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Even though all RV sewer hoses do the same thing – empty wastewater from your black and grey tanks into a sewer drain – they can vary greatly in terms of durability, functionality, ease of use and cost.
So there’s more to selecting the best RV sewer hose than you might expect at first glance.
Because your RV sewer hose carries away everything that goes into your camper toilet, it is a crucial piece of equipment that you definitely don’t want to fail. After all, we are talking about sewage. This means it’s important that your sewer setup is designed to be leak proof and connect securely so that you can simply empty your tanks into the waste hookup – without worrying about leaks!
Of course, it should also be easy to use, compact enough to fit well in storage on travel days, and durable enough to withstand constant use and exposure to the elements.
So what exactly should you look for when choosing an RV sewer hose?
Let’s take a look at our top picks and how to select the best RV sewer hose for your camping style!
5 Best RV Sewer Hose Picks
At a Glance
- Best RV Sewer Hose Overall – Camco RhinoFLEX
- Best Overall Runner-Up – Valterra Dominator
- Top Heavy-Duty Pick – Camco RhinoEXTREME
- Heavy-Duty Pick Runner-Up – Valterra Viper
- Best High End Sewer Hose for Ease of Use – Lippert Waste Master
If you’re in a hurry and simply want a good quality sewer hose at a fair price, just get the Camco RhinoFLEX 20 foot kit. Its combination of durability, functionality and size make it a great choice for most RVers.
Best RV Sewer Hose Overall
RhinoFLEX 20 Foot RV Sewer Hose Kit
Includes: two 10 foot RhinoFLEX sewer hoses, swivel bayonet fittings, transparent elbow with 4-in-1 adapter, and four storage caps.
Features:
- 23 mil polyolefin and steel wire hose for leak free dumping
- Hefty 4 prong fittings ensure secure connection
- Clear elbow adapter so you know when draining is complete
- Easy to use – holds it shape
- Each hose section compresses to 39 inches for storage
- Bayonet style drip caps
- All fittings swivel for ease of use
The RhinoFLEX is hands down our top pick for the best RV sewer hose. It combines durability to ensure leak free tank draining, functional design that makes it easy to use, and of course value for the price. To top it off, each hose compresses to 39 inches for space saving storage on travel days.
Camco Rhino sewer accessories are often also available at local RV dealers or Walmart. So if you ever need a replacement part you should be able to get it immediately.
This is the kit we use. It has worked well in every situation we have come across at a wide variety of campsites & dump stations. We proactively replace it every 3 years or so.
Best Overall Runner-Up
Valterra Dominator 20 Foot RV Sewer Hose Kit
Includes: two 10 foot hose lengths, swivel bayonet fittings, clear 90 degree sewer adapter, and four storage caps.
Features:
- UV stabilized 23 mil polypropylene hose stays flexible down to -20 F
- 4 prong fittings create tight connection
- Keeps shape once expanded or compressed
- Each 10 ft length collapses to 39 inches
- Slip in friction fit drip caps
- Clear view adapter
- All fittings rotate
The Valterra Dominator is another solid choice. Sturdy bayonet connections and a strong UV stabilized material reduce the chance of leaks. The rotating 4-in-1 clear elbow adapter ensures that you know when your tanks have completely emptied. All in all, this is a good sewer hose at a reasonable price.
Best Heavy-Duty Pick
Camco RhinoEXTREME 20 Foot RV Sewer Hose Kit
Includes: two 10 foot RhinoEXTREME hoses, swivel bayonet fittings, 4-in-1 adapter with clear elbow, and six storage caps.
Features:
- 24 mil TPE hose with polypropylene exoskeleton provides excellent abrasion and pinhole resistance
- Crush proof hose bounces back into shape if stepped on
- Bayonet fittings with 4 prongs create secure connection
- 4-in-1 adapter with clear elbow
- 6 bayonet style drip caps
- Each 10 ft section compresses to 50 inches for storage
- Flexible and rigid – holds its shape fairly well
- All fittings swivel
The RhinoExtreme is our top pick for the best heavy-duty RV sewer hose. It can really take a beating. The wire free hose is made of extremely tough 24 mil TPE surrounded by a polypropylene exoskeleton. Superior resistance to pinholes and abrasion, means you can count on this hose to drain your wastewater without leaking.
However, there is a trade off. The RhinoEXTREME’s heavy-duty construction means that each section only compresses to 50 inches for storage. So two compressed 10 ft sections are too long to fit in many travel trailer or fifth wheel bumpers.
Still, if you are looking for a super durable sewer hose and you have the space to store it, the RhinoExtreme is a great option.
Runner-Up Heavy-Duty Pick
Valterra Viper 20 Foot Kit
Includes: two 10 foot hoses, rotating bayonet fittings, sewer adapter with clear elbow, and four storage caps.
Features:
- 25 mil TPE hose with UV protection
- 135 mil protective beading for superior abrasion resistance
- Uncrushable hose springs back into shape if run over
- 4 hook bayonet fittings for secure connection
- Each 10 foot length collapses to 50 inches
- Adapter with transparent elbow
- Maintains shape fairly well
- Press fit drip caps
- All fittings rotate
- Flexible down to -20° F
Another great selection, the crush proof Valterra Viper is made to withstand whatever you throw at it. The heavy-duty 25 mil material and protective 135 mil beading along with sturdy fittings should ensure a leak free dumping process.
Each 10 foot section collapses to 50 inches. So make sure you have room to store it. This is a good choice if you want a tough and rugged sewer hose.
Best High End RV Sewer Hose for Ease of Use
Lippert Waste Master
Includes: one 20 foot sewer hose with built in shut off valve and molded handle, clear view 90 degree discharge port, CAM lock connector, drip plug, and a coupler assembly.
Features:
- Very durable heavy-duty TPV material
- UV, crush, abrasion and puncture resistant
- CAM Lock adapter is very secure and easy to use
- Single 20 ft hose, 66 inches when compressed
- Built in shut off valve at the sewer adapter
- Smooth interior for ease of cleaning
- Permanently connected sewer adapter with clear view port and a molded handle
- Rubber donut style sewer connector simple to use
Probably the easiest RV sewer hose of all to use, the Lippert Waste Master features ultra-durable material and leak-proof CAM lock fittings with a hefty price tag to match. It can even be left connected to the RV waste outlet (with an optional storage box) for even easier setup at the campsite! The rubber donut style adapter simply pushes into a sewer hookup. A CAM lock to bayonet adapter is available for use with a tote tank.
It should be noted that installation requires modifying your RV waste outlet. Also the sewer adapter is permanently attached so it will not fit in a bumper.
RV Sewer Hose Features To Look For
Arguably, the most important feature of an RV sewer hose is that it does not leak while you empty your tanks. For this you’ll need both secure fittings and a durable well constructed sewer hose. Next it should be easy to set up, use and store. Beyond that the best RV sewer hose for each camper will depend on your rig and camping style.
Let’s check out exactly what to look for.
Length
How long should an RV sewer hose be?
We recommend that most RVers carry a 20 foot sewer hose kit made up of two 10 foot sections. Full time RVers may want an extra 10 foot sewer hose for a total length of 30 feet.
This will work for the majority of camping scenarios. One 10 foot section can be used at the dump station or when a campsite hookup is close to your rig. To reach a hookup that is further away, simply connect the two hoses together.
Durability
Your sewer hose needs to be made of thick durable material so that your wastewater stays inside the hose where it belongs. And, because it is hooked up outside, it should be rugged enough to withstand both the weather and the environment. Think sharp rocks, gravel, rough curbs, hot sun and cold rain.
Here’s what to look for:
- Strong abrasion and pinhole resistant material that will not tear or puncture
- TPE or Poly with a minimum thickness of about 22 mil is best
- Thickness (measured in mil) – the more mil the better
- UV Stabilization
- Resistance to extreme temperatures
Fittings & Adapters
RV sewer adapters and fittings should create a secure and leak-proof connection. Even the strongest sewer hose is useless if it doesn’t stay securely attached while you empty your tanks.
Bayonet style fittings are the standard these days with the exception of the very secure CAM lock connection used in the Lippert Waste Master.
Look for swivel bayonet fittings with 4 prongs and replaceable gaskets to create a tight leak free seal with multiple connection points.
Adapters should securely fit a variety of sewer hookup types and have a rotating elbow to ensure that the hose lays flat.
Ease of Use
Your RV sewer hose should be both functional and easy to use. Who wants to wrestle with a sewer hose? Definitely not me!
So what makes a sewer hose easy to use?
It should:
- Be flexible enough to run around obstacles and rigid enough to hold its shape once put in place.
- Stay compressed until pulled open so that you can extend only what you need to reach from your RV waste outlet to the sewer pipe.
- Use rotating fittings and adapters both because they are easier to connect and prevent the hose from twisting.
- Compress to a size that is simple to maneuver and small enough to store easily.
- Include a clear elbow or adapter so that you can see when your tanks have emptied completely. And know that they are clean when the water runs clear during a black tank flush.
Bayonet fittings make a secure connection but they can be very difficult to turn. Camco makes a sewer wrench and some people use this oil filter wrench for Valterra fittings. The extra torque makes turning the fitting much easier.
Ease of Storage
One more important thing to consider is where to store your RV sewer hose. Of course, this will depend on your RV’s available storage. And while space is always at a premium in an RV, storing your sewer kit is a little more complicated. You probably don’t want it inside or in contact with other equipment.
When choosing your sewer hose make sure to consider its diameter and compressed length. In addition, think about where you can store your sewer adapters and accessories like the sewer support stand and black tank flush hose.
Common storage solutions include:
- In the bumper (Most sewer adapters won’t fit.)
- A dedicated bin for sewer accessories
- Add-on storage tubes like the Valterra adjustable length EZ Hose Carrier or the RecPro Extendable Waste Hose Super Slider Storage Tube can even fit your sewer hose and most adapters!
- DIY storage tubes made of PVC pipe or a hollow fence post
Whichever option you choose, you’ll want your sewer kit to be easy to access at both dump stations and campgrounds. And don’t forget the drip caps.
Conclusion
Picking the best RV sewer hose for your camping style will help ensure that you can easily hook up and empty your tanks without worrying about leaks. So to recap, look for a thick durable sewer hose and strong secure adapters and fittings. Consider which features are most important to you, pick a sewer hose, and have fun camping!
What Else You Need for Your RV Sewer Kit
- Sewer Hose Support Stand
This holds your sewer hose off the ground in grooved cradles that slope downward towards the waste hookup for optimal downhill flow. They are often required at campgrounds. The Camco Sidewinder RV sewer hose support stand is a well designed lightweight option made to extend for use, collapse for storage and curve around obstacles. - Black Tank Flush Hose
Dedicated water hose for flushing your black tank. I prefer the self coiling type because they are lightweight, easy to store and simple to rinse clean. Don’t use your freshwater hose! - Disposable Gloves
You’ll want to wear gloves when setting up or breaking down your sewer connection. - Flexible Sewer Seal Adapter
Made of material with a little give, the flexible adapter makes it much easier to connect to a sewer drain. Even when it is stripped or at an awkward angle. It even has handles to make it simple to remove. We used to use a sewer donut but this works way better. - Tank Rinsing Adapter (Only if you do not have a built-in black tank flush)
Connects to your RV waste outlet and allows you to flush your black tank. Available both with a gate valve or without a gate valve.
Related Reading
- How to Dump RV Waste Tanks: Easy (No Mess) Guide
- RV Toilet Paper (Necessary or Not?)
- How to Choose the Best RV Portable Waste Tank
- RV Sewer FAQ: Black and Grey Tank, Fittings & Dumping
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We’ve been full-time RVers since 2012. Over 127,000 miles and 47 states later, we are still towing our home around the United States.
On TowingHome we share what we have learned along the way; what we love (and what we don’t) about the RV lifestyle, tips and tricks, our favorite campgrounds, places and gear.
We hope that it makes your journey a little bit easier.