Broad Mod: RV Macerator Removal: Why Do It?
Why Does Our RV Stink Sometimes?
We own a 2022 Entegra Accolade XL 37L (same as a Jayco Seneca Prestige 37L), which is a “Super C” RV. For the most part, we try to maintain our gray and black tanks as recommended by the experts. Here’s what we do.
We use LOTS of WATER. We know that the first key to holding tank maintenance is to use plenty of water. Water. Water. Water. And more water. We usually put in about 5 gallons of clean water in our black tank each time we dump.
We keep the valves CLOSED. We also know to keep our holding tanks closed until we are ready to dump them. We try to dump when the tanks are close to full so that the gravity of all of that liquid helps to clean out any solids in the tanks.
We TREAT our holidng tanks nicely. For holding tank treatments, we’ve tried Happy Campers and Unique Digest It. We recently switched to a combination of Calgon (surfactant) and Pine-Sol (disinfectant). We learned about that combination at a Kleentank seminar at a recent Super C rally for Entegra Accolades and Jayco Senecas.
We VENT properly. We’ve check the vent pipes to make sure that the are properly venting past the RV’s roof. We’ve also installed Camco Cyclone Sewer Vent Cover to help draw holding tank odors out of the RV.
Despite all of our efforts, our RV sometimes stinks. Like really stinks. Usually, the stink sets in when it’s hot out. What could be causing that stink? Could it be all of the liquids/solids just sitting around in our macerator?
What is an RV Macerator?
The wet bay in our Entegra Accolade (same as a Jayco Seneca), including the macerator.
A macerator is a device used in RVs to break down solid waste and pump it into the RV's wastewater holding tank or directly into a sewage hookup. Like any piece of equipment, macerators come with their own set of pros and cons:
Pros of Having a Macerator in an RV:
1. Efficient Waste Management. Macerators can break down solid waste into smaller particles, making it easier to move through the RV's plumbing system. This can help prevent clogs and ensure more efficient waste disposal.
2. Versatility. Macerators can be used to pump waste uphill or over long distances, which can be particularly useful in situations where the RV is parked far from a sewage hookup or the ground is not level.
3. Reduced Odor. The maceration process theoretically can help reduce unpleasant odors associated with waste disposal, as the smaller particles are less likely to release strong smells.
4. Convenience. Using a macerator can make the dumping process quicker and more convenient. An RVer can often connect a hose directly to the macerator for easy waste transfer.
Cons of Having a Macerator in an RV:
1. Complexity. Macerators introduce additional complexity to the RV's plumbing system. This means there are more components that could potentially fail, leading to maintenance or repair issues. Have you ever listened to one of those things grind and pump?
2. Space Requirements. Installing a macerator may take up valuable storage space in your RV's storage compartments.
3. Noise. Macerators can be noisy when in operation. I doubt we disturb the neighbors, but still….
4. Maintenance. Regular maintenance is required to keep the macerator functioning correctly. Neglecting maintenance can lead to breakdowns and costly repairs.
5. Limited Flow Rate. Macerators have a limited flow rate, which means it can take longer to empty the holding tanks compared to traditional gravity dumping.
6. Power Consumption. Macerators typically require some electricity to operate, but that is minimal. This was not a real concern of ours.
7. Cost. Macerators can be expensive to purchase and install. That really wasn’t a factor for us because a macerator came factory-installed in our RV and was not an option.
8. Smell. This is just a theory, but there is a lot of waste that sits in the bottom of the macerator. Could this be causing the smell?
Why Did We Remove our RV Macerator?
For us, the cons of having a macerator outweighed the pros. Plus, because our old RV did not have a macerator and we got along just fine, we really didn’t see a need for it.
In this video, Kasie decided to tackle removing our factory installed macerator.
Below are most of the parts that she used for the macerator removal project.
Addendum: After the video, Kasie decided to install a Rhino Blaster to help flush the tanks. To make a little bit more room for the Rhino Blaster, she installed a two-way flange. That’s basically the alternative design that she mentioned in the video. What I like about the design is that the stinky slinky itself never has to go inside the exterior bay.
After removing our macerator, Kasie installed this two-way flange to make more room for a Rhino Blaster.
Another coupler is located outside of the wet bay. This is where the sewer hose (stinky slinky) is connected.
Did Removing Our RV’s Macerator Help Get Rid of Smells?
It’s hard to know if removing the macerator helped with the stink. Since Kasie completed the macerator removal, the temperatures have been moderate, but so far so good. I’ll try to update this blog once the weather gets warmer. However, please don’t hesitate to drop me a line at classcbroads@gmail.com, and I will let you know the “real time” verdict on whether removing the macerator helped get rid of our RV’s smell. Regardless, we do know that the extra space is welcome AND we no longer worry about the macerator breaking. Sometimes simple is best, and overall we are happy not having a macerator in our RV.
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