Answering the needs of boaters and RV travelers, these black water tanks are designed for waste and gray-water containment in mobile living spaces. This guide highlights five reliable options, suitable for different tank sizes and installation scenarios. Best for: mid-size to large campers, tiny houses with mobile waste systems, and boaters seeking sturdy MDPE tanks with standardized 3-inch outlets. The following table compares key specs to help quick decision-making.
| Product | Tank Capacity | Material | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| classAcustoms WT-1653 | 16 gal | MDPE | Compact RVs and trailers |
| Class A Customs WT-1400 | 14 gal | MDPE | Small RVs and campers |
| classAcustoms WT-3161 | 31 gal | MDPE | Mid-to-large RVs, campers, trailers |
| classAcustoms WT-2800 | 28 gal | MDPE | Medium RVs with higher capacity |
| Camco Rhino Tote Tank | 36 gal | HDPE | Portable waste transport & remote dump |
classAcustoms WT-1653 16 Gallon Black Water Tank
Best for compact RVs and trailers that need a durable, USA-made waste tank. This 16-gallon model uses MDPE resin and is designed for waste/gray-water use only. The 3-inch ABS outlet is fixed, and installation requires end-user placement of inlet and vent. Do not pressurize the tank and avoid over-tightening fittings to prevent damage. Suitable for RVs, campers, and tiny houses with space constraints.
- Not for drinking water; waste/gray water only.
- Outlet placement fixed; inlet/vent must be added by user.
- Vent required for proper operation; hardware not included.
Best for buyers who want a lightweight, USA-made option with straightforward capacity for smaller rigs. Caution: installation requires PVC/ABS piping and venting planning; ensure compatible dump valve components are added to the piping.
Class A Customs 14 Gallon RV Waste Black Water WT-1400
Better for smaller RVs or trailers needing a compact waste tank with a similar build to larger Class A Customs models. This 14-gallon WT-1400 uses MDPE resin and follows the same venting and outlet conventions as other Class A Customs tanks. The fixed 3-inch outlet requires careful planning for inlet/vent placement by the end user. Do not pressurize the tank.
- 3″ ABS outlet is fixed; plan inlet and vent locations during installation.
- Not for fresh water. Designed for waste/gray water only.
- Hardware not included; dump valve connections added to piping.
Choose this if you need a slightly smaller, USA-made tank with the same reliability as larger models while fitting tighter RV spaces. Limitation: smaller capacity means more frequent dumps on longer trips.
classAcustoms WT-3161 31 Gallon Black Water Tank
Best for mid-to-large RVs or campers needing substantial capacity without frequent dumps. The WT-3161 is built in the USA from MDPE and uses a fixed 3-inch outlet. It follows the same venting requirements as other Class A Customs tanks. Inlet/vent positions are user-determined during installation. Do not over-tighten fittings to avoid damage.
- Large 31-gallon capacity supports longer trips between dumps.
- Outlet fixed; plan inlet/vent locations accordingly.
- Hardware not included; follow venting requirements for proper operation.
Choose this for travelers who want a larger waste tank in a compact footprint. Caution: installation requires careful piping and venting work to ensure proper venting and drainage.
classAcustoms WT-2800 28 Gallon Black Water Tank
Best for travelers needing substantial capacity with balanced footprint. The WT-2800 is a 28-gallon MDPE tank, designed for waste/gray-water use only, with a fixed 3-inch outlet. Inlet and vent locations are left to the installer, and hardware is not included. Tank must be vented and not pressurized for safe operation.
- 28 gallons offer good long-haul capability between dumps.
- Fixed outlet; inlet/vent placement determined by user installation.
- Do not pressurize; avoid overtightening connections.
Best for mid-sized RVs where you need more capacity than the 16–14 gallon options but still want a manageable size. Limitation: installation planning is essential to align with existing plumbing.
Camco Rhino 36-Gallon RV Tote Tank
Best for remote dumps or when sewer access is limited. The Camco Rhino tote tank is a portable waste transfer solution with large no-flat wheels, a built-in gate valve, and a steel tow adapter. It is not a fixed tank; it serves as a transport device for waste disposal from an RV black water tank when the sewer line is out of reach. Made from UV-stabilized HDPE, it is designed for rugged outdoor use.
- Portable and easy to move across uneven terrain.
- Large wheels and towing capability improve maneuverability.
- Not a fixed waste tank; intended for transport to a dump station.
Choose this if you frequently park far from dump stations or need a mobile waste-transport option. Limitation: it is a tote, not a permanent tank, so it complements but does not replace fixed holding tanks.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
What capacity do you need?
Tank size should match your trip length, number of users, and whether you prefer fewer dumps. Larger rigs benefit from 28–36 gallon tanks, while smaller vehicles can use 14–16 gallon options without overcrowding spaces.
Is the material durable enough?
MDPE is common for fixed black water tanks and offers good impact resistance and chemical stability. For portable totes, HDPE like Camco’s may provide extra outdoor durability and UV resistance.
What about installation?
Fixed tanks require planned inlet and vent locations and proper piping (PVC/ABS). The outlet should remain fixed, and over-tightening fittings should be avoided. Hardware is typically not included, so verify compatibility with your existing fittings and dumps.
Ventilation and safety
Most tanks must be vented to operate correctly. Do not pressurize tanks; improper pressure can damage fittings and the tank body. Ensure you have compatible venting components and that dumps connect to appropriate piping.
Portability vs. permanence
Tote tanks offer portable waste handling for remote dumps, while fixed tanks are meant to remain in place on the RV or vessel. Choose the option that aligns with your camping style and access to dump stations.
What about warranty and installation support?
Product pages typically outline installation requirements and hardware needs. When possible, check for manufacturer guidance on inlet/vent placement and recommended dump-valve configurations to avoid installation errors.
FAQ
- What is the main difference between MDPE and HDPE tanks? MDPE is commonly used for fixed holding tanks with proven durability, while HDPE is used in portable totes for rugged outdoor use. Both resist chemicals and are suited for waste or gray-water use.
- Do these tanks require a vent? Yes. Tanks must be vented to allow air in and out during use. Do not seal or pressurize the tank.
- Can I use these tanks for drinking water? No. These tanks are designed for waste/gray-water use only, not for potable water.
- Is installation difficult for fixed tanks? Installation requires planning for inlet and vent placement, as well as securing piping. Hardware is typically not included, so configure fittings carefully to prevent leaks.
- Is a portable tote tank worth it for RV trips? A tote tank is valuable when dump stations are far away or hoses cannot reach. It complements fixed tanks by enabling remote disposal without immediate access to a dump station.
- What should I consider for capacity versus space? Balance tank capacity with the vehicle’s available space. Larger tanks provide longer intervals between dumps but require more installation room.