want some advice about storage of grey water. Someone told us that in QLD you have to have grey water containers attached to you van and then friends on the weekend said that NSW you have to as well. We were looking at buying a portable container on wheels. We asked the marine place we get our jayco outback journey pop top serviced if he cold install a tank underneath the van and he does not do this but also be very aware of the weight that jayco allows. Can anyone clarify what to do.
To give you a 2-sided answer, covering Grey Water issues ...
At this point in time there are no Australian or State "standards" or requirements relating to the retention of grey water within an RV / caravan / accommodation vehicle [whatever it is called across Oz]. However this is likely to change over the next 5 years or so, and your next new RV will most probably have a grey water tank built in.
For what it's worth, the CCIA [Caravan & Camping Industry Association] back in 2011 defined a caravan as being "self-contained" when it contained a toilet and shower. The international trend for "self-contained" includes grey water retention, usually internally but can be external if the storage container is 'approved' for grey water use.
The ever-increasing requirement for grey water retention is coming around from feedback from travellers, caravan park owners and pressure from environment people to try to avoid "food-stuff" being dropped onto the ground under a caravan via washing up water, thus bringing ants and rodents into the camping environment. Additionally, there are the soaps etc from personal washing, and sometimes clothes washing machines in big RVs that are also giving some concerns
What this means - and to answer your question - is that in today's world, any local council / park's authority, whomever can create their own local laws to protect their park as best they can arrange to do so. It is not [at this stage] a State or Federal requirement.
As to obtaining a suitable grey water tank for yourself, try google for "portable grey water tanks" and you will come up with heaps of options & prices
I had the grey water tank installed before purchase of a Jayco Silverline Outback. The installation was all wrong. I have reinstalled the tank running North South between the suspension. So far it is proving quite good. I have also purchased a 40 litre grey water tank on wheels, the purpose was that at a park, I can drain the fixed tank into the portable and empty it where was suitable. I can give further details if required.
Grey water tanks are only required if you intend to camp in places where self containment is required. There area a few of these camp grounds around. When you refer to WikiCamps the entries for self containment camps is clearly stated on the first page in each camp entry. This will be the norm for many years to come. You certainly will not require grey water tanks for camping in caravan parks.
Regarding the weight problem. Adding a grey water tank will probably not add more than 10 kg to the weight of the van. It will not add any weight when in use as you will only be transferring weight (ie water) from your fresh water tanks to your grey water tank. You should not need to fill your fresh water until you empty the grey.
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PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
Regarding the weight problem. Adding a grey water tank will probably not add more than 10 kg to the weight of the van. It will not add any weight when in use as you will only be transferring weight (ie water) from your fresh water tanks to your grey water tank. You should not need to fill your fresh water until you empty the grey.
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The above comment from Peter D. is spot on.
However we have just purchased a 40 litre approved portable tank so I am guessing that the same will apply as we will place the portable tank in the van when we travel or get to a dump point.
Just not sure where that dump point will be, but it will not be at the camp site for obvious reasons.????????
Jay&Dee
Just a little info that I have mentioned on the forum before.
I was camped for the night at Waverley Creek Rest Area, side of the Bruce Hwy and about 160km north of Rockhampton QLD and about 11km south of the St Lawrence turn off around late August last year and a Ranger in marked car and uniform arrived, checked everyone for grey water outlets and asked 3 vans to move on. One was allowing his grey water to directly on the bitumen surface and the other two had portable storage under their outlets. The Ranger explained that the portable ones can over flow while directly under or filling from on board tank to empty further away. It is a council by-law not state or federal.
I have a 95lt on board storage for grey water so covered when needed. I agree with above comment about you are transferring weight not adding. Unless of course your grey is full and you fill your fresh tanks before leaving a spot.
Keep safe on the roads.
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Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
I also stayed there again on my way up to Townsville in early May this year and same, no ranger. Problem is though, you never know when they will turn up. Best be safe than sorry I think. Once you are set up, all done and dusted and covered whatever way is needed. IMO.
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Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
Simplest way. is to get a coupla lengths to suit of 6 in sewer pipe with ends.
Strap together inside/outside van with sink drain to T piece
one side to tank. one side to outlet drain.
80/90 ltr water tank mounted under van.
Or even an old petrol tank from outboard days 25/40 ltr.
That'd be legal. (I hope).
My Coromal swing windows leaked round the frames in that last shower of 8 1\2 in in about 20 hrs t'other day.
ALl outside runs. and roof/wall seams redone properly last month or so.
Plus roof done with 3 coats of flexy coat and anti reflective paint.
SHouldn't leak for at least a month hey....
I'll try sealing along edges first b4 replacing window frames.
Recently camped beside a Kiwi who told me that all vans in NZ must have a grey water tank. He's planning to take his Jayco back to NZ and before he puts it on a boat, the tank must be fitted.
Someone recently told me that a grey water tank must be fitted to the van when self contained is mentioned. A portable container under the sullage pipe is not permitted.
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GRANDPARENTS & GRANDCHILDREN GET ON SO WELL TOGETHER BECAUSE THEY HAVE A COMMON ENEMY
I have a Toyota hiace. Slwb.
It has a builtin toilet. Also builtin grey water tank.and builtin freshwater tank. It can be done in the smallest of vans.
The only one it doesn't have is a shower. That's fine.
