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Old 09-28-2020, 11:21 AM   #1
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Dump stations and black tank back flush... nervous

Good afternoon.

We typically book FHU lots but we are heading out on our last camping trip of the year and the lot we will be on is not a FHU.. just water and electricity.
I diligently do the 'empty black tank, back flush, empty it again.. repeat until as clear as possible' and end with the grey tank dump. This has kept my tanks in great conditions.
But, I'm just curious as to what I 'should' do at this dump station (last trip of the year and winterizing it when we get home).
Is it 'ok' to do some black tank backflushing or is it considered a 'no-no' etiquette wise? I understand that if I'm alone in line and seem to have time, I should be ok.. but... if there's a line... should I skip the black tank backflush and leave the rest of the contents be until the spring? Just worried about the 'crappy' consequence if I do skip it.
Just asking here.. don't want to start a war :-)

and thank you for your opinions.. I know they may vary..
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Old 09-28-2020, 11:26 AM   #2
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If there is someone waiting on you at the dump station, yep, rude.
When leaving, ask the RV parks folks if you can pull into an empty FHU site to clean your tanks there. We have done that several times. They have never minded us doing that, but we always ask first. Then you can take as long as you like with no pressure.....
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Old 09-28-2020, 11:57 AM   #3
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That's a great idea... not sure if that will be a possibility but.. it's worth asking.
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Old 09-28-2020, 12:13 PM   #4
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I always backflushed at the station about 3 times. I didn't wait for tank to fill, I just timed mine for 2 minutes. I could be done and out about the same time as someone doing just a dump. I've seen people take 15 minutes, just to dump and then piddle around dumping trash, washing windshield...etc...With a little practice you can do it pretty quick. If there was a long line 4-5 or more, one maybe two backflushes and gone.
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Old 09-28-2020, 12:52 PM   #5
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I like nm wildcat idea
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Old 09-28-2020, 12:53 PM   #6
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In my neck of the woods it is not uncommon for lines to form at the dump stations with people "flushing" at the end of camping season (late August), in order to put their rigs away for the winter. It's a given, and for the most part folks understand because they're in the same situation. As long as you're tending to the task on-hand everyone is civil. You can actually have some interesting conversations with folks in line while you wait. Just have a cup of coffee and relax.
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Old 09-28-2020, 12:54 PM   #7
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I'd have my dedicated black tank hose hooked up and ready and then do your flush when the tank outfall stops and the valve is open. Be brief, then do your gray and roll up the dedicated hose. Most people will understand as long as you don't make a production of it.
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Old 09-28-2020, 01:02 PM   #8
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If you aren’t going to eat out of the tank, “flushing until it runs clear” is a waste of time, yours and ours. It is a waste holding tank. Weather permitting, just put plenty of water in tank after dumping and add your favorite treatment.
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Old 09-28-2020, 01:04 PM   #9
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I agree with D W. Folks can see what you are doing and only those with stinky black water tanks won’t understand
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Old 09-28-2020, 01:06 PM   #10
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I built one of these and flush till my heart content at home before winter. just run to toilet or if you have a inlet to your septic
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Old 09-28-2020, 01:10 PM   #11
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I second NMWildcat's thoughts and, if it's ok, find a FHU site someone has already pulled out of and do it there. That's what I usually do if I want to give the tanks a good rinse.
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Old 09-28-2020, 01:15 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gmar60 View Post
If you aren’t going to eat out of the tank, “flushing until it runs clear” is a waste of time, yours and ours. It is a waste holding tank. Weather permitting, just put plenty of water in tank after dumping and add your favorite treatment.

Great if you live in the South. For Northerners, not so good. We have to keep water out of our tanks with only a bit of antifreeze in them for the cold months.


God forbid one of your grandkids or another child decides to pull the funny looking black lever under your rig. It's close to their line of sight.
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Old 09-28-2020, 01:24 PM   #13
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Originally Posted by Gmar60 View Post
If you aren’t going to eat out of the tank, “flushing until it runs clear” is a waste of time, yours and ours. It is a waste holding tank. Weather permitting, just put plenty of water in tank after dumping and add your favorite treatment.
For 14 years I had a 42 foot boat and if you understand how the boats holding tanks empty, they are sucked out and it never quite gets all the goo out and after a few years the smell seeps through the plastic. One of my favorite things about my MH is I am sure I am getting it almost clean enough to eat out of. I like knowing that although it is not sanitized, it is clean.
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Old 09-28-2020, 01:37 PM   #14
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Our last trip of the season is usually always just a water / electric site, what we do is fill the freshwater tank before heading to the dump station.
Flush the black tank, when empty flush the gray tank.
While gray tank is flushing my wife will stay in the bathroom filling/ Flushing toilet.
When gray tank is done emptying pull the black tank again.
Have never had a problem doing it this way and it really only takes a couple of extra minutes.
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Old 09-28-2020, 01:37 PM   #15
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Originally Posted by flightconn View Post
For 14 years I had a 42 foot boat and if you understand how the boats holding tanks empty, they are sucked out and it never quite gets all the goo out and after a few years the smell seeps through the plastic. One of my favorite things about my MH is I am sure I am getting it almost clean enough to eat out of. I like knowing that although it is not sanitized, it is clean.
Interesting.

I've used many plastic tanks for a myriad of liquids (fertilizer/diesel/gas/weed killer/teet dips/detergents/acids/etc.) and never experienced this. I'll need to pay more attention.
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Old 09-28-2020, 01:41 PM   #16
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I agree with D W. Folks can see what you are doing and only those with stinky black water tanks won’t understand
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Old 09-28-2020, 01:54 PM   #17
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Interesting.

I've used many plastic tanks for a myriad of liquids (fertilizer/diesel/gas/weed killer/teet dips/detergents/acids/etc.) and never experienced this. I'll need to pay more attention.
Around boats it is usually the hose that allows the order to permeate. There seems to be several types of material available and some are better than others. Hopefully on RVs now they use only quality tubing.
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Old 09-28-2020, 02:05 PM   #18
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What NMWildcat said.
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Old 09-28-2020, 02:27 PM   #19
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If there is anyone behind me I don't flush at all. This is the 1st camper I have had that even has a black tank flush and I never had any issues with the others.
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Old 09-28-2020, 02:44 PM   #20
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I usually dump what I can at the dump station then come home. We have two dump stations in town that are accessible 24 hrs a day. For a $5.00 fee we can take all the time we need without holding anyone up as long as we don't try it on a Sunday, Monday, or after noon on the last day of a hunting season.
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