Black tank valve - Open or Shut?!

New RPod owner here. Thanks for that info.

Please re-read the manual. If the R-Pod is at a campground, the gray water should be connected and the valve open. However, before you get ready to leave, shut the valve so some liquid can accumulate to help with flushing out the hose. Change the hose to the black water drain, which should be shut unless the tank is at least 2/3 full. You need the liquids to help force the solids out. If you leave the valve open, the liquids will drain and you will have solids left. Add water to the tank by flushing until the tank is at least 2/3 full. Open the valve to drain the black water tank. When it is empty (and especially if you are not using the black water flush fitting to flush the tank), change the hose back over to the gray water drain and open it to flush out the hose. When all is drained, pack up your hose and fittings and add your treatment of choice to the black and gray water tanks.

Remember: Manuals have been known to have typos.

Originally posted by TheBum I've never looked, but do the gray water drains have traps? If not, then it's not a good idea to leave the gray water valve open either.

Yes they do. It's ok to leave them open if an owner wants.