RV holding tanks are an essential part of any RV adventure, managing waste and water so you can enjoy a comfortable, self-contained trip. Whether you're new to RVing or looking to brush up on the basics, understanding your RV's holding tanks is key to ensuring smooth travels. In this guide, we’ll break down the three main types of holding tanks—freshwater, gray water, and black water—and provide tips for maintaining them to keep your RV running efficiently and odor-free. Let’s dive into the essentials and help you feel confident on the road!
Preparing for your RV trip
Essential tips for managing the rental process.
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Rental guide to your first booking
Once your RV booking is confirmed, you can start preparing for your trip with confidence. A confirmed booking means the host has accepted your request and your payment information has been successfully submitted. This guide explains what happens next, what information you’ll receive, and how to stay prepared leading up to your trip.
After your booking is confirmed
Once your payment has been secured and your booking is confirmed, you'll receive a confirmation email with your trip details. You can also view your booking at any time by logging in to your account. Take the time to review the payment schedule so you know when your next payments are due.
Next, make sure to complete the following:
- Verify your account
- Add an approved driver
- Sign the rental agreement
These three steps are mandatory requirements and must be completed before the start of your trip. Doing so as soon as possible will prevent any issues down the line. You can view the outstanding requirements at the top of your booking details page:
At least two weeks before the start of your trip
At this point, you should reach out to the host to ensure all the rental details have been confirmed, including:
- Pickup or delivery logistics
- Towing equipment and vehicle, if renting a trailer
- Travel plans or itinerary
- Add-ons you may have selected
On the start date
When you meet with the host, make sure to complete the departure inspection and walkthrough of the RV. Familiarize yourself with any components or equipment you will need to operate during your trip. Ask any questions you may have so you feel comfortable using the RV.
During your trip
If any issues arise during your trip, communicate with your host promptly through the RVezy chat. They are your main point of contact and can assist you with troubleshooting issues or operating equipment. In the event of an accident or a roadside incident, consult this article for more information.
On the return date
Before returning the RV to the host:
- Empty the black and grey water tanks, unless otherwise agreed with the host.
- Clean the RV to ensure it's returned in the same condition as it was when you first took possession. This may include doing the dishes, throwing out garbage, sweeping the floors, wiping the countertops, etc.
- Refill the fuel and propane tank(s), unless otherwise agreed with the host.
When you meet with the host for the return, complete the return inspection and note any new damage that may have occurred during your trip. If there is new damage, discuss it with the host and come to an agreement on any additional charges that may be necessary.
Within 7 days of the return date
After the trip has ended, you'll have 7 days to leave a review for the host. At the 7-day mark, your security deposit will be released, unless an insurance claim was submitted.
Within 30 days of the return date
If needed, the host may request additional fees from you or submit an insurance claim. You can also request a refund from the host.
For any questions or concerns, please contact our support team.
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Understanding approved driver requirements
For safety and insurance reasons, all drivers of a rented RV must be approved through RVezy. Approved driver requirements help ensure that anyone operating the RV meets the necessary legal and insurance standards. This article explains who qualifies as an approved driver, how to add one to your booking, and what to do if there are issues.
An approved driver is required on every booking, even if the RV is being delivered and will not be driven or towed by the guest.
Who can be an approved driver
Anyone who plans to drive the RV during the trip must meet RVezy's approved driver requirements. These criteria are set by our insurance provider and apply to all drivers, not just the primary guest. If an unapproved driver operates the RV, insurance coverage is voided.
To qualify as an approved driver, you must:
- Be at least 25 years old
- Hold a full, unrestricted driver's license
- Temporary licenses or paper licenses are not accepted.
- An additional endorsement may be required, such as one for air brakes, depending on the RV.
- Have an acceptable driving record:
- No more than 1 at-fault accident in the past 6 years
- No more than 2 minor driving convictions in the past 3 years
- No criminal code driving offence convictions in the past 3 years
We accept driver's licenses from the following countries:
- Canada
- United States
- Mexico
- United Kingdom
- European Union
- Australia
- New Zealand
Drivers with foreign licenses may qualify if they meet the above requirements and provide a valid international driving permit (IDP) or other supporting documents upon request.
How to add an approved driver
Adding an approved driver is simple and can be completed at the same time as your account verification. Alternatively, approved drivers can be added from your booking details or your account settings.
In your booking details:
- Access the booking through your inbox or the Trips section of your account
- In the Required next steps section at the top of the page, enter the mobile phone number of the person you wish to add as an approved driver
- Open the link sent by SMS
- Answer questions about your driving history
- Take a photo of the front and back of your driver's license
- Take a selfie
In your account settings:
- Go to the Drivers section
- Click the Add driver button
- Enter the mobile phone number of the person you wish to add as an approved driver
- Open the link sent by SMS
- Answer questions about your driving history
- Take a photo of the front and back of your driver's license
- Take a selfie
Once these steps are completed, the system will review the information and process the application. You'll be notified once the driver application has been approved. If there was a problem with the application, you'll be contacted by our support team for next steps.
For any questions or concerns, please contact our support team.
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Everything you need to know about RV holding tanks
What are RV holding tank monitors?
Holding tank monitors use a series of lights or a digital display to show the fluid level inside each holding tank. The most common types of tanks monitored are freshwater, gray water (from sinks and showers), and black water (from toilets).
Identify the location of the holding tank monitor
The location of the holding tank monitor will differ from one RV to another, but more than likely, you'll find it somewhere on the wall next to or near the cab or entry door. The tank monitor might stand alone or be integrated into the RV's master control panel. Look for labels or icons showing which holding tanks the panel monitors
Having trouble locating the tank monitor? Documenting the tank levels before and after your trip is now part of the departure and return inspection. Ask your RVezy host to show you where the tank monitor is located and how to read the digital or illuminated light display.
Sample images of the most common RV tank monitorsSea Level Tank Monitor with water pump
Holding tank monitor app
RV tank monitor
Firefly tank monitor
Reading an RV tank monitorOnce you locate the RV tank monitor, look for a series of indicators corresponding to each of the RV's tanks. Each tank will have its own indicator or set of indicators. The indicators are usually labeled or color-coded. Common labels include "E" for empty, "F" for full, and intermediate labels such as "1/3," "2/3," or "3/4" to show various levels in between. Some systems may also use color-coded LEDs or a numeric display.
- Activating the tank monitor. Depending on the system, you may need to press a button or toggle a switch to activate the tank monitor. This step may not be necessary for some RVs with automatic monitoring systems.
- Checking the tank levels. Once you activate the tank monitor, observe the indicators for each tank. The corresponding lights, numbers, or labels will show each tank's current level.
- Pro tip: You may have an inconsistent reading if the RV is not level. Ensure the RV is level when you're checking the status of the holding tanks, filling your freshwater tank, or dumping your black and gray tanks.
- Interpreting the readings. Determine the status of each tank using the labels or color codes. For example, if the freshwater tank indicator shows "3/4," the tank is approximately three-quarters full. If the black water tank indicator shows "F," it indicates that the tank is full and needs emptying.
- Taking action. Based on the tank readings, decide whether or not you'll need to dump or refill your tanks.
- Black and gray tanks. Avoid overflowing your tanks by dumping the black and gray tanks when the monitor indicates full or nearly full, and refrain from using them until they're empty again.
- Pro tip: Avoid stinky sewer hoses by dumping your black tank first, followed by the gray tank. The gray water will help flush out any black tank residue left in the hose.
- Freshwater tank. Refill your freshwater tank when the monitor indicates empty or nearly empty. If you're bypassing the freshwater tank and using city water, you won't need to refill the tank unless you plan on camping somewhere without water hookups.
- Black and gray tanks. Avoid overflowing your tanks by dumping the black and gray tanks when the monitor indicates full or nearly full, and refrain from using them until they're empty again.
Remember to regularly check your tank levels to prevent any potential issues related to empty or overflowed tanks.