Tank
The Camco Rhino is a perennial favorite for good reason. It’s known for its robust construction, user-friendly features, and a wide range of available sizes.
- Pros:
- Durable & Portable: The standout feature is its four heavy-duty, no-flat rubber wheels with bearings, making it incredibly easy to maneuver, even when full. It also comes with a steel tow handle that lets you pull it behind a vehicle.
- Complete Kit: It often comes as a complete kit with a 5-foot sewer hose, a clear elbow adapter, and storage caps, so you’re ready to go right out of the box.
- Accessories: Includes a built-in rinse port to help clean the tank after use and a ladder hook to store it on the RV’s ladder.
- Cons:
- Heavier than some models: The robust construction means it’s one of the heavier tanks, which can make lifting it a challenge.
2. Barker 4-Wheeler Tote Tank
Barker is a long-standing and respected name in RV sanitation. The Barker 4-Wheeler is a popular choice for its build quality and capacity options.
- Pros:
- High Capacity: Barker offers some of the largest capacity tanks on the market, with models up to 42 gallons.
- Tough Construction: Made from blow-molded polyethylene, these tanks are incredibly durable and resistant to punctures and leaks.
- Pneumatic Wheels: Some models feature large pneumatic (air-filled) wheels, which are excellent for navigating rough, unpaved terrain.
- Cons:
- Less Compact: The design can be bulkier and more difficult to store than some of the more streamlined models.
- Heavier: The larger capacity tanks are very heavy when full, requiring a tow vehicle.
3. Thetford SmartTote2 Portable Waste Tank
Thetford is another trusted name, particularly in RV toilets and sanitation products. The SmartTote2 is designed for convenience and ease of use.
- Pros:
- AutoStop Level Gauge: This innovative feature prevents overfilling, saving you from a messy situation.
- Easy to Maneuver: The 4-wheel design makes it easy to move, and it has an integrated tow handle for connecting to your hitch.
- Built-in Storage: The tank has a dedicated compartment to store the included sewer hose and fittings, keeping everything contained and clean.
- Cons:
- Plastic Wheels: Unlike the Camco Rhino’s rubber wheels, some models have hard plastic wheels that may not handle rough terrain as well.
4. RecPro RV 36 Gallon Portable Waste Tank
It’s built from heavy-duty polypropylene, which is durable, crack-resistant, and long-lasting. The tank features large ports for faster filling and dumping, a built-in venting cap for smooth flow, and a spray rinse port for easy cleaning.
- Pros:
- Large Capacity – 36 gallons means fewer trips to the dump station.
- Durable Build – Heavy-duty polypropylene resists cracks and leaks.
- Fast Fill & Dump – Large ports speed up the process.
- Cons:
- Heavy When Full – At 36 gallons, it can be difficult to maneuver without towing.
- Bulky Size – May be harder to store in smaller RVs or trailers.
- Price Point – More expensive than smaller-capacity tanks.
5. Venustank RV Portable Waste Tank
It comes in various capacities (commonly 30-gallon and 39-gallon versions) and is built from durable, UV-stabilized polyethylene to resist cracking and fading. The four-wheel design makes it easier to maneuver, even when full, and the low-profile shape allows it to slide under most RVs for easy filling.
- Pros:
- Multiple Size Options – Choose a capacity that matches your RV’s waste output and storage space.
- Four-Wheel Mobility – Easier to maneuver than two-wheel designs, especially when full.
- Durable Construction – UV-stabilized polyethylene resists sun damage and cracking.
- Large Ports – Speeds up both filling and emptying.
- Cons:
- Bulkier Storage – Four-wheel design takes up more space than compact two-wheel models.
- Limited Accessories – May require purchasing hoses or adapters separately depending on your setup.
- Price – Larger models can be more expensive than smaller-capacity competitors.
👉 Learn more: Best Sewer Hose Kits for RV Newbies: A Complete Guide
In conclusion, an RV tote tank is an invaluable tool for any RVer who wants more freedom and convenience. While each model has its own strengths, the Camco Rhino is a consistent top choice for its perfect blend of durability, features, and ease of use. Just remember to choose a size that you can comfortably manage, as a gallon of water weighs over 8 pounds, and a full tank can be a serious workout!
