Hello. In 2 days I will be taking my new (to me) 2003 Starcraft Travelstar 21rb out for our first trip.I previously was the owner of a coleman popup..and never used all of the water features in the camper.With this new camper we want to use it and i have a few questions.I have not sanitized the water holding tank, so for this trip I mainly want to use it for the toilet. Questions are.1. I do not know where or how the pump is turned on, but I assume the pump will need to be activated to flush the toilet?2. When I go to dump the waste after our trip I understand to dump the black side first, and the gray side second. When I release the gray side will that also drain all the water that is still in the tank that was unused? If not how do i drain that water to empty the tank?3. I assume campers have 2 tanks? 1 for the fresh water you put in it, and another for the water that goes down the sink and toilet. I am guessing they are the same in size?I am sure i have more questions, but if you can offer advise on these hopefully I won't have to leave the camper at 3am for the public restroom!Thanks!!

Hello. In 2 days I will be taking my new (to me) 2003 Starcraft Travelstar 21rb out for our first trip.I previously was the owner of a coleman popup..and never used all of the water features in the camper.With this new camper we want to use it and i have a few questions.I have not sanitized the water holding tank, so for this trip I mainly want to use it for the toilet. Questions are.1. I do not know where or how the pump is turned on, but I assume the pump will need to be activated to flush the toilet? Yes you need to turn on the pump prior to using the toilet or any faucets2. When I go to dump the waste after our trip I understand to dump the black side first, and the gray side second. When I release the gray side will that also drain all the water that is still in the tank that was unused? If not how do i drain that water to empty the tank? Makes sure the black tank is at least 2/3 full before dumping as this makes it easier for everything to come out; when you use the toilet don't skimp on the water when flushing...to drain the fresh water tank there is usually a drain valve underneath trailer to turn3. I assume campers have 2 tanks? 1 for the fresh water you put in it, and another for the water that goes down the sink and toilet. I am guessing they are the same in size? Not necessarily...the order usually goes the fresh water is the largest, gray tank is second and black tank is smallestI am sure i have more questions, but if you can offer advise on these hopefully I won't have to leave the camper at 3am for the public restroom!Thanks!!

unless my brower isn't showing something here...it looks like all you did was quote me. If i am missing something here let me know.

thedietz wrote:unless my brower isn't showing something here...it looks like all you did was quote me. If i am missing something here let me know.I typed the answers in RED after the end of each question...

sorry...i refreshed my brower and am now able to see your responses. I appreciate it.Is there somewhat of a standard as to where the switch is to activate the pump? I am not sure where to even start looking.You said to make sure the black tank is at least 2/3 full. Is there usally a gauge saying how full the tanks are, or do you just know how full they are from experience?Sorry if the questions seem obvious, but I have never used this system before or any water system in a camper before. Thanks again.

You only need to use the pump when you are not hooked up to a water faucet, as when you are traveling, or boondocking without hookups. When you ARE HOOKED UP TO WATER at a campground, you DO NOT use the water pump.

New camper. Water features | Good Sam Community

real4u2c
Explorer
Jun 09, 2013
If I were you, I would go online or to a local bookstore and purchase Woodall's Rv manual, by Gary Bunzer, I believe that is the author. Good book for rv owners. Easy to understand rv stuff, can save you money. That's what I would do, but everybody is different.
bikendan
Explorer
Jun 07, 2013
thedietz wrote:

Is there a chance my heater will work with just shore power?

RV.s have furnaces that heat with propane, not electricity.
Some bring ceramic electric HEATERS to supplement the RV's furnace. Those will need shore power.
thedietz
Explorer
Jun 06, 2013
We are at our site now. Rain in the forcast for the next 2 days.

All the water systems work. .thanks for all the great advice.

Is there a chance my heater will work with just shore power?
JSGlow
Explorer
Jun 06, 2013
You'll quickly get the hang of all your systems. Coming from a tent camping background I know how to conserve so we routinely have the hot water heater off (unless there's a future need) and leave our pump off. But there is no correct answer except to use LOTS of fresh water in the black tank. Water in that spot is your friend.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Jun 05, 2013
Where ever we use the pump it is turned ON until next time we have shore water.

It is an 'on demand' pump meaning it only runs when there is a drop in pressure......that could be a faucet being opened, toilet being flushed OR a leak!

We would turn it off if we left rig for any extended time but while in/around rig it is on.
I like to keep things simple.......hate trying to remember to turn pump on, water heater on etc. When I open a faucet/flush toilet I want water to flow.
And when I use Hot water I want Hot water not 20 mins. later.

Just me.......find what works for you
dadmomh
Explorer
Jun 05, 2013
If we were camping with NO shore water, I would only leave the pump on when it's needed. Although, doubt that it would hurt it if left on....one thing it would let you know if it keeps kicking on and off is that you have a leak somewhere in the system and you're losing pressure. We rarely carry water in the fresh tank because at about 8# per gallon, that = a lot of weight = more gas. So when time comes to get ready to head home, if we happen to have added any water, I use that to add to the black tank. Just open the flush - either a small lever on the side or a foot pedal, and let it run. You'll have to stand there to keep it open. Re #1 or #2.....doesn't really matter because that's what it's made for. Use it. Don't invest in the pricey RV toilet paper....just plain old cheap white stuff is fine and will break down. You do need to use chemicals of some sort. You can do a search here and find way more than you ever thought you needed to know about this. It sounds like a lot the first time and you'll likely wonder "what did they say???", but it's no biggie. Just have a good time, relax and the rest will take care of itself.
dadmomh
Explorer
Jun 05, 2013
If we were camping with NO shore water, I would only leave the pump on when it's needed. Although, doubt that it would hurt it if left on....one thing it would let you know if it keeps kicking on and off is that you have a leak somewhere in the system and you're losing pressure. We rarely carry water in the fresh tank because at about 8# per gallon, that = a lot of weight = more gas. So when time comes to get ready to head home, if we happen to have added any water, I use that to add to the black tank. Just open the flush - either a small lever on the side or a foot pedal, and let it run. You'll have to stand there to keep it open. Re #1 or #2.....doesn't really matter because that's what it's made for. Use it. Don't invest in the pricey RV toilet paper....just plain old cheap white stuff is fine and will break down. You do need to use chemicals of some sort. You can do a search here and find way more than you ever thought you needed to know about this. It sounds like a lot the first time and you'll likely wonder "what did they say???", but it's no biggie. Just have a good time, relax and the rest will take care of itself.
thedietz
Explorer
Jun 05, 2013
after getting my camper back today ( the pictures and diagrams were great) i feel confident the toilet will be operational this weekend (at least for # 1's).

Question about the pump. Do you turn it on and leave it on (i will be filling the tank...no shore water) or only turn the pump on when you need to run the sink or flush the toilet?

Thanks!!!
thedietz
Explorer
Jun 04, 2013
thanks for all the advice on this...very helpful!!!
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Jun 04, 2013
Typical RV water system......

Fresh water tank & pump OR 'city water' connection on side of rig supply the hot/cold water plumbing (sinks/showers/toilet)

Make sure that water heater is full BEFORE using the heating source(s)....propane/electric....ESPECIALLY the electric (it will burn out if not submersed in water.
Water heater will fill when running pump OR turning 'city water' supply on...just open closest faucet (hot side) to get air out of system.

Black tank (toilet)......best to dump when full/almost full (high liquid volume & weight carry the 'stuff' out.
After dumping....flush/rinse tank if possible. Then close drain valve and add a couple gallons water back into black tank (two toilet bowls works). This will keep bottom of tank wet so 'stuff' doesn't stick to bottom, dry out, pile up & stink.

Then drain grey tank....soapy water helps flush/rinse drain line and sewer hose

Have fun.....go camping.