Navigating a big city in a big rig can be an exercise in patience, especially a sprawling metropolis like Phoenix. When you’re threading your way through the desert heat and heavy traffic, the last thing you want to do is go on a wild goose chase for a dump station. That’s why the Flying J Travel Center, right off Interstate 10 at Exit 135, is such a critical waypoint for so many of us. It’s predictable, it’s reliable, and with a reported fee of just a few dollars, it’s one of the most affordable and straightforward options for emptying your tanks in the entire Valley of the Sun. In a region where RV parks can charge a premium for the same service, this Flying J feels like a welcome oasis of common sense and value.
The location is perfectly situated for exploring everything Phoenix has to offer. You’re just a stone’s throw from the city center, but with easy interstate access to escape the urban jungle when you’re ready. We’ve used this stop as a base for day trips into the city and its surroundings. You can spend a morning hiking among the giant saguaros in South Mountain Park, which offers incredible views back over the city, or dive into the area’s ancient history at the Pueblo Grande Museum. For those hot desert afternoons, a visit to the Desert Botanical Garden, especially for their evening light displays, is a magical experience. If you’re planning on staying in the area for a bit and need full hookups, there are plenty of RV parks nearby, but using the Flying J for a quick dump and run saves you from having to pay their higher prices just for that one service.
Dumping at a busy truck stop like a Flying J is an experience in controlled chaos, and you have to know the drill. These places are buzzing 24/7. The key is to follow the signs meticulously. They are designed to separate the big rigs from the cars, and you want to be in the truck lanes. The RV dump station is typically located near the dedicated RV fuel island, often tucked under the large solar canopies that are becoming common in the Southwest. You can expect to find pay at the pump style kiosks, which makes the process quick and efficient. The best time to avoid lines is in the wee hours of the morning, say between 3 and 5 a.m., but if you’re not a night owl, mid afternoon usually works well too. A great tip is to use the Pilot Flying J myRewards Plus app. You can often check the current dump fee, pay directly through the app, and get discounts on fuel and propane, all of which streamlines the process.
Let’s break down the amenities, because that’s what makes these large travel centers so useful. You can fill up with gasoline or diesel and top off your bulk propane tank, all in the same general area without having to reposition your rig multiple times. This is a huge time saver. Inside, you’ll find showers and a laundry room. After a few days of boondocking in the dusty desert, the ability to grab a clean, hot shower while your clothes are washing is a creature comfort that feels like pure luxury. You can even reserve a shower through the app to minimize your wait time. For trash disposal, you’ll find oversized dumpsters near the parking areas, which are perfect for getting rid of several days’ worth of accumulated garbage. And for your furry travel companions, there are usually designated grassy pet relief areas to give them a safe and comfortable break.
However, there is a very important piece of information for 2025: reports indicate that the potable water lines at this specific dump station are disconnected. This is a critical detail. It means you can empty your tanks, but you cannot get fresh rinse water for your black tank or fill up your fresh water tank. This makes it essential to have a backup plan. Always carry a few gallons of non potable water with you specifically for rinsing your sewer hose and the dump area. And if you need to fill your fresh tank, you’ll have to find another source. This is a dealbreaker for some, but if you’re prepared, the low cost of the dump itself might still make it worthwhile.
The value proposition here is strong, even without water. At a reported price of just three dollars, which is always subject to change, it dramatically undercuts the ten or fifteen dollar fees charged by many local RV parks. When you combine that with the fuel and propane savings you can get through their rewards program, a stop here can have a positive impact on your travel budget. It’s always a good idea to confirm the fee in the app or by calling the station directly before you pull in, just to avoid any surprises.
Here are a few pro tips for a hassle free visit to the Phoenix Flying J. First, avoid weekday evenings. The local commuter traffic on I-10 can be brutal, and the station itself gets more congested. Second, be extremely careful in the Arizona summer. That asphalt can get incredibly hot, easily reaching temperatures that can burn you. The metal fittings on the dump station and your own equipment can become dangerously hot, so wearing gloves is not just a good idea for sanitation, it’s a necessity for safety. If there’s no rinse water available, use the squeegees provided at the fuel islands to clean off your sewer hose before you pack it away. Finally, if you need propane during the winter "snowbird" season, be aware that the lines can get very long at dawn. Try to fill up mid afternoon for a much shorter wait. This Flying J is an indispensable resource for navigating the Phoenix area. As long as you come prepared with your own rinse water and a bit of patience, its low cost and comprehensive services make it a top choice.
6700 W Latham St, Phoenix, AZ 85043
(623) 936-1118
Cost: $3
Category: Truck stop
No Water
locations.pilotflyingj.com/us/az/phoenix/6700-west-latham-street