Should You Leave Your RV Tanks Open at a Campground with Full Hook-Ups?
If you're a newer RVer, you may look at full hookups as an opportunity to keep your RV's tanks open for the duration of your stay.
Imagine it. You've just pulled into your spot at a new RV park. It's got gorgeous views, lots of amenities, and full electric, water, and sewer hookups. Keeping the RV's tank valves open is one less thing to worry about. Right?
Wrong, unfortunately.
Read on to learn more about why this could cause some serious and unexpected problems for your rig.
Let's dig in!
Should You Leave Your Black Tank Valve Open When Hooked Up?
It might seem convenient, but you should never leave your RV's black tank drain open while hooked up. This can cause a variety of gross and expensive problems, including the dreaded "poop pyramid." This happens when the liquid waste flows out of your black tank into the sewer system. This leaves solid waste to get stuck on the bottom of your tank. Over time, this waste builds up and can cause serious clogging issues.
You can fix this problem by allowing your tank to fill with water, leaving it to soak, and then flushing. You can also sometimes use special tank cleaners. But serious cases could damage your tank, leading to expensive repairs or replacements.
Additionally, when you leave your RV tank drain open, sometimes sewer gas can escape from the park's sewage system. Most of the time, a p-trap will help prevent these gases from rising. But they're not foolproof, especially in RVs. Plus, sewer gases can still escape through your tank's exterior vents, creating an unpleasant situation for you and your neighbors.
Finally, leaving your black tank valve open can even lead to some unwanted guests — drain flies! These pests can enter your rig's black tank via the open connection to the sewer and lay their eggs. From there, it's only a short flight up into the living space of your RV. Keeping your tank valve closed is an easy way to prevent an infestation.
Should You Leave Your Gray Tank Valve Open When Hooked Up?
While you may not have to deal with all of the same problems as with your black tank, keep your gray tank closed too. This helps avoid unpleasant sewer odors but also helps simplify the cleanup process of dumping your black tanks. Letting your gray tank fill and drain helps flush out food particles or other solids that slipped down the drain.
Benefits of Full Hookup RV Parks
Even if you don't leave your RV tank valves open, it's still great to stay at full hookup parks. Of course, that depends on your budget and travel plans.
Ability to Use Water Freely
If you're operating off your freshwater tank instead of an exterior water source, you'll constantly scrutinize every drop you use. However, with full hookups, you can use as much as you need. So take that long shower, wash extra dishes, and even boot up the washer and dryer if you have one. You can do it all without worrying about running dry.
Ability to Dump and Rinse Your RV Tanks Without Holding Up Others
Sitting in line at a dump station is no one's idea of a good time. But with a full hookup park, you won't have to. Instead, you'll be able to fill, open, dump, and clean out your RV's tanks without ever leaving your spot. This means you can do it on your own schedule and not have to worry about holding up other RVers or having them slow you down. It may seem like a minor issue, but little conveniences like this add up over time.
Ability to Shower in Your RV
Trekking to the campground shower can get old fast, especially in cold weather, bad weather, or early mornings. However, with full hookups, your RV will have a functionally unlimited supply of fresh water. You can shower as long as your heart desires. Plus, the already-pressurized water means you'll have a constant, steady flow, as opposed to the fluctuations that can result from many RV water pumps.
Tips for Dumping Your Black Tank at a Full Hookup RV Campground
The secret to easily dumping your black tank in a safe and sanitary way lies in your gray tank. The process starts a day or two before you plan to dump your black tank. That's when you should close the valve in your gray tank, allowing gray water to accumulate. When it comes time to dump your black tank, open your blank tank valve and allow the tank to drain. Once that's complete, drain your semi-filled gray tank using the same hose. This process flushes out any remaining sewage inside your hose and leaves you with two empty tanks.
Staying at a full hookup RV park can be a great experience. But just because you've got access to a sewer system doesn't mean you should keep your tank drains open. From major clogging to odors to bugs, you can run into any number of issues by leaving your valves open. Have you ever encountered these issues at a campground?
Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA
To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).
You should give it a try!
As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you're contributing to these lands.
Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers that love to score the best site!
We'll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). Access the list by submitting your email below:
The people have spoken, and the message could not be clearer: more Suzuki Jimnys, please! To appease the insatiable appetite for its rugged little 4x4, Suzuki Australia is adding a new variant to the Jimny line: the Jimny Lite, which arrives in August.
The Jimny Lite is a full-on Jimny, minus a few tidbits here and there. As the name implies, it's slightly lighter on options and features. For example, it'll only be available with a manual transmission in contrast to the automatic option of the Jimny. It'll also roll on standard 15-inch steel wheels instead of alloys. (Rockin' steelies? Heck yeah!)
On the outside, the Jimny Lite further visually deviates from the Jimny courtesy of its plastic textured side mirror covers and halogen (not LED) projector headlights. On the inside, the Jimny Lite gets an old-school in-dash audio system with standard Bluetooth connectivity rather than the Jimny's touchscreen infotainment system with navigation. More information for the Jimny Lite, such as pricing, will arrive by August.
*These images of the Suzuki Jimny are not Australian-market specific.
MotorTrend Recommended Stories
Jason @BeardedOverland www.beardedadv.blogspot.com
Quick note. Please leave no trace. The first thing we did after arriving at our dispersed camping spot was spending ten minutes picking up trash left from the last person there.
Finally made it to the North Rim, it's everything I thought it would be.
I’ve been trying to make it to the north rim for well over fifteen years. Something has always come up. Over the past few years, it seems like wildfires have been the reason that I’ve stayed away. Well, I made it this time. The drive from Chandler was easy enough, took around six hours. Even with gas prices being outrageous it cost just under $100 one way.
Marble Canyon
Finally made it to the pines!
Yep $3.94 a gallon Thank you Democrates
We didn’t drive into the park on the first day, instead, we took forest road 611 to 610 to find a dispersed camping site, right on the rim. In mid-June at 8555 feet, we saw a daytime high of 85 and a nighttime low of 45. Just warm enough to be warm, and just cold enough to be cold. Of course, we picked a weekend that was a heatwave breaking daytime temperatures across four states
Simplicity is just what we needed, and this is what we bought the Ram for. Forest fire roads are my jam!
This is the view from our campsite!
I don't mind seeing a Prius in the forest, just as long as they slow down a bit!
Had a great thunderstorm roll in Friday afternoon.
After setting up camp we sat and took in the views for the rest of the night. Then a quick dinner of dehydrated meals, this trip was about relaxing, and cooking in the backcountry was not an activity either of us wanted to tackle!
As I mentioned earlier it got a little chilly overnight, neither of us got a goodnight's sleep. We had a slight breeze all night, nothing that was disturbing it was just there. As soon as the sun rose above the horizon, the temperature jumped from 45 to 80 in less than an hour and was just plain hot by 9am. We made some adjustments to camp made some breakfast burritos. We had planned just hanging out at camp all weekend, but since it was so warm, we decided to drive into the actual NP Grand Canyon North Rim. We did the site seeing thing, walked around a bit, went to the gift shop and visitors center. Afterward, we went for a drive and went sightseeing a little more by visiting the various outlooks.
Once the heat of the day was over, we headed back to camp. Since neither of us slept very well the night before, we decided it was a perfect day for a nap! Walking up an hour before sunset, we made dinner. After a little star gazing we hit the sack.
Up in time to see the sunrise, we broke camp before 7am, then we sat around and planned our next trip, while doing so we were visited by the neighborhood watch, as a young deer broke from the dense foliage across the camp. It was a perfect send-off. We hit the road by 8am and headed south back to Chandler.
Getting out into nature, blending old and new, living with nature, without trying to always bend it to our own will. This is what I love about Overlanding. Of course, spending the weekend in the forest isn’t half bad either! Thanks to @lovin_my_fam_ for taking a snapshot without me knowing.
Just getting back to cell service, this was the view from our campsite this weekend, more information to come. ————- Also Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!
Route 66 landmark lost: Goffs General Store burns down under suspicious circumstances
The Mojave Desert lost a piece of Route 66 history last week after a fire consumed an abandoned building that once served as the restaurant, saloon and social hotspot for the unincorporated community of Goffs.
The Goffs General Store — which had stood since 1946 — burned down in a blaze Tuesday afternoon, the San Bernardino County Fire Department said.
As firefighters battled the fire with no steady water supply, they saw a plume to the north in the 119000 block of Circle Drive and found multiple outbuildings and piles also burning.
Crews kept the fire contained to the general store and extinguished the second blaze in about 30 minutes.
"Both fires are under investigation and suspicious in nature," the fire department said.
Several commenters expressed disappointment after news of the fire was posted on the Mojave Desert Heritage & Cultural Association's Facebook page. Photos there showed the store in more prosperous times, as well as its gutted aftermath.
"A 'then and now' I never wanted to see," said Darelyn Casebier, a member of the organization, in response to the photos.
"Another 66 'monument' gone," another commenter added.
A popular spot in a tiny community
Goffs is located about 30 miles west of Needles along the highway known as America's "Mother Road."
The unincorporated community was founded in 1883 as a station for the railroad and became known for mining and as a stop for westbound travelers, according to Digital-Desert.com.
When the original Route 66 was rerouted away from the area in 1931, however, Goffs began to lose businesses and residents.
As of last year, there were likely only about 10 to 25 residents still living there, the Daily Press reported.
Morris Swain said the general store remained somewhat popular in subsequent years.
Swain's aunt and uncle owned the store in the early 1950s and sold it to Swain's parents in 1960 when he was still in high school.
A gallon of gas cost about 38 cents back then, Swain said.
The store had, at one point, not only a full-service gas station but a bar, restaurant and dance floor, as well.
The Goffs General Store in an undated photo.
Courtesy of San Bernardino County Fire Department
Cowboys would frequent the place along with big-rig truckers. Thursdays were square dance nights and a "big country dance" took place once a month, according to Swain.
"We had a pretty good clientele," he said. "I made more money there than when I was working for the government."
Swain said he "personally ran" the store in the 1980s and expanded the kitchen during that time before selling the property in the mid-1990s.
According to one Route 66 travel website, the store may have remained open until as late as 2000.
Swain said owners after him likely faced "too much red tape" and regulations in attempting to restore the building. It ultimately fell into disrepair.
Despite the memories the building held, he said the store had been "pretty rough looking for the last 10 years" due to vandalism and graffiti.
As to the fire: "Probably the best thing that could've happened to it."
Store's sign saved before fire
Although the store is gone, a piece of it remains.
Later, he donated it to the MDHCA for preservation, which he saw as a "very small silver lining in all this."
The Goffs General Store sign can be seen lying next to the building.
Courtesy of Ken Lee
"I feel like more of the old Route 66 is going up in smoke ... (and) it also seems tragic since it appears like it may (have) been set purposely," Lee said.
"I was going to photograph that building at night again in about two weeks," he added. "So on a personal level, I was saddened by that as well."
Daily Press reporter Martin Estacio may be reached at 760-955-5358 or MEstacio@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_mestacio.
Jason @BeardedOverland www.beardedadv.blogspot.com
Should Ram Enter The Small Compact Truck Market Again?
North Americans Want Small Trucks Again...
Robert S. Miller
Today, Ford Motor Company rolled out their all-new Maverick compact pickup. In what appears to be an appealing package, the Maverick is the answer for those who are looking for a more affordable option without sacrificing capability and good fuel economy that can fit in most garages. North Americans from the United States and Canada, have been asking for a true compact for years and it appears Ford has delivered.
2022 Ford Maverick Lariat FX4. (Ford).
So what about Ram? Could Stellantis' pickup brand offer such a vehicle? The answer is, they already do!
The South American Fiat Toro (which is also known as the Ram 1000), fits the profile of the new Ford Maverick. Just like how the Maverick is based on Ford's C2 unibody architecture (which underpins the Ford Bronco Sport & Escape), the Toro is based on a stretched version of the Small Wide 4×4 architecture from the popular Jeep® Compass.
2022 Fiat Toro Ranch TurboDiesel AT9 4×4. (Marlos Ney Vidal from AutosSegredos.com.br).
Besides being based on competing vehicle architectures, both compact pickups feature a four-door cab configuration and offer the choice of front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) capability. Surprisingly, on paper, the Fiat Toro has a 3.4 inch shorter wheelbase and is 6.2 inches shorter in overall length. This means that the Maverick does have a longer box than the Toro. But when it comes to height and width, both are identical to each other.
2022 Fiat Toro (Ram 1000) vs 2022 Ford Maverick
Dimensions (Inches)
2022 Fiat Toro (Ram 1000)
2022 Ford Maverick
Wheelbase
117.7
121.1
Vehicle Length
193.5
199.7
Vehicle Width
72.6
72.6
Vehicle Height
68.7
68.7
The much heavier Toro tips the scales at 3,900 to 4,100 lbs, depending on options and powertrain choices. The new Maverick according to Ford comes in a 3,563 to 3,731 lbs, again depending on the customer's desired spec.
Where the two trucks couldn't be any more different is in the powertrain department. Now, you have to remember that Ford's new Maverick is based on its engine applications for the North American market, while the Fiat Toro's engine options are aimed at its targeted market of South America.
2022 Ford Maverick Lariat FX4. (Ford).
Let's start with the Ford. The Maverick features two available engine choices. There is a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, which delivers 191 horsepower when combined with the electric motor and 155 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2.5-liter is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and only drives the front wheels. The hybrid powertrain also features an in-house-designed and manufactured electric traction motor, which offers 94 kW of output. The 2.5-liter offers the capability to tow up to 2,000 lbs.
For those looking for more power or optional AWD, Maverick offers 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline-four-cylinder making 250 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft. of torque mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain can be optioned with FWD or AWD, and even has the ability to tow up to 4,000 lbs. with the optional 4K Tow Package.
2022 Fiat Toro Ranch TurboDiesel AT9 4×4. (Marlos Ney Vidal from AutosSegredos.com.br).
When it comes to the Fiat (Ram), there are three different powertrains available. The standard 1.8-liter 1.8-liter E.torQ inline-four-cylinder returns to the lineup, however, it's limited to the entry-level Endurance trim. The 1.8-liter is flex-fuel capable and produces 139 horsepower and 19.2 kgfm (139 ft.-lbs.) of torque on ethanol and 135 horsepower and 18.7 kgfm (135 ft.-lbs.) on gasoline. the E.torQ offering can be paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The biggest change to the 2022 Fiat Toro for performance, is the addition of the turbocharged 1.3-liter 'Firefly' inline-four-cylinder, which is from the Global Small Engine (GSE) family and is available in the Renegade, Compass, and 500X crossover, all of which share the same Small Wide 4×4 architecture as the Toro. The new turbo engine also has flex-fuel capability and produces 185 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 270 Nm (200 ft.-lbs.) of torque on ethanol. The engine loses about 5 horsepower when ran with gasoline.
The turbocharged 1.3-liter comes mated to a 6-speed automatic from Aisin, which has some updates with a new "neutral function", which automatically puts the transmission in the Neutral (N) position when the vehicle stops in Drive (D) according to our friends at Autos Segredos. This new function reduces engine vibrations, as well as increases fuel economy.
There is also an optional 2.0-liter Multijet II turbo-diesel four-cylinder mated to a ZF-sourced 9-speed automatic. The diesel models AWD, hill descent control (HDC), a crankcase protector, and an integrated front bumper skid plate. The 2.0-liter delivers 170 horsepower and 35.7 kgfm (258 ft.-lbs) of torque. The 2.0-liter turbo-diesel is available across the lineup for 2022.
The biggest disappointment about the Toro is its 882 lbs. of towing capacity. Fiat/Ram designed the Toro/1000 for more urban areas and improved ride for harsh the rough roads in South America. There is no doubt that with a few changes to the suspension, the Toro could tow equally to the 2,000 lbs. capacity of its architecture sibling the Compass.
As for payload, the Maverick has a standard rating of 1,500 lbs, while the Toro with its smaller bed offers 1,433 lbs.
2022 Ford Maverick Lariat FX4. (Ford).
Inside, the Maverick looks as if it's a car trying to play as a pickup. With bright and bold color themes, there is a new composite material that replaces the cheap plastics of earlier years. There is a 5-passenger seating arrangement, which allows for a center console between the driver and front passenger to hold the rotary-dial electronic shifter, two cupholders, electronic parking brake, and drive mode buttons. Materials are pretty good for the price class, and a squared-off instrument panel features exposed bolts, to give a more "truck-like" feel.
Ford was clever, making use of every inch of the cab to place storage or small bins to store loose items. There are even areas in the doors designed to hold most 1-liter drink bottles.
Ford's new FITS system (Ford Integrated Tether System) reminds us of the ideas Fiat used in the award-winning Centoventi Concept and allows a cleverly designed slot at the back of the front console that accommodates different accessories for endless personalization. An available accessory package includes cupholders, a storage or trash bin, a cord organizer, a double hook for grocery bags and purses, and under-seat storage dividers. Ford will even publish the slot geometry in the near future so customers can 3D-print their own DIY ideas.
2022 Ford Maverick Lariat FX4. (Ford).
Ford's Co-Pilot360™ technology includes standard Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking and Automatic High Beam Headlamps. Available options include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Centering, and Evasive Steering Assist. Five standard drive modes include Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery and Tow/Haul to enhance performance and confidence over various driving conditions.
Maverick has a standard 8-inch center touch screen that features Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® compatibility so customers can have the experience they're used to with their phones. The SYNC 3 system has a basic, budget layout in the Maverick, and does not allow for much customization, unfortunately. However, FordPass™ Connect with an embedded modem allows WiFi for up to 10 devices, while standard FordPass™ makes it easy to find the truck, check the fuel level, lock and unlock the doors, and start or turn off the vehicle with an app on your smartphone or tablet.
2022 Fiat Toro Ranch TurboDiesel AT9 4×4. (Marlos Ney Vidal from AutosSegredos.com.br).
Now looking at the Toro/1000, the interior looks more like a scale down version of the Ram 1500. A new 7-inch full-digital cluster screen is standard across the lineup and there is a ton of customization. The digital cluster offers three different viewing profiles and makes it possible to display various vehicle information such as vehicle status, instructions, alerts, Trip settings, performance settings (for those models with the new turbocharged 1.3-liter engine) that includes horsepower, torque, boost, and G-force information, as well as information on the new Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS). There are also exclusive screens with specific colors and unique fonts for 4×4 and Sport functions.
The addition of a new 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen is available on Ranch and Ultra models. The 10.1-inch Uconnect system is displayed vertically, similar to the Ram 1500's 12-inch display. The new information system joins the standard 8.4-inch Uconnect 5 system that made its debut this past year on the Toro. There is also now in-vehicle WiFi available on the Toro/1000 for the 2022 model year.
2022 Fiat Toro Ultra TurboDiesel AT9 4×4. (FIAT Brazil).
Unlike the playful spirit of the Maverick's interior, the Toro/1000 interior features similar quality materials you would find in the Ram 1500 lineup. There are several different interior themes, all coordinating with each different trim level.
Using a similar layout as the Maverick, there is a center console between the driver and the front passenger. Instead of featuring a rotary-dial knob like the Maverick and the Ram 1500, the Toro sticks with either a manual gear-shifter or a console-mounted shifter. There is no fancy electronic emergency brake either, instead, you have the old mechanical parking brake handle next to the cupholders.
2022 Fiat Toro Ranch TurboDiesel AT9 4×4. (Marlos Ney Vidal from AutosSegredos.com.br).
As for trims, the Maverick is offering three different trim levels for customers. There is the budget-friendly entry-level XL, the well-equipped XLT, and the, even more, well-equipped Lariat model. There is a limited-edition First Edition model which adds a more exclusive appearance package to the Lariat trim at launch.
For the Toro/1000, the choice of trims is very different. The Ram 1000 usually gets one trim level (Big Horn) for the markets it's in, due to the economic structure of most of the countries it's available in. The Toro, on the other hand, follows a trim structure similar to the Ram 1500 here in North America. There are five different models available for the 2022 Fiat Toro (Endurance, Freedom, Volcano, Ranch, and Ultra).
When it comes to pricing, the Maverick has a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $19,995 for the XL model. XLT models will have an MSRP of $22,280, while the top trim Lariat models have a starting MSRP of $25,490 before destination charges, taxes, and other fees. That is a great price in today's market.
Looking at the 2022 Fiat Toro lineup, if we convert the Brazilian Reel to the U.S. dollar, the entry-level Toro Endurance 1.8 AT6 starts at R $114,590 (or about $20,970 USD). So very close to the Maverick's price. Endurance 1.3 Turbo AT6 comes in at R $ 119,590 (or about $21,885) with front-wheel-drive. Freedom TurboDiesel AT9 4×4 models, set customers back R $ 164,390 (or about $30,084 USD). The top-of-the-line luxury Ultra TurboDiesel AT9 4×4 features a hard tonneau cover, integrated sports bar, running boards, all-terrain tires, premium leather seats with red accents, and dark exterior touches, has an MSRP of R $ 187,490 (or about $34,311 USD).
2022 Fiat Toro Ranch TurboDiesel AT9 4×4. (Marlos Ney Vidal from AutosSegredos.com.br).
To compete with the Maverick's turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, Stellantis does have its own GME-T4 engine that is already under the hood of several of the automaker's most popular vehicles. The GME-T4 can be equipped with the eTorque mild-hybrid system and delivers 270 horsepower (20 more) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (18 more).
But if you think the Toro is a good choice to compete, you may be right. However, Ram is working hard on a bigger offering for the LATAM region that will be specific to the Ram brand. We aren't sure if that new larger model will make it to the North American market, but we think Ram should be looking at bringing a vehicle like the Toro/1000 to the American market, and not be the last player to the revitalized segment.
What do you think? Should Ram offer a truck like the Toro/1000 in North America? Could they make it be a pivotal player in the compact truck segment? Let us know in the comments below or in the MoparInsiders.com forums.
Jason @BeardedOverland www.beardedadv.blogspot.com
