First Time Out Questions

Emptying the gray and black tanks was my biggest fear when we first bought our R-pod.  After a couple of decades of camping in popups, I had never done this before.  There are lots of websites and even YouTube videos with detailed instructions on how to do this.  Just note that most RVs have only one valve which empties both the black and gray tanks, as opposed the R-pod, which has two valves.  Otherwise, follow their directions.  Easy-peasy.  But here are some tips:

You always want to empty the black tank as soon as possible when you're done camping at a spot (or perhaps even while you're camping, if you're going to be there for an extended period), whether it's the end of the camping season or not.  You don't want that stuff sitting in there very long!

If you're not going to be there long enough to fill your gray water tank, I'd leave the valve shut and not hook up the hose at all.  Then, when you're ready to leave, empty the black tank first.  Since you'll be hooked up to water, hold the flusher open on your toilet for a long time to get as much water into your black water tank as you can.  This will help to get out all the TP and assorted crud.  Then hook up the sewer hose, open the valve, and let 'er rip.

My 2014 has a black tank flush located on the other side of the Pod.  If yours does too, then you'll want to hook up a hose (not your potable water hose, but a hose dedicated for this purpose only) and let it run for several minutes after you have emptied the black tank.  I have a clear elbow that attaches to the end of the sewer hose.  I run the black tank flush until I see the water coming out is absolutely clear, and then let it go another couple of minutes.

Then empty the gray tank.  Most people do that after the black tank in order to rinse out your sewer hose before stowing it away. 

I have disposable gloves that I put on when emptying the tanks, although I've not had any nasty spills yet. 

One more quick tip:  You say you're good to go on hooking up for fresh water, but just make sure you have a brass pressure regulator on your hose, or you may end up blowing out a hose inside your camper if the campground has excessive water pressure.

Wow, you are all so helpful and so quick with the answers. I didn't get a manual with this trailer and I did see the video on hooking everything up. The same person should of had one on closing up to leave the campground. I'll get a brass pressure regulator. Thanks!!!!

Personally, as I'm packing up at the end of short camping trips, I'll run the toilet (a bottle of Ivory bodywash wedged between the flush handle and the bathroom corner works quite well) until the black tank is at least half full.  This makes emptying the black tank much more effective with the weight/volume of the water siphoning down taking everything with it.

We are going camping at Pinewood Lodge in Plymouth, MA Friday to Sunday. After all this AWESOME advice, I'm looking forward to trying everything out. I will let you all know how I made out. I do appreciate your patience with a newbee like me!!

Good to hear!