
When you’re RVing off-grid or at a campsite without a dump station, a portable waste tank becomes essential. But with capacities ranging from 10 to 50+ gallons, varying construction materials, and assorted features, it can be tricky to select the best portable waste tank for your specific rig and needs. To help you pick the right one for your RV, we’ve researched and compared offerings from top brands like Camco, Barker, and Thetford.
Portable Waste Tank Comparison Table
Here is a table to help you compare the best portable waste tanks in the market based on price, size, capacity, durability, etc.
Brand & Model | Camco Rhino 21 Gal. | Thetford 35 Gal. Titan Tote | Barker 4-Wheeler 32 Gal. |
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Price | $259.99 | $202.57 | $284.99 |
Weight | 34.5 lbs | 24 lbs | 40.4 lbs |
Material | UV-stabilized HDPE | Not specified | Blow-molded polyethylene |
Durability | Mostly durable | Sturdy construction | Durable, chemical- & stress-resistant |
Dimensions | 20.5″L x 13″W x 40″H | 50.5″L x 22.5″W x 16.5″H | 45″L x 24″W x 11.5″H |
Warranty | Not specified | 12 months | 1 year |
Wheels | 2 oversized no-flat wheels | 2 heavy-duty wheels | Premium pneumatic w/ axle bearings |
Capacity | 21 gallons | 35 gallons | 32 gallons (16, 25 and 42 gallon options available) |
Towing | Removable tow adapter | Tow straps | Can be towed on the ground. |
Unique Features | Tank rinser, ladder hook, storage caps | AutoStop level gauge, lowest fill height. | Front-mounted double wheel -swivel |
1. Camco Rhino 21-Gallon Portable RV Tote Tank: Our Best Overall Pick
Price:
$259.99
Features
- Durable & Compact: The Camco Rhino is built for durability with its UV-stabilized HDPE construction. It also packs a lot of functionality into its relatively compact 21-gallon size.
- Easy to Transport: It comes with heavy-duty no-flat wheels with bearings for smooth transport. It also has a removable steel tow adapter, enabling you to tow it slowly behind the vehicle.
- Easy to Secure & Clean: It has a ladder hook that allows for easy securing to your RV exterior. It also has a low drain hole to drain the tank effectively and a built-in tank rinser for easy cleaning between uses.
- Accessories: It comes with the accessories of a 3′ sewer hose, 15″ grey water hose, clear elbow with 4-in-1 adapter, and storage caps.
Pros
- Portable Size: The compact dimensions (20.5″L x 13″W x 40″H) make this Camco model easier to fit in storage compartments than larger options.
- Included Accessories: Comes with all hoses and fittings needed to use right out of the box.
- Tow Option: The removable tow adapter allows you to transport waste longer distances without carrying the full tank.
Cons
- Challenges in Filling: The tank may not fit under the sewer pipe outlet of your RV. This makes it difficult to fill up the tank.
- Small Capacity: The 21 gallons fill up quickly in larger RVs or with heavy use. So, it may require frequent emptying.
2. Thetford 35-Gallon Titan Tote: Best 2-Wheel Design
Price: $202.57 (approximately)
Features
- Design: This portable waste tank is a solid mid-size portable waste tank. It has a basic design, is rugged, and has 2 wheels. It has a unique grey-green color combination.
- Transport: This tote has integrated handles and ladder hooks for mounting the tank on ladder support. It also has straps so that you can attach it to the trailer hitch.
- Weight: At 24 lbs, when empty, the Titan is the lightest of the three tanks on our list. But the 2-wheel design and built-in handles do make solo transport possible.
Pros
- Easy to Use: This waste tank is ready to use as soon as you take it out of its box. It has pre-attached straps and side handles for easy transportation. It has a pre-attached hose for easy function.
- Decent Capacity: 35 gallons is a suitable capacity for most couples or small families. It also has a low fill height that fits most RV heights.
- Horizontal Emptying: You don’t need to tip the tank to get the waste out of it. Also, the AutoStop level gauge prevents overfill.
Cons
- Only 2 Wheels: While maneuverable, 4 wheels would make it easier to move. You will need to buy a separate LX Upgrade Kit for the front wheels.
3. Barker 4-Wheeler 32 Gallon: Best 4-Wheeler Portable Tank
Price: $284.99
Features
- Capacity: This tank has a 32-gallon capacity. It is also available in 25 and 42-gallon versions.
- Design: This blow-moulded polyethylene tank has high-quality zinc-plated steel & aluminum hardware.
- Transport: With its unique front-mounted swivel wheels and pneumatic tires, the Barker 4-Wheeler is designed to roll smoothly over any ground. It has 10″ or 6″ pneumatic wheels with axle bearings & grease fittings. The front-mounted double-wheel swivels for 360° turns.
- Emptying: Its 3″ waste valve allows horizontal emptying without tipping the tank.
Pros
- All-Terrain Wheels: The premium pneumatic tires and front swivel make it easy to roll the Barker over gravel, sand, mud, and uneven ground.
- Durable Materials: The heavy-duty polyethylene and metal components are chemical resistant and built to last.
- Horizontal Emptying: The low-mounted waste valve allows you to empty the tank without awkward tipping, even when full.
Cons
- Bulky to Store: The rugged construction and 32-gallon size make for a fairly bulky tank that takes up significant storage space. At 40.4 lbs, this is the heaviest portable waste tank we found.
- Pricey: While cheaper than the Thetford, the Barker is still on the higher end for portable waste tanks. The pneumatic wheels and front swivel add to the cost.
Here’s How We Picked the Best Portable RV Waste Tanks
To find the best portable waste tanks for RVing, we considered the following key factors:
- Capacity: Larger tanks mean less frequent emptying. We looked for tanks with capacities from 20-40 gallons to suit a range of RV sizes and trip durations.
- Ease of Transport: Since you’ll be moving the tank to a dump station, we prioritized models with rugged wheels, ergonomic handles, and features like tow capability.
- Durability: The best portable waste tank is one that endures exposure to the elements and caustic chemicals. We favored tanks made from thick, UV-resistant polyethylene with heavy-duty hardware.
- Emptying Mechanism: The emptying mechanism of a portable waste tank should be convenient so that anyone can do it while on the move. Tanks with larger waste valves (3″+), built-in vents, and elbow adapters allow for faster, more complete, no-mess emptying. We also considered horizontal vs. vertical emptying.
- Extra Features: Finally, we looked at user-friendly add-ons like pre-attached hoses, AutoStop gauges, tank rinsers, and storage options for hoses and accessories.
Keep Your RV Clean and Waste-free!
With the best portable waste tank in your RV, you’ll never again have to pass up that perfect boondocking site just because it lacks a dump station. By investing in a high-quality, properly sized model from a reputable brand like Camco, Barker, or Thetford, you can camp longer and dump smarter, while avoiding unpleasant sewage spills. Just be sure to dispose of waste properly and follow leave-no-trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment.