RV Sewer Hose Fittings: An Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right 1

Last Updated on January 27, 2024 by Jeremy

Intoduction

RV sewer hose fittings are the difference between a clean disposal between your grey and black water tanks into the sewer drain, and a giant mess, likely to be where it wasn’t supposed to go. They are the connection from a hose to another hose, a hose to your tanks, or part of a 4-in one combo kit.

The importance of using the right RV sewer hose fittings are literally for proper sanitation and safety. From eliminating the accidents to enhancing the proper draining setup, these fittings come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and I’m here to explain the different types of fittings.

I will also mention who manufactures these fittings, along with factors to consider with each. This article will be your ultimate guide to properly use these RV sewer hose fittings and give you examples of some of the best ones out there.

So grab a pen, pencil, paper and a notepad, and get ready to write down some intriguing information. The second option is to take a screenshot on your smartphone. 😉

Types of RV Sewer Hose Fittings

To start things off, we will dive into the types of RV sewer hose fittings. There are 3 main types in the RV industry that make the connection, and they are below:

Bayonet Fittings

This type of fitting is all in the connection. It’s the basic connection you’ll see on ALL fittings and can be simply explained by the following photograph:

By Iainf 04:22, 8 July 2006 (UTC) – Own work, CC BY 2.5, Link

The pros of this type of connection, is that it’s like a quick attach / detach coupler that you can literally save time and effort upon each connection. It allows for the ease to attach to your tanks already designed spout with a sewer hose and twist to lock.

However, there can be a downside to this type of connection, and more so in the colder temperatures if you have ever done any winter RV living. There are increased chances of the knobs (or ears as some may call it) breaking off, and even the fittings themselves have the chance to crack if they freeze.

Lug Fittings

Next we have what is called a lug fitting. This type of fitting is designed with easy-grip wings for quick connect and disconnect. There is also the addition of a twist-it clamp which secures the hose for an odor tight connection.

These types of fittings allow you to connect to any sewer hose that has a bayonet fitting. It also comes with a reusable locking ring which is what provides that tight connection.

As by example, there is a product that Camco makes which you can see in the image attached.

It’s called the Revolution Lug Fitting and it claims to add that 360 degrees to any sewer hose. This would be considered to be a pro to this piece, but the cons again could include problems that would also arise in the cold.

More so, without proper maintenance, or a double-check in the tightening procedure, this type of connection could cause unnecessary leakage so it’s best to make sure you have that secure lock in place before leaving unattended.

Threaded Fittings

The third most popular fitting for RV sewer hoses is what’s called the threaded fitting. This version allows you for a more permanent connection for staying longer term at some RV parks or Campgrounds.

Although not necessary, it eliminates leakage, creates a secure connection, and additionally, allows you to design your sewer line the direction you want for that long-term stay.

This fitting can also be attached to bayonet fittings, but the downside is, it’s more time-consuming to piece together. Here is an example of what this type of fitting would look like:

Manufacturers of RV Sewer Hose Fitting

Now before we decide on choosing the right fitting for your needs, we first have to have a look at who manufactures these products.

Four major suppliers come to mind and they are below:

• – Valterra – Makes solid ABS pipe fitting that connect for sewer, as well as their own brand line called “EZ”.
• – Camco – Manufactures two brands in sewer products. One is called “Rhino“, which is more popular than their other line called “Revolution“.
• – Prest-o-fit – Is a company that you may remember from an Outdoor Mat article I wrote. They also produce a sewer hose and fitting product for RVs.
• – Thetford – makes over 57 RV products, and their major brand in the sewer hose and fitting line is called “Titan“. It’s competition product is “Rhino” from Camco.

Factors to Consider When Choosing RV Sewer Hose Fittings

Compatibility with RV sewer hose

The first main factor to consider is which type of fitting do you place with which type of hose. Let me give you an example:

EXAMPLE: We don’t want to mix and match manufacturers brands and products with each other. The Prest-o-fit DuraForm Premium Sewer Hose pictured here: from eBay for instance, will not connect with Thetfords brand Titan WYE adapter pictured here:

Material

The second thing we have to consider is the type of material. If you want long term, something more solid, you’ll go to the choice of Valterra and their ABS fittings. These products are the most indestructible vs that of a cheaper plastic fitting than let’s say, Prest-o-fit.

Durability and ease of use

Another factor of consideration in deciding on the right fitting is the durability of the product. Choosing one that is more rugged and sturdy will ultimately be your better scenario, but do you want it to be secure and easy to use? Of course!

This leads you to choosing the likes of Camco’s Rhino line, Valterra’s EZ line, or Thetfords Titan line. Ultimately, these three choices are your major competition and each have their own unique qualities and features that make their fittings durable and easy to use.

Price and value

Of course the last consideration is going to be the price point of each of these fittings. You want to purchase something that lasts you in the long term, and requires the least amount of maintenance.

Let’s take a comparison of the same product on the top 3 brands (Valtarra, Camco, & Thetford) and compare prices. The product will be that of a straight, clear adapter fitting.

How to Properly Use RV Sewer Hose Fittings

Once you have determined and gone through each consideration in choosing your type of hose fittings, and from which manufacturer, you’ll want to know how exactly to hook these up and use them from your tanks waste and sewer system to the RV parks sewer drain system.

Below, is a great 5-minute video that informs you with a step-by-step guide on how to attach RV sewer hoses and fittings to your units:

As you can see from the video, you were given some awesome information about the Valterra brand of sewer equipment and connections, now the next thing you should add to this information is how to maintain these fittings.

Here are a couple tips for maintaining RV sewer hose fittings:

• – Store clean hoses and fittings away when not in use in a container or storage bin.
• – Keep the fittings free of debris, dirt, and moisture when not in use.
• – Rinse the fittings after usage.
• – Inspect the fittings after general usage to ensure no cracks or holes have formed, or no leaks are present.

Lastly, in using these fittings properly, your waste and sewer will be disposed of correctly, safely and cleanly, without hassle.

Best RV sewer hose fittings

Here is a small list of some of the best RV sewer hose fittings available today:

A. Camco RhinoFlex Clear RV Sewer Hose Elbow With 4-in-1 Adapter

B. Valterra 45 degree HydroFlush

Conclusion

And there we have it folks, the wrap of your RV sewer hose fittings article! We discussed the importance of choosing the right fittings by giving you the different types and manufacturers of fittings.

Next we touched base on giving you some considerations to factor in, while explaining how to properly use these types of fittings via a 5-minute long video.

Lastly we gave you a few examples of the best RV sewer fittings that are on the market, which can be picked up from your local home and garden center, or via the Amazon website or even our storepage.

In conclusion, my personal recommendation has been Camco. I find their fittings are easiest to operate and the product and material is top quality while still being in the right price point in comparison to the other brand names above.

If you have any questions or feedback with this article, please leave your comment below and I’ll be sure to answer back!

Cheers!