Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: Sanitize tank w/o bleach??

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Sanitize tank w/o bleach??

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Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6154
Printed Date: 24 Jun 2025 at 7:18pm
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Topic: Sanitize tank w/o bleach??

Posted By: David D
Subject: Sanitize tank w/o bleach??
Date Posted: 01 May 2015 at 1:17pm

Hi Everyone,

I've got a new 179 and per the, Forest River Travel Trailer/Fifth Wheel Owner's Manual, p.27, they recommend sanitizing the fresh water tank and lines with a bleach mixture. Given that here in CA we are in a drought, can anyone recommend a bleach substitute? I plan on dumping the spent cleaning mixture onto my yard plants and grass. Would prefer not to use bleach for that purpose.

Thanks, in advance, for any suggestions. Link below is explanation of sanitizing process from manual.

David

uploads/3887/How_to_Sanitize_Tanks.pdf - uploads/3887/How_to_Sanitize_Tanks.pdf

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2015 R-Pod 179

Replies:

Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 01 May 2015 at 3:33pm

Its best not to cut corners where safety is involved - I suggest sticking to bleach. There isn't much available that reliably kills giardia, and a good, long bleach bath is still the best.

Bleach is biodegradable and likely the safest sanitizer you could use on your lawn. Besides, you only need to use 1/2 cup of bleach - which gets very diluted in 35 gallons of water in your fresh tank. Sure, your nose will detect it, but it really isn't very strong.

If you want to test it, 0.5 cup / 35 US gallons = 0.68 teaspoons / gallon (so... just over half a teaspoon). Mix up a jug and test it somewhere inconspicuous on your lawn.

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Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150

Posted By: David D
Date Posted: 01 May 2015 at 3:40pm

Craig,

You're right, I hadn't thought about the dilution. I only saw bleach and thought yikes. Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it.

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2015 R-Pod 179

Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 01 May 2015 at 6:29pm

beer. hogone

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Jon & Pam
2013 RP177
2023 F150
2017 HD Streetglide
CHEESEHEAD

Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 01 May 2015 at 6:58pm

That would work!!

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Leo & Melissa Bachand
2017 Ford F150
2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk
Previously owned
2015 Rpod 179
2010 Rpod 171

Posted By: David D
Date Posted: 01 May 2015 at 7:13pm

So if I were to use beer..... would its hops and barley fertilize my lawn too?!? What a brilliant idea!!!

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2015 R-Pod 179

Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 01 May 2015 at 7:27pm

Might perk up the vegetable garden too!

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Leo & Melissa Bachand
2017 Ford F150
2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk
Previously owned
2015 Rpod 179
2010 Rpod 171