New kid asking about campsite sewer/water connections

[BillHoughton]

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.

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.

Are there other things I should know?

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?

[JC435]

You didn't mention this but, depending on where you're staying, you may need a co-ax cable for a tv hookup. I would also recommend two quick connect adapters as the cable hookup at a campground can sometimes be at an inaccessible place.

[BillHoughton]

Thanks, all. Some great reminders here. I failed to mention that I've got a regular, filter, what looks to be a sewer donut (although the soft rubber ones look better than what I've got, which is the stepped hard plastic one).

I think we're set. We will take a couple of gallons of our own water, just in case.

[GMandJM]

A few years back we saw a sign that a CG owner posted in the shower house:

"Water costs money! Soak at home on your own dime!" :B

[parkmanaa]

As an RV park owner, I just love the prevailing thought "no reason to conserve water".
If you realized what we pay for that water, especially those of us on in a municipal utility district ! ! ! !

[BB_TX]

Not a bad idea to have a sewer donut. Some RV parks require them. Even when not required, sometimes needed to get a good smell free fit on the sewer hose.

[GMandJM]

jfkmk wrote:

rockylarson wrote:
The devil is in the details..... drain the gray water for a few seconds prior to draining the black, then finish the gray after the black is done. Keeps any surprises to a manageable mess.

Excellent point! When we first bought our Rhino Flex hose, I didn't notice the connector wasn't quite tight. It let loose while emptying the black tank. I was right at the valve, so the overall mess was kept to a minimum, but it was NOT a pretty sight!

Hmmmm....G-half does it that way when he empties tanks. Never knew why.

Makes sense now.

[jfkmk]

rockylarson wrote:
The devil is in the details..... drain the gray water for a few seconds prior to draining the black, then finish the gray after the black is done. Keeps any surprises to a manageable mess.

Excellent point! When we first bought our Rhino Flex hose, I didn't notice the connector wasn't quite tight. It let loose while emptying the black tank. I was right at the valve, so the overall mess was kept to a minimum, but it was NOT a pretty sight!

[rockylarson]

The devil is in the details..... drain the gray water for a few seconds prior to draining the black, then finish the gray after the black is done. Keeps any surprises to a manageable mess.

[Old-Biscuit]

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.

[cbshoestring]

GMandJM wrote:
You'll need to add some water to your black tank if/when you use the "orange stuff".

And you might consider getting a water regulator if you're going to be hooked up to a water spigot.

Have fun and be safe!

X2.....

and a water filter. You know what you have when you bring it from home. Some CG water is down right stinky, and less than tastey. Always have bottled water on board just in case. We go to one CG that I use bottled water for the coffee, cause you can taste the iron. The CG water is for flushing and cleaning.

[Mich_F]

When I'm only staying for a few days at a site with a sewer connection, I don't bother hooking up my sewer line until I'm ready to leave. It's one less pathway for ants and whatnot to get into the RV. I sometimes find it easier to stop by the dump station than trying to hook up to the sewer connections at some sites.

[jfkmk]

You got it right! Like the others have stated, the FHU sites mean you don't have to conserve water, especially if you have smaller holding tanks, and you can give them an extra flush at the end. Good luck and have fun!

[Big_Katuna]

The major benefit is not having to conserve water. No sewer or water means being conservative flushing and taking navy showers.

Having hookups means you can take longer showers and use a lot more water to flush which makes for a better tank dump and less odors.

We used to leave our gray open but dont after I heard stories about bugs or critters getting into your tank.

[cbshoestring]

Not having to haul water is the first thing that will be easier. There is also no need to conserve. For me, the advantage of full hookups is also the opportunity to flush the gray/black tanks better than can be accomplished at the dump station.

CG owners may hate it (wasting water), but I will top off both gray/black tanks, dump....then fill again for a "clean" flush. I even have a stick that holds the toilet valve open, so I don't have to stand there watching it fill (DO NOT FORGET IT IS FILLING)..Final step, add a gallon or two and some chemical.