This guide will help you find the best RV sewer hose support for your rig & provide all the information you need to empty your poop more efficiently. Dumping your black water tank with the help of an RV sewer hose support makes for a cleaner, hassle-free experience.
If you’ve ever dumped your RV’s black tanks, you’ll know that dealing with the sewer system is just a part of the RVing experience. And while it’s definitely not the most glamorous part of owning an RV, it’s a vital chore.
Depending on the terrain, the contents of the black tank may not flow smoothly through the sewer line without extra support. You’ll need to “walk” any cling-ons out before disconnecting. It’s not the most exciting part of a camping trip.
That’s where these handy accessories play their part, making the dumping process as easy and mess-free as possible.
This article reviews the best RV sewer hose support options and everything you need to know about them. Plus, we’ve got a handy list of pro tips so your next trip to the dump station is hassle free.
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At A Glance | Best RV Sewer Hose Support Options
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1. Camco Sidewinder
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2. Valterra Slunky
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3. Camco Aluminum Sewer Hose Support
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4. Camco Rhino Tote Tank Sewer Hose Support Kit
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5. H&G Heated RV Sewer Hose Support Kit
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What Is An RV Sewer Hose Support?
An RV sewer hose support is a device that helps hold your sewer hose in place while emptying your tanks. It’s a simple idea, but it can make a huge difference to your experience at the dump station.
The support raises the hose off the ground, leading it to the sewer inlet on a gradual slope. This helps keep the sewer hose in place, preventing it from moving around or becoming dislodged.
It’s also great for keeping the hose from kinking, which can restrict the flow of wastewater. And most importantly, it helps make sure everything flows smoothly.
Top 5 RV Sewer Hose Supports Reviews
Features
- Collapsible sewer hose support
- 10ft, 15ft, 20ft & 30ft models available
- Lightweight, sturdy plastic
- 7.25” at its highest point and 4” at its lowest
If you’re looking for one of the best supports for your RV’s sewer hose, look no further than the Camco Sidewinder Sewer Hose Support!
The Camco Sidewinder is a collapsible RV drainage hose support that creates a gradual slope for smooth waste disposal. It’s made from sturdy plastic, is lightweight and easy to transport, and collapses for convenient storage.
It has a deep cradle to keep the sewer hose in place, and the frame is rust-resistant. Additionally, the Sidewinder is easy to set up and use.
This Camco sewer hose support is designed to protect and support your RV sewer hose and provide stable, trouble-free drainage.
Camco is a North Carolina-based company that has been in business for over 50 years. They pride themselves on their customer service, quality products, and innovative designs to make RVing easier!
The Sidewinder is a quality product yet it’s the lowest priced 20ft support on our list so perfect for all budgets.
It’s also ready to use right out of the box – no assembly required!
What We Liked
- Although it doesn’t have a storage bag, it has a convenient storage strap that compresses and secures the supports. So, stowing the Sidewinder is easy.
- You can rest assured that this is a quality option from a well-known brand and almost 40,000 positive reviews on Amazon.
What We Didn’t Like
- The set up was initially challenging, but with practice it gets easier. The key is to space the mounts evenly and just right. Otherwise, when you flush the tanks, you might find the hose sags at some of the joints.
- The Camco Sidewinder is lightweight and very easy to tip over. Once it tips, it’s really awkward to get back up. It doesn’t include hose straps so we recommend using zip ties to secure the hose to the support. Then if it tips over, it’s a little easier to get back up in a single piece.
Pros
- Lightweight, but heavy duty high quality plastic construction
- Stores tidy (but don’t lose the grip strap)
- Best product yet budget-friendly
Cons
- Can tip over easily
- Set up takes some practice
Features
- Collapsible sewer hose support
- 10ft, 15ft, 20ft & 25ft models available
- Lightweight, plastic with solid brass rivets for joints
- 7” at its highest point and 4.5” at its lowest
The Slunky is an elevated hose support designed to prevent waste from getting stuck in RV sewer pipes and clogging them. The support is made from flexible plastic and metal hinges, and features a textured base to keep it in place.
It is designed to curve around obstacles, and the height of the support maintains the ideal angle for draining.
Recent design improvements have increased the width by 26% and it’s 30% deeper than the original design. In addition, these enhancements have improved the support’s stability.
It also features a ridged bottom to keep it in place in grass, gravel, and more. The flexible design allows you to curve around obstacles, and the metal hinges add extra strength. The support is also easy to store thanks to its compact size.
What We Liked
- The 20ft Slunky weighs less than 6lb so it’s the lightest hose support on our list.
- The deep design means it can cradle the hose with a snug fit.
- The price is a little more expensive than the Sidewinder, but only a few dollars. The Slunky remains budget-friendly.
What We Didn’t Like
- The metal joints. The staple-like design isn’t nearly as effective as proper pivoting joints.
- Because the joints don’t pivot, it’s a tall ask to stretch the support to its full length without tipping over. If you opt for the Slunky, we recommend buy one longer than your sewer hose.
- The included ties for securing the hose to the support are fiddly and don’t always stay attached.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Compact storage
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Metal joints aren’t as effective as hinges
- Overall, it’s a good product but there are a few niggles that could be improved.
Features
- Collapsible RV sewer hose support
- 6ft model supports a 10ft hose
- Aluminum build
- Includes strap kit to hold hose securely in place
- Telescopes to 6″ for easy storage
The Camco aluminum support is built from an aluminum frame.
The frame is designed to be rust-free and solid, creating a gentle gradient so that waste can run smoothly from the black tanks to the sewer.
The product includes a strap kit to securely hold the hose in place, and can be set up and stored in seconds. It is also lightweight and durable, making it easy to maneuver and store.
It’s a great product for those looking for a compact and lightweight option to support a short RV sewer hose.
What We Liked
- The frame is very sturdy, there’s no worry about it sinking into the ground or collapsing under the weight of the hose.
- The solid construction means you can use a rock to help steady it in strong winds, without damaging the support.
What We Didn’t Like
- Short length of 6 feet can support hoses up to 10 feet but nothing more, so it’s not suitable for longer hoses.
- The high price. Although the build quality is worth the higher price, combined with the short length, we think it’s a bit overpriced.
- The brass rivets are a weak spot and there have been one or two reports of them breaking. If you happen to carry a rivet gun in your toolkit, pack a few brass rivets.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Best build quality
Cons
- Only short hose lengths supported
- High price
Features
- Stackable gutter-type RV sewer hose support
- Modular
- Fully adjustable at four corners
- Durable polymer construction with stainless steel stakes
The Camco Rhino is the first gutter-type support on our list. It’s made of a durable polymer and the stakes are made of stainless steel with polymer handles.
The kit includes one almost 30 inches long, deep cradles, and 4 adjustable stakes. That means you can buy as many as you need, depending on your hose length.
The plastic support cradle can be elevated up to 15 ¾ inches off the ground. Because all four corners are adjustable, it has no trouble on uneven ground.
Most people who have used the Camco Rhino love it, especially those who have used the accordion-style before. The gutter-style takes longer to set up but provides a much more solid and versatile solution.
What We Liked
- They will last through harsh weather conditions without fading or the plastic going brittle. That’s a bonus for long-term RVers staying at one location for longer than a week or two.
- They’re substantial, and take up a lot of storage space, considerably more than the slinky-type supports.
What We Didn’t Like
- Depending on the length of your sewer hose, you’ll need at least 3 of these supports. Each piece is less than 3ft long, so you can buy as many as you need.
- They take a little time to set up initially.
Pros
- Most sturdy RV sewer hose support hose
- Fully adjustable at every corner for versatile use on uneven ground
Cons
- Storage is pretty cumbersome, especially with multiple cradles. They do stack though, so it could be worse.
Features
- Stackable gutter-type sewer hose support
- Adjustable tripod legs
- Heated to 140°F to prevent freezing down to 10°F
- 2 year warranty
- Support up to 15ft sewer hose
The heated RV sewer hose support kit is an effective way to prevent your sewer hose from freezing in cold weather.
The adjustable tripod legs make it possible to create a gentle gradient so the waste can move smoothly from your black tank to the sewer. It’s easy to set up and flexible and comes with a 2-year warranty.
The support kit has a self-regulating temperature system that keeps the sewage pipe from freezing at low temperatures. It draws around 1.5 – 2 amps per hour.
The six heated graduated sections can be configured to support up to 15 feet of sewer hose.
What We Liked
- The tripod legs are a little flimsy
- The legs are attached to the gutter tray with unnecessarily small nuts.
What We Didn’t Like
- Most RVers don’t need to leave the sewer hoses out permanently. In fact, we encourage you not to, so you can prolong the life of the hoses. So, a heated RV sewer hose support is unnecessary for most of us.
- If you plan on boondocking in winter, adding more electrical demand is probably the last thing you want. There are other ways to winterize an RV sewer hose without drawing power from your battery bank. If you’re on hookup, it’s not a concern.
Pros
- 2 year warranty
- Self-regulating temperature
Cons
- It’s a bit gimmicky unless you leave your sewer hose connected permanently throughout the winter.
4 Reasons You Need A Sewer Hose Support For An RV
Is an RV sewer hose support necessary?
Undoubtedly, life will go on without support for your sewer hose, so to claim they’re a must-have is an overstatement. But they are a convenience that many RVers consider worthwhile.
Here are a few reasons for using a sewer hose support on your camper.
Raises The Hose Off The Ground
By raising the sewer hose off the ground at the dump station, you can help:
- minimize trip hazards,
- reduce the risk of hose punctures, and
- protect the hose from dirt and contaminants on the ground.
The best RV sewer hose options cost around $100, so protecting your investment is worthwhile and will inevitably mean it will last longer.
Punctures to sewer hoses aren’t unheard of, and are usually a result of snagging on sharp objects or someone tripping over it.
Raising the hose off the ground during dumping will help avoid this hazard.
Keeps The Sewer Hose In Place
Sewer hose supports cradle the hose, keeping it in place and preventing it from rolling around while you’re emptying the tanks.
That may not sound like a massive benefit until you consider the mishaps if the hose were to dislodge at the wrong time.
That’s one messy situation well worth avoiding.
Improves The Drainage Flow To Help Prevent Clogging
The primary benefit of these supports is that they provide a gentle slope for the waste to flow. Even on uneven terrain.
The ground around the sewer inlets at dump stations varies.
- Uneven surfaces can lead to the sewer hose becoming kinked or bent, restricting the flow of wastewater and could cause clogging.
- Flat terrain can cause problems too. Without gravity to help the waste along, you may need to manually “walk” any cling-ons out of the hose. Nice!
- Raised sewer inlets result in a last-minute uphill slog for the contents of your black tank. This can cause problems if the waste is particularly viscous.
They’re Mandatory At Some Campgrounds
Some campgrounds and RV parks actually require the use of a camper sewer hose support, so it’s always worth checking before you arrive.
If you don’t have one and they do insist on their use, then you’re unlikely to be able to use the dump station facilities.
It’s not completely clear why this is, but we’re guessing it’s more to do with RVers who hook up their sewer hose all the time, rather than only when they need to dump the tanks.
Pro Tip: the sun can damage your sewer hose. If you leave it connected all the time, it will lead to premature disintegration of the hose.
The Downsides Of A Camper Sewer Hose Support
Despite the benefits, we’d be remiss to not mention the disadvantages too.
- Need to get used to setting them up – they can be a bit fiddly but once you have the hang of them, they’re pretty straightforward.
- The supports are lightweight and can easily tip over, especially on uneven terrain. Ensuring it’s on a stable footing will help avoid the problem.
- Some units with steel parts, especially on the hinges, will eventually rust. Most of the supports on our list are made with rust-resistant materials.
- It’s yet another accessory to set up and store – such is the life of an RVer.
What To Look For When Buying A Sewer Hose Holder For An RV
Surely one support is much the same as another, right?
Well kind of, but there are differences between models and it’s worth considering them before you decide which is best for your setup.
Type Of Support
There are two types of RV sewer hose support:
- gutter-type supports, and
- accordion-type supports.
Accordion-type supports are the most popular because they need less storage and are less likely to suffer damage in transit. They work by holding the sewer line in place with a series of concertinaed support pleats, making it easier to store and transport.
- Compact for easy storage.
- Can lead to a sagging hose if the spacing isn’t just right.
Gutter-type supports are less common, but they’re more likely to be the support of choice for anyone looking for a DIY option. They work by holding the sewer hose in place with a series of gutters, held above the ground with adjustable stakes, so you change the rake of the slope and height of the lift.
- Easy to adjust and secure on uneven ground.
- Bulky so needs a lot of storage space.
Length Of The Support
So, what size RV sewer hose support do you need?
Well, it depends on the length of your hose. Ideally, you want to use a support as long as your hose. That way, you can always support the entire length of the hose.
Most supports have adjustable lengths so they can accommodate shorter runs, too.
Construction Material & Build Quality
Pay close attention to the build quality and materials used. RV traveling can take a toll on our accessories, and only the best will stand up to the rigors of the road.
Rust-free materials and top-quality plastic or aluminum are essential for frequent travelers, as is a durable construction.
Less frequent users may be able to get away with a homemade version. However, it is still essential to use only robust materials to ensure a long life for your sewer hose support.
Ease Of Use & Setup
You don’t want to spend hours setting up and adjusting your sewer hose support every time you need to dump the tanks. So, ease of use is an important consideration when making your choice.
The best models will be quick and easy to set up, with clear instructions on how to do it.
The collapsible, accordion-type supports are generally the easiest to use. They expand in just a few seconds but are not as adjustable as the gutter supports with adjustable stakes at each corner. Meanwhile, the gutter supports can be a bit fiddly to set up but significantly more adjustable on uneven surfaces.
Storage Dimensions
When not in use, your sewer hose support will need to be stored somewhere. This is why portability and storage dimensions are essential when choosing a model.
If you have a large RV, size won’t be as big of an issue as it would for someone with a smaller camper or trailer.
But if storage space is at a premium, you’ll want to look for a compact model that can easily stow away.
Read more: 9 RV Sewer Hose Storage Ideas To Keep Your Hoses Tidy & Easily Accessible
Cost
Finally, you need to consider cost. Plastic accordion-style supports are at the lower end of the price range. However, they are some of the best models available so the lower price tag doesn’t indicate poor quality.
Aluminum construction supports are more expensive, but they’re arguably more durable. The gutter-type supports vary in price, so ensure you check the length of the support before your buy.
Whatever you do, don’t sacrifice quality for the price. Cheap and flimsy support will cause you more problems than it’s worth in the long run.
Can I Make A Homemade RV Sewer Hose Support?
Yes! You can easily make your own support with some PVC pipe, fittings, and good DIY skills.
Consider how you will store it when not in use. It needs to be able to withstand being stored outside and being exposed to the elements.
PVC pipe is a good material because it is durable and weather resistant. However, you will need to ensure that the pipes are firmly connected and stable on the ground to avoid icky mishaps.
A DIY support will likely cost a little less than a manufactured model. Probably not enough to make it an attractive solution though.
How Long Do Sewer Hose Supports Last?
With proper care and storage, a quality RV sewer hose support should last for years.
However, the sun can take its toll on even the best-made units. Leaving your hose and support set up the whole time you’re on a campground will inevitably shorten its lifespan.
When traveling, storing your support in a cool, dry place when not in use is important. In addition, packing it securely so it can’t move around while you’re on the road will help prevent avoidable damage.
If you notice any cracks or damage to the support, it’s time to replace it. The last thing you want is your support to fail while in use and cause an unpleasant mess.
How To Use An RV Sewer Hose Support
Setting up your RV sewer hose support is relatively simple. Just follow these steps:
- Layout the sewer hose on the ground.
- Layout the support from your RV sewer outlet to the sewer inlet, on a gentle downward slope.
- If using a gutter-type support, stake the support into the ground so it’s stable. Ensure the gutters are correctly positioned to hold the hose in place.
- An accordion-type support ensures the supports are evenly spaced to prevent sagging in the middle.
- Next, place your sewer hose along the length of the support. Note, there’s no need to attach the hose to the RV or sewer inlet until it’s stable and secure on the support.
- If using tie down straps, secure the hose to the support and double-check it remains stable. Adjust it if necessary.
- Now, connect your sewer hose to the dump station and your RV.
- It’s worth testing if the connection is secure by opening the grey tank valve for a moment. Better a grey water mishap than the other!
- Open the black tank valve to let the waste flow through when ready.
- Once the tank is empty, close the valve.
- Open the grey water valve to rinse the hose out.
- Disconnect the hose and pack away the support.
Each support will likely have slightly different instructions so ensure you familiarize yourself with those before your first use.
Pro Tips For Using Sewer Hose Supports In Your RV
If you are using sewer hose supports in your RV, there are a few tips that you should keep in mind.
Use a robust storage container
This is especially true for the gutter-type support, as the plastic pipes can easily be damaged when driving if they’re not properly stored. Some people like to use a heavy-duty storage bin with a lid that snaps shut.
This way, they can just toss it in the RV’s basement without worrying about anything coming loose and getting damaged. Plus, it’s always good to have an extra storage container if you need it for something else.
Use a bungee to secure them
If you lose or damage the carry handles on the accordion-style hose supports, use a bungee as a replacement. Unfortunately, the manufacturers don’t sell spares.
Get the spacing right
Get the spacing of the RV sewer hose supports just right to prevent the hose from sagging when you flush the tanks. Laying the hose on the ground first will help you judge where the supports should be placed.
Secure the supports and hose
You must secure the RV drain hose support and hose to cut the risk of it toppling over. This is especially important in high winds when the last thing you want is for your sewer pipe to come crashing down, mid-flow!
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In Conclusion
The best RV sewer hose supports for your needs depends on:
- if you leave your sewer hose attached permanently,
- how long your camper sewer hose is, and
- how deep your pockets are.
If you’re looking for a plastic sewer hose support to use only when you’re dumping your black tanks, the Camco Sidewinder is an ideal choice.
Sewer hoses that are laid out more often will benefit from the extra sturdiness that gutter-style hose supports offer. In that case, the modular, gutter-style Camco sewer hose support kit is an excellent choice.
Leave a comment below and let us know about your experience using RV sewer hose supports! Were they easy to use? Did they work well? We would love to hear from you!