The Best RV Holding Tank Treatments Based on Value and Customer Reviews

Note: We tried to pick the most similar treatment sizes between these treatments to ensure the most accurate pricing comparison per treatment.

While price matters, it's also crucial to consider the value you're getting for the price. Cheaper treatments might seem like a good deal upfront, but if they're less effective or require larger quantities per use, they may end up costing more in the long run.

The primary purpose kinda depends on who's buying it. For example, Happy Campers customers primary point of concern is controlling odors. Second to that would be breakdown of waste and then price (depending on the customer). In this post we really want to address price, because it can be a little misleading when shopping online and you see what looks to be a pretty BIG difference in prices between brands.

Any good RV holding tank treatment should break down waste, control odors, and facilitate easier dumping. Regardless of price, effectiveness should be a top priority. Some cheaper treatments might not work as effectively or may require more frequent applications.

Before making a purchase, it's wise to read reviews and seek recommendations from other RVers. They can provide insights into the effectiveness and value of various products at different price points.

The GEO Method is Deceptive in Terms of Cost or (Cost per Treatment)

What is the GEO Method for RVs and How Do You Use It?

The GEO Method for RVs, also known as the "Good Efficient Organism" method, is a popular approach to maintaining the wastewater system in recreational vehicles. It is designed to keep the RV tanks clean and free from odors, ensuring a more enjoyable experience on the road. In this article, we will delve into the details of the GEO Method and how to effectively implement it.

To start with, let's understand what items you need for the GEO Method. The basic ingredients include water softener, bleach, and a detergent that is free from fabric softeners or bleach. These items are readily available in most stores and are relatively affordable, considering the benefits they offer.

Ingredients for Mixing One Treatment Geo Method 

After emptying and thoroughly rinsing your tanks;

Step 1:

Dissolve two cups of water softener into one to two gallons of heated water for each tank.

Step 2:

Mix 1 Cup of Dawn's original blue dish-washing liquid into each treatment. 

Step 3: (Optional) Add 1-2 caps of bleach 

Note: we're not going to include bleach as a product in our calculations.

After adding these mixtures to each tank, use your tanks normally and empty them when they’re between ⅔ full to full.

Cost and Cost Per Treatment of the GEO Method

Many RVers simply assume that the GEO method is the most cost effective treatment because you're just mixing a couple common ingredients together. However, when being use to treat RV holding tanks, this is how the pricing actually breaks down;

Prices and Images  from Amazon

                   I'm no Rocket Surgeon, but the price per treatment seems pretty high.

How the GEO Method works

The first step is to add a water softener to the black tank, which helps to break down solid waste and prevents it from sticking to the walls of the tank. This allows for easier and more efficient cleaning when the tank is emptied. It is important to note that the amount of water softener used should be appropriate for the tank size, as mentioned in the method's guidelines.

Once the water softener is added, the next step is to add bleach to the black tank. Bleach serves as a disinfectant, eliminating bacteria and controlling odor. Again, the amount of bleach used should be based on the tank size and the method's recommendations.

NOTE: We never recommend using bleach in RV tanks as it is very hard on some of the parts.

After adding the water softener and bleach, the final step is to add a detergent that is free from fabric softeners or bleach to the gray tank. This detergent helps in cleaning the tank and breaking down grease and grime that might accumulate over time.

Is the GEO Method Effective?

Many RV owners swear by the GEO Method and have reported positive results. By following the guidelines and regularly applying the method, they have managed to keep their tanks clean and odor-free. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of the GEO Method may vary depending on factors such as the frequency of usage, tank size, and individual RV's wastewater system.

For those RVers who have tried home treatments such as the GEO method, but haven't really had the success they're looking for, what should you do? We'll look at RV chemical and enzyme based treatments to fight those odors and keep sensors clean.

Should You Use Chemical Holding Tank Treatments?

1. The GEO Method is not as cost effective as one might think.

2. Retail Price isn't always a good indicator of value.

Great examples of this are the PortaPak and Liquified Treatments; where the product price appears very cost effective, but per treatment no so much. We must not that the Liquified treatments advised one to two ounces per treatment based on the number of people using the toilet.

3. Of the Top 5 RV Holding Tank Treatments Happy Campers is very competitive per treatment.

4. Happy Campers is the highest rated RV holding tank treatment.

5. "Best" in terms of Odor Control (customer reviews) - Happy Campers

6. "Best" in terms of waste liquefaction (customer reviews) - Liquified RV

7. "Best" in terms of working in heat over 90° (customer reviews)- Happy Campers

Why Did We Evaluate These Products Based on Price per Treatment?

Based on Happy Camper customer feedback left in reviews and comments, we determined that price was an increasingly important concern. Many customers felt Happy Campers was the most expensive treatment on the market and were concerned about rising prices over the years. We wanted to make sure that based on a cost per treatment scenario that Happy Campers was actually still producing a competitive RV holding tank treatment that actually works. While not the cheapest treatment on the market, Happy Campers, based on thousands of customer reviews is the most effective at controlling odors and still priced competitively per treatment. 

A note from Happy Campers:

             

           "Providing a quality product for RVers is our primary concern. We wish we could bring prices down, but every year the cost of ingredients only goes up. We pride ourselves on only using the best ingredients manufactured here in the United States."

The Happy Campers Challenge:

We ask you to compare Happy Campers Treatment with anything else available in terms of it’s effectiveness in eliminating your RV Holding tank odor. Then… compare the price and we think you’ll also see the value in the Happy Campers product.

*We do NOT receive affiliate commission on any products mentioned on this site.