[tucsoncarol]

We just got back from a trip to Roper Lake State Park in southern Arizona. It was, by turns, rocky, sandy, and steep. We were using a two wheeled blue tote that was formerly my fathers. It was 15 gallons, and an absolute horror to deal with. It was sloshy and unwieldy to move and never failed to cover us in questionable water when we emptied and cleaned it.We have a large gray water tank and emptied some water from it every couple of days(only did a full empty and clean when leaving). The black water just once in the first week (we used the bathroom only at night or potty emergencies and showered at the park facilities). We got serious blue tote envy when we saw one of our Canadian neighbors easily maneuvering a 16 gallon 4-wheeler. This thing has a side opening! We knew this was the answer for us and found the only RV parts dealer in Safford, Arizona to see if he had one. No, he didn't. But, he could order one and get it to us in 24 hours. OK! We went with the 25 gallon model because of the size of our TM, and we, too, wondered if it would be hard to handle. Simple answer, no. It handles very easily full, and empties like a champ. I pulled it uphill to the tv and we towed it at about 5mph to the dump station. The side valve works like the TM valves and is amazingly secure. No leaks. None of these monsters are easy to clean (it seems they just have to put ridges and backwater eddies into them) but this one was so much easier than the 15 gallon two wheel as to be in a completely different class. The side valve and the top opening work in concert to allow much more effective cleaning. In general observation, the 16 gallon 4-wheeler looks better designed. The obvious low point at the side valve is not on the larger units. They do slope to the side valve, just not as much. Final answer, we love our new tote. It was way expensive, but so worth it.