Odor Control in Your RV - Part 2 - Additives
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Last week I discussed in part 1 of this series on odor control in your RV how venting can alleviate some issues.
This week I am tackling additives.
One fine product I’ve tested and recommended for years is RM Tank Care manufactured by Tri-Synergy, Inc.
RM Tank Care was a the forefront of the development of the, now very popular, enzyme-based, bacteria-infused holding tank additives.
Please note I said “additives”, and not chemicals. Their special blend has been proven to actually digest the odor causing molecules at their source inside the wast tanks, thereby eliminating them rather than masking them. We’ve all smelled so-called additives that were almost as obnoxious as the tank odor itself.
RM Tank Care breaks down other organic compounds like oils, greases and detergents as well so feel free to use it in both holding tanks. I even recommend periodically pouring a 1/4-cup of RM Tank Care down each “P” trap to address odors that can originate there.
Some holding tank products consist of harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde (and its derivatives), quaternary-based and phenol-based compounds. The issue of chemical products has prompted many state parks, campgrounds, dump stations and local municipalities to ban the evacuation of RV holding tanks if such chemicals are used.
There are certainly other makers of enzyme-based holding tank additives out there now, but RM Tank Care was one of the first; and it was the first additive I had success with so I see no reason to change horses mid-stream.
Well that’s it this week. In part 3 of the series, I’ll discuss waste component systems and how they can play a role in odor control.
Gary Bunzer, The RV Doctor
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Where is RM Tank Care found. The website for the company doesn’t seem to work. I haven’t seen it at the “usual” places. Thanks for the help.
Steve
I purchased RM Tank Care when we first purchased a TT. I didn’t have a good experience with it. Unless I was doing something wrong we had an odor issue. I had to switch to another product. The drop in pouches have worked better for us.
Like I said, not sure if I was doing something wrong or not.
I have always tryed to unload my tanks while on a trip so as not to carry around a load of STUFF and was wondering just how well a product works when it may be in the tanks only for a few days. Also if the tank is only 1/4 full, how can it clean the sensors up top? I would like to know how FAST the products work if anyone knows. Other wise it just keeps the odor down. ??? At the cost what is better while on the road. At home I like to fill up full with water and let something eat the tank clean. But on the road never over 1/4 full as some time I dont have a place to dump. Bob
I am also having problems finding the website for RM Tank Care. Any help? Or any website that sells this product. I was wondering how much it cost and also the directions for the product?? Like how long it needs to be in the tank. While traveling and camping we like to empty about every other day. Connie
Connie, Just click on the photo and it will take you to a website to get it. Its about 17.95 a little costly for dumping every other day. bob
Checked out RM Tank Care on the website. It’s a bit expensive @ $1.12 an ounce. Then again, it depends on whether you can afford it, and how bad your tank odors are.
You mentioned that there were now other products on the market that are simlar to RM Tank care, but did not mention any. It would be good if you would give us options which may be cheeper or easer to find without having to send off for them and pay shipping cost. Bill
[...] your subscription. Thanks for visiting and enjoy all the information! RV.Net Blog AdminIn part 1, part 2, part 3 and part 4 of this series of posts I’ve discussed how venting, additives, waste [...]
Hi gang….I’ve located the correct website for Tri-Synergy and RM Tank Care:
http://www.trisyn.com/ret-cap/ret-rm-cap.htm
I’ve spoken with the owner of the company and they are willing to field questions directly so feel free to contact them at:
tevan@americover.com
I’m sure they will make the pricing right for readers of this blog!
And to address Bill Chaffee’s comment above….
Well said Bill, but allow me to explain my philosophy. Years ago I made a committment to the readers of my RV Doctor Column that if I ever mention a product by name, it means I have personally tested and evaluated that product or had one of my ‘beta’ testers evaluate it for me using my guidelines and standards. I’ve stuck by that mantra ever since. So, since I’ve not tested those other products that I know exist, I hesitate to comment. Simply wouldn’t be fair. I’m sure many of them do indeed work or they certainly wouldn’t last on the market for very long! But without firsthand knowledge, I decline to comment either way. My bottom line, use whatever product works best in your specific application. I agree, an in-depth comparison regarding all similar waste system products would be ideal. Any takers?
Please note that I am not compensated in any way by mentioning any specific product. I simply pass on to my readers information about the products and processes I’ve investigated.
Cheers!
Gary
For James above:
If you’ve been using chemicals in your holding tanks prior to using RM Tank Care, there is a process that must be performed first in order to get the live bugs to survive in a previously hostile environment. If the tanks are not properly prepared prior to using RM Tank Care, it will not function as designed. Those instructions come with the product.
Gary