Ever wake up at 3am in a cold sweat wondering if your RV holding tanks are clean? Probably not but installing a holding tank rinser will ensure this never happens to you. This RV modification will give you peace of mind so that the next time you use your toilet or sink after a long storage period, no stinky odors will gag you out of your RV.
Step 1: Find a suitable location
Frame Risers
Installation of the Tornado tank rinser is straightforward but there are a few things to consider. The instructions say to mount the Tornado on the end of the tank opposite the tank outlet about 3/4 up from the bottom of the tank. This may not be possible depending on how your tank is mounted. If this is the case, an alternate location would be on the side of the tank as close to the end of the tank as possible. Also be sure that you have emptied the tank completely before proceeding. otherwise, you'll have a nice stinky mess on your hands.
Step 2: Drill the hole
Once you locate the position to install the Tornado, clean around the area so that after you drill the mounting hole, the sealant used between the tank and the Tornado will adhere properly. Mark the center of the mounting location with the template provided and with a 1 1/8″ hole saw, carefully drill through the tank taking care to not drop the plastic removed in to the tank. If you do, you may, after installing the Tornado, have to fill the tank completely and flush the tank of the plastic.
Step 3: Install rinser and seal
Next, apply a bead of silicone sealant around the hole and insert the Tornado in to the hole. Secure the Tornado to the tank using the self-tapping screws provided. Wipe off the excess sealant (if any) for a clean look. Now you get to take a break for about 24 hours so the silicone sealant can cure. This is very important since you don't want the flange to move at all while drying. Leakage can occur if you try to complete the installation before the sealant has dried.
Step 4: Route water supply hose
Now that it's the next day, you can finish up by connecting the provided hose to the rinser using the provided fitting and hose clamp. Don't overtighten the clamp as this could cause tearing of the clear hose and possible leakage. Route the plastic hose to a convenient location near the dump valves. Use tie-wraps to secure the hose so it doesn't hang down. Using the L-bracket provided, secure the water inlet to the frame or flooring. An alternative way to secure the L-bracket is to use a 4″ hose clamp and mount the bracket to the dump valve tube. Installation is now complete.
Step 5: Operating the rinser
To operate, simply attach an ordinary garden hose to the the water inlet and turn on the water. You will hear a whirring noise from the tank. This is normal as the Tornado spins under water pressure so that it sprays everywhere inside of the tank. Be sure to check for leaks while the system is in use. At the dump station, allow the the tank to empty for a few seconds before turning on the water supply to the Tornado. This will help the sprayer to get some of the gunk off the top of the tank. Let the rinser run for a minute or so after the tank is empty to ensure complete cleaning. Happy dumping!
Tip: Dual tank rinsers
You can also fit your gray water tank with a Tornado rinser. Perform the same steps as above and when it comes time to attach the water supply hose to the water inlet, use a "Y" fitting with shutoff valves instead so you can rinse either tank independently, or both at the same time.