LRCP Guide to RVing
A Survivor’s Guide for the LRCP Club Dog Show
Welcome to the wonderful world of RVing! While your rig has the comforts of home, it functions quite differently—especially at the Walkersville Fire Department grounds. Spaces have permanent power but no water/sewer hookups.
Follow this guide to avoid “the stink,” “the flood,” or “the cold shower.”
1. Electricity: Power with a Budget
You are plugged into a permanent power pedestal. This is a huge luxury! It means you have Air Conditioning and lights without a generator. However, you cannot run everything at once.
The “Rule of Two”: Your RV usually runs on 30 or 50 amps. High-draw appliances include the Air Conditioner, Microwave, Hairdryer, and Toaster. If you try to run more than two of these at the same time, you will likely “pop” the breaker on the pole outside.
Keep the Dogs Cool: Since you have power, you can leave the AC on. Pro-tip: Close your window blinds during the day to reflect the sun; it helps the AC keep up with the Maryland humidity.
The Fridge: Set your refrigerator to “Auto” or “Electric.” This ensures it uses the shore power rather than burning through your propane.
2. Fresh Water: Every Drop Counts!
Since there is no hose connected to your RV, you are living off the Fresh Water Tank located under your floor.
The Water Pump: To get water to your faucet, you must turn on the “Water Pump” switch (usually on your main sensor panel). You will hear a humming noise when it runs—this is normal. Turn it OFF when you leave the RV for the day to prevent accidental flooding if a pipe leaks.
The “Navy Shower”:
1. Turn water on to get
2. Turn water OFF to soap
3. Turn water on to
A standard 10-minute shower will empty your tank and flood your waste tank in one go.
Drink Bottled Water: While the tank is clean, “tank water” can sometimes taste like plastic or minerals. Use bottled water for drinking and coffee; save the tank for washing.
3. Waste Tanks: Where Does it Go?
Everything that goes down a drain is stored in two tanks:
1. The Gray Tank: Sink and shower water. (Fills up very fast!)
2. The Black Tank: Toilet waste only. (The one you really don’t want to overflow.)
The “Sink Basin” Trick: Place a plastic tub in your sink. Use that to wash dishes, then dump that water into the Toilet. Why? Because your Gray Tank usually fills up much faster than your Black Tank. This balances your “space.”
Wipe Your Plates: Use a paper towel to wipe all food scraps and grease off plates before washing. Food in an RV tank causes terrible odors.
4. Toilet Etiquette (The Most Important)
RV Paper Only: Use only rapid-dissolve RV toilet paper. Standard household “Ultra Soft” paper does not break down and will clog the pump-out truck’s equipment. Or just get a waste basket for your toilet paper so your black tank won’t fill up as fast.
The Drop-In Pod: On Day 1, drop a tank treatment pod into the toilet and flush. This breaks down solids and kills odors.
No “Wipes”: Never flush “flushable” wipes, paper towels, or feminine products. Ever.
5. Pumpout Day: The “Big Reset”
The LRCP Club has coordinated a Pump-Out Service during the week. This is your mid-week “Save Point.” You will be responsible for paying for this clean out.
Penny will have details on the Pump Out service so make sure you get your name on her list.
Access: Ensure your “Wet Bay” (the compartment with the waste valves) is unlocked and clear of dog crates, chairs, or gear so the driver can reach it.
The Refill: You will likely need to add fresh water to your tank during the week. Use a dedicated “Fresh Water Only” hose (usually white) and a 5-gallon jug to top off your gravity fill port. There are several water spigots on the grounds that can be used for filling up the jugs to top off your tank.
6. Pro Tips for the Grounds
Leveling: Your rental company should ensure that the RV is level when they set it up by using leveling blocks. If the RV is tilted, the refrigerator may not cool properly, and the shower won’t drain correctly.
The “Stink” Check: If you smell eggs or sewage, your “P-Traps” (the U-shaped pipe under the sink) might be dry. Run a small amount of water down every sink and the shower to “seal” the pipe with water and block the tank smells.
