Sewer hoses for RVs are not something you think about often, but when they break or stop working, it’s an emergency requiring immediate attention. Your sewer hose needs to be free of cracks and ready for your camping season.
We’ve reviewed the best RV sewer hoses for 2020 and show you what to look for when choosing the right hose kit.
A sewer hose’s purpose is to drain your waste tank. If it is in poor condition, or there are leaks, draining your tank can be a messy job.
The best RV sewer hose stands up to consistent use without breaking down or developing cracks or pinholes. It needs to be long enough to reach the dumping station without overextending it, which can rip the hose.
The KOA has some great educational videos about RV sewer hoses and how to use them, along with their fittings. Let’s take a look at some other features you should consider before purchasing a sewer hose.
You are not going to be right next to the dumpsite all the time while camping unless it is for temporary dumping. Most of the time, you will be further away and will need a longer hose. If the tube that came with your RV is not long enough, you may need to buy an extension hose and connect it with an affordable connector.
We recommend buying 20 feet, which will be long enough to reach the dump station.
Your hose should be flexible and stand up to repeated use and storage during the camping season without cracking or breaking. Sewer hoses are wrapped in vinyl or other plastic around a wire coil, which gives it its flexibility and resilience.
Your sewer hose needs to withstand the pressure of several gallons of waste flowing through it, as well as any other accidents, such as being stepped on or driven over.
Not all wrapping material is suitable for heavy use, however. The thicker the fabric, the better, according to the KOA camping association.
Hose thickness is measured in mil: 15 mils, 18 mils, and 26 mils. If you buy a thinner hose, it may not stand up to repeated use, so it is imperative to check the thickness of the hose before buying.
A suitable sewer hose will compress to fit in a tight space, with storage covers to keep any waste still in the hose from leaking in your RV. The hose should stand up to many extensions and compression from repeated use throughout the camping season.
If your fittings do not fit snugly, everything else won’t matter, as it will still leak when emptying your waste tank. Many hoses come with pre-installed fittings, but if not, you will need to install the fittings yourself.
The best fittings are those with a rotating bayonet hook system to prevent leaks, that allow you to position the hose where you need to. Rotating joints will also let your hose to lay flat.
If you’re on a tight budget, these hose kits will fill your needs. Check out our recommendations.
Complete with a universal fit connector, this sewer hose kit should fit your needs for a durable, yet flexible hose. The fittings allow you to hook up to almost any RV holding tank and dumping station. You can also store it in tight spaces.
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The Valterra hose kit comes with two 10-foot hoses, rotating fittings, and a 90-degree universal adapter. The hoses compact to 25 inches for compact storage, which leaves more space for your camping gear.
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Sewer hose kits give you more value for your money, so if you can afford more options, check out these money-saving kits.
When you buy a sanitation kit, you get more than the sewer hose. The Camco RV kit also comes with a drop-in tablet supply to keep odors down, as well as gloves to use when emptying your storage tank. Weights and leak-proof seals complete your kit, so you can adequately drain your tank with only one purchase.
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Perfect for RVs with two containers and fittings, this hose kit allows you to attach two hoses for ease of emptying your tanks. It comes with swivel connectors to quickly move the hoses. The built-in gasket keeps odors from escaping while at the dumping station.
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While the RV sewer hoses reviewed above are good options, we have saved the best for last. The best RV sewer hose will be the one that works for your RV, but we’ve found these to be the best overall.
The RhinoFLEX sewer hose comes with two 10-foot hoses that can quickly be snapped together in the event you need the full 20 feet. It also comes with a 4-in-1 adapter that eliminates your need to weigh the hoses down while emptying your waste tank.
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When dumping your waste, you need a hose that will not break if accidentally stepped on or driven over. The RhinoEXTREME crush-resistant hose fills the bill with its TPE technology, which prevents pinholes. It also comes with two 10-foot hoses, so you are prepared no matter where you find yourself.
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Our favorite RV sewer hose is the Camco RhinoEXTREME, due to the crush-resistant hose with two separate hoses. While the hose is sturdy and holds up to heavy use, it can be folded down and stored in a tight space. We also like the pre-attached fittings, which makes it super simple to place the hose fitting on the end of your hose. It also stores well so that you can be on your way quickly without a lot of effort.
Regardless of what you choose to equip your RV’s sanitation needs, be sure to evaluate your needs before buying. Some hose kits may not fit your RV, so measure your hose connection to get the right size.
The RV lifestyle is one of freedom, so make sure you have the best RV sewer hose to contribute to your freedom.