RV dump station Fee - pay if only getting fresh water ?

4x4van wrote:
I see an OP "asking" if the "dump fee" applies for JUST getting water; legitimate question, IMO.

Next step "The guys on RV.net said I didn't have to pay if I was just getting water". :B

Mike

obgraham wrote:
I'll never understand this mindset. We pay thousands, even hundreds of thousands, for our RV's. Sure, there are public-owned facilities, commonly free to the user (not always).

Meanwhile, a private facility opens up to serve the public's needs, in this case, the RVer who needs to service his rig's water/waste systems. And we begrudge him a measly 5 bucks or so to use his facility.

It's no wonder they are getting harder and harder to find.

What "mindset" are you referring to? I don't see anyone here complaining about the fee, whether it be for dumping or for potable water. I see an OP "asking" if the "dump fee" applies for JUST getting water; legitimate question, IMO. But I didn't see where he or anyone else was complaining about it?

Here in Baraboo, WI we have 2 free dump/fresh water sites. One private and one public. The private site is at a gas station/grocery store and they say that as long as you make a purchase (gas, groceries, or anything) it is free.
The public dump is at the sewage treatment plant and has a sign that it is there as a service to locals and travelers.
This is a tourist area with heavy traffic. We love it when people come and visit and leave a lot of money.

I would have no problem paying a fee for the water. Someone has to pay the water bill. Why should I expect someone else to pay for what I use?

Ed_Gee wrote:
There is a reason they call it a DUMP fee. Covers the cost of waste treatment or hauling off. Should be no charge for fresh water, but as others have said, I'd be real cautious using a dump site's fresh water. I've seen RVers stick the fresh water hose in their septic tubes. I never get water from a dump site.

Why should fresh water be free? It cost to build and maintain the facility, the water bill comes regular as clockwork. Why should anyone give you free water?

It's up to the owner but I would expect if you pull up and use the facilities, you will pay for the use....dumping or filling.

Realistically, the cost to the owner is in the facilities. The incremental cost of a gallon of water or gallon of sewage is likely a fraction of a penny after the facilities are paid for. It's also reasonable that they make at least a modest profit for providing a service.

How about leave a good taste behind, so those who follow are welcome and at least offer to pay? If the owner says don't bother, you are golden and you left a positive impression.

I would expect to pay anytime I take advantage of a service offered by a business and filling my tank with water is taking advantage of a service. $5.00 would be a bargain, $10.00 my expectation and depending upon the location a higher price might still be fair.
A park I know completely stopped offering dumps and water fills because some people pitched a fit over having to pay. The park was in a location that had several forest service dry camping locations nearby and when the park quit offering dumps and fills the campers availing themselves of the dry camping sites had to travel nearly 50 miles to next available services. But at least they didn't feel they got ripped off by a $10.00 fee.

I'll never understand this mindset. We pay thousands, even hundreds of thousands, for our RV's. Sure, there are public-owned facilities, commonly free to the user (not always).

Meanwhile, a private facility opens up to serve the public's needs, in this case, the RVer who needs to service his rig's water/waste systems. And we begrudge him a measly 5 bucks or so to use his facility.

It's no wonder they are getting harder and harder to find.

There are many places in the Southwest where water is scarce and very expensive. It would not be inappropriate for the business owner to charge for water. But, any way you look at it, the business owner gets to decide how he runs his business.

jthrv wrote:
Typically it is ?

Typically it is a silly question.
The answer is whatever the answer is for where you’re dumping.
I know you’re new but , planning a trip based on dump fees or soemthin?