When enjoying adventures on the road in your RV, handling your waste tanks is essential to maintaining a clean and odorless trip. The waste tanks play a crucial role in storing and disposing of gray water (from sinks and showers) and black water (from toilets). To ensure a comfortable and hygienic journey, knowing where to locate your RV’s drain valves and how to use them properly is vital.
Dump valves or dump stations allow you to empty your RV’s waste tanks safely and efficiently. You can often find them at campgrounds, rest areas, truck stops, or specialized RV service centers.
How To Locate Your RV’s Drain Valves
Typically on the driver’s side, the drain valve is a sliding door that keeps the wastewater from rushing out until you’re ready to dispose of it. Depending on the design and configuration of your RV model, there could be separate valves for gray and black water tanks or a single valve that controls both.
Finding Valves for Your Specific Model
To locate the individual drain valves on your specific model, refer to your owners manual or consult an expert at a dealership such as Bretz RV & Marine for information on identifying the correct valves and emptying your tanks.
Properly Draining Your Tanks
Once you’ve found your RV’s drain valves, it’s essential that you follow proper procedures when draining your tanks. Doing so will ensure efficient cleanup and minimize any potential odors or messes.
Order of Draining: Black Water First, Then the Gray
When draining your tanks at a dump station, always begin with the black water tank. This is because the black water contains solid waste, and it’s best to empty this tank first to avoid clogs or backups. After draining it, you can move on to the gray water. Draining the gray water last helps rinse out any remaining residue from the black, making cleanup easier.
Why should you familiarize yourself with your RV’s drain valve locations and draining procedures? So you’ll be better prepared for a clean and odorless trip in Missoula, Montana, or wherever your adventures take you.
Top Choices for RV Dump Stations in Missoula, Montana
Deano’s Travel Plaza
Deano’s Travel Plaza is a truck stop and convenience store with a casino on-site. The dump station features nonpotable rinse water. While there’s no charge for registered members, there’s a $5 fee for those that are not.
- Locations: 5318 W. Harrier Drive, Missoula, MT 59808; and 5505 N. Reserve St., Missoula, MT 59808.
- Website: https://www.deanotravelplaza.com/
- Hours: Open 24/7.
- Phone:406-327-0444.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts
Jellystone Park is an RV park operating from May to mid-October. Registered guests can access the dump station services at no cost, and fees are also waived for unregistered guests with a merchandise purchase.
- Address: 9900 Jellystone Drive, Missoula, MT 59808.
- Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Phone: 406-543-9400.
Exxon Town Pump
The Exxon Town Pump is a waste station located behind a McDonald’s. They have fuel pumps and provide nonpotable rinse water. Services are complimentary with a purchase or a $2 fee without one.
- Address: 8745 U.S. Highway 93, Missoula, MT 59808.
- Hours: Open 24/7.
- Phone: 406-542-0400.
Bretz RV & Marine
At Bretz RV & Marine, we’re open year-round, providing potable and nonpotable rinse water. In addition, we don’t charge any fees for accessing our dump station services.
- Address: 4800 Grant Creek Road, Missoula, MT 59808.
- Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Phone: 406-541-4800.
Jim & Mary’s RV Park
Jim & Mary’s operates year-round for registered guests and offers potable and nonpotable rinse water.
- Address: 9800 U.S. Highway 93 N., Missoula, MT 59808.
- Phone: 406-549-4416.
KOA
ThisKOA campground is open all year and provides potable and nonpotable rinse water. Services are complimentary for registered guests, and there’s a $20 fee for those who only want to use the dump station.
- Address: 3450 Tina Ave., Missoula, MT 59808.
- Phone: 406-549-0881 or 800-562-5366 (toll-free).
Mountain West Co-Op
This location offers potable and nonpotable rinse water except during freezing temperatures. They charge a $5 fee for their services and can accommodate big rigs. Propane is also available on-site.
- Address: 4570 N. Reserve St., Missoula, MT 59808.
- Hours: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays.
- Phone: 406-543-8383.
Muralt’s Ambest Travel Plaza
This travel plaza has a Conoco station where you can conveniently gas up on your travels. Dump station fees are available on-site.
- Address: 8800 Truck Stop Road, Missoula, MT 59808.
- Hours: Open 24/7.
- Phone: 406-728-4700.
Outpost Campground
This campground has potable and nonpotable rinse water and waives dump station service fees for registered guests.
- Address: 11600 U.S. Highway 93 N., Missoula, MT 59808.
- Phone: 406-549-2016.
Other Nearby RV Dump Stations
Ekstrom’s Stage Station Campground
Ekstrom’s Stage Station operates from April to September, with potable and nonpotable rinse water accessible. Services here are available for a $12 fee.
- Address: 81 Rock Creek Road, Clinton, MT 59825.
- Phone: 406-825-3183.
Square Dance Center and Campground
This location is open from May to September, providing potable and nonpotable rinse water. For extra convenience, this site accommodates big rigs at the dump station. Registered guests get complimentary services, and there’s only a $15 fee for dump station use.
- Address: 9955 Lolo Creek Road, Lolo, MT 59847.
- Phone: 406-273-0141.
Tips for a Clean and Efficient Dumping Process
Using Protective Gloves and Proper Equipment
When handling waste disposal at RV dump stations, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and hygiene. Always wear protective gloves when operating the drain valves, connecting hoses, or handling any equipment that comes into contact with waste materials. This helps protect your hands from contaminants and keeps the process clean.
Regular Maintenance To Avoid Issues
Keeping your RV’s waste tanks well-maintained is essential to avoid unexpected problems. Regular maintenance includes cleaning your tanks with specialized tank cleaning products or using natural solutions such as a mix of water, baking soda, and vinegar. Additionally, ensure you use only RV-friendly toilet paper to prevent clogs.
Enjoy a Clean and Odorless RV Experience in Missoula
Following these tips for efficient dumping procedures and regular maintenance ensures your RV stays clean and odor-free throughout your travels to Missoula or any other destination. If you choose to use one of our facilities, feel free to explore our selection of new and used RVs. We also have a trade-up program if you’re ever looking to upgrade.
Remember, proper waste disposal is essential for your comfort and enjoyment and is crucial in preserving the environment and keeping our campgrounds clean for future generations.
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