Thetford SmartTote2 LX Portable Waste Tank
Taking a motorhome to an RV park with a dump station but no sewer hookups requires additional planning. The same goes for boondocking; after just one day off the grid, you may notice the gray and black tanks can fill up fast. Having to break camp every time the holding tanks need emptying is annoying, making the purchase of a portable waste tank money well spent.
Portable tanks come in assorted sizes, with varying features. The problem can be where where to store the tank in a motorhome. A 35-gallon tank big and can take up space for required stored items. Using a portable tank that’s smaller than the onboard holding tank, however, entails an attentive transfer process to avoid an overflowing mess. A portable model that’s equal
in size or larger than the onboard tanks is preferred.
One of the best portable tanks on the market is the Thetford SmartTote2. Thetford developed a portable tank that is light, strong and easy to use. It’s made of a durable plastic that’s relatively lightweight but can handle the stress of carrying heavy contents, being pulled around and then dumped.
The SmartTote2 is available in four two-wheel models in capacities from 12 to 35 gallons. The four-wheel models come in 18-, 27- and 35-gallon sizes with an extendable towing handle, an AutoStop level gauge, a vent for fast emptying, and a rinsing port. There is also a built-in hose with connectors mounted inside a closable PermaStore compartment.
Transporting a portable tank in an RV can be a challenge because of the size. Thetford came up with the Tote Storage System ladder that is designed to support an empty portable tank on a motorhome’s roof-access ladder.
The lightweight aluminum ladder mount has swiveling arms wrapped in a rubber sleeve on the bottom to cradle the tank, which is held in place with a pull-strap. The mount attaches to the ladder via swivel brackets that allow the arms to swing out of the way.
SmartTote2 LX tanks sell for $225 to $325 and come with a one-year warranty. The Tote Storage System ladder mount has an MSRP of $74.99.
