RV Dump Stations - Montana Owners Club

Montana Sky · 08-08-2006, 10:04 AM

"There is a real concern about what the future holds for RV dump stations that RVers can use. RV dump stations everywhere are closing down operation because of several reasons. Some, but not all of these reasons are the costs and headaches involved to keep them operating and properly maintained, the wrong types of chemicals used by RVers, and because of neglect and poor housekeeping by people who use these dump stations.

RV holding tanks are used to hold, or store waste water until a sewer system is available to empty the tanks. Because little water is used, in comparison to a domestic waste water system, RV holding tank wastewater is far more concentrated. Adding to the problem are the chemicals required to assist in breaking down the waste and controlling odors. This requires more treatment than a regular house type waste system and it complicates the disposal of RV holding tank waste. In many cases it is much easier to just close the dump station.

The problem that the average RVer is confronted with is how to control holding tank odors. Formaldehyde based chemicals do a better job of controlling odors. The problem with this is the organic strength from the mixture in an RV holding tank can be fifteen to twenty times stronger than a typical wastewater system. This leads to more complications for dump station owners. This problem is compounded when the RVer gets some odors from the holding tank and dumps even more chemicals in the holding tank in an attempt to control the odors. Environmentally friendly enzyme based chemicals use natural organic chemicals. They have a lower organic strength, which is better for the dump station but they don't control odors as well as formaldehyde compounds.

Something else to consider is how much water you add to the holding tank when you use the toilet. Think about the toilet in your house. Even water saver toilets use about 1.6 gallons of water when you flush it, plus there is water in the bowl. The water level in your holding tank can help to control odors. You need to get in the habit of adding additional water to the holding tank whenever you flush the toilet. It is absolutely necessary that you keep the water level above the contents of the holding tank to help control odors.

Another thing that I think happens frequently is that people don't add enough water after they empty their holding tanks. You need to know what size holding tank you have and make sure you add enough water to completely cover the bottom of the tank each time you empty it. One RV holding tank might only need three or four gallons to cover the bottom of the tank where another one might need ten or more gallons.

It's important that we do our part in making sure RV dump stations stay open and operational for the future of RVers everywhere.

1. Use plenty of water in the black water holding tank.
2. Use enzyme based holding tank chemical rather than formaldehyde based chemicals.
3. Use only the amount of holding tank chemicals recommended for the size holding tank you have.
4. Practice good house keeping every time you use a dump station.
5. Imagine that you are the person that has to clean up behind everybody else.
6. Never dump your holding tanks anywhere except in authorized dump stations and campground sewer systems."

2004 Chevy Silverado LT 2500HD CrewCab Duramax
2004 Montana 3400RL

bsmeaton · 08-08-2006, 10:30 AM

Well said,

We just came up through New Mexico home to Colorado with full tanks. I had 9 available stops in NM and CO for dumping I got from the internet. NONE were open - primarily rest stops along the way. The dump stations were concrete in or removed altogether. We ended up at a KOA and paid $10.

I spoke with the state custodian in Colorado and he said a large problem were that they were open to the public and every joe would dump his oil in there at night, even other toxics. Not sure how we can prevent that.

2003 2955RL - 5.5KW Gen - great for the lake!
New '06 F350 Stroker towmoter in July - love the new trans shift and integrated brake controller.
'95 SeaRay 200BR named Dam-It - occassional tow buddy

I ain't as good as I once was - but I'm as good once as I always was - Toby Keith

Brad & Dory

Montana Sky · 08-08-2006, 12:47 PM

There are a few dump stations in Montana and I think 1 in Idaho along I-90. Pretty sad that it only takes a few folks to ruin a great service for many others. I found that article and thought I would pass it along. =)

2004 Chevy Silverado LT 2500HD CrewCab Duramax
2004 Montana 3400RL

Mac · 08-08-2006, 01:15 PM

Brad,

If you're passing through Castle Rock on a weekday there is one that is located in the County grounds area just off the highway on the Founders/Meadows Parkway exit, by the outlets. Problem is it's not open on the weekends.

Dave, You could just pull the plug going over an overpass like the Dave Mathews Band tour bus did a couple years back in San Francisco, I think.

mac

1999 Silverado LS Extended Cab, Prodigy Brake Controller
2006 2955RL

bsmeaton · 08-08-2006, 01:21 PM

Thats good news - as thats my exit to go to storage down through Sedalia by Titan Road,

Thanks Neighbor

ragdoll · 08-08-2006, 01:23 PM

Montana Sky, we have noticed rv dumps at rest stops along the way but have never had to use them. It does only take a few careless rver's and the average ones that dump other toxins to ruin it for all.

In Ohio 2 rest stops on I-80/90 have camping electric only, water available I think they have a dump as well but that can't say for sure. These are located on the eastern side of state. We are going to use one on the way to the rally - can't beat $15 a night.....now if the traffic isn't too loud! LOL

bsmeaton, sorry you couldn't find a dump while coming through NM - don't know what route you took but know Alamogordo has a dump at the Chamber of Commerce on the main road. I didn't know or think the rest stops have or had any available.

Safe travels. See all at the rally.
Lorraine

Jack & Lorraine
2003 Ford F250 PSD 6.0L, ext cab
2003 Montana 2850RK
2 cats aboard

Mac · 08-08-2006, 01:28 PM

Brad,

I think we have ours stored in the same place.

mac

1999 Silverado LS Extended Cab, Prodigy Brake Controller
2006 2955RL

Montana Sky · 08-08-2006, 01:32 PM

mac,
I thought that the Dave Mathews bus dumped their tank(by accident of course) on a bridge in Chicago, IL. Problem was the bridge was one of the metal open bridges and their was a tour boat under it at the time. yuck!! Anyhow, I am planning on going back to my seasonal rv park and flushing there, they charge $5 for use of their sewer. Will be worth every penny as after that the coach goes right to dealer for winterization and then to the garage for winter. =(

2004 Chevy Silverado LT 2500HD CrewCab Duramax
2004 Montana 3400RL

bsmeaton · 08-08-2006, 01:32 PM

Centennial?

Mac · 08-08-2006, 03:06 PM

No, mine is just at Sedalia, I need to read more careful, but I know the storage area you're talking about. If you need more information about that dump site in Castle Rock let me know, it's right of Justice Road, west of the big county building and court house.

Dave, you're right that was in Chicago.

1999 Silverado LS Extended Cab, Prodigy Brake Controller
2006 2955RL

bsmeaton · 08-08-2006, 03:13 PM

I will and thanks. I'll probably go scout it out this week.

Thought I would have noticed a shiny new Montana in our storage lot!

Cat320 · 08-08-2006, 03:15 PM

FWIW, here are all dump station in the US, by state: http://www.rvdumps.com/index.htm

Mac · 08-08-2006, 03:26 PM

Stop by and say hi, I work right below there by all the school buses, I work for the District.

1999 Silverado LS Extended Cab, Prodigy Brake Controller
2006 2955RL

bsmeaton · 08-08-2006, 03:49 PM

I will Ron - I remember the buses now.

sreigle · 08-08-2006, 03:50 PM

I-70 in Kansas, Paxico rest area, mile marker approximately 337, has a dump station on each side.

See another Montana or Mountaineer on the road? Flash lights twice, it might be one of us!
Steve Reigle (pronounced Regal)
Fulltiming since 3/21/03
'03 3295RK
'05 Ford F250 SD Lariat CC SB 6.0L PSD/TS FX4 4x4

Our RV Travels (now Firefox-compatible)

Clyde n Deb · 08-11-2006, 07:27 AM

Brad: I end dumping at Chatfield Reservoir S.P. often..........the dump is near the south entrance (just north of Titan Road). No charge if you have a Parks pass. I store our 2955RL off Santa Fe closer to E470.

'05 2955RL
'04.5 GMC D/A
SRW Short Bed Ext. Cab
16K Reese slider
Prodigy

Parrothead · 08-11-2006, 07:47 AM

Some of the campgrounds we have stayed in mention on their rules sheet that there is a $5 charge for non-paying customers to use the dump. So you could always stop at a CG and ask if you can pay to use their dump.
Happy trails.....................

Sue and Ed Rowe
Hemet California

2005 3400RL

2006 GMC 3500 Dually, D/A, Crew Cab, Long Bed

bsmeaton · 08-11-2006, 08:00 AM

Clyde & Deb,

Thanks, thats even a better spot. I didn't know Chatfield even had a south entrance so I'll be scouting it out. Is it North ON Titan or some other location off of Santa Fe.

Brad & Dory

Mac · 08-11-2006, 11:12 AM

Brad,

That's not a "better spot" it's just a DIFFERENT spot!

mac

1999 Silverado LS Extended Cab, Prodigy Brake Controller
2006 2955RL

Clyde n Deb · 08-11-2006, 05:59 PM

Brad: Go west of Santa Fe on Titan about 3 miles +/-. There are signs. You go north into the park. Dump is on the left shortly after you pass the entrance booth.

Clyde

'05 2955RL w. Onan 5.5 LP
'04.5 GMC D/A 4" exhaust, deep Allison pan, extra cap. rear diff. cover
SRW Short Bed Ext. Cab
16K Reese slider
Prodigy
and a smile this wide!

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