RV Sewer Hose: Decent, Better, and Best (Our Personal Experience)

Let’s face it, folks—when it comes to RVing, not everything is Instagram-worthy sunsets and cozy campfires. There’s the less glamorous side, the unmentionable, the dark underbelly of life on the road: dealing with your own… waste.

Yeah, I’m talking about sewer hoses.

It’s the RV accessory we all love to hate but absolutely can’t live without. So let’s get into the nitty-gritty and talk about the decent, the better, and the best options out there.

Trust me, your future self knee-deep in a potential biohazard will thank you.

The Decent Option: Camco Black Vinyl RV Sewer Hose

Price: Around $20 for a 20-foot hose

First up on our journey through the sewers (pun absolutely intended) is the Camco Black Vinyl RV Sewer Hose. Think of it as the entry-level guitar you bought in college—you know it’s not the best, but it gets the job done without breaking the bank.

I remember picking up one of these bad boys at a roadside camping store after my old hose decided to retire itself in the middle of nowhere. At around $20 for a 20-foot length, it’s hard to argue with the price. The hose is made of black vinyl, which gives it a decent amount of flexibility. It compresses down nicely for storage, which is a plus when you’re trying to cram everything into limited RV space.

But let’s keep it real. This hose is as basic as it gets. The fittings are sold separately, so you’ll need to shell out a bit more cash and effort to get it fully operational. Durability? Let’s just say it’s like that cheap umbrella that flips inside out with the first gust of wind. Use it gently, and it’ll serve you well for a season or two. Push it to its limits, and you might find yourself in a sticky situation—literally.

Personal Experience: During a stint in the Pacific Northwest, I relied on the Camco Black Vinyl hose for a couple of months. It worked fine for standard hookups at well-maintained parks. However, when I tried to stretch it to reach a farther dump station, it started to show signs of stress. Tiny pinhole leaks began to appear, and trust me, nothing ruins your morning coffee like noticing a slow drip from your sewer hose.

The Better Option: Thetford Titan RV Sewer Hose

Price: Approximately $50 for a 15-foot kit

Stepping up our game, we arrive at the Thetford Titan RV Sewer Hose. If the Camco Black Vinyl is the beginner’s guitar, the Titan is like upgrading to a solid mid-range acoustic—it sounds better, feels better, and you’re less likely to embarrass yourself at the campground jam session.

Priced at around $50 for a 15-foot kit, the Titan offers a noticeable leap in quality. Made from TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer), this hose boasts impressive durability and flexibility. It can withstand extreme temperatures, so whether you’re braving the desert heat or the alpine chill, the Titan holds its own.

One of the standout features is the pre-installed ergonomic fittings. These aren’t your flimsy, hard-to-grip connectors; they’re robust, easy to handle, and ensure a secure fit. The hose also comes with a versatile 5-in-1 sewer adapter, making it compatible with virtually any dump station you’ll encounter on your travels.

Personal Experience: I switched to the Titan after my less-than-pleasant experience with the Camco Black Vinyl. The difference was immediate. Connecting and disconnecting became a breeze, and I didn’t have to worry about the hose twisting or kinking. During a particularly cold night in Montana, the hose remained flexible, which was a lifesaver when I had to do an early morning dump before hitting the road. The Titan gave me peace of mind—a valuable commodity when dealing with human waste.

The Best Option: Camco Rhino Extreme RV Sewer Hose

Price: Around $70 for a 20-foot kit

Now, for the pièce de résistance—the Camco Rhino Extreme RV Sewer Hose. This is the Rolls-Royce of sewer hoses, the kind of equipment that makes seasoned RVers nod in quiet respect when they see you set it up. At approximately $70 for a 20-foot kit, it’s an investment, but one that pays dividends in reliability and longevity.

The Rhino Extreme is constructed from a heavy-duty TPE material reinforced with steel wire. This thing is built like a tank but moves like a ballerina. It’s abrasion-resistant, crush-resistant, and can withstand whatever Mother Nature—or your clumsy campsite neighbor—throws at it.

The kit includes pre-attached swivel fittings, locking rings, and storage caps. The swivel fittings are a game-changer, allowing you to twist and turn the hose without worrying about it disconnecting or leaking. The hose also features a transparent elbow, giving you the somewhat morbid satisfaction of knowing when your tank is fully emptied.

Personal Experience: I bit the bullet and upgraded to the Rhino Extreme after an unfortunate incident (more on that later). This hose has been my faithful companion for over a year now, surviving multiple cross-country trips and a variety of challenging environments. From rocky desert terrains to muddy festival grounds, the Rhino Extreme has held up without a hitch. The confidence it gives you is priceless—well, actually, it’s about 70 bucks, but you get the idea.

Why Investing in a High-Quality Sewer Hose Matters

You might be thinking, “Why should I drop extra cash on something that literally handles crap?” Fair question. Allow me to share a cautionary tale that might change your perspective.

It was a sunny afternoon at a crowded campground near the Grand Canyon. The kind of day that makes you grateful to be alive and on the road. I was using my reliable (or so I thought) sewer hose—the Camco Black Vinyl I mentioned earlier. Everything was going smoothly until I noticed a slight bulge in the hose as I was dumping the black tank.

Before I could react, the hose ruptured. And when I say ruptured, I mean it exploded like a foul-smelling piñata. In an instant, I was covered in unspeakable filth. The nearby campers looked on in horror—and perhaps a bit of amusement—as I stood there, drenched and defeated.

I scrambled to shut off the valve, but the damage was done. My clothes were ruined, my dignity shattered, and I spent the next hour cleaning up a mess that could rival any hazmat situation. Let’s just say, no amount of showering makes you feel clean after that kind of ordeal.

That was the day I vowed never to skimp on essential gear again. The cost of replacing cheap equipment pales in comparison to the potential fallout—social, emotional, and olfactory—from a catastrophic failure.

The Aftermath and Lessons Learned

Post-disaster, I did some soul-searching (and a lot of laundry). I realized that in the grand scheme of things, investing in quality equipment isn’t about luxury; it’s about safety and peace of mind. The experience also gave me a newfound respect for the often-overlooked components that make RV life manageable.

I upgraded to the Thetford Titan shortly after, and eventually to the Camco Rhino Extreme. Each step up was like shedding a layer of anxiety. No more second-guessing the integrity of my sewer hose, no more holding my breath every time I pulled the release valve.

Making the Right Choice for You

So where does that leave you? If you’re new to the RV scene or operate on a tight budget, the Camco Black Vinyl RV Sewer Hose might suffice for short-term or infrequent use. Just handle it with kid gloves and be hyper-aware of any signs of wear.

If you’re a regular traveler who values a balance between cost and reliability, the Thetford Titan RV Sewer Hose is a solid bet. It offers enhanced durability without venturing into high-end pricing.

But if you’re like me—someone who sees their RV as a home on wheels and wants the utmost reliability—the Camco Rhino Extreme is the way to go. It’s an investment in peace of mind, and after what I’ve been through, that’s worth every penny.

Tips for Sewer Hose Maintenance

Regardless of which hose you choose, proper maintenance is key to longevity and performance. Here are some tips to keep your sewer hose in tip-top shape:

• Regular Inspection: Before and after each use, check for any signs of wear, cracks, or leaks. Early detection can prevent disaster.
• Proper Storage: Store your hose in a dedicated compartment or container to avoid damage from other items. Many RVs have a built-in storage tube under the chassis.
• Thorough Cleaning: After dumping, rinse the hose thoroughly with clean water. Some campgrounds offer non-potable water specifically for this purpose.
• Avoid Overextension: Don’t stretch the hose beyond its intended length. Overextension can weaken the material and lead to tears.
• Use Support Systems: Sewer hose supports can help maintain a downward slope from your RV to the dump station, aiding in the efficient flow of waste and reducing stress on the hose.

The Unsung Hero of RV Accessories

In RV life, the sewer hose is hardly the most glamorous thread. But it’s an essential one. It’s the quiet workhorse that, when functioning properly, goes unnoticed—and that’s exactly how you want it.

Investing in a high-quality sewer hose is about more than just avoiding a messy mishap (although that’s a huge part of it). It’s about embracing the full spectrum of RV living, the highs and the lows, with the confidence that you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.

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