It should be at the forefront of every RVers mind to be an ambassador of the lifestyle. What this means is that we should positively represent the “brand” to other RVers and the general public alike! A big part of this is how we act while traveling by RV, including the etiquette we put on display. This article will discuss dump station decorum.
There is not a lot to cover here, but it is a rarely discussed, yet important topic. Dumping RV holding tanks is a “crappy” job, but it is made even worse if we disrespect the process by leaving the station messy or staying longer than necessary if there is a lineup. I will put the issue of dump station etiquette into context by including my process for dumping holding tanks.
The most important rule regarding dump stations is to respect them. The providers of these facilities do so for YOUR convenience, and it does cost them money to maintain. Always bear this in mind when you are using them and be courteous and respectful. The remainder of the etiquette tips are really subsets of this general consideration.
The second point is to clean up after yourself. Be patient and mindful of others in the lineup, including the person currently using the facility. Respectfully wait for your turn. If somebody in front of you leaves a mess, you may choose to discuss it with them, or just clean up after them yourself. This will depend on your personal sensitivity towards approaching others. In either case, do not leave the station messy for the next person, even if the person before you did not extend the same courtesy to you. Always “pay it forward” in all things RVing, including using dump stations and other facilities.
After pulling up to the station and connecting your sewer hose to your coach, put the other end INSIDE the dump station drain pipe. Do not simply leave your hose near the drain unless absolutely necessary. If you must do this for some reason, put the end of your hose as close as possible to the drain pipe. In either case, weigh down the hose so it doesn’t move. Open your black tank valve first and let it fully empty. Then open the gray valve to evacuate that tank.
As most people know, emptying the gray tank after the black allows the gray water to rinse and flush the sewer hose of black water and solids. Once both tanks are empty, close the valves and detach the bayonet from the RV. After washing out your sewer hose, use the station rinse hose to thoroughly flush the dump station pad area near the drain pipe. This should include anything that dripped out the end of your RV drain pipe after you disconnected your hose. Completely rinse the area around the station drain to make sure there is no solid waste or gray water remaining. Ensure everything is washed down the station drain so it’s clean for the next user. Perform this task as efficiently as possible to minimize the wait time of those behind you. Note that you should also follow this process at full hookup RV sites so the next guest (or park staff) doesn’t have a mess to deal with.
While the above information may seem obvious to most, there are those who are new to the lifestyle who may not have been given this information. Also, it serves as a reminder to all of us to be good RV citizens.
About the author: Steve Froese
Steve Froese, an avid RV owner, traveler, and Coach-Net member since 2013, is the principal of “A Word to the Wise Technical Communications”, a published RV author, certified RV technician, and licensed Professional Engineer. He frequently collaborates with the “RV Doctor”, Gary Bunzer, and has worked with the RVIA/RVDA as a technical and training writer and consultant. Professionally, he works as a quality engineer and musician. Watch for more of Steve’s work in upcoming Coach-Net publications.
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There are many “rules of behavior” that apply to RVers and campers while traveling. Some are written on almost every park sign, while some are inferred. Ignoring them is likely to have a range of results, from being shunned by your camping neighbors to being asked to leave the park.
Let’s start with arguably the most important, yet frequently poorly enforced rule, that of quiet hours. This rule is displayed prominently on the signage and literature of every RV park I’ve ever visited, yet it is often ignored. My family is a quiet bunch; We set up camp, explore the area, walk the dog, and ride our bikes. We eat outside but do so while engaged in quiet family conversation. We like to retire to the RV early and usually enjoy a movie and/or game before going to bed. These evening activities generally last until ten o’clock or later. There is always a wide array of family groups staying at RV parks and campgrounds in everything from tents to large Class A coaches, and I find that more than a few of them have young children. When it’s lights out time in our motorhome, it’s after a long day of travel or activity and nothing would be better than to fall asleep to the sounds of only crickets, frogs, or…. nothing. Unfortunately, the serenity of the great outdoors is all too often interrupted by neighboring campers listening to music or talking loudly. This often lasts until the wee hours of the morning, with 2 or 3 am seeming to be the norm. While some RV parks do a good job of curbing this behavior, others, even those with 24hr. patrols, do not. When you are camping with your family or other groups, please be courteous to your neighbors and move the conversation, music, or other socializing inside after the posted quiet hour, which generally starts at 10 pm. Even conversation that may seem quiet to you in your own campsite can carry across the park, especially to those close to you. Note that a tarp is not an effective sound barrier.
RV parks have rules regarding pets. Please be aware of these rules, such as not leaving your pet unattended, keeping it leashed, and cleaning up after it does its “business”. We tend to know when a family has left their pet behind due to the telltale barking, whining, or howling. Even the best-behaved pooch will miss its humans and want to enjoy the sights with them.
In terms of unwritten rules, the one that I most often find causes the most problem, and generally involves children, is crossing a campsite occupied by somebody else. While it is understood that people are inclined to short-cut to lessen travel time, it is considered very rude to cross through another person’s campsite. This is especially true when the offender is running or on a bicycle or other form of transportation. Please educate your family on the importance of privacy and urge them not to travel through campsites that are occupied by others. Stick to the roadway or campsites that are unoccupied. This is not only an annoyance to those occupying the site, but may also be a security concern.
As I alluded to above, one important rule is never to encroach on another camper’s site. Entering another person’s site without being invited is basically trespassing on somebody else’s property. Always use roadways, sidewalks, or empty sites when traversing through an RV park.
