As RVers, we get pretty accustomed to the usual suspects when it comes to dump stations: the bustling truck stop, the serene state park, the sprawling campground. But every now and then, you come across an option that’s completely different, an insider’s secret that offers a unique set of advantages. South of the Houston metroplex, in the quiet suburb of Friendswood, you’ll find one such place: AutoMate Garage Boat & RV Storage. As the name implies, it’s primarily a storage facility, but for the transient RVer in the know, it’s also a pristine, secure, and incredibly convenient place to take care of your tank chores.
Think about it. A facility designed to store high-value assets like boats and RVs is going to prioritize two things above all else: security and cleanliness. That’s a huge win for us. This isn’t a place with constant, heavy traffic. Most of the patrons are long-term tenants who might only visit on weekends to prep their rig for a trip. This means that on a typical weekday, you’ll find the place to be calm and quiet, a world away from the jockeying for position at a busy highway travel center.
The first thing you’ll notice is the security. The facility is fully fenced with a gated entrance that requires a code for access. This means you’ll need to plan ahead. You can’t just pull in off the street at midnight. You’ll need to call the office during their business hours, typically 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., to arrange for access. They can provide you with a temporary gate code and instructions, making a late arrival possible as long as it’s scheduled. Once inside, you’ll find that the lanes are wide and the entire area is well-maintained, designed to accommodate large vehicles without the risk of tight squeezes or dings and scratches.
The dump station itself is a testament to the facility’s high standards. It’s located on a clean concrete pad, often right next to a wash bay. This is an incredibly thoughtful layout. You can empty and flush your tanks and then, in the very same spot, give your rig a thorough rinsing. If you’ve just come from a trip to the Gulf Coast, this is a non-negotiable step. Getting that corrosive salt spray off your vehicle’s undercarriage, roof, and sides is crucial for preventing long-term damage. Having a wash station right there makes it easy to combine these two essential maintenance tasks.
While you can’t stay overnight here, they do offer amenities that are incredibly useful for a maintenance stop. Along the storage rows, you’ll find 20-amp electric hookups. These aren’t for running your air conditioner, but they are perfect for plugging in and keeping your batteries topped off while you work. You can turn on your water pump, run your tank sensors, and use your interior lights without draining your battery bank. They also have a source of potable water, so you can fill your freshwater tank before you hit the road or before you put your rig into storage. And for a final touch of convenience, there are dumpsters available, allowing you to get rid of any accumulated trash.
One of the most surprising perks is the customer lounge, which they call the “Captain’s Quarters.” It’s an air-conditioned space with Wi-Fi and clean restrooms. After spending an hour outside in the Texas heat dealing with tanks and hoses, being able to step into a cool, comfortable room to relax for a few minutes is a massive luxury. It’s a small detail that shows they understand and cater to the needs of vehicle owners.
Now, let’s talk about cost and logistics. Access to the dump station is typically included for monthly tenants. For those of us just passing through, there’s a small service fee. The exact price isn’t advertised, so you’ll need to confirm it when you call to schedule your visit. Given the security, cleanliness, and added amenities like the wash bay and lounge, the fee is almost certainly a worthwhile investment for the peace of mind it provides. There are a couple of important policies to be aware of: this is a no-pets-allowed facility, so you’ll need to make sure your four-legged friends have had their walk beforehand. Also, there are no fuel or propane services on-site, so you’ll want to take care of that at one of the nearby stations on FM 2351.
The location is another major selling point. You’re just a ten-mile drive from NASA’s Johnson Space Center. You could easily stop at AutoMate in the morning, get all your chores done in a calm, controlled environment, and then head over to Space Center Houston, arriving before the big crowds to get a good parking spot. For any space enthusiast, it’s the perfect logistical pairing. And if the beach is calling your name, Galveston Island, with its beautiful state park and beachfront RV sites, is only a 40-minute drive to the south.
For the meticulous RVer who values a clean, secure, and low-stress environment for performing necessary maintenance, AutoMate Garage is an outstanding option. It’s a different approach to the dump station dilemma, one that trades 24/7 drop-in convenience for a scheduled, private, and high-quality experience. Plan ahead, make the call, and enjoy the rare luxury of taking care of business in a place that feels less like a pit stop and more like a private service bay.
4500 FM 2351, Friendswood, TX 77546
(855) 648-6283
Cost: Price not available
Category: RV storage facility
Has Water
automateboatrv.com