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03-27-2015, 06:39 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Eagle
Posts: 109
Idaho
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Leaving Voltage idle for 3 weeks-what to do
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.
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2013 Voltage 3905 Epic Pkg
2015 Ford F350 King Ranch/CC/Platinum White/DRW/Pull-Rite 25K hitch
2013 Polaris RZR 800 LE Nuclear Orange
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03-27-2015, 08:02 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Desert Hot Springs
Posts: 1,761
California
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Sounds good to me.
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Mike
2002 42' Monaco Signature Triple Crown tow 2014 F-150
2014 Voltage V3605 Sold 5/3/17
2012 F-350 6.7l CC 4X4, Sold 10/10/17
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03-28-2015, 06:26 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houma
Posts: 244
Louisiana
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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.
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2013 Voltage 3600 (sold)
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03-28-2015, 07:00 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Dalzell
Posts: 714
South Carolina
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Quote:
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.
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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!
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03-28-2015, 02:03 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Valley Park
Posts: 391
Missouri
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MartyG
Fresh water dump valve open.
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What is the purpose of this? Teach me something Marty
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2014 Denali 289RK
2017 Nissan Titan XD Pro-4X CC.
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03-28-2015, 04:00 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Dalzell
Posts: 714
South Carolina
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Quote:
Originally Posted by EricNSTL
What is the purpose of this? Teach me something Marty
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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.
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03-28-2015, 06:40 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Tahlequah
Posts: 3,079
Oklahoma
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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.
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2013 Voltage 3800, 2012 Chevy 3500 HD
2010 Yamaha V Star 950
2009 Yamaha Raider
Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity Caravanners
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03-28-2015, 07:30 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Valley Park
Posts: 391
Missouri
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Quote:
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.
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Gotcha.. Thanks!
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2014 Denali 289RK
2017 Nissan Titan XD Pro-4X CC.
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03-28-2015, 07:47 PM
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#9
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Sprung Leak
Posts: 3,157
North Carolina
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Quote:
Originally Posted by EricNSTL
What is the purpose of this? Teach me something Marty
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It will also keep the valve from freezing and breaking. Been there... replaced the valve.
Aaron
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There is madness to my methods
2015 Coleman CM16FBS(traded) 2016 Concord 300DS
2015 Ford Fusion Hybrid following along
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