Fridge/tanks and overnight parking lot stay question

[Rgpracer]

I posted this one, don't think it took, if it did, please disregard or delete.

230RL:

If I am going on a trip, do I start fridge on gas, when I get where I'm going, do I plug it in and all is good?

For traveling purposes........

Do I put a gallon or two of water thru the sinks before a trip for grey tank?
Do I put a gallon or two of water (along with scoop of Happy Camper, or similar) through the toilet for black tank?

If I am taking a long trip, end of day one of two, stop in walmart parking lot.......is camper close enough to level to put out slide? In the 230RL, you can't access potty or bed room with slide in.

Dumb questions, but our first ever trip is coming up.

Thanks

Also.....

 

[livinthelife]

I posted this one, don't think it took, if it did, please disregard or delete.

230RL:

If I am going on a trip, do I start fridge on gas, when I get where I'm going, do I plug it in and all is good?

For traveling purposes........

Do I put a gallon or two of water thru the sinks before a trip for grey tank?
Do I put a gallon or two of water (along with scoop of Happy Camper, or similar) through the toilet for black tank?

If I am taking a long trip, end of day one of two, stop in walmart parking lot.......is camper close enough to level to put out slide? In the 230RL, you can't access potty or bed room with slide in.

Dumb questions, but our first ever trip is coming up.

Thanks

Also.....

When we travel, if the trip to the first stop is more than 2-3 hours, then we turn the fridge on for the trip, since it takes over 12 hours for fridge to reach maximum cooling. We have installed an inverter to do this, but before we did, we did run the fridge on propane during travel.

No need to put anything in the grey/black tanks before travel. At first stop, we add toilet preps once we've flushed a couple of times. Although I would suggest filling fresh water tank at least 1/3 full. It comes in handy for those "gotta stop NOW" potty calls.

While we've never done the WalMart thing, we've often stopped for just one night. We put our levelers down when camping just to keep things from bouncing around. Stopping in random parking lots, it's up to you how level you think you are, but it's a good idea to be pretty level for putting out slides.

 

[Rgpracer]

When we travel, if the trip to the first stop is more than 2-3 hours, then we turn the fridge on for the trip, since it takes over 12 hours for fridge to reach maximum cooling. We have installed an inverter to do this, but before we did, we did run the fridge on propane during travel.

No need to put anything in the grey/black tanks before travel. At first stop, we add toilet preps once we've flushed a couple of times. Although I would suggest filling fresh water tank at least 1/3 full. It comes in handy for those "gotta stop NOW" potty calls.

While we've never done the WalMart thing, we've often stopped for just one night. We put our levelers down when camping just to keep things from bouncing around. Stopping in random parking lots, it's up to you how level you think you are, but it's a good idea to be pretty level for putting out slides.

Thanks livinthelife for the info.....couple of things, what inverter did you use and where did you install it?
We are going on a two day travel trip soon with Friends, we always travel (when on our Goldwing or in our Miata) 12(ish) hours before stopping the first night. For this length of a trip, we could plug fridge into inverter??

Ps.....Walmart was only a "place", not a must stay, mainly just talking about an overnight anyplace, but sure you knew that.

 

[livinthelife]

Thanks livinthelife for the info.....couple of things, what inverter did you use and where did you install it?
We are going on a two day travel trip soon with Friends, we always travel (when on our Goldwing or in our Miata) 12(ish) hours before stopping the first night. For this length of a trip, we could plug fridge into inverter??

Ps.....Walmart was only a "place", not a must stay, mainly just talking about an overnight anyplace, but sure you knew that.

I'll have to get back to you on the "what type". Husband is out right now and he's the one who did the install. One question, what type of batteries do you have? I know we got lithium batteries before my husband would install the inverter.

EDIT; Hubby's back - it's a Renogy, and he put it in the storage bay. Now, we have 2 lithium batteries, and solar, so that could be an issue for you, depending on what you have. Since you're traveling that long the first night, propane would be the the better choice, according to him. When you get to your stop, if there are hookups, yes, just hook up to the electric and turn on the fridge when power is on.

 

[goodoz]

I posted this one, don't think it took, if it did, please disregard or delete.

230RL:

If I am going on a trip, do I start fridge on gas, when I get where I'm going, do I plug it in and all is good?

For traveling purposes........

Do I put a gallon or two of water thru the sinks before a trip for grey tank?
Do I put a gallon or two of water (along with scoop of Happy Camper, or similar) through the toilet for black tank?

If I am taking a long trip, end of day one of two, stop in walmart parking lot.......is camper close enough to level to put out slide? In the 230RL, you can't access potty or bed room with slide in.

Dumb questions, but our first ever trip is coming up.

Thanks

Also.....

With the Dometic fridge in my rig, if I manually set it to run on GAS, I would have to manually set it back to run on AC after I plug in. Running GAS while traveling is a personal choice and a can of worms...decide for yourself. I've never heard of putting water in the G-Tanks for travel but someone else may know a reason. Your black tank should always have a little fluid in it...you don't want it to get dry. Happy camper is fine, as well. Some people will dump a few bags of ice into the black tank and the cubes will help to knock "stuff" free as you move. I've never done a Walmart but from what I'm seeing on line these days, It's getting more spotty as time progresses. it would probably need to be a rural Walmart...call ahead and ask for permission and you can also ask them about their policy on slides. You can put the slides out if your a little uneven. There are no dumb questions...have fun and be safe!

 

[Rgpracer]

I'll have to get back to you on the "what type". Husband is out right now and he's the one who did the install. One question, what type of batteries do you have? I know we got lithium batteries before my husband would install the inverter.

Thank you very much mam.

 

[livinthelife]

Thank you very much mam.

OK, I edited my original post with the answer. I also agree a little water (at least) in black tank at all times is a good idea.

 

[Rgpracer]

With the Dometic fridge in my rig, if I manually set it to run on GAS, I would have to manually set it back to run on AC after I plug in. Running GAS while traveling is a personal choice and a can of worms...decide for yourself. I've never heard of putting water in the G-Tanks for travel but someone else may know a reason. Your black tank should always have a little fluid in it...you don't want it to get dry. Happy camper is fine, as well. Some people will dump a few bags of ice into the black tank and the cubes will help to knock "stuff" free as you move. I've never done a Walmart but from what I'm seeing on line these days, It's getting more spotty as time progresses. it would probably need to be a rural Walmart...call ahead and ask for permission and you can also ask them about their policy on slides. You can put the slides out if your a little uneven. There are no dumb questions...have fun and be safe!

Thanks Sir, Walmart was just an "random" word for stopping someplace for an overnight sleep before getting up and leaving, but, I understand 100% about these times. I just want to know how to stop someplace and not have to unhook from the truck just for an overnight without water or electric.
I still need to buy a generator.
Thanks sir.

 

[Wicked ace]

I posted this one, don't think it took, if it did, please disregard or delete.

230RL:

If I am going on a trip, do I start fridge on gas, when I get where I'm going, do I plug it in and all is good?

If you are at home and can power and run the 'fridge on electric, do so. If not a day prior to loading, dependent on outside temperatures, start cooling your fridge. You can let it run on gas while traveling, many will say not too but you need to keep your food in a safe state. Be aware there are restrictions when going through tunnels with gas on so that would be a good time to pull over and shut the tanks. If you travel long periods during the day or stop over at a Walmart / Cracker Barrel you may find your battery isn't adequate to keep the fridge powered. When you start your fridge follow the directions and press the button so it is on "auto". When you get to your campground and plug in it will sense 120VAC power and switch over itself. A top tip!!! start the cooling cycle later in the afternoon as the fridge will do an automatic defrost about 60 hours in. This will happen during the night and recovery won't be as taxing on the fridge.

For traveling purposes........
Do I put a gallon or two of water thru the sinks before a trip for grey tank?
Do I put a gallon or two of water (along with scoop of Happy Camper, or similar) through the toilet for black tank?

If this is the first time out don't worry about it. Flush after leaving the campgrounds periodically and at the last overnight be sure to do a black tank flush so you return home clean. Add whichever solution you choose, I've tried several and found they all work. When you get home is when it's important not to leave the black tank dry. I add a half cup of Pine Sol and a five gallon bucket of water. That's not a bad idea for the kitchen tank as well.

If I am taking a long trip, end of day one of two, stop in walmart parking lot.......is camper close enough to level to put out slide? In the 230RL, you can't access potty or bed room with slide in.

You should have no problem with your slide out. Be sure to contact the store manager and ask leave to stay in his lot. Be aware you will need to first find a level area to park and get your rig set up. If your rig is slightly pitched up hooked up find a place the has a slight downhill run. Put the front landing gear down 'til it just touches and the rear stabilizers.

 

[Rgpracer]

If you are at home and can power and run the 'fridge on electric, do so. If not a day prior to loading, dependent on outside temperatures, start cooling your fridge. You can let it run on gas while traveling, many will say not too but you need to keep your food in a safe state. Be aware there are restrictions when going through tunnels with gas on so that would be a good time to pull over and shut the tanks. If you travel long periods during the day or stop over at a Walmart / Cracker Barrel you may find your battery isn't adequate to keep the fridge powered. When you start your fridge follow the directions and press the button so it is on "auto". When you get to your campground and plug in it will sense 120VAC power and switch over itself. A top tip!!! start the cooling cycle later in the afternoon as the fridge will do an automatic defrost about 60 hours in. This will happen during the night and recovery won't be as taxing on the fridge.



If this is the first time out don't worry about it. Flush after leaving the campgrounds periodically and at the last overnight be sure to do a black tank flush so you return home clean. Add whichever solution you choose, I've tried several and found they all work. When you get home is when it's important not to leave the black tank dry. I add a half cup of Pine Sol and a five gallon bucket of water. That's not a bad idea for the kitchen tank as well.



You should have no problem with your slide out. Be sure to contact the store manager and ask leave to stay in his lot. Be aware you will need to first find a level area to park and get your rig set up. If your rig is slightly pitched up hooked up find a place the has a slight downhill run. Put the front landing gear down 'til it just touches and the rear stabilizers.

Ace.....that is awesome info.
Thanks Sir.

 

[boyscout]

If I am going on a trip, do I start fridge on gas, when I get where I'm going, do I plug it in and all is good?

For traveling purposes........

Do I put a gallon or two of water thru the sinks before a trip for grey tank?
Do I put a gallon or two of water (along with scoop of Happy Camper, or similar) through the toilet for black tank?

If I am taking a long trip, end of day one of two, stop in walmart parking lot.......is camper close enough to level to put out slide? In the 230RL, you can't access potty or bed room with slide in.

Dumb questions, but our first ever trip is coming up.

I've been here a LOT and haven't seen many dumb questions. Ask away!

I've got some quibbles with some of the advice you've received so far.

Nobody has quite said that it's illegal in many places / situations to have your fridge (or anything) running on propane while you're traveling. Tunnels and fueling stations are a no-no pretty much everywhere and many jurisdictions say you can't even drive on the road with propane open. While you would not be the first to ignore these laws, know that you're breaking laws.

I haven't looked up what fridge you have but as others have said an inverter and a single battery probably won't run it for very long. A good inverter and good additional battery to keep it running for a half-day will cost several hundred dollars. Before you go that route, try a trip without running the fridge. Plug in your trailer and run your fridge for a few days before you're going to leave, load it with food a day or so before you leave, and then don't open it again until you're at your destination. All you need to plug in is an ordinary 15-amp extension cord and the adapter(s) necessary to connect it to your trailer. With our Norcold 2118 we've run trips of over six hours in 80+ degree heat and found everything still very cold and ice still frozen solid, at the destination. YMMV.

Most of all I wanted to jump in to advise that putting water in the tanks before traveling is a GREAT idea. It's a great idea to put at least several gallons of water (some say as much as ten gallons) into each of your gray and black tanks immediately after they are dumped, every time. Quite a few people follow the GEO Method (google that) and add water softener and Dawn dish soap or PineSol to that charging water every few times they dump. The water and the cleaning additives help prevent things from clumping or sticking in the tank, and help to keep the tank sensors from becoming useless almost right away. These beneficial effects are ESPECIALLY effective if the trailer is taken for a drive after the tanks have been charged with gallons of water and maybe some cleaning agents. The sloshing around does nothing but good things - definitely follow your inclination to do that. Use more than "a gallon or two"; since the tanks are large a gallon or two will usually not fully cover the bottom of the tank, which is something you want to make sure you do. I use about five gallons in each tank, others use more.

EDIT: I missed one of your questions. It's really important that your trailer be CLOSE to level when operating the slides. Doesn't have to be perfect, but if it doesn't at least LOOK very close to level you are risking putting strain on parts of the slide system that could be expensive.

Hope you enjoy your first trip, despite all these sometimes-conflicting bits of advice!

 

[dryfly]

I second the suggestion of the GEO method. I've used it for years and it has eliminated my need for chemicals in the black tank. I have noticed that not having any liquid in the black tank while traveling will create some odor.

I have always traveled with propane on to power refrigerator and have never had an issue. I do recognize the laws however. My suggestion is to always keep a thermometer in the fridge to actually see if it is being kept cold enough, then make a decision.

I have a difficult time keeping my fridge below 40 degrees in hot weather even when on shore power. I've gone to great lengths to add fans, etc to accomplish this with fair results. I can't imagine starting a day's trip with my fridge already at barely safe temps and not having the propane on. I'm always amazed that since the recommended temps for a fridge is 38 degrees that we all don't get more contaminated food. I doubt many folks really monitor those temps.

 

[powerscol]

I posted this one, don't think it took, if it did, please disregard or delete.

230RL:

If I am going on a trip, do I start fridge on gas, when I get where I'm going, do I plug it in and all is good?

For traveling purposes........

Do I put a gallon or two of water thru the sinks before a trip for grey tank?
Do I put a gallon or two of water (along with scoop of Happy Camper, or similar) through the toilet for black tank?

If I am taking a long trip, end of day one of two, stop in walmart parking lot.......is camper close enough to level to put out slide? In the 230RL, you can't access potty or bed room with slide in.

Dumb questions, but our first ever trip is coming up.

Thanks

Also.....

A couple days before the trip I plug the
unit in and run the fridge on AC. During the trip I run the fridge on gas. No issues in 40 years. I don't do anything for the gray tanks. I do run with water in the fresh water tanks - force of habit. Saved my but many times including limping 100 miles on a leaking water pump - just kept refilling radiator. My trailer actually tows better with a full water tank too.

For black tank - skip all the fancy chemicals - you don't need them. Before my trip I put in 5 gallons of water and 1 cup dawn dish soap (must use dawn). Some folks throw in a Tied laundry pod. Helps clean sensors. The dawn slicks up the inside of the tank and keeps the poo/paper pile from forming as easily and helps break up the greasy poo.

Hope this helps

 

[RV Sailor]

Running an open flame when getting fuel. Could be an issue.

We have a Victron Multiplus charger/ Inverter. Need good batteries and a certain amount of amp HOWEVER every 110 outlet in our camper is live and you reefer can go on AC vs propane

https://www.solar-electric.com/victron-energy-multiplus-inverter-12-3000-120.html

 

[powerscol]

Running an open flame when getting fuel. Could be an issue.

We have a Victron Multiplus charger/ Inverter. Need good batteries and a certain amount of amp HOWEVER every 110 outlet in our camper is live and you reefer can go on AC vs propane

https://www.solar-electric.com/victron-energy-multiplus-inverter-12-3000-120.html

Well aware of inverters and like i said no issues in 40 years. I also have a diesel.

 

[boyscout]

I have a difficult time keeping my fridge below 40 degrees in hot weather even when on shore power. I've gone to great lengths to add fans, etc to accomplish this with fair results. I can't imagine starting a day's trip with my fridge already at barely safe temps and not having the propane on. I'm always amazed that since the recommended temps for a fridge is 38 degrees that we all don't get more contaminated food. I doubt many folks really monitor those temps.

[MENTION=36196]Rgpracer[/MENTION] This is a good point... some fridges aren't very cold to begin with.

Our fridge is our second one in this trailer - the first was replaced on warranty after sealing issues - and it gets cold (mid-30s) and stays cold well (we've done pharmaceutical-quality temperature surveys on it). However not all fridges do so well. As I said above about trying travel without the fridge running, YMMV.

 

[Ynot4me2]

You got really good advise on your questions. We also travel with the fridge on propane and 1/3 in the fresh water tank. We use the geo method for both black and grey. Here's a little article with a recipe for it https://kleentank.com/the-geo-method/ As for overnight stays in Walmart Inn or similar, I find that spots between sewers are more level then the ones closer to those sewer openings. We were told that the proper ethics for slides is to keep them in. I guess these are unwritten rules. I do put the stabilizers down. If I want to open my slide, I try to find a spot that the slide will open over a grassy or similar area. Oh and park as far away from the store as possible. Check before with the manager, a lot of places are starting to refuse overnight stays. This will avoid the rude awakening at 3am saying that you have to move NOW.

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[1carguy]

Personally, I would never park in a Walmart parking lot. Unhooking the tow vehicle, running a generator, or setting up your rig I think is not appropriate, Just me.

 

[powerscol]

I have done a lot of Walmart boon docking along with rest stops (where allowed) and truck stops, I never unhook (do pull pigtail). I have reflective tape on the side of my one slide. I might get two traffic cones someday. I always ask to see if it is safe or allowed. There have only been a few times I have been told its not safe. In my travels to Mississippi across Texas and other places I have found a lot of the small towns will allow overnight stays in the municipal lots or parks. I ask the diner staff when getting dinner. I have even asked LEO officers when getting fuel. It is amazing the help they can offer. More than one has said they would check on us during the night. I always try and get breakfast someplace in town afterword. On other thing is a lot of private camp grounds have overflow parking for a quick stop even though they are full. Sometimes you get a discount for no hookups.

Just food for thought
Hope this helps

 

[Ynot4me2]

Personally, I would never park in a Walmart parking lot. Unhooking the tow vehicle, running a generator, or setting up your rig I think is not appropriate, Just me.

We don't unhook or run the geny and rarely open the slide. All I do is lower the stabilizers and jack. We are just there to sleep. We do replenish our stock their and if they have breakfast or just coffee we will get it there.

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