You can save a buck or two on some RV accessories, but not all. When it’s time to do one of everyone’s least favorite parts of RVing (emptying your tanks), you want the best. Not all RV sewer hoses are created equal, so today we want to share with you the five best RV sewer hoses on the market. Let’s dive in!
What Is an RV Sewer Hose?
RV sewer hoses connect to an RV’s holding tank dump connection outlet to allow you to empty black and gray water tanks. These hoses are generally lightweight and made from thin, durable plastic for easy transport & storage.
Are RV Sewer Hoses Universal?
Standard RV sewer hoses are 3 inches in diameter with lugs and fittings on each end. RV sewer connections are generally universal, but having adapters on hand can keep you be prepared for any dump station scenario. There’s a huge variety of situations at both dump stations and full hook-up campsites: height, angle, distance from the RV, and pipe sizes frequently differ from one to the next, so it doesn’t hurt to have options.
Are All RV Sewer Hoses the Same?
RV sewer hoses come in varying lengths, but thickness is the primary factor that sets one apart from the next. A hose’s thickness and price are often directly related. More expensive hoses sometimes offer smoother interiors for optimized flow and ease of cleaning.
A sewer hose is no place to skimp! A good quality hose is a worthwhile investment.
Manufacturers measure sewer hoses in “mils,” which can be confusing if you’re not familiar with this unit of measure. An article from Global Plastic Sheeting states, “A mil is a measurement that equals one-thousandth of an inch or 0.001 inches. One mil equals 0.0254 mm (millimeter).”
Continue reading their guide to plastic sheeting measurements to understand how to measure your hose.
How Long Should an RV Sewer Hose Be?
The most common lengths for RV sewer hoses are typically between 10 and 20 feet. You’ll want to make sure you have enough hose to reach the dump station, or campsite sewer hook-up, which is simple if you consistently hook up or dump at the same location.
Adapters are important to have on hand, to ensure that you’ll be able to make a good fit between your hose and the dump station. Shown is a 4-in-1 dump station fitting.
If you dump (or hook up) at different locations on a regular basis, you’ll probably want to skew toward a longer hose, like the 20-foot hose we’ve used as full-timers. The location of your RV’s sewer outlet, and the location of the dump station/sewer hook-up, are important. Some sites have sewer hook-ups that are very far back, making it especially difficult if your RV’s water compartment is in the middle of your rig (and, of course, requiring a longer hose).
What to Look for in an RV Sewer Hose?
All RV sewer hoses have the same purpose, but they’re not all created equal. We want to share with you some essential things to consider when purchasing an RV sewer hose.
Ease of Use
Emptying your RV tanks should never be taken lightly. You also don’t want your equipment to be overly complicated. When selecting a sewer hose, look for a product that will quickly and efficiently transfer your RV waste into the sewer system or dump station.
Portability/Storage
When you’re not using your sewer hose, you want it out of sight and out of mind. Thinner hoses generally take up less room than thicker hoses, but they can also be more prone to being damaged/punctured (which, of course, leads to leaks… and NO ONE wants those when dumping! 😝💩).
No matter what length or thickness you select for your hoses, have a storage plan. Many RVs come with storage tubes mounted under the rig or a designated space inside the bumper. Our old motorhome had a hose storage sleeve built into the side of the bodywork. It was a great feature, but it did require that at least one end of the hose be left free of any type of permanently-attached adapter, so it limited our choices (our new travel trailer includes sewer hose storage in the rear bumper… which still limits choices somewhat).
Ease of Cleaning
It could probably go unsaid, but the last thing you want is raw sewage sitting in your hose for extended periods. Flushing water through your tanks and hoses is the best way to keep them clean. For optimal sanitation and ease of cleaning, you can connect external attachments to help.
Sewer hoses that have their coils/ribs on the outside of the hose (leaving a smooth interior) are less likely to trap/retain any waste that passes through them, making them the easiest to keep clean (and odor free).
Various Attachments
You’ll want to have some attachments to handle potential scenarios you might encounter at dump stations and campsite hook-ups. A clear elbow, for example, lets you keep an eye on the flow of waste when emptying your tanks.
A clear elbow allows you to see when clear water is running through the hose, indicating that the rinsing is complete.
At some point, you’ll likely encounter a sewer connection that’s very far from your RV’s sewer outlet. So coming prepared with an additional hose is a great purchase as well, along with a connector to join them. Other attachments that are important to have are a rubber doughnut (or other mechanism) for a secure fit into the drain and a weight to keep your hose connected to the drain, if it’s not threaded.
5 Best RV Sewer Hoses
Now that you’re more familiar with sewer hose options and their necessity, let’s look at some of the best-value quality sewer hoses on the market. After all, a poorly-made hose can make a real mess of things – literally!
1. Lippert Waste Master
This 20-foot sewer hose collapses to 5 ½ feet for easy and compact storage.
This 20-foot sewer hose collapses to 5 ½ feet for easy and compact storage. The cam lock creates a secure connection and eliminates the possibility of a leak, while the outer coil ribbed design provides a smooth interior surface to eliminate trapped waste.
A 90-degree discharge port allows you to connect to any sewage inlet easily. With a thickness of 23-mil, you’re getting a durable hose that will last a long time. The rubber doughnut, built-in handle, and puncture-resistant material make this a top contender for the best RV sewer hose.
2. Valterra Viper
This 20-foot RV sewer hose kit includes 2 attachable 10-Foot Hoses with rotating fittings.
Get everything you need in this kit to start emptying your RV tanks, including a pair of 10-foot sewer hoses. Individually these hoses are the perfect option for unloading at the dump station as you exit a campground. If you’re lucky enough to have a full hook-up campsite, they give you plenty of length together. Plus, the 90-degree adapter allows convenient access to sewage inlets.
The included end caps will prevent leakage while in storage, and the rotating fittings make it easy to get the hose attached at both ends.
It’s a strong kit as well. The 25-mil tubing is wrapped with 135-mil protective beading to provide optimal strength (and protection when the hose gets dragged across the ground… NOT that we think you’d do that, but things happen, right?). This also makes the interior of the hose smooth, keeping things from getting caught/trapped in the ribs/ridges.
Don’t worry if you find yourself camping in colder temperatures; you can use this hose even at -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Camco RhinoFlex
Camco is well known for its RV accessories and is a contender for the best RV sewer hose.
The Rhinoflex kit includes swivel fittings, clear elbow and 4-in-1 sewer outlet fitting.
The RhinoFlex is made of 23-mil polyolefin and is reinforced with steel wire ribs. You’ll love how conveniently the RhinoFlex is stored as each 10-foot section compresses to just 39 inches in length. But, even better, when in use you can expand/compress it to whatever length you need and it will stay there. This kit also includes a transparent 90-degree elbow to monitor proper flow.
Best of all, you don’t have to pay triple digits to get a quality RV sewage hose. And, the fittings on each end fit securely and are compatible with many after-market attachments, so you won’t have to pay extra for new or brand-name add-ons.
4. Thetford Titan
The 15′ Thetford Titan is strong but it won’t break the bank.
This 15-foot rugged sewer hose is incredibly durable and could be the best RV sewer hose on the list. RVers love it because of its durability — it returns to its original shape even after being run over by a car!
An ergonomic 5-in-1 sewer adapter allows for easy connection at any sewage inlet. Thermal Plastic Elastomer (TPE) is a proprietary technology that renders the Thetford Titan puncture and abrasion-resistant. The kit also includes two press-fit end caps to eliminate leaks and odors.
Overall, the Thetford Titan is budget-friendly while still being a high-quality RV sewer hose.
5. Camco Rhino Extreme
If you’re looking for a quality kit at an extremely affordable price, look no further. The Camco Rhino Extreme provides everything you’ll need right out of the box.
The RhinoExtreme is durable and comes with several accessories.
The Rhino Extreme is exceptionally durable and resilient. It won’t dent or rust and can withstand incidental crushing or other accidents. The hose also works in extreme temperatures, functioning in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
In all, it’s a fantastic kit for regular or occasional use.
We know that the next time you pull up to the dump station (or need to use your portable RV dump tank), you’ll be better prepared with any of these hoses. You’ll have everything you need to make your dump experience a smooth and painless process.
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EBB
Wednesday 1st of October 2025
I know I’m late to the party but hand arthritis is a bear so I’m adding my solution. I use two oil filter pliers (adjustable) to turn the sewer hoses in opposite directions. Saves my hands and gives a good connection. Hope this helps.
Randall Crenshaw
Wednesday 8th of January 2025
After researching RC sewer hoses a couple years ago, I finally decided on RhinoFlex. I liked the fact that it collapsed to take less storage space, and the connectors seemed very practical. In reality, I Hate them. If you collapse the hose after connecting, because you are close to the CG sewer connection, and pull your black tank valve, the hose “uncollapses” like a snake! And worse, are the connectors. I have some Arthritis in my hands and it’s almost impossible to make or undo the connectors. I even purchased the plastic wrenches and they do help, but are difficult to use. Do you have any suggestions on how to make the connectors easier to use? Thanks
TheRVgeeks
Monday 13th of January 2025
Sorry for the delayed reply, Randall. I don’t have arthritis, but my hands are often subject to getting stiff and sore. My trick is to wear disposable nitrile gloves when working around the RV. They provide better grip, and protect my hands from getting cut, all at the same time.
Jay
Thursday 26th of September 2024
In the past, I purchased the least expensive discharge hoses possible. Depending on their thickness, they could easily be stored in a plastic milk crate available at office supply stores (NOT at Walmart because the good ones will be closed on their bottom sides). Those hoses usually did not include the connectors. Getting the connectors inserted inside the hoses often resulted in getting poked by the hose's wire with the risk of infection. Thicker hoses had to be shorter in order to fit inside the crate. A connector had to be removed and an extension inserted (again, with the potential for wire injury) when a longer hose was required. The hoses were easily damaged, especially the thinner ones. Leaks were common.
Our used Foretravel came with the Lippert Waste Master hose. It's more of a system than just a hose. There are no removable connectors in the hose. Everything is permanently attached. I purchased an extension for it and have never needed to use it. The hose is thick, accordions easily without any dangerous wires and has never leaked. As thick as it is, it still EASILY compresses to fit inside the same crate. They are shockingly expensive until you realize their quality and expected long lifespan. Just as lithium batteries outlast lead-acids, I expect this hose to last at least a decade. But - the problem is compatibility. The Lippert connection is not compatible with the connector on your standard waste discharge pipe. Instructions are included on how to modify the old connection. You have to cut off the old connection and attach the Lippert one using standard PVC cement. It's probably easier said than done. Once doing that, you can't go back to the original hose but you're not likely to want to. I found the black rubber ring they give you for the discharge end not useful, but I kept it anyway just in case. You will still want to use the grey (or red) insert that screws into the dump station's standard threads. The end of the Lippert hose easily and snuggly fits inside that. Near the hose end is a clear plastic window (as seen in the picture), so if your RV has a waste tank rinser, you can see when the discharge is clean enough before disconnecting. If you want to fill up the hose to rinse it out, the valve at the end lets you do that. I have never experienced an accident with the Lippert hose. All things considered, it is an excellent system, the very best available in my opinion and worth the money. It definitely will make dumping your waste tanks permanently easier. But do not expect it to connect to your standard system right out of the box without modification. It is not "plug and play."
Bruce
Thursday 20th of June 2024
Very informative article as always and Camco has done well by us in general for all things RV. We have two 10 footers and a Camco clear elbow to the drain and, knock on wood, no spills to date. Recently, though, we lost our cap to the sewer pipe on the trailer and we found a replacement that has a handle on it, which is the cat’s meow for putting it on tight.
Craig Phillips
Monday 14th of November 2022
Rhinoflex connection fittings to the hose fail. I've had two that have come apart and no amount of duct tape fixes the problem. Avoid buying!