RV Dump Stations In Oregon
While stopping at an RV dump station isn’t a glamorous part of RVing, it’s a necessary task and part of your journey. For new RV explorers, you’ll need to know the facts about emptying your RV dump tank and doing it right. So before you take off on your road trip to Oregon, check out these RV dump station tips to help make your trip as smooth as possible. Soon, you’ll be prepared with everything you need to know about RV dump stations!
What Is a Dump Station Used For?
An RV dump station is an area with a sewer hookup to dump your waste tank when it’s full of dirty water and sewage. RV dump stations are designed for RV travelers to use as a “stop” along their way. Much like a gas station, you’ll use an RV dump station and then continue your journey. As you head out on your Oregon road trip, you’ll need to find RV dump stations to empty your tanks. How often you’ll need to stop depends on how many travelers are in your RV.
Where Can You Find Dump Stations in Oregon?
Traveling through Oregon in an RV is one of the most exciting ways to explore everything Oregon has to offer. With a little bit of research in advance of your journey, you can save time finding RV dump stations in Oregon. And that means you’ll have more time to explore Oregon’s amazing sites!
The first step is to search online for “RV dump stations near me.” Depending on your route, you’ll probably want RV dump stations close to major highways, so you might want to search with specific routes in mind. There are even some resources that can help you find an RV dump station located along your route. Some rest areas in Oregon (but not all) offer RV dump station service.
Here are a few RV dump stations in Oregon that are close to major cities.
- Portland: Ainsworth State Parkoffers a free dump station from March through October. Located about 35 miles east of Portland, this is located right off Interstate 84.
- Eugene: Wastewater Treatment Plant is a good 24-hour option located in North Eugene.
- Salem: Hee Illahee RV Resort offers RV dump stations to both guests and visitors. The rate for non-guests is $7 per day. Check the hours of operation as this location is not open 24 hours.
Many other Oregon cities and towns, such as Coos Bay and the surrounding area, also offer RV dump stations. Rest areas often include RV dump stations as well.
What Equipment Do You Need to Dump RV Waste?
Before heading out on your road trip, you’ll want to purchase the equipment necessary to dump your black and gray water tanks if your rental doesn’t include it. You’ll need a sewer hose with a good connection (often, this comes in a kit with several attachments). The sewer hose allows you to connect your RV to the sewer hookup at the RV dump station.
Many new RV travelers think stops at the RV dump station are quick and painless. It doesn’t take long, but stopping to empty your tanks can take more time than you think. Plan on about 30 minutes to dump your RV tanks.
How to Use an RV Dump Station
As an RV renter, you’ll need to dump your tanks before returning the RV or trailer. RV dump stations are only to be used to dump your gray and black tanks. Always dump the black tank first, allowing you to use gray water to clean out the black water residue left in the sewer hose. Using an RV dump station is easy with a few simple steps:
- Line up your RV with the dump station.
- Put on gloves.
- Attach sewer hose with clear elbow attachment to RV
- Secure end of sewer hose in dump station drain.
- Release the valve.
- Rinse your tank.
Safety Precautions for RV Dump Stations
Emptying the RV tank is a chore no one is likely to be thrilled about. However, someone’s got to do it!
Since you’ll be handling RV dump equipment, protecting yourself from bacteria in raw sewage is essential. Plus, dozens of people operate the equipment at RV dump stations throughout the day. With this in mind, take precautionary measures to avoid contact with raw sewage.
When using an RV dump station in Oregon, be sure to wear gloves for your safety. Reusable gloves can be worn, but they should be sanitized between each use. Many RV travelers choose single-use gloves for their RV dump station trips.
Avoiding sewage contact is vital to keeping you and your travel group healthy. After all, the last thing you want is to get sick while you’re traveling! Be sure to bring along disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, and paper towels for clean-up. Washing your hands thoroughly with plain old soap and hot water for about 20 seconds also does the trick.
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Time to Get Traveling!
Emptying your sewage at RV dump stations is a small price to pay while traveling in the beautiful state of Oregon. Learning to empty your tanks can take some trial and error, but it’s not too complicated once you get the hang of it. The process soon becomes a mundane chore, just like anything else. If you’re in a pinch, search “RV dump stations near me” to find stations near your current location.
Keep these RV dump station tips as you plan your Oregon RV trip. When you rent an RV through RVnGO, traveling is easy and affordable. Rent an RV through RVnGO for your next Oregon adventure!
P.S. Add RV Dump Stations to Your Travel Budget
Some RV dump stations in Oregon are free, but others may charge a fee to use the facility. Free RV dump stations are often found at fuel stations or rest areas. Depending on other amenities, RV dump stations can range from $7 to $30. Be sure to include potential dump station fees while planning your itinerary!
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