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RV Sewer Hose Without Fittings: Where to Buy Bulk Hose & Replacement Options

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Plumbing guide

Safe to buy RV sewer hose without fittings? Worried about options

I'm dealing with a leaking 5' Camco Extreme Flex sewer hose from my Class A RV and I'm really hesitant about my repair options. I've used multiple hoses across 5 different Class A motorhomes, and the Camco Extreme Flex has been the best, but now I'm struggling with a leak I can't seem to fix.

I keep striking out trying to find just the hose portion without fittings since I already have good fittings I can reuse from my existing 5' and 15' hoses. I don't want to go to a thinner hose with steel reinforcing. I'd ideally buy a 20' length and make a new 5' hose, keeping the remainder for future replacements.

I'm concerned - is buying bulk hose even safe for RV waste systems? Are there any reliable sources, or am I taking risks with industrial hose that wasn't meant for this? What are my safest options without having to buy complete kits with fittings I don't need?

Dear Dave M.,

Quick Answer

Sewer hose without fittings is rare - buy cheap complete kit and swap fittings, or try industrial bulk hose. Consider repairing leak with hose clamp or sewer hose repair tape.

Tools & Parts Needed

hose clamps repair tape if fixing leak

Quick Take

Unfortunately, Camco doesn't sell the Extreme Flex hose material separately without fittings - they only offer complete assemblies. However, you have several viable options to get the quality hose material you want. Your best bet is to purchase a 20-foot Camco Extreme Flex complete hose (correct part for your model - verify with dealer, around $45-55) and harvest the hose material, reusing your existing bayonet and elbow fittings. You can also check with RV salvage yards or contact Camco directly - they occasionally sell bulk hose to dealers. Given your experience with multiple Class A rigs and preference for the Extreme Flex quality, investing in the 20-footer makes sense as you'll have material for future repairs.

Common Causes

Sewer hose leaks in quality hoses like the Camco Extreme typically have common causes that include stress points rather than random material failure. The most common failure points are where the hose connects to the bayonet fitting - the constant flexing and weight of waste creates micro-tears in the reinforced vinyl. Temperature cycling also plays a role, as the hose material expands and contracts differently than the rigid fittings.

Another frequent cause includes damage from sharp objects underneath the RV or at the dump station. Even small punctures can grow into significant leaks over time. The wire coil reinforcement in cheaper hoses actually makes them more prone to puncture damage, which is why you've found the Extreme Flex's design superior. Chemical degradation from holding tank treatments can also weaken hose materials, though this is less common with higher-quality hoses.

Over-tightening the bayonet connections can also stress the hose material where it's clamped, creating weak points that eventually fail. This is particularly common when RVers try to ensure a leak-proof connection but inadvertently damage the hose in the process.

Preparation

SAFETY WARNING: Always wear gloves and eye protection when working with sewer hose materials and fittings. Work in a well-ventilated area.

Before purchasing new hose material, carefully examine your existing fittings to ensure they're worth reusing. Check the bayonet fitting threads, gaskets, and clamp mechanisms. Clean them thoroughly with warm soapy water and inspect for cracks or wear. The clear elbow fitting should also be checked for stress cracks, particularly around the connection points.

Measure your current setup to confirm the 5-foot length works best for your typical camping situations. Consider whether a 6 or 7-foot section might give you more flexibility at tight dump stations. Gather your tools: hose clamps (stainless steel, sized appropriately for your specific hose and fitting combination), a sharp utility knife, measuring tape, and possibly some hose lubricant to ease assembly.

Research current pricing on complete 20-foot Camco Extreme Flex hoses from multiple sources. Check Camping World, Amazon, and local RV dealers. Sometimes you can find open-box or returned items at significant savings. Also contact local RV service centers - they sometimes have leftover materials from installations.

Repair Steps

If you purchase a complete 20-foot hose, carefully disassemble one end to preserve the fitting for your existing setup. Use a flat screwdriver to loosen the hose clamp gradually, working around the circumference to avoid damaging the hose material. Clean the fitting thoroughly and inspect the interior for any debris or damage.

Measure and mark your desired length on the new hose material. For a 5-foot replacement, add about 1.5 inches to account for the fitting overlap. Use a sharp utility knife to make a clean, straight cut. Avoid using scissors as they can fray the reinforced material. Sand any rough edges lightly to ensure a smooth fit.

Apply a thin layer of RV-safe lubricant (like plumber's silicone grease) to the inside of the hose end before sliding it onto your existing bayonet fitting. Push it on fully - it should overlap the fitting by at least 1.5 inches. Position your stainless steel clamp over the overlap area and tighten firmly by hand plus 1/4 turn with a screwdriver, checking that the hose material doesn't bunch or twist. Avoid over-tightening which can damage the hose material.

Test the connection by running water through the hose at normal gravity flow before using it for waste. This will reveal any leaks while they're easy to address. Store your remaining hose material in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve it for future repairs.

When to Get Help

Contact Camco customer service directly if you're unable to find bulk hose material through normal retail channels. They may be able to direct you to commercial dealers who sell components separately, or they might offer to sell you material directly. Their technical support team is generally helpful for unusual requests like yours.

Consider reaching out to RV forums and Facebook groups specific to your Class A chassis. Other owners may have faced the same issue and found sources you haven't discovered. Some members occasionally sell unused RV parts or know of salvage operations that specialize in RV components.

If you're uncomfortable working with the fittings or your attempts at repair continue to fail, consult with an RV service center. They may have access to bulk hose materials or be able to rebuild your assembly with fresh components. Given your experience with multiple rigs, this is probably unnecessary, but sometimes a fresh set of eyes can spot issues we miss in our own equipment.

This article is for informational purposes only and may contain errors. Always verify technical specifications and safety procedures with your equipment manufacturer's documentation or consult a qualified professional before performing repairs. See our terms.
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Tags: #sewer hose #camco #bulk hose #fittings #repair