Most RVs come with a rear bumper compartment designed to hold your sewer hose, but storing a used hose in that enclosed space creates problems that go beyond just odor. Residual moisture trapped in hoses can harbor bacteria and create condensation that spreads to other items in the same compartment. The tight, unventilated space prevents proper drying, especially in humid climates.
Full-time RVers have learned to treat sewer hose storage differently than weekend campers. Many carry a dedicated rinse hose and actually flush the sewer hose with clean water after each dump, then store it in a ventilated area rather than the bumper compartment. Some use a mesh bag that allows airflow, while others mount external storage that stays outside the living area entirely.
The other issue most new owners don’t anticipate is cross-contamination with other utility items. Storing your fresh water hose, electrical adapters, or leveling blocks in the same compartment as a used sewer hose defeats the purpose of keeping waste systems separate from everything else. Even if the hose looks clean, microscopic residue transfers to whatever else is stored there.
A simple upgrade is switching to a clear storage tube with drain holes, or dedicating a specific external compartment solely to waste system components. The goal is keeping sewer equipment isolated and allowing everything to dry completely between uses. This approach prevents odors from migrating into your RV and reduces the risk of contaminating other gear you handle regularly.