RV Cost Calculator RV Dump Station Cost Calculator
Calculate your dumping costs and discover ways to save money
Why Track Dump Station Costs?
Most RVers underestimate their annual dumping costs. Between dump fees, fuel costs, and time spent, the average RVer spends $300-800/year on waste disposal. This calculator helps you understand your costs and find savings opportunities through memberships, better planning, and strategic camping choices.
RV Setup
Tank Capacity Status
Usage Patterns
Round trip: 10 miles
Access more dump locations
Cost Inputs
City parks, rest areas
RV parks, truck stops
Extra cost vs. no hookups
Your Dump Station Costs
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Public Dump Stations
1.6 dumps × $10
Private Dump Stations
1.6 dumps × $25
Campground Sewer Hookups
2.0 nights × $10
Fuel to Dump Stations
20 miles/month
Total Monthly Cost
$5212-Month Projection
Total Dumps:
48
Annual Cost:
$622
Gallons Dumped:
4,800
Miles Driven:
240
Ways to Save Money
Use Free Dump Stations
Many rest areas, visitor centers, and public parks offer free dumps. Apps like RV Parky, Allstays, and iOverlander show free locations near you.
Potential savings: $192/year if you eliminate public dump fees
Get a Membership
Pilot Flying J RV+ ($8/month) - Free dumps at 750+ locations nationwide
Good Sam ($29/year) - Discounts on camping and dumps
Harvest Hosts ($99/year) - Free camping often includes dump access
Extend Time Between Dumps
Use water conservation techniques: Navy showers, turn off water while brushing teeth, use RV toilet paper, add tank treatments to extend capacity.
Extending from 3 to 5 days could save -$311/year
Plan Dump Routes Efficiently
Dump on your way in/out of town, not special trips. Choose campgrounds with dumps included. Use dump stations along your travel route.
Reducing dump trips from 5 to 2 miles could save $42/year in fuel
Consider a Macerator Pump
Cost: $150-400 for portable, $400-800 installed
Benefits: Dump uphill, longer hoses (100+ ft), access home cleanouts, faster dumps
Could pay for itself in 1-2 years with increased access to free/cheaper dumps
Dump Station Options Comparison
| Location Type | Cost | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rest Areas | FREE | ★★★☆☆ | Limited locations, often busy |
| Public Parks | FREE-$5 | ★★★★☆ | City/county parks, visitor centers |
| Truck Stops | $10-15 | ★★★★★ | Flying J, Pilot, Love's - easy access |
| RV Parks | $15-35 | ★★★★★ | May require stay or payment |
| Campgrounds | Included | ★★★★★ | With hookup sites |
| Casinos | FREE | ★★☆☆☆ | Many offer free dumps for visitors |
| Home/Friends | FREE | ★★★☆☆ | Needs macerator pump |
Finding Dump Stations
Apps & Websites:
- RV Parky (best for dumps)
- Allstays Camp & RV
- iOverlander (free spots)
- Sanidumps.com
Tips:
- Call ahead to verify hours
- Bring exact change
- Check max RV length
- Read recent reviews
Proper Dumping Procedure
Prepare Your Equipment
Put on rubber gloves. Have your sewer hose, adapters, clear elbow, and hose support ready. Check that valves are closed.
Connect Sewer Hose
Attach hose to RV outlet first, then to dump station. Ensure secure connection. Use clear elbow to monitor flow if available.
Dump Black Tank FIRST
Critical: Always dump black tank before gray tank. Open black valve fully, let drain completely (clear elbow turns clear).
Dump Gray Tank Second
Close black valve, open gray valve. Gray water helps rinse out the hose. Let drain completely.
Flush Black Tank (Optional)
If you have a tank flush system, close gray valve, run flush for 5-10 minutes, dump black tank again. This removes solids.
Disconnect & Clean
Close all valves. Disconnect from dump station first, then RV. Rinse hose exterior, store properly. Remove gloves, wash hands thoroughly.
Add Tank Treatment
Add RV toilet paper and tank treatment (Happy Campers, Unique, etc.) to black tank. Add water to start new cycle.
Critical Dumping Mistakes to Avoid
Essential Dump Station Equipment
🔵 Heavy-Duty Sewer Hose
Rhino Flex, Camco Revolution. 20-foot minimum, clear elbow recommended.
$50-100
🟢 Rubber Gloves
Reusable heavy-duty gloves. Keep separate from other gloves.
$10-20
🟣 Hose Support
Camco Sidewinder or similar. Prevents hose sag and backups.
$30-50
🟠 Adapter Kit
Various thread adapters for different dump stations.
$15-30
🔴 Clear Elbow
See when tank is empty. Eliminates guessing.
$10-20
🟣 Tank Treatment
Happy Campers, Unique, or Geo Method. Controls odors and breaks down waste.
$15-30/month
⭐ Macerator Pump (Optional)
Flojet or Thetford. Pumps waste uphill, extends reach 100+ feet.
$150-800
💧 Tank Rinser
Built-in or aftermarket. Spray wand thoroughly cleans tanks.
$20-100
💡 Total Investment
Basic kit: $100-200 | Complete kit with macerator: $400-1,000
Quality equipment lasts 5-10 years and prevents costly repairs from improper dumping.
Common Questions
How often should I dump my tanks?
Dump when your black tank is 2/3 to 3/4 full. Never let it get completely full. For most RVers with 2-4 people, this means every 3-7 days. Gray tanks can go longer but shouldn't sit full as it can cause odors.
Why dump black tank first?
Black tank contains solid waste. If you dump gray first, you'll have solid waste residue in your hose with no way to rinse it out. Gray water (from sinks/shower) is cleaner and rinses the hose after dumping black waste.
Can I dump at home?
Yes, if you have a cleanout access point and a macerator pump. Never dump into a septic tank unless it's designed for it. Check local regulations - some areas prohibit RV dumping into residential sewers.
What causes tank sensor problems?
Toilet paper and waste buildup on sensors causes false readings. Use RV-specific toilet paper, add tank treatments, and perform periodic deep cleans with ice cubes, Dawn dish soap, or commercial cleaners. A tank rinser helps prevent buildup.
Is a macerator pump worth it?
For frequent boondockers: absolutely. Macerators let you dump uphill, use smaller hoses (longer reach), access home cleanouts, and dump faster. They typically pay for themselves within 1-2 years through increased access to free/cheap dump locations.
What's the best tank treatment?
Popular options: Happy Campers (enzyme-based, eco-friendly), Unique Method (bacteria-based), or Geo Method (DIY: Calgon + Dawn). Avoid formaldehyde-based treatments - they're harsh on seals and the environment.
Can I leave my black tank valve open at a campground?
NEVER leave the black tank valve open, even with full hookups. Liquids drain faster than solids, creating a "poop pyramid" that's difficult to remove. Always keep it closed until you're ready to dump.
How do I winterize my tanks?
Dump and flush tanks completely. Add RV antifreeze (pink, non-toxic) to prevent freezing. Run antifreeze through all drains. For extended storage in freezing temps, consider removing and storing tanks indoors or using tank heaters.
Environmental Responsibility
Proper RV waste disposal protects our environment and keeps campgrounds beautiful for everyone. Based on your usage:
Environmental Best Practices:
- ✓ Only dump at designated stations with proper waste treatment
- ✓ Use biodegradable, eco-friendly tank treatments
- ✓ Never dump on the ground or in storm drains
- ✓ Conserve water to reduce waste volume
- ✓ Use RV-specific toilet paper that breaks down easily
- ✓ Report illegal dumping to protect public lands
Start Saving on Dump Station Costs Today
Use this calculator before every trip to plan your dumps and minimize costs. Bookmark this page and share it with fellow RVers!