You would be surprised by the number of people who try to figure out how to store RV sewer hose extensions underneath the floor of the RV, or how many of them try to cram a secondary hose in the built-in sewer hose compartment.
RVs are great for two reasons. They can take you across the country in comfort and they offer more than enough storage space for tons of customizations.
Also, if you ever have to replace your existing hose, make sure to check out my article about the best RV sewer hoses here
Built-in Storage Options
Most RVs will come with a bumper storage option for your sewer hose or a separate compartment near the back of the RV. This is usually great for your main sewer hose. But keep in mind that very few RVs are compartmented so as to accommodate a secondary sewer hose in the same storage space as the original one.
The Importance of Secondary or Extension Hoses
So, if your RV already comes with a sewer hose and a storage space for it, why would you need to know how to store a sewer hose? – Because those in the know realize that a secondary sewer hose is a must-have in every RV. And, this doesn’t come as a standard option.
Carrying an additional length of sewer hose is very important. First of all, having a replacement on hand can help you avoid the fragrance if your original hose bursts or starts to leak. Secondly, extra length on your hose makes it easier to reach dumping outlets. It also makes it easier to park your RV.
DIY RV Sewer Hose Storage Tube
PVC Case
The easiest sewer hose storage tube that you can make on your own is in the form of a PVC pipe. Cut a PVC pipe to length, after measuring your sewer hose. Also cut or buy two end caps so that the sewer hose is always sealed until you need it.
You can drill holes to attach a handle to the middle of the PVC storage tube. This will make it easier to manipulate. You can also glue or use a sealant to have one of the end caps fixed at all times. A PVC pipe with end caps can become a sanitary carrying case for your sewer hose.
Bucket Storage
Another cheap and quick storage option is a painter’s bucket. First, rinse the dirt off the outside of the hose and drain it of all contents. Coil the hose as tightly as possible and tie it with a rope. Alternatively, you can use rubber bands to hold it in place.
Put plastic bags over each end of the hose and use rope or rubber bands to secure them. Then, put the coiled hose into the painter’s bucket and attach the lid. This is not the prettiest storage option but it works if you’re in a hurry, or if you’ve damaged your main storage kit.
Note that bucket storage is usually reserved for clean water hoses or shower hoses. It doesn’t have as good a seal as a PVC case or commercial RV sewer hose storage kit.
Hidden Compartment
If you want to go above and beyond, you can always create your own makeshift hidden compartment underneath the RV for storing your sewer hose. You will need the following items:
- PVC fence post
- End caps
- L-brackets
- Power drill
- Screws
Depending on your RV, the location of this compartment may differ. However, in most cases, there should be enough room to do it near the sewer dump valve underneath the RV.
- Cut a small hole to the side of the storage compartment to slide the fence post inside it. If possible, only slide it one or two inches inside, just enough to attach the end cap.
- Mount your L-bracket underneath in order to support the fence post. Now secure the remaining length of the PVC pipe with whatever you have, depending on what are parts and elements are in your way. If you’re lucky, you can just use additional L-brackets or you can simply bolt it to something adjacent.
- Drill a couple of holes in the PVC pipe before putting the sewer hose in. This will create ventilation while driving and it will allow excess water to drip out. What makes this hidden? – The finishing touch. Give it a coat of paint to make it blend in with the rest of the vehicle.
Commercial RV Sewer Hose Storage Kits
If you don’t want to get down and dirty and make your own storage option, you can always just buy something ready-made. What’s nice about commercial storage kits is that they usually also come with an extra hose. Just make sure that the extension hose is the same size as the original.
Extra Tip
No matter how well you clean your sewage hose, don’t forget to use gloves when handling it. Even if you’re just taking it out of storage. Just the everyday disposable gloves that you can buy from any pharmacy will do.
Final Thoughts
Having limited storage space in your RV is no excuse not to use a secondary sewer hose. It can help prevent spills and odor contamination and also make it a lot easier to dump and clean your on-the-road sewage system. As you can see, making your own storage option is not hard and you’re only really limited by your imagination. Not everything needs to go on the inside of your RV.