Where To Dump RV Waste For Free

Above, the dump station at Malibu Creek State Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When my cousin and her husband visited me last week, they needed to empty the holding tanks on their RV. They hooked up their RV to my electrical power outlet in my front yard, but I have no dump station at home. 

There were two places in the immediate vicinity to empty their holding tanks. One was the Red Rock Park Campground and the other was the USA RV Park in Gallup. We went to the USA RV Park. 

They charged $5.00 to use their dump station and another $5.00 for water tank filling. Both charges I considered reasonable. 

But suppose someone didn't have the cash on hand?  There are some places who may have free dump stations and Do It Yourself RV has and article discussing where they may be found.

The begin their article with:

Finding places to dump RV waste for free is important for someone like myself that boondocks most of the time. I seek out free dump stations, as it rubs me wrong to pay the equivalent of half a night camping fees ($10-25) to dump at a campground or RV park. If I am going to pay that much, I might as well spend the night and take advantage of all the services.

To read more, go here. 

10 RV Safety Tips

Above, The Beast at the USA RV Park in Gallup, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Nobody wants to face problems while on the road, so it is best to prepare beforehand.

Do It Yourself RV has an article with ten important things to keep in mind for safe travels. Each is relatively easy to do and will help to prevent headaches while traveling.

They begin with:

Nobody wants to have issues while traveling with their RV. Flat tires, breakdowns, and other on-the-road problems can all result in grumpy moods and even ruined trips.

Obviously, you won’t always be able to avoid these things. However, by following a few simple safety rules, you can reduce the likelihood that problems will arise. The question is, what kinds of rules should you be following to keep yourself and your family safe during your travel days?

In this article, we will discuss some of our top tips for safe travels so you can help ensure your next RV adventure goes off without a hitch.

To read what they are, go here. 

RV Life Drawbacks

Above, The Beast at the USA RV Park in Gallup, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Considering buying a RV?

Before doing so, it might be worthwhile to rent one first and see if it is something you'd want to purchase.

Aside from that, there are other things to consider. MSN.com has listed 14 what they call "drawbacks" to the RV lifestyle.

They begin with:

Is RV life right for you? 

I’ve been a full-time RVer for over three years now, and it’s definitely the life for me. The idea of going back to living in a stationary house makes me restless. And I know a lot of people are exploring RV travel for the first time this summer, imagining a vacation filled with drive-through destinations or a family National Park road trip. 

But if you go into RV life thinking it’s going to be Instagram perfection, you’re likely to wind up frustrated and disappointed. I am a firm believer that if you know the downsides, you’ll have a better chance of enjoying RV life and coming back to it again. The truth is, you’re going to hate some parts even if you love RV life overall. There are definitely things I still hate.

So let me share some things I’ve learned over the past few years — here are 14 reasons you might hate RV life.

To see what the 14 reasons are, go here. 

Are RVs More Economical Than Hotels?

Above, The Beast at the USA RV Park in Gallup, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Hotels and resorts are getting more expensive these days, especially those who tack on amenities or resort fees.

Many people are taking to RV travel as they see it as more economical. But is it?

NerdWallet takes a look at this question.

They begin with:

More and more travel bloggers, and real-life couples and families are dipping their toes in the recreational vehicle craze. 

But is RV life really that much cheaper than driving your own car and staying in a hotel? Or is it just a cool thing to do? Here are some trip factors to consider as you make this travel decision.

To read more, go here. 

Route 66 Magnets

Above, two magnets I bought during the trip featuring Route 66. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's a couple of souvenir magnets I picked up during my recent trip to Arizona and New Mexico.

The first is one commemorating Route 66 in New Mexico. The USA RV Park in Gallup, New Mexico is right on historic Route 66.

The second was from the Roadkill Cafe in Seligman, Arizona. It is also on old Route 66.

RV Park Reviews Posted

Now that I'm back from the "little" trek to New Mexico and Arizona, I reviewed three campgrounds I've never stayed at before at RV Park Reviews.

The first, USA RV Park in Gallup, New Mexico:

Above, The Beast at USA RV Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The second, Meteor Crater RV Park near Winslow, Arizona:

Above, at Meteor Crater RV Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Lastly, Trailer Village at Grand Canyon National Park:

Above, at Trailer Village in Grand Canyon National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

So Far, So Good!

Above, Sierra conked out. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thus far, the trip to New Mexico has been a fun one.

The first night's stay was at the Grand Canyon/Williams KOA in Williams, Arizona, where I stayed at a year ago. I liked the site they gave me this year over last year's.

Above, The Beast at the Grand Canyon/Williams KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The next three nights were at the USA RV Park in Gallup, New Mexico. It is right on historic Route 66. In fact, Route 66 is the RV park's theme in its signage. Very nice RV park and very patriotic! I enjoyed my stay there, despite the frigid cold nights.

Above, the sign to our campsite's row at USA RV Park in Gallup. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, The Beast at the USA RV Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After that, I spent the night at the Meteor Crater RV Park that's outside of Winslow, Arizona. (No, I didn't go into Winslow to stand on a corner.)  This is also a nice RV park.

Above, The Beast at Meteor Crater RV Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The next few nights will be at the Trailer Village in Grand Canyon National Park. That will wrap up this trip for me.

On The Road Again

Above, Teepee Trading near the New Mexico-Arizona border. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My "little jaunt" to Gallup, New Mexico was a fruitful one.

I became enamored with the town when I drove through it last year while traveling to Illinois. Frankly, I am disgusted with California.

Above, a teepee just isn't complete without a satellite dish. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I met with a realtor in Gallup and looked at three properties. Two of the three were favorable. One of them was an old home at downtown Gallup that was built in 1920. It was in good shape and had built-in wooden cabinets and a big root cellar. I told the realtor that it could be Grandpa Munster's laboratory. But, I wanted something more contemporary. It would be interesting to restore it to its 1920s appearance. This would be more appropriate for someone a little younger than me.

The other property was on the outskirts and I liked it so much that I am considering putting in a bid for it.

Above, The Beast at Meteor Crater RV Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

That done, I retired for a final night at the USA RV Park. It got down to 20 degrees last night, but I had plenty of heating inside the RV.

The return trip to California began this morning and I made a stop at an Indian trading post (a kitschy place) to pick up some cigars called Teepee Traders.

Above, the big teepee has a gift shop and a big humidor stocked with a large assortment of cigars. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I will be staying at Trailer Village at Grand Canyon National Park this weekend.

Above, Meteor Crater RV Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For tonight, I decided to stay at the Meteor Crater RV Park near, you guessed it, Meteor Crater. Since I toured Meteor Crater last year, I have no desire to do another tour.

Brrrrrrrrrrrr!

Above,  yesterday in Gallup. Photo by Armand Vaquer. 

It is almost 5:00 in the morning and, according to The Weather Channel app on my phone, it is 20 degrees outside in Gallup, New Mexico.

No worries, we're nice and toasty warm in the RV.

Today, we'll be making our way back to Los Angeles. We will be camping for a couple of nights at Trailer Village at Grand Canyon National Park.

It is weird that it is so cold as yesterday was bright and sunny.

A Cold One Tonight?

Above, The Beast tonight.  Photo by Armand Vaquer. 

While picking up a couple of things at the RV Park store, I was told that the temperature will drop to 19 degrees tonight.

The Weather Channel indicates that it will get to 29 degrees in the morning.

Maybe we will get some snow? It has been cloudy all day here in Gallup. 

Meanwhile, In Gallup

Above,  the sign for my row. Photo by Armand Vaquer. 

Since the Wi-First here is not so hot, I'm blogging with my phone. So if posts look a little bit odd, that's why.

I'm currently at the USA RV PARK in Gallup, New Mexico. I'm going to look at some properties today. Whether or not I will relocate here depends upon two things: If I like Gallup and if there's a home I like at the right price.

I may not even like anything at all. But one has to scout a town and get a feel for it first.

The RV Park is right on old Route 66. Their row signs have a Route 66 theme and their store has many Route 66 items for sale.

The park filled up last night. Thankfully,  they're all nice people. 

Now In Gallup

Above, at the USA RV Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer. 

The Beast has made it to Gallup, New Mexico.

It was about a three and a half hour drive from Williams, Arizona.  There's lots of Indian trading posts along the way.

I had a great breakfast in Flagstaff this morning.

The base camp is the USA RV Park.