Leaving Voltage idle for 3 weeks-what to do

[PNGento]

We are going to be away from our 5th wheel for about 3 weeks. It is in an RV park. Here is what we plan to do: Turn off water to the trailer. Try to have an "as full as possible" black water tank, but empty the galley and bath holding tanks...leaving enough to flush the drain hose after emptying the black water tank when we return. Otherwise, leave it hooked up to power (has a surge protector). The reason for leaving the black water as full as possible, is to let it act as a septic tank does...i.e., give the bacteria a chance to work on the solids so that we turn as much to sludge, as possible. I never feel like we vacate all of the paper when we dump, so this way we are giving the bacteria a chance to work their magic. I assume the tank if vented, so there should not be any build up of pressure. Anyway, can anyone find any fault with this plan? If there is a better approach, please post...I want to do the right thing.

[DesertRat]

Sounds good to me.

[Sinecure]

If you want to keep your black tank full, I would dump it and fill with clean water. You could even add some of the new "RV septic chemicals that break down waste. You don't want to return to a hot, smelly camper.

[MartyG]

Originally Posted by Sinecure

If you want to keep your black tank full, I would dump it and fill with clean water. You could even add some of the new "RV septic chemicals that break down waste. You don't want to return to a hot, smelly camper.

Good call; better to have water in the black tank with a little blue stuff than waste. How about fridge? I suggest either open and off, or if there is food inside, turn it down one notch. I find that long periods of inactivity causes freeze up. Of course, keep the shore power on to keep battery charged. AC and heat "off" unless freezing is a possibility. Vents closed for fear of rain/wind. Water pressure off, pump off. TV antenna down. Fresh water dump valve open. Perishables, milk, bread, etc --- pitch before leaving! Hide spare keys or leave with a friend. Lock shore cords, propane tanks, surge protectors, hitch ball coupling, hitch lock clip, etc. Take pictures before you go, in case it looks different when you return! Try not to worry!

[EricNSTL]

Originally Posted by MartyG

Fresh water dump valve open.

What is the purpose of this? Teach me something Marty

[MartyG]

Originally Posted by EricNSTL

What is the purpose of this? Teach me something Marty

Just a thought to keep any water in the tank from getting stagnant. Once empty, the valve could be closed, of course. I always keep my fresh tank empty until a trip.

[sundancer 87]

Let's see, leave a water valve open and see what we might collect in our tank. Bees, mud dobbers, wasps or rodents and snakes.

Nah, not me.

[EricNSTL]

Originally Posted by MartyG

Just a thought to keep any water in the tank from getting stagnant. Once empty, the valve could be closed, of course. I always keep my fresh tank empty until a trip.

Gotcha.. Thanks!

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by EricNSTL

What is the purpose of this? Teach me something Marty

It will also keep the valve from freezing and breaking. Been there... replaced the valve.

Aaron