When to dump?
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5989
Printed Date: 25 Apr 2024 at 12:54pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: When to dump?
Posted By: Grayotter
Subject: When to dump?
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2015 at 11:57am
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i believe it's recommended we dump our gray or black water when they're 3/4 full. Is there any reason for this? I frequently camp in parks with no dump site. When one's available I use it. ------------- Love2 1der |
Replies:
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2015 at 12:52pm
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It probably mostly has to do with the fact that a more than full black tank, or grey tank for that matter, is not something you want to have to contend with. That and most level indicators are approximate, if they work at all. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2015 at 12:56pm
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The more full, the better the draining action.. and if you need to move some solids along.. better is BETTER.. ;) If you aren't "full"ish, before heading to the dump station, just add water to the holding tanks to get them full enough.. ------------- |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2015 at 4:01pm
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Yup, its the solids. It is ok to leave your gray tank wide open if you have full hookups, or to dump it at the dump station even if it is barely full. Black tanks, if dumped when they are too low, will build up a mound of stuff near the drain pipe that will end up drying rock solid, with no good way to get rid of it. That will allow further stuff to build up until you have major problems. There are 3 rules to prevent problems with the black tank. Rule #1, after adding chemicals via the toilet after dumping, add 6 full toilet bowls of water. That ensures that anything that may be left behind will stay wet. Rule #2, always fill the toilet bowl at least 2/3 full for any #2 trips to the bathroom. You may need to flush twice, depending. (there is a reason this is rule #2, lol). Rule #3, never dump the black tank until it is at least 2/3 full. Since the sensors are almost always useless sometimes the best you can do is wait until you see the pipe below the toilet start to fill up (at that point you usually have one more flush before it is full). Then you know it is time. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2015 at 4:47pm
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Added to the pod manual. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2015 at 4:55pm
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Right, you want to make sure everything is floating good before you pull that trigger! ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2015 at 5:14pm
Doug, Almost? You're giving the probes far too much credit  ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2015 at 5:16pm
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I've had some success with the fresh tank, but for the other tanks and the battery, you are right! ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: johnmaci
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2015 at 7:32pm
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Here is a great video on calibrating your sensors. I have done this and it works pretty darn good. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvVGBFdJ_vo |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 28 Mar 2015 at 12:59pm
Only good if you have the exact same monitor. The video shows a Newmar MH. And the method assumes the measurement points are spaced correctly and equidistant in the tanks. Most, if not all, are not. Certainly not applicable to the RPOD monitors. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 30 Mar 2015 at 1:35pm
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Some more info for those that come here via the pod manual page. Some pods have both tanks connected to the same outlet, some have 2 different outlets (usually due to the design of the slide out models). This applies to both versions but I originally wrote it when addressing someone's question about having 2 separate tanks: You can leave the sewer hose attached to the gray tank and leave it open, but close it when you know you are getting close to emptying the black tank so you have some water to flush the sewer hose with. You don't want to empty the black tank until it is at least 2/3 full. You will hook up the black tank, empty it, then hook up to the gray tank and empty it, leaving the hose on the gray tank again. Follow my advice earlier on this thread about adding water to the black tank. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 30 Mar 2015 at 2:47pm
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As an aside - when I'm out for only a one or two night stay: before dumping, I'll run fresh water into the toilet to raise the water level in the black tank. A well positioned shampoo or body wash bottle will generally keep the toilet flush handle held open so that it can fill while I'm packing up camp. ------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 30 Mar 2015 at 3:09pm
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Good idea if you don't want to tow with that extra weight, although if it is only 1/3 full it should be ok until the next weekend trip when it will then be 2/3 if you don't mind moving it around. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: NormanHill
Date Posted: 30 Mar 2015 at 10:06pm
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Would I be able to stick a hose in the open toilet valve and flush the tank, in addition to using the flush inlet on the side of the trailer? |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 31 Mar 2015 at 8:38am
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One way to do it, yes.. though I see no need.. We don't have a black tank flush, and use a "Johnny Chock" to hold the toilet valve open and send water down that way if we feel the need. BTW, a well positioned Tervis tumbler was just about the best toilet lever wedge I ever found. The new 16oz tall microbrew cans do a fine job also.. (in case you might have one laying around at the end of the trip..) ------------- |
Posted By: shroomer
Date Posted: 31 Mar 2015 at 11:11pm
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Also, don't forget the bag of ice cubes trick if things start getting sticky down there. Once we dumped a bag down, drove to another dump station and things flowed a lot more smoothly. A good cheap fix. ------------- Larry and Debbie w/Rosie the mutt. Old: '13 177, '06 Silverado V6 New: '15 Whitehawk 20MRB '14 Silverado V8 |
Posted By: Grayotter
Date Posted: 14 Oct 2015 at 10:56am
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I call dropping ice cubes in my black water my black water cocktail... ------------- Love2 1der |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 14 Oct 2015 at 11:16am
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I think I'll stick to beer. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: shroomer
Date Posted: 15 Oct 2015 at 3:45pm
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Re Black water cocktail: Shaken, not stirred. ------------- Larry and Debbie w/Rosie the mutt. Old: '13 177, '06 Silverado V6 New: '15 Whitehawk 20MRB '14 Silverado V8 |
Posted By: howmanyds
Date Posted: 09 Apr 2016 at 1:20am
| The warning label next to the black water tank flush inlet says to only use it when the "fullway termination valve is in the open position." I think that means to only use it when the black water valve is open and draining through the sewer line, correct? I imagine this is because of air/water exchange. So, when I want to fill the tank in order to drain it, and then fill it again to rinse, could I use this valve as long as I've propped open the toilet flusher instead of the drain valve? Or do I have to bring the hose in through the bathroom as others have mentioned? |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 09 Apr 2016 at 8:47am
There isn't any kind of air lock issue, the black tank is vented through the roof. The reason they don't want you to use the BWF with the valve closed is.. if you get distracted.. It will fill the tank.. then start filling the vent tube.. then start flowing all over the roof and outside of the pod. REALLY. It has happened. To pods I know. The exact same thing can happen with a hose in the toilet.. except the roof vent on the outside of the camper won't be the overflow point. The toilet will be. And that will be flowing all over the inside of the pod. OK, technically it will have to fill the grey tank first.. but, well, you forgot it already.. so.. All that said. I fill and flush a couple times, a couple times a year. I have FHU at home, so it's easy and convenient. I use the timer function on my phone (because I get distracted easy). It takes our hose about 5 minutes to fully fill the black tank.. At four and a half minutes or so, I open the dump.  ------------- |
Posted By: howmanyds
Date Posted: 09 Apr 2016 at 12:32pm
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That makes perfect sense.
And... Gross! |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 09 Apr 2016 at 1:28pm
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Yup makes like a pod volcano!
------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Appocalexx
Date Posted: 26 Apr 2016 at 5:13am
Did the owners rename their pod that after it happened? lol so gross. ------------- |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 26 Apr 2016 at 8:30am
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The ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: GLBCamper
Date Posted: 26 Apr 2016 at 11:42am
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If the wall panel sensor is useless then what is a reliable way to know black water levels? (I don't care about the fresh water tank so much and have installed a voltmeter for the battery.) ------------- Old: 2014 177 HRE 2015 Tacoma V6 4x4 Double Cab New: 2016 EVO ATS 200rd 2016 F150 4x4 Sport |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 26 Apr 2016 at 12:13pm
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The wall panel sensor is not useless, just not precise. If you look at where the sensors are located on the tank, there is not much vertical space between the low and high sensors. The same thing goes for the fresh and gray water tanks. Full is only relatively full. There is additional space. However, if it is reading full, that would be a good time to dump before it reaches so high the toilet can't flush. Keeping the black and gray water tanks cleaned out seems to be the best way to keep the sensors operating. If there is a build-up in one of the the tanks, it might cover the sensors to the extent that they can't detect the liquid levels. The fresh water tank is, of course, not (at least, it better not be) affected by this problem. There is no alarm to alert when the tank is full and in danger of overflowing. One must monitor the tanks. Adding an alarm might be a good mod to make if someone knows how to do it. I don't, so I will just monitor the levels. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 26 Apr 2016 at 5:38pm
When the "flush".. doesn't sound like a flush, you're full. With the two of us, we have gone 10 days until we "needed" to flush. Most of the time, a 3-4 day trip, we have to top off the BW tank to make sure we get a good dump. Then when we get home I usually flush and dump a full tank at least once, if we are not going back out in a week or two.. ------------- |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 26 Apr 2016 at 6:59pm
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Yup, when you see the black water rising up towards the toilet you are at the end. You might get one more flush. The gray water tank is full when the shower pan starts to fill up. Every camper I've owned, the sensors were useless on the black tank, and only somewhat useful for the gray and fresh tanks. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: this_is_nascar
Date Posted: 26 Apr 2016 at 7:14pm
Agree 100%. ------------- "Ray & Connie" - 2017 R-Pod RP-180 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 26 Apr 2016 at 8:44pm
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This is what you do: Always keep a bag of frozen grean peas in your freezer. To check black tank level, fill toilet with about two cups water. Place 10 frozen (important that they are frozen) in the toilet and close the lid. Quickly exit the pod and open the black tank flush cap on the side of the pod. Count to 20. Now, re-enter the pod, open the toilet lid and count the number of peas that have sunk. That will tell you exactly how full your tank is. Five peas sank - 50% full. Eight peas sank - 80% full. Two peas sank - 20% full. You can use fresh peas, but you will have to count to 45, instead of 20. Hope that helps! BTW, I learned this method after my first unsuccessful night of snipe hunting. They told me to hold the burlap bag on the trail and call, "Here Snipe, Here Snipe". Didn't catch anything. Next time you see frozen peas in the freezer, you will remember this. Come to think of it, I wonder if it will work with my septic system. Cheers! fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: GLBCamper
Date Posted: 26 Apr 2016 at 8:57pm
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That's all that's ever in my black tank anyway. Two peas. ------------- Old: 2014 177 HRE 2015 Tacoma V6 4x4 Double Cab New: 2016 EVO ATS 200rd 2016 F150 4x4 Sport |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 26 Apr 2016 at 9:02pm
Touché!! Really, very good retort.  fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 26 Apr 2016 at 9:26pm
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your killing me!!
------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 26 Apr 2016 at 9:32pm
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Yikes!! Quick! Anybody know the Heimlich Maneuver?! I think Leo is choking on a frozen pea! ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 26 Apr 2016 at 10:00pm
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Do you need to convert to metric if you do the pea test in Canada? ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 26 Apr 2016 at 10:11pm
Actually, I believe our northern neighbors came up with the idea with their Canadian yellow peas. Really! Google it. 600,000+ hits for Canadian yellow peas! That's a lot of yellow pea. What were we talking about? fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: howmanyds
Date Posted: 26 Apr 2016 at 11:37pm
| I can't tell if fwunder is joking -- I know the rest of you are ;) -- does that really work, and if so, why!? |
Posted By: this_is_nascar
Date Posted: 27 Apr 2016 at 6:37am
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Don't over complicate things folks. When you flush, glance down the hole. If you see crap, it's time to dump. ------------- "Ray & Connie" - 2017 R-Pod RP-180 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 27 Apr 2016 at 8:26am
It's a joke. The proper answer(s) have been given earlier in the thread. ------------- |
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 27 Apr 2016 at 8:48am
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I actually tried it and it worked!! hogone ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 27 Apr 2016 at 9:29am
Oh my. What have I done?...  I'm already getting hate mail from Petpea groups! (people for the ethical treatment of peas) Sorry if I misled anyone. Just having some campfire fun.  fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: howmanyds
Date Posted: 27 Apr 2016 at 11:38pm
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I'll take PayPal or credit card as reimbursement for my bag of frozen peas. Email me at
Mr.gullible@nokidding.com. |
Posted By: Jonknite
Date Posted: 16 May 2016 at 7:20pm
| I can't find directions anywhere on how to use the Black Tank Flush. How long? How often? Full pressure or use a pressure reducer? |
Posted By: Mountainrev
Date Posted: 17 May 2016 at 11:34am
I don't believe you need to use the black tank flush each and every time you dump. However, unless you're at a dump station and there's a line behind you waiting to use it, why not? It doesn't take very long. No need to use a pressure regulator. If you do choose to use one, be sure you have one that is dedicated for the black tank, so as not to contaminate your fresh water system! (And, it goes without saying, don't use your white fresh water hose for flushing the black tank. Have a separate hose you use only for this purpose!) The instructions I have read indicate that you should run the flush with valve open, so that it is constantly draining through the sewer hose. I suppose the thinking is that this will eliminate the possibility of you accidentally forgetting the water is turned on and having it fill up the tank and start to come up out of the toilet and flood the Pod. Yuck. However, I generally run it for several minutes with the valve closed, so as to get the inside of the tank thoroughly sprayed. Then I open the valve and let it run several more minutes. By "several" I mean under five minutes. Maybe two or three. ------------- 2014 177 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Turbodiesel "I lift my eyes to the hills." 
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Posted By: SandD
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2016 at 1:17pm
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Anyone tried using a digital ultrasonic distance measuring tool to see if tank is full? Guess it would need to be aimed down the loo.
All the high tech today I wonder if there is a way to add tank sensors that could be read via Bluetooth. Just sayin. ------------- There are two types of people in the world. Those who like RPODs and those who are wrong. Rpodder 2014 RPOD 178 06 Tacoma Prerunner TRD |
Posted By: this_is_nascar
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2016 at 8:14am
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Don't over think this. When you flush, look down the hole. If it's approaching the bowl, it's time to dump.
------------- "Ray & Connie" - 2017 R-Pod RP-180 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2016 at 8:25am
Quoted For Truth. ------------- |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2016 at 12:44pm
+1 
------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Tim
Date Posted: 18 Sep 2016 at 7:51pm
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We are going to a campground with full hookups for the first time. Should I wait and dump the black tank when it is 2/3 full? I thought you said not to hook it in to the drain? How about the gray tank? Thanks! ------------- 2019 Coachman RBS192 2014 178 (sold) 2018 Silverado 1500 4X4 |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 18 Sep 2016 at 8:22pm
Hello Tim, Black tank: Do not connect. Wait on dumping until just before you leave. If necessary, add water to get sufficient amount to help remove all contents (2/3 full or more). Gray tank: Connect and open valve. That way, you can wash dishes, shower, etc. without worrying about the level in your gray tank. A little before you get ready to leave, close the gray water valve so you can accumulate a little water (to be used to flush out your drain hose after draining the black water tank). Switch the drain hose to the sewage (black water) connection. Open valve. If possible, use the black water tank flush fitting (with a different hose than the one you use for your fresh water hookup) to flush out the tank. You may be surprised at how much more stuff comes out than when you just drain it). Close the black water tank valve and switch the hose back to the gray water tank drain. Open the valve and use the gray water to flush out your hose. close the valve, make sure the covers are in place, stash your hose, and you should be all set. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 18 Sep 2016 at 8:27pm
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Ditto!
------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Tim
Date Posted: 19 Sep 2016 at 7:04am
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Thanks!! Great advice. ------------- 2019 Coachman RBS192 2014 178 (sold) 2018 Silverado 1500 4X4 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 19 Sep 2016 at 9:12pm
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+1 ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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