Tote-ally Essential: Choosing the Right Portable RV Waste Tank

Posted by Dave on Sep 22nd 2025

What to Look for When Buying a Portable Waste Holding Tank

A portable waste holding tank or “tote” is a valuable accessory for RVers, campers, or anybody who needs to move black/grey water from the rig to a dump station without hitching or moving the whole vehicle. But not all tanks are equal. Here are the key criteria to evaluate, then how Barker, Thetford, and Camco stack up.

Key Considerations

Feature	Why It Matters
Capacity (gallons/liters)	Larger capacity means fewer trips to the dump station. But big = heavy and bulky when full, harder to store, maneuver, and transport. You want one that matches your waste output and how often you’ll visit dump stations.
Drain / Dump Valve Design	Having a side-mounted or low-mounted valve lets you empty without awkward lifting or tipping. A large-diameter valve speeds up dumping. Venting also helps.
Portability / Wheels / Maneuverability	A tank is only useful if you can actually move it. Four-wheeled designs are easier; wheels that are air-filled or no-flat help over rough surfaces. Handles, steering or tow attachments add convenience.
Material & Build Quality	Durable plastics (e.g. high-density polyethylene) resist UV damage, cracking, and chemicals. Quality of fittings, valves, and hardware matters.
Ease of Cleaning	Rinse-out ports or built-in rinsers make a big difference. Smooth interior shapes and good venting make cleaning easier.
Storage and Size	Consider where you’ll store it when not in use. Height matters compared to your RV’s sewer outlet, and bulk affects portability and storage space.
Accessories / Extras	Hose adapters, clear elbows, tow brackets, level gauges, and built-in rinsers all add convenience and safety.
Weight (empty and full)	A large tank may be manageable empty but extremely heavy when full. Make sure you can realistically handle it.

Brand Comparisons: Barker vs Thetford vs Camco

Brand	Strengths	Trade-Offs	What to Look For
Barker	• Strong capacity options (25-, 32-, 42-gal sizes). • Durable build with quality valves and hardware. • Pneumatic/air-filled wheels, good for rough terrain.	• Heavier when full. • Wheels may need maintenance. • Fewer extras included. • Higher price point.	Look for side gate valves, sturdy handles/tow bar, level indicator, and ensure tank height matches your rig’s sewer outlet.
Thetford	• User-friendly design. • SmartTote2 and Titan models have 4 wheels and hose storage. • AutoStop level gauge on some units. • Often lighter empty.	• Smaller wheels on some models. • Fittings may wear faster. • Some models are taller.	Check for AutoStop gauge, built-in storage, durability of wheels, and dumping design.
Camco	• Feature-rich (Rhino line). • Often includes accessories like sprayers, rinse ports, clear elbows. • Good wheel options (no-flat, steerable). • Strong material quality.	• Some models are tall, which can cause clearance issues. • Plastic wheels in smaller models may wear faster. • Cost rises with accessories.	Look for models with side dump valves, no-flat wheels, included accessories, and UV-resistant build.

Real-World Scenarios / Guidance

Weekend trips with hookups – A smaller capacity is fine; portability and storage matter most.
Boondocking / Full-time RVing – A larger capacity tank with rugged wheels and a strong valve system is ideal.
Rough terrain vs paved campgrounds – Wheel design matters. Pneumatic or heavy-duty wheels excel off pavement.
Limited storage space – Tank height and length matter, especially for compact RVs.
Budget vs durability – Spending more upfront often means fewer replacements and less frustration.

Barker vs Camco vs Thetford: A Quick Snapshot

Attribute	Barker	Thetford	Camco
Rugged build & hardware	✅ Excellent durability	Good with focus on usability	Strong with many reinforced parts
Accessories included	Moderate	Decent	Very strong
Weight / manageability	Heavy in large sizes	Often lighter	Varies; larger models can be heavy
Dumping convenience	Very good, wide gate valves	Mixed; some require tipping	Larger models very good
Wheel performance	Pneumatic, rugged	Smaller wheels on some	No-flat, steerable on many
Price / value	Premium durability	Balanced	Premium with many extras

Tips After Buying

Rinse and clean after each use to prevent buildup and odors.
Check and maintain wheels and valves regularly.
Store the tank protected from UV if possible.
Never overfill; weight becomes unmanageable quickly.

Conclusion

There’s no one perfect tote tank for everyone. Barker, Thetford, and Camco all offer solid options, but the right choice depends on your RV lifestyle. Barker delivers rugged, long-lasting builds for heavy use. Thetford focuses on user-friendly features and lighter models. Camco offers lots of extras and strong all-around performance.

Choose the one that balances capacity, portability, durability, and convenience for your travel style.