goreds2
OH H ..... EYE OH
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I may be going to a State Park dump station on Friday the 26th.
I am not sure what I am paranoid about. (Will something leak on the ground or spray everywhere, will I connect the hose correctly etc?)
Will I be able to get some type of assistance if needed? Should I ask the person behind me in line to help? When I called the state park, they said a maintenace man can possibly help.
I am sure once I do this the first time, I will be OK after that.
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DesertDave100
San Jose CA
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I'd be a little nervous, just because you might have an issue, and you mighthave an audience when you do.
If you have the way to do this, maybe fill the black tank with 10 gallons of water, and connect the hoses, and drain it into the storm drain. It'll give you an idea of how the water pressure will move the hose, and so on, so that part will be somewhat familiar to you when you first dump.
Me, I have a setup at home, and have never had a hookup site, so I always get to dump in the privacy of my backyard.
Good luck.
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Lucky Mr H
Creston, IA
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There's not a lot to be nervous about. It's just like anything else you do for the first time.
Just hook up your drop hose, make sure it's in the ground hole well.
Pull the black tank FIRST!!!!!!!!!!! Dump it, drop the grey, and get going.
If their are people in line behind you, don't rush. It'll take them just as long as it takes you!
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MAJESTYPOINTERS
MONROE, MI.
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Joined: 04/08/2008
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Just as long as you don't pull a "Robbin Williams" you should be OK.
One other thought....You might want to watch the guy in front of you....As long as things whent ok I would ask them...
A "Robbin Williams" might be behind you....you have not seen them in action yet.
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Bearnkat
Fort Worth, Texas
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Hey we all had to "learn the ropes" the 1st time we used the dump station. I wasn't bashful and asked for some help from some of the more experienced RVers that were in line. All of them were willing to lend a hand and teach. Good luck and happy RVing. All will be fine! 
As the post above says, if someone is in front of you, ask to observe or observe from a distance. Let them know it's your 1st time, they'll understand.
It's really not that hard.
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colochoclab
Arvada, Colorado
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Don't be nervous, you'll do fine!
You should have seen me backing my trailer into the back yard the first time! My neighbors were sitting in their lawn chairs like it was a spectator sport. It was!
If you do get into a jam, don't be afraid to ask for help. I've heard rv'ers are a pretty good group of people!
-Lab
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RamblinFever
Ontario, Canada
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It is natural to worry about doing something the first time.
Since it is a dump station there is probably a large hole to drop the hose into rather than using a tight fitting. This actually makes it easier.
The first thing I would do is inspect your hose to be sure there are no small leaks. Also be careful when handling the hose. I once ruined a hose by trying to drag it over concrete while there was still some water in it.
As you have probably read, dump the black tank first and then the gray so it rinses the hose. When you open the valve, open it slowly. That way if you have a leak or a poor connection, you have time to react. Also if you open it fast, the free end of the hose may whip around.
When you have the hose connected to a fitting at a normal campsite, it is a good idea to have someone put their foot on the fitting to keep it from whipping around when you open the valve. I had this happen once and now I have two half-gallon milk jugs filled with water and tied together that hang over the fitting to hold it down.
So head down the road and get started. Soon you will wonder why you worried.
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Bearnkat
Fort Worth, Texas
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Forgot to mention one very important thing to check. Make sure your valves are closed BEFORE taking your trailer's dump valve cap off. 
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seatboard
South Carolina
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Bearnkat wrote:Hey we all had to "learn the ropes" the 1st time we used the dump station. I wasn't bashful and asked for some help from some of the more experienced RVers that were in line. All of them were willing to lend a hand and teach. Good luck and happy RVing. All will be fine!
As the post above says, if someone is in front of you, ask to observe or observe from a distance. Let them know it's your 1st time, they'll understand.
It's really not that hard.
Shoot, that's what I have been doing for three years,(Asking for help), Never once have I had my hands get dirty...
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Campfire Time
Wisconsin
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Don't forget to put the cap back on. I had to find an RV shop in the Black Hills because I forgot to put mine on and it got a little chewed up on the road.
Also, go earler, or later than the crowd (usually 10:00 am to Noon). That way you'll avoid an audiance and can take your time.
Chuck D.
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