BillHoughton wrote:
So far, our trips in the RV have been to places where there's no water and sewer connection at the campsite. Next weekend, we'll be spending three days in a place with those services at each campsite.
I've read through the owner's manual, and it seems pretty straightforward:
Water: Hook the hose up as if filing the tank, but leave the switch in what Itasca calls the "normal" position. Water will then bypass the tank, and it will be as if we're back at home, using city water. The fresh water tank's presently nearly empty, but that'll be OK, since the water's not coming from the tank.
IF you don't already have one.......purchase a water pressure regulator. Preferably one that is adjustable and rebuildable (WATTS).
NEVER assume CG water pressure will be 'controlled'
If you don't have one........just fill your fresh water tank and use on-board pump until you get one OR just always use pump.
Sewer: Hook up the dump line, but leave the black and gray water tank valves shut until they're full or we're leaving, then follow the usual sequence (black water tank first, then gray water, then rinse out the hose). Add the orange stuff that breaks down the solids and (supposedly) removes stink, just as normal.
YES..leave waste tank drain valves closed until time to dump. The higher the liquid level the better ..... think of it this way. Small slow moving stream can barely disturb a pebble but a strong fast moving river can carry boulders downstream.
High liquid level is that fast moving river carrying those 'boulders' down/out of tank.
IF tank is not full .... add some water before dumping
After dumping/flushing black tank ADD couple toilet bowl flush back into tank. Keeps bottom of tank wet so poop doesn't stick and will slosh around a bit when driving.
Are there other things I should know?
Chemicals......
Well that is highly debated.
I am in the 'WHY use them/waste of money/not needed' crowd.
First off. Waste tanks are just 'holding' tanks not septic tanks. Stuff isn't in them long enough to 'digest'
Secondly. Chemicals just mast smell. Don't know which is worst...poop or chemically poop.
IF the RV drain plumbing vapor barriers are working properly then no smell will be inside RV.
Vapor barriers: Water in 'P' traps, toilet bowl holding water, toilet floor flange seal, Air Admittance Valves (under sinks on drain lines), tank vents.
I haven't used chemicals in many years.
Don't use them at home so why use them in RV.
If I smell poop in either I find/fix source....not mask it with chemicals.
Other than not having to drive to the dump station on the way out, is there any major benefit, for a short stay like ours, to connecting the sewer line at the campsite?
YES... you can take YOUR time dumping/flushing/rinsing waste tanks w/o somebody staring at you thru their windshield tapping their fingers on steering wheel at the dump station.
