It was a downpour at our campsite as we were loading up, so I decided I would wait and use the 'free' dump station at Camping World since we were a Good Sam's Member. We got there and the 2 stations on the side of the building were blocked off. They directed me to the station in the back without a water spigot, but I protested asking who in their right mind would dump without flushing the tank. They let me use the side station for that one time, but stated that was only for the service shop usage. Has anyone else used the dump stations at Camping world. If so, did they have a nice set-up for the GS members to use, or was it like mine where it's just a hole in the ground? A little frustrated, since I counted on having this location as a back up dump spot if I can't dump at the campground. Does anyone else have a back-up, and if so, what?

Never used camping world as a back up as the closest is nearly 100 miles away. Local govt owned park is less than 5 miles from the house and only charges $2 for dump is my go to dump station if I don't dump where I camp.

Not all CW's even have dump stations, and the some that do even let non members use them. I think you should file a formal complaint with Marcus. He may offer you concierge dump service. Try www.rvdumpstations.info/

it’s not only free, I demand luxury accommodations and free…

Not necessarily claiming to be in my right mind? But, often dump without flushing. Use plenty of water when flushing the toilet and empty black tank first and then, close that valve and empty grey tank(s)to flush out hose. I have a san-I-flush in my black tank and use it occasionally where I store the TT as they have a dump with water available there. If I'm at a FS campground or a state park, I don't hold up the line doing all the niceties.

Flying J,,,yeah it costs a couple bucks but never had a problem dumping there the couple times I did. Sometimes it's worth $5 to be able to dump in peace.

Camping World Dump Station | Good Sam Community

jbjuices
Explorer
Aug 06, 2013
I see a couple of posts stating that the tank doesn't need to be flushed each time, but I have been under the impression since I first got into a camper with a black water tank that I need to flush to avoid build up. It doesn't take long since I flush while emptying my gray water, but if I don't have to flush, then I'll use CW more often. It's just that I didn't flush at first with my last camper and the toilet smelled some and my sensor didn't work. You all are the experts!!
kalynzoo
Explorer
Aug 05, 2013
I would hate to be behind the person who "flushes the tank every time." Really, and I probably would not be able to back out of the way with the toad.
Flush the black, then the gray then move on. When your not holding up the line do the maintenance.
JMHO
Out in the west, where we have droughts, many places that used to have dump stations have closed them to the public. Regulations and fees regarding water usage and septic usage have made it impossible to maintain free public dump facilities.
beemerphile1
Explorer
Aug 05, 2013
The Camping World near me has a dump station in the service area. They discourage people from using it because you must back into the area and may interfere with the service department.

I have also dumped at the county fairgrounds which is only 3 miles from my house.

I don't worry about it anymore since I installed my own dump station at home a couple years ago.

camperdave wrote:
jbjuices wrote:
...I protested asking who in their right mind would dump without flushing the tank....

fwiw, I never flush my tanks when I dump on the road. One could argue my state of mind though, I suppose....

Actually I was thinking who in their right mind thinks it is necessary to flush a holding tank regularly. I flush mine once a year as part of winterization.
westernrvparkow
Explorer
Aug 05, 2013
"Has anyone else used the dump stations at Camping world. If so, did they have a nice set-up for the GS members to use, or was it like mine where it's just a hole in the ground?" Guess I live a sheltered life, what more is there to a dump station than a "hole in the Ground"?
goducks10
Explorer
Aug 05, 2013
I doesn't take any longer to flush the black as to just dump. I flush the black while the grey is draining. Only takes a minute to hook up the flush hose. I've seen some people waste more time doing dumber things at the dump station.
DB2BRMI
Explorer
Aug 05, 2013
Who in their right mind would dump without flushing the tank...?

How about...who in their right mind would flush the tank everytime? And who in the world wants to be behind Mr. Fastidious at the dump station?

A bucket of water in the tub/shower ( ~ 4 gallons) is my "flush" at a dump station. Jump in the trailer, dump the bucket and get out of the way.
camperdave
Explorer
Aug 05, 2013
jbjuices wrote:
but I protested asking who in their right mind would dump without flushing the tank.

fwiw, I never flush my tanks when I dump on the road. One could argue my state of mind though, I suppose. ;) I just dump and go. Once back at home I'll sometimes do a nice flushing of the tanks, but even then not on every trip. I see no particular reason to keep my waste tanks shiny clean... Certainly if I know it's going to be months before my next trip I'll do a good flush and rinse, but not if I'm heading out in a week or two. At home I use a sewer solution in conjunction with a black tank flusher thing that is installed in the tank and dump into a cleanout on the side of my house that is about 12" higher than my dump valve. Works great, and it so much better than having to clean stuff at a public dump station on the road. :B
ScottG
Nomad
Aug 05, 2013
I commonly use the dump station at my closest CW and they leave a hose out for people to rinse/flush.
As to flushing every time, I probably flush every third or fourth time.
If someone is waiting for the dump I don't flush.
Honestly I don't think it's important to do it every time. It's just a holding tank and the next time we use it it will be plenty wet in there so any small remains from the previous trip will likely be dissolved.
Many years of use and we haven't had any problems not flushing every time.
path1
Explorer
Aug 05, 2013
Does anyone else have a back-up, and if so, what?

The web site listed above is a great start. However when we were faced with your problem. Either to many in line or people that back flush like they were going to eat of it, we started finding alternatives usually late summer or weekends with great weather. Many listed near us on the web site above were not to dump. Because of changed ownership, or closed etc... So we called the ones closet to us and now have a backup list. Our camping world doesn't and I don't take my rv there. To many people that shouldn't be driving a long rig are there trying to park. Don't forget about dump stations that not many know about like the Elk's club and Eagles (my closet back up)2 miles away.
steelpony5555
Explorer
Aug 05, 2013
Flying J,,,yeah it costs a couple bucks but never had a problem dumping there the couple times I did. Sometimes it's worth $5 to be able to dump in peace.