Sewer hose and Valterra Tube

Fox

I’m new to all of this and was searching for what sewer hose to buy on this site.  Everyone seems to recommend RhinoFlex.  When I looked at Amazon I came across a Camco RhinoFlex 20 Ft (comes in 2-10ft. lengths) with swivel,  which I purchased.  Well, now I’ve been looking at Amazon and it got horrible reviews about coming apart and having black water spewing everywhere, etc.  So, my question is:  Are there different types of Rhinoflex sewer hoses?  
Also, the Camco RhinoFlex that I purchased does not fit in a Valterra tube.  There are little nubs protruding out on the sides around the opening where the hose cover secures.  The rhinoflex measures 4 3/4” wide at this point and the Valterra is only 41/2”.
So, do i return the sewer hose I bought and buy a different RhinoFlex and will this new sewer hose fit in the Valterra tube?  Thanks for your help.  I’m quite overwhelmed at this point!

pthomas745

The reviews on Amazon for the hoses are all combined, it seems, but they do have almost 3000 reviews, mostly positive.  I have the 15 foot Camco, and have no problems with it.  The way the fittings connect to the hose does take a bit of a learning curve, but it isn't hard.

Here is a thread about sewer tube storage that might help:

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/6300/sewer-hose-storage-tube-question

Sharon_is_SAM

Hi @Fox, first, which Valtera do you have?  I have the 64 inch that fits along the passenger side frame and the Rhinoflex fits well.  Posted pictures may help.   Never had a problem with the hose, but you do need to know how to tighten the connections.

dsfdogs

@Fox I have the same Rhinoflex you bought, two 10' sections, with attachments. So far, so good for me. Before I used it, I did notice I needed to tighten the tube onto the adapter and it's greasy! I think there were instructions and some writing on the end that tells you which direction to tighten.

ScottG

@Fox, per the above mentioned thread, I installed the 64" x 4.5" Valterra and it fits my RhinoFlex 15'--along with the right angle adapter--just fine. It seems unlikely Camco would be using different fittings on the same hose, but who knows.

If it truly doesn't fit, check out @Homebodyatheart's mod also in the above mentioned thread. In that case, shaving down the tabs on the fittings a bit allowed it to fit into a smaller-diameter carrier.

Fox

I also have the Valterra 64 “ tube.  Thanks for the tip about shaving off the nubs a bit so it slides into the tube.  I’m sure that will work great!  Something I just didn’t think of doing.  I personally had no trouble fitting the tubes together and I practiced using the hoses at home just with clean water and they were fine.  It’s just getting it into the tube that I’ll tackle now.  I can’t thank you enough.  This forum is simply wonderful—-my latest best read of each day!!!

ScottG

@Fox, before cutting on anything, you might confirm that 20' of hose will actually fit in the 64" carrier. My 15' fits with room to spare, but I've never paid attention to how much room. Seems like it could be tight, but maybe someone whose done it and actually knows what they are talking about could confirm or refute me!

hymie

Our 15' rhino fits perfectly in the 64" valterra tube.

Fox

I have an aluminum platform welded onto each side of the big box holding the LP and battery and a platform in front of the box on the tongue. (That;s how my T@B came)  So, I can’t just attach the Valterra tube along the side piece of the tongue.  Question:  Could I mount it under the bottom of the tongue along the side with multiple extra-heavy zip ties.  Pic below.  I did figure out how to mount  my spare tire in the front box on the tongue.  Getting help with welding a device.  Unfortunately my husband, an inventor and man who could fix anything died 8 years ago —-I picked up many tips from him over 40 years but not all the skills to implement my ideas! 

Homebodyatheart

@Fox welcome! I made my own tube and had to file those nubs down a bit. I used my dremel sanding tool. In place of zip ties what about metal strapping? Good luck!

ScottG

Fox said:

I have an aluminum platform welded onto each side of the big box holding the LP and battery and a platform in front of the box on the tongue. (That;s how my T@B came)  So, I can’t just attach the Valterra tube along the side piece of the tongue.  Question:  Could I mount it under the bottom of the tongue along the side with multiple extra-heavy zip ties. 

...

I think if you actually mount it under the tongue you will have a hard time getting the hose out past the tongue jack hardware and other impedimenta in that area. There's also the issue of reduced ground clearance--you might be replacing your carrier and hose on a regular basis!  ;-)

If you can stomach making a careful cutout in the aluminum tub--and if you are certain there's enough room in the back of the tub for the tube to pass through--you might consider doing what @hymie did above. I have my tube in that location and I really like it as it's out of the way but perfectly positioned for use. Beyond making the cutouts, you would  have it easy because you could secure the tube directly to the uprights on the aluminum platform. (I don't have the platform so my installation required some additional fitment.)

Other possibilities include mounting the tube above the tub, just under the front window, or crosswise underneath the rear of the trailer. If you poke around here on the forum you can probably find photos and descriptions from members who have taken that approach. Good luck!

Fox

Thanks for your suggestions.  Since I have no capability to cut the tub, I think I’ll look into your other suggestions.  

ColleenD2

hymie am I seeing this correctly? You have the tube mounted behind and under the box in the front up against the body of the T@B? Our dealer charges $100 to mount it under the back and he thought that was the best place. I don’t want any holes driven into the unit so I am looking at other solutions. We will have the Boondock platform which I think looks like yours. Is this zip tied on? Man, I say this every day but there is so much to learn and so much prep work before you even ever head out isn’t there? Thanks.

Sharon_is_SAM

@ColleenD2, Hymie’s mount requires cutting a curve into the propane tub.  I know you don’t want to put any more holes/cuts in the Tab, so have you considered the diamond plate hinged door system that creates a sewer hose box between the front frame members?  Is there still room for that with the platform?

Sharon_is_SAM

Also, this ideally keeps the dirty sewer equipment separated and easily accessible to the dump outlet.

jkjenn

Sharon_is_SAM said:

Also, this ideally keeps the dirty sewer equipment separated and easily accessible to the dump outlet.

This is my favorite solution because of the way it utilizes unused space and has the open bottom. Maybe @ChrisK would like to put his 3d Printing and design skills to work and create this in plastic, which should be cheaper, and allow you to pick colors (I would prefer black to blend with frame) and make a version for the Outback.

  

ScottG

I wouldn't trade my sewer-tube-mounted-behind-the-tub for anything, but Pop-T@Bs "tongue caddy" would be a close second choice. I'd even consider installing one for other items, except that it won't play well with the tongue-mounted spare mod so many of us have done (and like). I also vaguely recall there were some fitment issues on the Outback/Boondock because of the rack and/or larger tub. I'm not sure if there was a workaround for that.

jkjenn

ScottG said:

I wouldn't trade my sewer-tube-mounted-behind-the-tub for anything, but Pop-T@Bs "tongue caddy" would be a close second choice. I'd even consider installing one for other items, except that it won't play well with the tongue-mounted spare mod so many of us have done (and like). I also vaguely recall there were some fitment issues on the Outback/Boondock because of the rack and/or larger tub. I'm not sure if there was a workaround for that.

A number of folks have made their own for the Outback. Same idea, different dimmensions.

ChrisK

jkjenn said:

This is my favorite solution because of the way it utilizes unused space and has the open bottom. Maybe @ChrisK would like to put his 3d Printing and design skills to work and create this in plastic, which should be cheaper, and allow you to pick colors (I would prefer black to blend with frame) and make a version for the Outback.

Problem is my camper doesn't have this space. I wish it did so I could mount my spare there. I have a short-nosed frame. No space between the box and the tongue jack. Plus, that cover would take a much bigger printer than I have. That storage area sure is cool.

jkjenn

ChrisK said:

jkjenn said:

This is my favorite solution because of the way it utilizes unused space and has the open bottom. Maybe @ChrisK would like to put his 3d Printing and design skills to work and create this in plastic, which should be cheaper, and allow you to pick colors (I would prefer black to blend with frame) and make a version for the Outback.

Problem is my camper doesn't have this space. I wish it did so I could mount my spare there. I have a short-nosed frame. No space between the box and the tongue jack. Plus, that cover would take a much bigger printer than I have. That storage area sure is cool.

Bummer...I keep hoping.  .would be a great product, I think.

hymie

@ColleenD2  Others have the right of this. Cutting the tub was the only rational way for me to fit the valterra tube on (We have a dual battery box forward of the tub). Given the choice, I really like the tongue hose storage idea. Not a difficult thing to have someone make for you.

Our mount was easier to do with the tub off. And, yes, the tube is held in place by 8 heavy zip ties on the frame and platform.

Btw-I feel exactly like you in that I am extremely reluctant to put any holes in the trailer. This why we did not mount it under the back- new holes in the trailer itself are required!

You could also do as others have done and attach the tube to the bottom of the Yakima rack. I did not want to add any weight there.

Good luck with whatever you decide works best for you!

ColleenD2

Sadly no, because of the permanent spare mount. And we will be grey water only so it’s not the grossest. I will just buy the tube and walk around with it. I am sure something will inspire me.

tybladesmith

My take on a solution I saw someone else do. I like having the slinkey right by the dump valves.

I bolted to the vertical bars with 1/4-20 stainless bolts. 5" hole saw and auto trim dresses out the hole. I used an extra Valterra slip mount and had to shorten the tube for the brackets to line up with the bars. The tub should be mounted to the rack before setting the rack back on the trailer frame for the final bolt-up. 
This is how one takes a two minute job and turns it into an all day project.

ScottG

Yep. Outbacker/Boondockers have nice solution already in place with that platform. I recall somebody else skipped the bolts altogether and just zip-tied the tube to the uprights.

Of course, you still have to make the cuts in the aluminum tub, but most of the other fussy fitment required is eliminated.

Bayliss

I recently completed adding a Valterra 64" sewer hose tube

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007S3LC0E/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

to my 2019 320 S Boondock Lite.  I did not do anything new or unique than others on this forum have done, but I am posting some photos for whatever assistance they may provide to others considering this modification.

At the suggestion of @SteveW (thank you!), I made the aluminum cutouts using  a jigsaw and light metal blade:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Bosch-21-Teeth-Bi-Metal-T-Shank-Jig-Saw-Blade-Set-for-Cutting-10-16-Gauge-Sheet-Metal-and-Thin-Metals-3-Pack-T121AF3/203472127.

Also at the suggestion of @SteveW , I created a cardboard template, which was simply a tracing of the outer diameter of the end of the Valterra tube.  It worked out to an approximate 5" diameter circle.  As you can see in the photo below, the Boondock platform raised the aluminum tub above the A-Frame, so I "eyed it" to determine approximately how high up on the aluminum tub to place the cardboard pattern for cutting.

To determine where to place the template, I measured in approximately 3/4" or so from the edge of the Boondock platform to the outer edge of the template on both sides of the tub so that the cuts would be in the same general location.  [Another option would be to measure the distance from the aluminum diamond plate on the trailer body as a common point of reference to equalize the cuts (i.e., measure equal distances from the lowest/narrow point of the edge of the tub that butts up against the trailer body - - if you do that, you will need to slightly peel back the rubber trim at that location so you can measure from the metal point at the bottom of the tub to the Boondock platform on both sides of the tub).]

The placement of the height of the cut later allowed me to lift the Valterra tube up from where it would otherwise rest on the A-frame to a position that lines up better with the Boondock platform.  Also, I made the cuts fairly close to the Boondock platform to provide sufficient clearance between the Valterra tube and the propane lines that are secured to the diamond plate on the camper body.





I removed the aluminum tub from the trailer to make the cuts, which were fairly easy to complete with the jigsaw and recommended blade.  My wife helped hold/brace the aluminum tub while I made the cuts.  Be aware that when you cut the aluminum, a lot of small aluminum particles/shavings will be thrown off during the cutting process.  Therefore, you may want to do the cutting outside so those particles do not get all over your garage floor, or place some sort of covering on the floor to catch the particles.  If all else fails, you can do as I did and vacuum up the aluminum particles.

After making the cuts to the tub, I lined the rough/sharp edges with 1/8" automotive edge trim:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KG9BAY0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05__o00_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1 

I used a pair of tin snips to cut the trim to size, because there are metal tabs lining the inside edge of the trim to hold it securely in place against the aluminum cuts.





I had originally planned on cutting inside the cut lines that I had traced, simply because the diameter of the body of the tube is less than 5" in diameter.  However, I forgot to do that and instead cut along the line I had traced with a permanent marker.  But, it probably worked out for the best.  When I was ready to position the tube inside the cuts, I first laid the tube on the camper A-frame and then set the tub back on the frame.  Next, I bent/pulled the pliable aluminum of the tub outward slightly toward the tongue of the camper to get the tube to pop into the cuts.  It made for a pretty clean fit (with room for some movement, if needed), plus the tube has no way of slipping out from behind the tub, even without anything securing it to the camper.)

Here are the cutouts:



Below is a view of what the Valterra tube looked like while resting on the A-frame of the camper before I secured it to the Boondock platform.



Using a similar method of attachment as that used by @hymie , I passed two zip-ties through openings in the plastic mounting legs of the Valterra tube.  This allowed me to pull the tube upward and align it tightly against the base of the platform.  I did not have thicker/wider zip-ties immediately available, so I used some thinner high/low temp (and UV resistant) ties to secure the tube to the platform uprights.  I think they will hold well, since there is little weight/force on them, but I still plan on replacing them with wider and thicker zip-ties.







As an aside, as others have already noted, my 15' Rhino Flex sewer hose and attachments fit easily inside the Valterra tube.  The only thing I had to do was remove the 4 in 1 universal adapter from the clear elbow and turn it slightly at an angle to get it to slide into the storage tube.

My thanks to others who have previously posted similar modifications.  It made my shot at it much easier.  (Greg)

vorticity

Awesome post. Exactly what I needed to see.  We have the same trailer. 

Bayliss

Glad to hear it might help someone out, @vorticity . 

Bayliss

Since the question occasionally is raised as to whether the Camco 15' Rhinoflex sewer hose and attachments easily fit inside a Valterra storage tube like the one I (and others) have installed, I took a couple photos to show that it does (i.e., the current version).  I figured it might be helpful for new T@B owners considering modifying their camper to add the storage tube.  The first photo shows that the 90 degree clear elbow attachment at the end easily fits.  The second photo depicts the 4 in 1 universal adapter, which also slides in easily at a slight angle.  (Greg)

tybladesmith

@Bayliss, Nice job and writeup. 

Bayliss

Thank you, @tybladesmith.  It just so happens that I was at my camper today (where it is stored) and removed the original zip-ties, replacing them with a wider/thicker version for extra stability.  However, even if they all broke, the tube will still remain in place, which is nice.  I appreciate the inspiration for my installation, which I obtained from others with similar modifications.  (Greg)

ReenieG

@Bayliss you said, "After making the cuts to the tub, I lined the rough/sharp edges with 1/8" automotive edge trim:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KG9BAY0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05__o00_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1 "

This link you shared links to 10ft of this trim. It appears they also sell 3ft and 5ft lengths. Looking at your mod, I can't see any other areas you might have used this trim besides the fresh cuts the valterra tube goes through. How many feet did you order and how much would you say you used?