Did you ever buy something because it costs less, only to have it break on you in a short time? Did you replace that cheap thing with a more expensive model? We did, and had a disgusting RV sewer hose explosion. We learned the hard way that the “best” Camco RV sewer hose is garbage.
The RV Sewer Hose Explosion is Getting Old
You’re not a real RVer until you’ve endured a disgusting RV sewer hose explosion. If it’s never happened to you, don’t worry: it will. When it does, I hope you’re near a WallyWorld.
We’ve replaced several RV sewer hoses in nine years of full-timing. We boondock more than we hook-up but our sewer hoses still don’t last long. We always buy the mid-priced ones before they fall apart on us.
But last year we had a gruesome RV sewer hose explosion when we least expected it. Late one night, Jim went to dump our tanks. When he pulled the black tank lever, he learned the hard way that our sewer hose had disintegrated since the last time we dumped.
With sludge spilling out everywhere, we both yelled “Oh SHIT!” And off I rushed to the 24-hour WallyWorld while Jim tried to rinse down the mess before neighbors smelled it. I ran to the RV supplies section and looked at the sewer hose selection.
Should I stick with the same Heavy Duty Camco hose we’ve always used?
Or should I suck it up and splurge on the better RV sewer hose, the Camco 39770 RhinoFLEX?
Unfortunately, less than a year after buying it this hose sprung several leaks! As Jim went to dump it in the trash, a neighbor said “Hey I had that hose too! What a piece of junk!” Apparently this RhinoFlex issue is quite common:
This RhinoFlex is no better than Camco’s other hoses. It just has a couple of different features (the swivel connectors). Otherwise, it’s a piece of junk. Avoid this hose at all costs if you want to escape an embarrassing RV sewer hose explosion.
We scurried to replace our sewer hose that day. WallyWorld only had two choices on the shelf — the same Camco Heavy Duty Hose we’ve always used and the RhinoFlex. You can guess which one we bought.
In the future when we have time on our side, we’ll consider ordering one of these RV sewer hoses from Amazon. If you’ve tried any of them, let us know if you found a good, long-lasting one.
Lippert 359724 Waste Master 20’ Extension RV Sewer Hose Management System
- Comes complete with a time-tested CAM lock connector that ensures a leak-proof connection to the sewer outlet
- Hose is designed with its helical coil on the outside, while the inside is much smoother, preventing waste from getting trapped inside the hose
- UV-protected hose is 5 feet compressed and 18 feet extended and features technology that keeps it extended during use to the exact length required
- Permanently-connected nozzle is molded with an easy-grip handle, an integrated shut-off valve and a clear view port that allows the user to see when waste has completely evacuated
- Nozzle also features a 90 degree discharge port that is easy to fit and secure into any sewage inlet
Thetford Titan Sewer 15 Foot Hose Kit 17853
- Titan Kit includes everything!
- 1 Rugged 15-Foot TPE Hose
- 1 Revolve 5-in-1 Sewer Adapter with Exclusive Handle
- 2 Secure, Versatile End Caps
- Uncrushable, easy to align, ergonomic and secure!
Prest-O-Fit 1-0203 Ultimate Sewer Kit
- Blueline Ultimate Sewer Kit contains everything you need for the most simple, secure hookup up to 20 feet, including: one Universal Elbow, one Hose Adapter, two Ultimate Sewer Hoses (10 Ft.), one Hose Coupler and four Sewer Seals
- Universal Elbow securely fits most park sewer openings
- Hose Adapter has four bayonet hooks and an “X-ring†seal for a leak-free connection to most waste-valve outlets
- Ultimate Sewer Hoses have Pushover Quick Connectors installed for simple, push-on connections without the need for clamps and can extend up to 20 feet when used with Hose Coupler
- Sewer Seals create a secure, air-tight seal with hoses and fittings, eliminating unwanted odor and drainage
Valterra D04-0475 Gray 20′ Viper Sewer Hose Kit
- Includes two 10 feet hoses with rotating fittings plus a 90 degree universal sewer adapter
- Super tough 26 mil TPE material for leak protection
- Spring back crush feature
- UV and puncture resistant
- Stays flexible down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit
My Rhinoflex sewer hoses have held up for 3 1/2 years now. I store them in a covered underbed plastic storage container, in the back of my pickup. I have multiple connectors (including a straight threaded connector for that Borrego Springs RV Park where the sewer hookup is horizontal), and three lengths: 5′ for dump stations, 15′ for site hookup, and a 10′ extension. I could not live without the clear 45 degree elbow. I use a dedicated bucket under the trailer discharge when loosening the cap and to catch any mistakes in hooking up the elbow (three times now!). I also use a cap with a 3/4″ hose hookup for gray water dumping while boondocking (used once on private property).
The rear bumper on my Fox Mountain has screws penetrating into the space where one is supposed to store the sewer hose. I can only imagine what damage they could cause to the hose, if one repeatedly shoves it in and out.
I’ll check back in three years, Rene, to see how your replacement has held up.
Hey William I’m so glad the Rhinoflex is working out for you. Sounds like you are meticulous in everything you do for this lifestyle, kudos! Yes, do check back, we’ll still be here.
We have been through a handful of those RhinoFlex hoses. They just do not hold up in the sun. They start splitting in the thinner plastic between the collapsable sections, very quickly. I know some people that use some of the cheapy hoses and they have lasted for years. So we went ahead and got a cheapy one that has UV protection…we’ll see how it goes…
Dennis! It’s awesome to hear from you! We’re at the Fountain of Youth in Niland, come visit! Meanwhile, let us know how the cheap hose goes. What kind did you get?
Forget all the hoses you’ve ever heard of and go for the Drain Master, which is now the Lippert Waste Master. I learned many years ago that it’s the least expensive in the long term to go for the best quality, which usually, but not always, means the most expensive. I purchased the original Drain Master from Doug at Drain Master when I discovered a small but constant leak in my sewer system on our 2006 Carriage Carri-lite, which used the Drain Master 12 VDC electric dump valves but not their hose system. When Carriage assembled the sewage system they screwed up and the valve flange wasn’t squared up and it cracked, allowing a small leak. That’s when I contacted Doug and the rest is history. If you search Drain Master on IRV2.com you should find a video I made on my retro fit. Doug was great to work with and I was pleased to see him get a deal done with Lippert. Browse over to drainmaster.com for other RV products he sells, including the Waste Master hose system. He’s a fellow transplanted Canadian, except that he’s down there and I’m not! And no he hasn’t paid me to praise his products.
That’s awesome to know Dave, you got this figured out. Yeah, we could have bought one of those Waste Master systems by now with what we’ve spent on hoses. Would you mind if I did an article for a RVing website about your experience, as well as Drainmaster? Let me know.
Terri’s hubby here: The collapsible feature of the hose kinda made me go “hmmmm”….
But surprisingly, most of the reviews on Amazon -all recent- were positive. Question: Where did you store the hose when boondocking? This may be significant because if it’s stored in the bumper, I would suspect the temperature inside that bumper could get extremely high. Some plastics break down pretty easily under intense heat and/or sun exposure.
Still…my spidey sense tells me that repeated collapsing and opening of that thin “rhino” sheath is gonna lead to a shitty conclusion. Btw, our little disaster was the result of a leaking gate valve- which has since been fixed…I think???
Hey Roger. Yeah I saw those positive reviews too, but I also found it interesting that the negative ones were buried, even though some of them are new. It made me wonder if Camco is a paid advertiser for Amazon and somehow they get a say in where reviews show up. Nope, we didn’t store it in the bumper, it won’t fit with the end connectors. Sorry for your leaky gate valve disaster. We’ve had that happen too. Ick!
Hi Rene, we are on our first long RV trip. We aren’t full time. Such newbies!! I’m so happy to hear poo incidents are part of the experience! Our’s happened at a brand new RV park in Houston while we were hooking up for a three day stay for Thanksgiving. Our family was waiting for us to go out to dinner. We had a valve leak which we now think was some debris. OMG! I near sold the RV and hung it up there & then.
We bought the same hose. I’m getting a new one ASAP!
Terri
Hey Terri! Well that’s a Thanksgiving to remember! Sorry you had to deal with that. As my friend said on our Thanksgiving day, when our dog ate our pumpkin and pecan pies, “It’s not Thanksgiving unless something goes wrong!” Best wishes to you on the road, keep in touch!