Best RV Sewer Hoses Reviewed

RV Sewer Hoses Compared

Benefits of RV Sewer Hoses

There are quite a few benefits of owning an RV sewer hose. Following are some of the best RV sewer hose benefits.

Buyers Guide: Factors to Consider

When thinking about which specific hose to buy, there are several factors to consider. Below is a brief guide to help you with certain aspects of the different hose types to make that final purchase choice.

Hose Thickness

For a sewer hose you will want a thick hose that is still pliable. The lower end should be no less than 15 mils, while the higher, more rigid hoses may be up to 30 mils.

Hose Length

The hose length is also essential. If you get too short of a hose, you may not be able to reach the external tank connections. However, if you purchase one that is too long, storage of the RV sewer hose may become an issue.

When looking at the length, you will want to ensure you have at least five feet to connect to under-carriage valves and at least another 10 feet of extended hose to reach the external sewage tank. If possible, find out the stored length so you can measure your storage area to make sure it will fit.

For most applications, the best RV sewer hose length will be between 15 and 20 feet.

Storage

Aside from enough space, you will want to make sure that the hose collapses easily and won’t bind up when trying to put away. Stiff hoses have different storage requirements than softer, more pliable ones. Some are made to collapse in on themselves while others roll up.

Depending on where you will store the hose, the type you finally choose will need to be able to fit easily into the space.

Tank Outlet Size

There is nothing worse than buying a new hose and RV sewer hose fittings, traveling to some distant and remote location only to find that your tank outlet is smaller or larger than the hose can accommodate.

Before you make your purchase, you should measure your tank outlet and check the measurement against the hose you are looking at buying. Proper fitting hoses will use the tank outlet’s outer diameter. The RV sewer hose connectors will slip over the outlet, not inside of it.

The reverse is true for the other end, where the external sewage line will connect into the valve instead of over it.

Hose Flexibility and Consistency

The consistency aspect will also tell you how durable the hose is. Thinner hoses and those made with materials or in a manner that isn’t the same throughout are more prone to holes, tears and rips. This will also come into play with the constant pulling, pushing and bending that the hose will go through during its life.

Frequency of Use

If you only use your RV once or twice a year, you may need a different sewer hose than if you live or regularly travel in your RV. For those that have a lower frequency of use, the “top of the line” hose might not be the best option for you.

Those that will use a hose sparingly can get away with a less expensive hose and may not need a full RV sewer hose kit. Laying the hose on the ground instead of in a stand, for example, will save a little money, and for those that won’t use the hose every week or every day, may opt for these savings.

Determining, realistically, how often you will use the RV sewer hose, will help you decide which one you need to buy.

Price and Warranty

The RV sewer hose reviews listed below will showcase the top options in specific categories, including the warranties (if any) that each one offers, to help you in this deciding factor.

1. Camco RhinoFLEX 

The best RV sewer hose kit is the Camco RhinoFLEX. This kit contains two 10-foot sections of sturdy, 23 mil hose, 4 cap fittings, and a clean elbow.

The fittings swivel lock into place and form a secure, leak-resistant fit. With this kit, you can use only what you need. One 10-foot section can be used with a valve cap on both ends, or you can join the two hoses to create a 20-foot hose.

The valve caps come in two styles: press fit or screw top. The screw tops will fit 3, 3 ½ and 4-inch external tank valves while the press fit (slip style) is designed for 3-inch dump station fittings.

The hose is highly durable and will withstand years of weather, water and sun exposure. Storage is also made simple. The collapsible hoses will shrink to 39-inches each and the removable elbow allows you to store the hoses in a 4-inch square bumper hold.

The polyolefin plastic keeps the hose collapsed, allowing you to pull out only the length you need while saving time and space. You can bend the hoses (up to 70 degrees), and the hose will maintain shape and bend angle even when flushing.

This kit contains everything you need except for a flushing hose and is our top pick for the best RV sewer hose kit on the market. You won’t find a better kit for the price. If you need more, you can buy 5, 10 or 15-foot hose extensions as well to create the length you need.

2. Valterra Black 20 Ft Kit D04-0275 

If not for the included four fittings with the RhinoFLEX option above, the Valterra Dominator kit would be our top pick. The best sewer hose kit (runner up) has hose flexibility and consistency that will stay put where you position it.

The kit contains two 10-foot sections of hose and the same bayonet style locking tabs that the Camco model has. These ensure a snug fit and easy removal when needed. The hoses collapse to a meager 39 inches each and will fit inside a 4-inch square bumper storage space.

The hoses will extend to 10 feet when fully opened and the fittings are male on one end, female on the other. This allows you to purchase an extension kit which comes in 15 or 20-foot increments.

3. Camco 3 Foot 39768 Rhinoflex Tote Tank

If you use a portable waste tank, then you probably don’t need to use a full 20-feet worth of sewer hose. The Camco 3-foot hose kit is perfect for tote tanks and will fit any size lug on all the most popular brands.

Of course, if you don’t already have a tote tank, you can opt to get one that is recommended to use with this sewer hose. The Rhino Heavy Duty 15 gallon tank, for example, is an optimal choice for short trips or weekend getaways.

Included with the 3-foot kit is a clear elbow so you can see when the hose is cleaned, two caps to keep the ends from leaking when stored and the hose itself.

These sewer hose accessories are worth the cost of the kit by themselves. Not to mention you can use the 3-foot hose as an RV sewer line extension when your 10 or 20-foot hose is just shy of being long enough.

4. Lippert 359724 Waste Master 

No mess, no fuss. If you are after an easy to use portable RV sewer hose, look no further. The green hose from Lippert is the top of the range model that will have you wondering why you never purchased it before.

The biggest claim to fame here is the tough exterior that will extend to a full 20 feet while maintaining a smooth interior. This allows waste and paper to pass through without getting caught in the interior grooves.

The 90-degree angle on the drain nozzle comes with a handle for easy fitting and its own valve to control the flow, or to stop the flow in the event of an emergency. The nozzle will fit any 3 or 4-inch drain valve and a CAM lock connector for a secure fit.

5. Camco 39634 20’ Revolution

The best swivel sewer hose kit is arguably the Camco Revolution. This is more pliable than the RhinoFLEX hose that is our top choice and is best suited for the occasional user. Those that live in their RV or travel regularly will find that the Revolution hose may not hold up to the constant and repeated use.

However, with proper care and maintenance, the hose is durable enough to withstand a lot of hooking and tear downs.

Unlike the Lippert model above, the 90-degree neck is removable so you can store the hose in 4-inch square bumper mounts. Flushing the hose is still easy, though the “it comes alive” swiveling and moving will be prominent if the hose isn’t secured to a hose support before flushing begins.

You can purchase a 10-foot extension hose for a total of 30 feet, or get the kit with the “wye” connector, which is a Y-shaped swivel adapter for two hoses to connect with.

6. Titan 17853 

For those RVers that are on a tighter budget, you can still have a durable, reliable sewer hose kit. The Titan 15-foot kit comes with everything you need for your next camping trip or road excursion.

Titan, the best budget RV sewer hose kit, comes with a universal adapter to fit five different styles of drain station fittings. The unique extended grip swivel lock handle allows you more room for your hand to make those connections.

You will also get ultra-tough TPE hose material which is virtually uncrushable. It isn't recommended to run the hose over with a car, but the TPE will pop back in the event you do. The rigid material is sturdy but can make storage difficult. Unlike the top models listed above, the Titan doesn't like to stay collapsed, even with caps in place.

If you have an under-bay storage area, the Titan will work well for you in that regard. Flushing is simple as the wide hose allows for the cleaning water to pass through easily.

7. Camco RhinoEXTREME 

If you are looking for the most robust RV sewer hose, the Camco RhinoEXTREME might just fit the bill. The Rhino RV sewer hose is virtually indestructible and is touted as the best crush resistant RV sewer hose around.

The dual 10-foot hose kit is a durable 24 mil TPE reinforced with a polymer exoskeleton. You can run over this hose with your entire RV and still find it usable, though we don't recommend you attempt it, to be safe.

It doesn’t matter what your frequency of use is, daily, weekly, or even once a year, the rugged Camco hose will stand up whenever you need it. The hoses collapse easily to allow proper storage, which can include a 4-inch square bumper hold. The clear elbow is removable for better storage.

8. Camco 39631-A 20’ Wire Core

If you are replacing your hose, or need to upgrade to a better quality RV sewer hose, you may not need all the attachments and caps that come in a kit. A heavy-duty RV sewer hose only, without all the extras will save you time and money.

The Camco 20 foot heavy duty hose has an extra high tensile strength that will withstand virtually anything you can put it through. Constant pulling and bending from daily or weekly use won’t bother this hose.

The full extended length of 20 feet will compress down to a mere 32 inches, and placing caps on the ends will ensure it stays compressed.

How Does an RV Sewer Hose Work?

RV sewer hoses work by attaching to the outlet valve of the holding tank. These can usually be found underneath or on a side port of the RV or trailer. Your manufacturer's or owner's manual will detail the exact location.

Once attached, the other end will need to be connected to a receptacle for black water. Depending on where you are these can be found at RV sites, in a campground and some service stations. The hoses drain the holding tank much like the gravity flush on the toilet in your home.

As long as you don’t have any kinks or bends in the hose, the waste will leave the tank, travel down the sewer hose and into the external receptacle tank.

When the tank is empty, you will remove the hose and store it away. It is recommended, though optional, to flush the hose before storage (which we will cover in a moment). Proper RV sewer hose storage is an essential factor to consider, too.

In the Buyer’s Guide, found below, we will discuss all of the RV sewer hose factors you need to think about when making your final purchase.

Latex Gloves

RV Sewer Hose Support

Clear Connector

Flushing Hose

Macerator

How to Use an RV Sewer Hose

Using an RV sewer hose isn’t a difficult task, though if you have never put on on a sewer line, it can be a bit daunting.

The best thing to do is to test the fittings and connections long before you ever leave your driveway. Having an empty holding tank will prevent you from getting wet (or worse!) while you figure everything out.

Most hoses will have bayonet fittings. These 4-prong fittings will slip over the mounting bolts and twist-lock into place. You should attach the end to the holding tank and then run the hose to the dumping station fitting.

If you are using accessories, like a hose support, you should put the hose on them and set them up correctly before opening the valves. Once the fittings are on the tank and dump station valves securely, you are basically done, ready to open the wastewater valves for proper use.

For a visual idea of using an RV sewer hose you can check out this video:

Installation, Storage and Maintenance

When you get a new sewer hose, the fittings will be tight and sometimes difficult to deal with. You can use brute force to get the fittings on prior to use, but there is an easier method. Check out this video to see how to get a new hose properly fitting with the valve fitting cap.

After the trip is over and it is time to pack up, the sewer hose is one of the last things to be put away. You will want to ensure that your hose is stored correctly. Purchasing end caps will keep the hoses from leaking all over the storage compartment and will help the more flexible hoses form staying collapsed.

You should always flush your hoses before putting them away, though, and a proper flush hose or flush valve will help make the job easier.

The most common problem among RV sewer hoses is cracks, holes, and loose fittings. Every year when you get the RV out for the first trip of the season, you should thoroughly inspect the hose for holes and cracks, replacing the hose if necessary.

You should also double check that the valves and fittings are still tight and secure before hitting the road. There is nothing worse than find out out your sewer hose leaks after you are set up at the campsite.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Let’s cover some of the more common questions associated with RV sewer hoses.

How long can RV sewer hose be?

There isn't a maximum length for an RV sewer hose. Storage space and distance to dump station inlet valves are the primary concern. In general, anywhere between 10 and 30 feet should be plenty.

In the event you need more, most hose brands offer RV sewer hose extensions in 5, 10, 15 and even 30-foot increments. Just be warned, anything over about 30 feet may require the use of a macerator pump to help properly flush the lines.

Can you attach 2 or more?

You absolutely can attach 2 hoses together. Each hose will come with a male and female end for connecting to the holding take and the drain valve fitting. Instead of attaching the hose to the drain fitting, you will just attach another hose in its place and put the fitting on the end of the second (or third) hose.

How to clean RV sewer hose?

Cleaning an RV sewer hose doesn't have to be a chore. Using a flushing hose or flush valve attachment makes the task much more manageable. You attach a garden hose or other water supply line to the inlet valve and turn it on.

The flushing valve will jet the water to rinse the tank and clean the fittings and hoses. Once complete you remove everything for storage.

How to keep an RV sewer hose from freezing?

How do you repair an RV sewer hose?

Holes, tears, and leaks in an RV sewer hose isn't a welcomed sight. However, it is possible to repair these things, at least temporarily. It isn't advised to use a fix as a permanent solution, especially with the cost of a new hose being such an inexpensive solution.

If you cannot purchase a new hose, you can get a coupling adapter and cut the hose at the tear, installing the adapter on the cut end. This will shorten your hose (by how much you had to cut out), but the hose will last through the next several days until you can purchase a new one.

When should I replace an RV Sewer Hose?

The strict answer is to replace it before it gets a tear or develops a hole. While you don't know when this will happen, you can expect a full year's use of most hoses before they need a replacement.

Avid RVers will replace their hoses annually, while those that use the RV once or twice a year may get several years worth of use out of their hoses. Most sewer hoses will not come with a warranty, although some retailers will add a 1 or possibly 2-year warranty if you buy through them.

Depending on your maintenance routine and frequency of use, though expect to replace your sewer hoses about once a year.

How to mount your hose and secure it from moving or slipping?.

Proper use will prevent most moving and slipping of the hose. To help aid this, you should use a sewer hose support that straps and an adjustable height. You should also only extend the hose as far as needed, keeping as much hose collapsed as possible.

Before opening the valve to allow the sewage to pass through, double check the fittings and valves to a snug fit. If the fittings are loose, the pressure form a flush can cause them to become dislodged.

Conclusion