How to Empty Tanks if Macerator Fails on Class B RVs Without Gravity Dump

[JeffGalan]

This is on a class B that has absolutely no other gravity hook up.

I was offered a great deal on it and I am very so so on buying a RV with no sewer connection except for a macerator which is totally an idiotic design with no backup.

In an emergency can an external pump go down the toilet to the tanks and pump that way till it’s fixed?

There are two combined grey/black tanks.

That’s the only way I can think of in an emergency. Thx

 

[booster]

Several of us have added gravity dump backup system to our vans so can gravity dump if the macerator fails.

There are numerous discussions on how we did them, and all work fine. They are commonly called dual dump systems on this forum.

 

[JeffGalan]

Thank you much. I’ll look for them.

But in the meantime of finding someone to do that for me since I’m really bad at any repair, is there any other way like I mentioned? With a pump down the toilet? I should mention that I never use my rv toilet ever for number 2 only use the RV campground bathrooms so there’s never solids in them. Thx.

 

[youngnretired]

FWIW, if the van being offered to you is that much of a bargain, you could purchase it, have the macerator pump replaced ($200/pump + install) and then consider that you should be good for the next 4-5 years without issue, depending on how often you use it.

From reading on this forum, it appears that Roadtrek (we have a Chevy based 2008 210 Popular) installed the macerator pump upside down, which leaves some liquid in the tanks as it can't drain them completely. Since it's also upside down, the weep hole between the pump housing and motor housing is at the top which may lead to premature pump failure if the seal starts to leak. This spring, I'll be pulling off the shroud around our pump and drilling another weep hole at the bottom of the pump housing to take care of this and hopefully lead to a much longer lifespan of the pump. I'll also look at changing the pump to a proper pump (would require re-routing the drain hose and modifications to the shroud) and also look at installing a manual dump valve between the piping and pump. I'm not likely going to make these modifications just yet as I believe that the pump mount and shroud will need to be modified and rods for the valves will need to be shortened as this whole assembly moves further inward in the chassis. Also, if a manual dump valve is installed, a location for a coiled up drain hose needs to be found, and likely accessing it on our Roadtrek would be virtually impossible without a jack/lift to get under the van which likely means I'm not accessing it at a public dump site. I can't physically fit beneath the side fairing and ground to get under our Roadtrek.

 

[JeffGalan]

FWIW, if the van being offered to you is that much of a bargain, you could purchase it, have the macerator pump replaced ($200/pump + install) and then consider that you should be good for the next 4-5 years without issue, depending on how often you use it.

From reading on this forum, it appears that Roadtrek (we have a Chevy based 2008 210 Popular) installed the macerator pump upside down, which leaves some liquid in the tanks as it can't drain them completely. Since it's also upside down, the weep hole between the pump housing and motor housing is at the top which may lead to premature pump failure if the seal starts to leak. This spring, I'll be pulling off the shroud around our pump and drilling another weep hole at the bottom of the pump housing to take care of this and hopefully lead to a much longer lifespan of the pump. I'll also look at changing the pump to a proper pump (would require re-routing the drain hose and modifications to the shroud) and also look at installing a manual dump valve between the piping and pump. I'm not likely going to make these modifications just yet as I believe that the pump mount and shroud will need to be modified and rods for the valves will need to be shortened as this whole assembly moves further inward in the chassis. Also, if a manual dump valve is installed, a location for a coiled up drain hose needs to be found, and likely accessing it on our Roadtrek would be virtually impossible without a jack/lift to get under the van which likely means I'm not accessing it at a public dump site. I can't physically fit beneath the side fairing and ground to get under our Roadtrek.

Thank you for the reply. I was thinking that too. Just get it replaced. I was actually going to present that idea to the dealer. Put a new pump in and I’ll buy it.

I will use it FREQUENTLY because I am full time in my RV.

But it’s only going to be gray water, no number 2 or paper. So I’m thinking it will last long since it’s only pumping water and not grinding up solids. Good luck with your Spring project!

 

[booster]

FWIW, if the van being offered to you is that much of a bargain, you could purchase it, have the macerator pump replaced ($200/pump + install) and then consider that you should be good for the next 4-5 years without issue, depending on how often you use it.

From reading on this forum, it appears that Roadtrek (we have a Chevy based 2008 210 Popular) installed the macerator pump upside down, which leaves some liquid in the tanks as it can't drain them completely. Since it's also upside down, the weep hole between the pump housing and motor housing is at the top which may lead to premature pump failure if the seal starts to leak. This spring, I'll be pulling off the shroud around our pump and drilling another weep hole at the bottom of the pump housing to take care of this and hopefully lead to a much longer lifespan of the pump. I'll also look at changing the pump to a proper pump (would require re-routing the drain hose and modifications to the shroud) and also look at installing a manual dump valve between the piping and pump. I'm not likely going to make these modifications just yet as I believe that the pump mount and shroud will need to be modified and rods for the valves will need to be shortened as this whole assembly moves further inward in the chassis. Also, if a manual dump valve is installed, a location for a coiled up drain hose needs to be found, and likely accessing it on our Roadtrek would be virtually impossible without a jack/lift to get under the van which likely means I'm not accessing it at a public dump site. I can't physically fit beneath the side fairing and ground to get under our Roadtrek.

We went through all of this also and did manage to get a manual dump the required no going under the van. All accessible at the existing pull handles location. We have a short slinky in a tube tie wrapped to the rear of the propane tank in case it is needed. Great piece of mind and no downside that we have seen.

 

[booster]

Here is a link to our original build thread, lots of pix also.

dual dump thread link

 

[JeffGalan]

We went through all of this also and did manage to get a manual dump the required no going under the van. All accessible at the existing pull handles location. We have a short slinky in a tube tie wrapped to the rear of the propane tank in case it is needed. Great piece of mind and no downside that we have seen his B I don’t think has that ability but I’ll have to look.

Here is a link to our original build thread, lots of pix also.

dual dump thread link

Thank you. I’d have to hire someone. I’m horrible at these things. I just don’t know why the manufacturers would make macerator only dumping. Dumb idea. I guess they are not going to use the RV lol

 

[booster]

Thank you. I’d have to hire someone. I’m horrible at these things. I just don’t know why the manufacturers would make macerator only dumping. Dumb idea. I guess they are not going to use the RV lol

Roadtrek did do a dual dump system in the Z
ion that came out shortly after our discussion showed up here. I think I can, kinda, say that got the idea here but have no idea if that is true or not. But they did use "dual dump" also so maybe.

Apparently, the major customer base isn't experienced or understand the consequences of a macerator can have on a trip, so it didn't become common like I thought it would. The same may now be said about totally centralized control systems that can totally shut down you van on a trip if they fail.

 

[JeffGalan]

I bet they took your idea for the Z

I agree the major customer base doesn’t think that way

Even the salesman was shocked I said no to the deal because of no gravity dump.

“I never heard anyone that concerned with a macerator”. Hmm. Well now you did.

And you’re right about the centralized systems going off and then messes up using the rv.

The Rv I saw has that for the AC but I didn’t see any other controls on the AC in case of failure of that system.

I kinda like that word… backup lol

 

[booster]

Yep, backup is a good term if you want reliability. In designing a complete system it probably morphs into what we call in engineering world "redundancy" that covers the whole system and is basically the same thing.

 

[JeffGalan]

Yep, backup is a good term if you want reliability. In designing a complete system it probably morphs into what we call in engineering world "redundancy" that covers the whole system and is basically the same thing.

Exactly. This is when I go into my….they don’t make things simple no more.

Sometimes simple is more reliable.

Though I get the easy touch screen usability.

I was thinking last night when I had my RT AC on that I can just control the remote without getting up. Then I thought if I was in this newer RV I’d have to get up and go to a screen to change the temp.

If they have a remote for that it would be great. But I dunno about that. Seems too much of a “backup”

 

[GeorgeKG]

Our van is macerator only with no gravity dump option. I replaced the original pump in 2024 after three years of service because of a small leak at the shaft seal.

The FloJet 18550 macerator is $220 at Amazon. This isn't that much money considering the inconvenience of a pump failure while on the road, so I plan to preemptive replacement every few years regardless of condition.

 

[JeffGalan]

Our van is macerator only with no gravity dump option. I replaced the original pump in 2024 after three years of service because of a small leak at the shaft seal.

The FloJet 18550 macerator is $220 at Amazon. This isn't that much money considering the inconvenience of a pump failure while on the road, so I plan to preemptive replacement every few years regardless of condition.

Thank you for the reply. Not a bad price. My dealer agreed to remove the pump in place of a 3” regular dump pipe for me on condition I’d buy it. So they are hopefully able to do it.

 

[engnrsrule]

My 2006 RoadTrek still has original macerator pump and it works fine. I had a road hazard sever the sewage discharge hose once, and found a place that rents portolets and they came in with a vacuum hose and sucked the black tank out they the toilet. They wouldn't even charge me.

Near my pump there is an openable cap or plug that could gravity drain either the black or gray tank but I have never used it.

 

[JeffGalan]

That’s encouraging that this lasted this long. I will be full time so I dunno if it would last that long. But supposedly the dealer is converting it for me before pickup.

I still think it’s ridiculous they make RVs with absolutely no gravity backup

 

[Snowy]

I am shocked, shocked to hear that a RV salesman trying to sell a RV with a macerator-only system would say, “I never heard anyone that concerned with a macerator”

 

[JeffGalan]

I thought it was a concern. At least for me. Apparently not for him

 

[youngnretired]

Of course, nothing is ever a problem on something for sale (from the seller's viewpoint). "Trust me", said the used cars salesman.......

 

[JeffGalan]

Of course, nothing is ever a problem on something for sale (from the seller's viewpoint). "Trust me", said the used cars salesman.......

Exactly