Your vintage trailer’s holding tanks might be out of sight, but they should never be out of mind. Proper maintenance keeps your plumbing system running smoothly and prevents the unpleasant odors, leaks, and clogs that can ruin a great camping trip.
Winterizing and Protecting Your Tanks
If your trailer will sit through cold weather, a few simple steps can prevent major headaches later:
- Add RV antifreeze to traps and drain lines for freeze protection.
- Lubricate fittings and valves with a silicone-based lubricant—never petroleum-based—to keep them from sticking.
- Cap off vent stacks or pipes with breathable covers to block rodents and insects, but avoid airtight seals.
- Keep air circulating if stored indoors to prevent condensation and minor freeze cycles.
Seasonal Care and Maintenance Tips
Here’s a quick seasonal checklist to keep your system at its best:
| Season / Time | Key Tasks |
|---|---|
| Start of Season (Spring) | Deep clean, flush & sanitize, calibrate sensors, inspect seals |
| During Active Use | Dump & rinse frequently, monitor sensors, avoid overfilling |
| Before Winter / Off-Season | Drain tanks fully, add antifreeze, cap vents, inspect valves |
| Annually | Perform or schedule a professional deep clean, replace gaskets/valves |
Best-Practice Reminders
- Don’t fill your black tank more than 80% full—this leaves room for gases and flushing.
- Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals; they can corrode fittings and seals.
- Never store your trailer with waste still in the tanks.
- Keep a small kit of spare parts—valves, gaskets, O-rings—especially for older systems that are harder to source.
By following these simple maintenance steps, you’ll prevent costly repairs and keep your trailer road-ready season after season.
Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll explore when it’s time to call in the pros for a professional deep clean.
Need a professional cleaning? Save $50 when you have it done at a Trailerfest Rally or contact Kleen Tank.
