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RV black tank treatments make managing the septic system easier by breaking down waste in the tank and eliminating bad odors from your RV toilet.
Happy Campers, Camco, etc., all make excellent black tank treatments, but how do they compare?
Let’s look at the 3 most popular options and see why real RV’ers choose these brands.
Treatment Comparison Chart
*Buying through links in this chart may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you.
1. Happy Campers Holding Tank Treatment
- Best Overall Product
I personally use Happy Campers and it seems to work fine. I think the most important thing is just using enough water. No treatment will replace the need for plenty of water in your tank. But, I’ve had no smell or clogging issues using Happy Campers. The one downside? It’s the most expensive option on the list.
~ Tory Jon
Traditional black tank treatments often use harsh chemicals to break down waste and mask bad smells, but Happy Campers does the same without harmful synthetic materials. This treatment is entirely biodegradable, which makes it a great choice for environmentally-conscious consumers.
While this is an excellent product for those who want to avoid harsh chemicals, it’s also extremely functional, doing an excellent job of eliminating odors and working in cold and hot (over 100 degrees) temperatures. This is often overlooked. If you use your RV at different times of the year, it’s important to choose a treatment that can handle winter and summer temperatures (have you ever smelled a black tank that has baked in 110-degree Florida heat for a week? Trust me, it can be bad).
To use, fill your toilet with a gallon of water, input a single scoop of treatment, and flush the toilet. Repeat this step a second time for the best results. If you use the treatment correctly, it should break down most solids—it’s even effective at breaking down standard tissue paper.
If you’re looking for an affordable product that eliminates odors, it’s hard to go wrong with Happy Campers. I’ve personally tried at least four different brands over the last decade, and even though they’re more expensive, I keep coming back to Happy Campers.
About Happy Campers
RV Concepts, an Oregon-based RV product company, developed Happy Campers. They first invented Happy Campers in 2002, and the company has since become an industry favorite. The same company also develops similar products for boats.
Key Features
- Incredibly effective paper and waste digester.
- It entirely blocks the odors associated with an RV septic system.
- It’s an organic product that’s biodegradable.
- It’s safe for your septic tank.
- It works at extreme temperatures (both hot and cold).
- It’s extremely popular with RV owners.
- It doesn’t expose you to harsh chemicals.
Specifications
- Brand: Happy Campers (RV Concepts)
- Model Number: HC-64
- Weight: 4.24 lbs.
Pros
- It’s biodegradable and organic.
- It does an excellent job of fighting odors without creating a chemical smell.
- It only takes a few seconds to apply.
- It works in both hot and cold temperatures.
Cons
- Its powder form means it’s easy to spill.
- Some users complain that it turns hard over time.
- Pricey
Happy Campers Organic RV Holding Tank Treatment
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2. CAMCO TST Ultra-Concentrated Orange Citrus Scent
- Most Affordable
I just picked up another tub of Camco TST today. Its been my go-to for years. Mainly because its just as effective as any of the others I’ve tried and at a fraction of the price. It’s also easier to use than scooping powder or measuring liquid.
~IA_Camper
The CAMCO TST Ultra-Concentrated Orange Citrus Scent treatment is a pod-based treatment that packs plenty of power into a small capsule.
This ultra-concentrated product can treat up to 40 gallons of wastewater at a time. This CAMCO option is an excellent treatment if you’re searching for a powerful product that’s easy to use.
These pods quickly eliminate odors and break down toilet paper and waste. It uses biodegradable features to ensure it won’t harm the environment or your family. There is also no formaldehyde in the pod formulation.
To use, simply place a pod in your RV toilet and fill the bowl with water. Once enough water covers the pod, flush it into the black tank.
About Camco
The manufacturer of this product, CAMCO, is a large cleaning and camping product manufacturer in North Carolina. The company now has an international presence and manufactures some of the most advanced cleaning supplies available.
Key Features
- This is a pod-based product that doesn’t require measuring.
- There are 30 pods included in the package.
- You can reseal the plastic package for safe storage.
- The product uses an orange citrus smell to mask bad odors.
- It breaks down waste and toilet paper without using harmful chemicals.
- It’s biodegradable and doesn’t contain any formaldehyde.
Specifications
- Brand: CAMCO
- Model Number: 41183
- Weight: 1 lb.
Pros
- It’s incredibly effective at covering odors and breaking down wastewater.
- It’s a cost-effective product.
- The pods are extremely easy to use and store.
- This is a fast-acting treatment.
- It’s biodegradable.
Cons
- You can’t measure the treatment amount, and using pods can be restrictive.
- It has an overpowering citrus smell, which might not be suitable for some people.
CAMCO TST Ultra-Concentrated Orange Citrus Scent
Price:Clicking this link to make a purchase may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you.
3. TankTechsRx – RV Holding Tank Treatment & Cleaner
- Best Liquid Choice
The dealer I bought my RV from recommended Tanktechs rx. The bacteria in it kills bad smells, doesnt just mask them like others. I’ve gone a week in high heat without emptying my tanks and no foul odors whatsoever.
The one downside guess is you have to remember to NOT empty your tanks completely. The directions say to leave an inch of liquid to maintain the bacteria that has built up in the tank. It might be difficult for some to know how much is left in your tank.
~Chris
TankTechsRx is the best option on the market if you don’t like powder or capsule treatments.
One feature you might enjoy about this product is that it doesn’t use any deodorizing scent. Instead, it neutralizes the odor in your blackwater tank. If you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy the smell of masking agents, it’s a good idea to consider a product that doesn’t overwhelm you with scents.
This is a natural probiotic solution, so you won’t expose yourself or the environment to harmful chemicals if you choose this treatment.
To use it, place the liquid in your toilet bowl and mix it with water. Once you flush the toilet, it will naturally break down waste and neutralize odors.
TankTechsRx is an extremely versatile solution; you can also use it for grey tanks and galley tanks. If you’re searching for a one-size-fits-all treatment, consider this option.
About TankTechsRx
TankTechsRx is a probiotic solutions manufacturer that has provided high-quality products to RV owners since 2013.
Key Features
- It’s a liquid-based, probiotic solution.
- It doesn’t use any harmful chemicals.
- It can be used for black tanks, galley tanks, and grey tanks.
- You can customize your measurements.
- It’s effortless to use.
Specifications
- Brand: TankTechsRX
- Model Number: TTRx32
- Weight: 2.4 lbs.
Pros
- This product doesn’t use any harmful chemicals.
- The product neutralizes odors, which means it doesn’t use synthetic scents to mask bad smells.
- It’s straightforward to use – just add water.
- It’s manufactured by a trusted name in the industry.
Cons
- It’s much more expensive than other options on our list.
- You have to measure out the amount you want to use manually.
TankTechsRx – RV Holding Tank Treatment & Cleaner
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Treatment Types
As you can tell from our list of products above, there are multiple types of treatments currently available on the market. Let’s explore the four most common options in more detail below:
Powder Treatments
Powder treatments, like Happy Campers, are the most common form of RV black water treatment. They allow the RV owner to measure out custom amounts of treatment. If you have a huge tank, powder treatments ensure you’re not restricted by pre-set measurements.
Liquid Treatments
Liquid treatments, like TankTechs RX, are similar to powder treatments because they allow users to customize the amount of treatment in the tank. With liquid treatments, you typically pour the liquid into your RV toilet bowl, add water, and then flush it into your system. You can simply add more if you don’t think it’s providing enough odor relief.
Pod/Capsule Treatments
Pod treatments, like Camco TST, have become increasingly popular in recent years. While they don’t provide the same measurement flexibility as liquid or powder treatments, they are much easier to use.
You won’t need to worry about spilling highly-scented liquid or powder in your RV.
Tablet Treatments
While tablet treatments aren’t as commonly available as other options on our list, they are still available from many black tank treatment producers. Unlike capsules, tablets don’t use concentrated liquids to treat your tank. Instead, they use compacted powders to fight odors and waste buildup.
Which Option Is Best For You?
When it comes to finding the best option for you, I like to consider three things: cost, effectiveness, and treatment type.
Cost
While Happy Campers might be my favorite treatment, it is on the pricier side, especially compared to Camco TST. Depending on the product size, Happy Campers is roughly $1 per treatment, while Camco TST is about half that. If cost is the most important factor to you, then I’d recommend CamcoTST.
Tip: As a rule of thumb, if you’re willing to purchase a large number of treatments at once, you can save money on the “per treatment” cost.
Effectiveness
Next, consider how effective the treatment is at masking odors and breaking down wastewater. If you want to enjoy your next road trip, investing in a treatment that can keep your RV comfortable is essential.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of the above, but don’t be afraid to try each of them out. I’d recommend starting with the cheapest option, Camco TST, to see if that works for you. If not, move onto Happy Campers. Personally, I’d try TankTechs RX last as it requires a little more work than the others. But, I can be lazy sometimes. 🙂
Type of Treatment
With so many treatments to choose from, it’s essential to consider which one is right for you. If you want an easy-to-use capsule, it’s best to avoid liquids and powders.
On the other hand, if you want more control over how much treatment you use, liquid and powder are better options.
Let us know in the comments below (or in our Community) which black tank treatment you prefer.
What about combining two types to treat your tanks? EI.. liquid and capsules