Rock at RV Dump Stations?

gbjeff · 08-20-2016, 12:48 PM

I'm a former tent camper who has recently upgraded to a 228BHSE Popup. Now that we have a cassette toilet, I am learning the intricacies of using RV Dump Stations.

I have noticed at least one large rock at every dump station drain and I was wondering what it is used for? At first I thought it was just a fluke, but I see them all over now. Am I missing a step? LOL.

Seriously, any help for this newbie question would be appreciated. :-)

B and B · 08-20-2016, 12:54 PM

The rock is used to hold the dump valve open!! It is a tradition in Provincial Parks

RSchleder · 08-20-2016, 12:55 PM

Been Rving for 30+ years in 12 different Motorhomes/trailers. I see rocks at a lot dump stations and have NEVER felt I had a need to use one. Never gave it much of a thought but perhaps they are used to block tires, hold dump tube into the dump drain, or who knows what else. Bottom line is--NO, your not missing a step when dumping. I guess, if you need a rock, it's there, if not, leave it for the next guy.

PS--my 90 degree drain hose end attachment holds the drain open and when I remove my hose, the drain closes as it should.

modemem · 08-20-2016, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbjeff

I have noticed at least one large rock at every dump station drain and I was wondering what it is used for? At first I thought it was just a fluke, but I see them all over now. Am I missing a step? LOL.

Seriously, any help for this newbie question would be appreciated. :-)

The rock is there to place on top of your 90deg waste hose end. Sometimes as the water makes the last bend it will pull your hose out of the drain hole and make a big mess. RV parts outlets also sell a weight that is molded into the shape of a pink pig that is for hold your hose into the drain. Some drains are threaded and some hose ends are threaded...in that case no weight is needed, if you thread the hose into the drain.

Hugeez · 08-20-2016, 01:33 PM

Always have the DW place her foot on the end to keep it from coming out "unexpectedly"

Wobbles · 08-20-2016, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugeez

Always have the DW place her foot on the end to keep it from coming out "unexpectedly"

That is a good idea.

I my mind I said that is a good plan.

flymhi · 08-20-2016, 02:01 PM

Too funny! I've always noticed the rocks and knew they were used to hold something in place but never needed it.

gbjeff · 08-20-2016, 02:07 PM

Okay, so it's not a souvenir? Just kidding.

Thanks for the responses. Yes, his would be VERY nice to use to keep the cap open on the ground while I position and aim my cassette toilet spout!

uhduh camping · 08-20-2016, 02:35 PM

It's an emergency lock out device. Well that's what a fellow camper used it for! Felt bad for his window but AAA would have been several hours of waiting.

CNYCamper · 08-20-2016, 02:39 PM

Holds the valve open if you need to clean-up the area with the dump station hose.

Canadiancrew · 08-20-2016, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by modemem

The rock is there to place on top of your 90deg waste hose end. Sometimes as the water makes the last bend it will pull your hose out of the drain hole and make a big mess. RV parts outlets also sell a weight that is molded into the shape of a pink pig that is for hold your hose into the drain. Some drains are threaded and some hose ends are threaded...in that case no weight is needed, if you thread the hose into the drain.

Usually in a hurry at the dump station so even if it has a threaded fitting it's quicker to use the rock to hold the hose. And for those stations that have the stell flapper the rock holds it open to rinse things down.

Canadiancrew · 08-20-2016, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugeez

Always have the DW place her foot on the end to keep it from coming out "unexpectedly"

My DW won't get near the dump station. No way I would get her to hold it even with her shoe. So I need the assistance of a training dump station rock.

B and B · 08-20-2016, 02:59 PM

I use the stinky slinky that costs $3 and drop it inside the hole. No need to hold it at all. Store it in the bumper too. Save the good hose for full hook up sites.
The rock holds the lid open on the dump hole.

emm-dee · 08-20-2016, 03:28 PM

If the Rock is laying on the ground then obviously it fell from its normal position hanging from the water pole. Please put it back.

CAT-RN · 08-20-2016, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbjeff

Okay, so it's not a souvenir? Just kidding.

Thanks for the responses. Yes, his would be VERY nice to use to keep the cap open on the ground while I position and aim my cassette toilet spout!

Nope. Not a pet rock !!

Russell

bob caldwell · 08-20-2016, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emm-dee

If the Rock is laying on the ground then obviously it fell from its normal position hanging from the water pole. Please put it back.

Good one!!

Grampa Jim · 08-21-2016, 12:46 PM

B & B is right,,,,,it's to hold the valve cap open and out of your way,,,,,,AND sometimes it's used to "lean" on your hose end so it'll stay in place when you "pull the plug."