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SELECTING A HOLDING TANK FOR YOUR BOAT OR R.V.

There are several factors that will determine what type of holding tank you should use when replacing or installing a new system in your boat or r.v.

These tanks are made of different material.

Aluminum

Stainless Steel

Fiberglass over wood

Fabric / rubber tanks

Low Density Polyethylene

High Density Polyethylene

Fabricated sheet polyethylene

The most important decision to make is what material will last and not cause any leaks

There have been many tests and studies done over the years and each type of tank can offer its pros and cons but in the long run the high density polyethylene tanks have proven to be the best choice.

Stainless steel and aluminum tanks are very expensive but can be made to fit any shape needed. These tanks will last for years but will eventually corrode and leak. I can’t say how long they will last but in a sewage environment they will eventually fail.

Fiberglass over wood can also be made to fit any shape and are a good choice where a tank has to be built in place. Precautions should be taken to ensure that every surface of the wood is sealed properly and a final coat of gel coat be applied inside and out to prevent odor permeation. These tanks can also be very expensive.

Fabric / rubber flexible tanks are very useful when a small odd shape area is used and the access is restricted. These tanks can be folded to be installed through small hatches and expanded once in the area or compartment. These tanks expand when filled and contract when emptied so precautions must be taken when installing to make sure the tank and all of the hose connections have room to move. The tanks also should be installed with padding of some sort to ensure the tank can not be chaffed or punctured.

My experience is that these types of tanks are more prone to leaks than most therefore I do not recommend these for waste holding tanks.

Low density polyethylene tanks are rotationally molded and by definition have a wall thickness of 1/8”. There are a large variety of shapes and sizes available but we do not recommend low density tanks as we have seen them crack and permeate odor.

High density polyethylene tank are also rotationally molded and come in a vast number of sizes and shape and are the most economical and the longest lasting product.

High density tanks have a wall thickness of minimum ¼” and as thick as 3/8” depending on the manufacturer.

High density fabricated tanks are also a very good choice but only when a rotationally molded tank will not fit. These tanks are made of sheets of polyethylene and welded at the seams. I have had very good success with these tanks when I could not get the proper size tank in a rotationally molded tank.

In conclusion I would recommend the high density polyethylene tanks over all other types of tanks due to there reliability and versatility when installing a sanitation system.