Valterra Sewer Hose Hatch Review

Getting Up Close with the Valterra Sewer Hose Hatch

Let’s face it: dealing with sewer hoses is never glamorous. I’ve spent over a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear world, including a significant amount of time RVing and camping, and I’ve seen (and smelled) it all. The Valterra Sewer Hose Hatch promises a cleaner, more organized, and frankly, more civilized way to manage the dreaded task of sewer hose storage. This simple device aims to solve a persistent problem: keeping your sewer hose contained, secure, and out of sight when not in use.

What brought me to the Valterra Sewer Hose Hatch? Simply put, I was tired of wrestling with my sewer hose every time I set up or broke down camp. I needed a solution that would keep the hose out of the elements, prevent accidental leaks, and make the whole process less…icky.

Upon receiving the Valterra Sewer Hose Hatch, my first impression was positive. The plastic felt sturdy, not flimsy, and the locking mechanism seemed robust enough to deter casual tampering. The package included everything needed for installation: the hatch itself, installation tape, hardware, and a thumblock.

I considered a few other options before settling on the Valterra hatch. Some involved custom-built storage compartments, while others were simply larger diameter PVC pipes with caps. I chose the Valterra Sewer Hose Hatch because it seemed like the best balance of affordability, ease of installation, and security. Plus, Valterra is a name I trust, generally making decent products.

My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. I hoped this little hatch would truly streamline my RV setup, but I also knew that the real test would come with repeated use in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Valterra Sewer Hose Hatch to the Test

First Use Experience

I installed the Valterra Sewer Hose Hatch on the side of my travel trailer before a long weekend camping trip to Big Bend National Park. The installation process was fairly straightforward, although cutting the correct size hole in the trailer siding was a bit nerve-wracking. Following the instructions provided by Valterra, I used the included tape and hardware to securely mount the hatch to a short section of 6-inch PVC pipe (purchased separately, as advertised).

During the trip, the hatch performed exactly as intended. It was easy to access the sewer hose when needed, and just as easy to stow it away afterward. The thumblock provided a basic level of security, preventing the hatch from accidentally opening during travel. The dry desert air of Big Bend presented no particular challenges, and the plastic showed no signs of warping or fading in the intense sun.

No major issues arose during the initial use, although I did notice that the hatch wasn’t perfectly watertight.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, including trips to humid coastal campgrounds and dusty desert RV parks, the Valterra Sewer Hose Hatch has held up surprisingly well. There are no cracks or breaks in the plastic, and the hinge still operates smoothly. I have noticed some minor fading of the plastic due to UV exposure, but it’s purely cosmetic.

The hatch has proven to be remarkably durable, withstanding the rigors of travel and exposure to the elements. Cleaning is a breeze – a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to remove dirt and grime.

Compared to my previous experiences with simply throwing the sewer hose in a storage compartment, the Valterra Sewer Hose Hatch is a significant improvement. It keeps the hose contained, prevents odors from escaping, and makes setup and takedown much faster and easier. It outperforms my expectations for such a relatively simple and inexpensive product.

Breaking Down the Features of Valterra Sewer Hose Hatch

Specifications

The Valterra Sewer Hose Hatch is designed for simple yet effective sewer hose management. Here’s a breakdown of its key specifications:

• Lockable Hatch: Provides basic security and prevents accidental opening during transit. It helps keep curious critters and little hands out.
• Attaches to PVC Pipe: The hatch is designed to connect to standard PVC pipe (sold separately), allowing for a custom-sized storage solution. This offers flexibility in length and placement.
• Installation Tape & Hardware Included: The kit includes all the necessary mounting hardware and installation tape, simplifying the installation process. This is a convenient touch, reducing the need for extra trips to the hardware store.
• Thumblock: A simple thumblock mechanism secures the hatch, providing a deterrent against unauthorized access. It’s not Fort Knox, but it’s better than nothing.
• Cutout Dimensions: 5-7/8″ width x 4-3/4″ height. This is the size of the opening you’ll need to cut for installation. Careful measurements are key for a clean fit.
• Outside Dimensions: 7-5/8″ width x 6-1/2″ height. These dimensions dictate the overall footprint of the hatch on your RV or camper. Ensure you have adequate space.

These specifications translate to a user-friendly and relatively straightforward installation process, resulting in a cleaner and more organized RV setup. The ability to use standard PVC pipe means that you can customize the length of the storage compartment to suit your needs.

Performance & Functionality

The Valterra Sewer Hose Hatch performs its primary function – storing and securing a sewer hose – admirably. The hatch opens and closes smoothly, and the thumblock provides a reasonable level of security.

The strengths lie in its simplicity and ease of use. The installation is relatively straightforward, and the hatch provides a clean and organized solution for sewer hose storage. The main weakness is that it isn’t perfectly watertight, so some water may seep in during heavy rain.

The Valterra Sewer Hose Hatch meets my expectations for a product in this price range. It’s not a high-end, feature-rich solution, but it gets the job done effectively and reliably.

Design & Ergonomics

The Valterra Sewer Hose Hatch features a simple, utilitarian design. The plastic construction is lightweight yet reasonably durable. The rounded edges and recessed handle make it comfortable to use.

The hatch is generally user-friendly, although aligning the thumblock can be a bit finicky at times. There’s no real learning curve – it’s pretty self-explanatory.

Durability & Maintenance

The Valterra Sewer Hose Hatch appears to be reasonably durable, capable of withstanding the rigors of RV travel and exposure to the elements. The plastic is UV-resistant, although some fading is inevitable over time.

Maintenance is minimal – a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to keep it clean. Repairing it would likely involve replacing the entire unit, as there are few serviceable parts.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Valterra Sewer Hose Hatch comes with the basic hardware needed for installation, but there are limited customization options. You can paint the hatch to match your RV’s color scheme, or add additional weather stripping to improve its watertightness.

The main accessory is the PVC pipe needed to create the storage compartment. You can choose the diameter and length of the pipe to suit your specific needs. The hatch is compatible with standard PVC fittings, allowing for a variety of installation configurations.

Pros and Cons of Valterra Sewer Hose Hatch

Who Should Buy Valterra Sewer Hose Hatch?

The Valterra Sewer Hose Hatch is perfect for RV owners, campers, and anyone who wants a cleaner, more organized way to manage their sewer hose. It’s especially beneficial for those who value convenience and ease of use.

Those who require a completely watertight solution or prefer a high-end, feature-rich product may want to skip this product. Also, those uncomfortable cutting holes in their RV siding may want to consider professional installation.

A must-have accessory is a high-quality sewer hose that fits snugly within the PVC pipe. Additional weather stripping can also improve the hatch’s watertightness.

Conclusion on Valterra Sewer Hose Hatch

The Valterra Sewer Hose Hatch is a simple yet effective solution for managing sewer hose storage in RVs and campers. Its affordable price, easy installation, and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to improve their RV organization.

The price is definitely justified by the convenience and peace of mind it provides. The fact that my black water system is now a little more managed is worth every penny.

I would definitely recommend the Valterra Sewer Hose Hatch to fellow RVers and campers. It’s a small investment that makes a big difference in the overall RVing experience. Stop wrestling with your sewer hose and upgrade to the Valterra Sewer Hose Hatch today! You won’t regret it.