Quote:
Originally Posted by Speckul8r
PopB, I've wondered about charging b4 storage. I can see that the water can be good for the seals but I also wonder about the bacterial breading ground this may create. I first thought about using a bleach solution to kill the bugs but worried about the effect of the chlorine on the seals. I have used the Thetford Seal Lube a couple of times and it does make a difference on the effort (less) needed to pull the discharge slide at the commode base. Comment please.
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The first three years we had the TM I always stored the fresh water tank empty, the toilet empty and the holding tank empty.
I have been reading TMO forums and RV.net forums religiously since February 2005. Based on all the experience of many other folks like me I concluded that it is better to keep the seals moist. Besides protecting the seals, I live in earthquake country. Having 40 gallons of fresh water and a charged toilet in the TM might come in handy some day, assuming the garage roof does not collapse on the TM.
Like you I was concerned about odors and stuff growing in the water. There is no light in a closed TM parked in the garage. Most green things that grow need a fair amount of light, so I am not too concerned about that.
My city water has some chlorine in it. I also add about 2 table spoons of bleach to the fresh tank. I never add chlorine to the toilet. The water system was drained before filling the fresh tank, so there is no water in the lines or water heater, so the water heater anode rod should not be rotting away prematurely.
I do add a couple of Potty Toddy tablets (from Camping World) to the toilet to reduce the risk of odors.
I am no expert on the topic, but I have given it serious thought. Anyone that knows more than I do could easily persuade me to change my ways, but for the moment that is what I do.