Sometimes on the road, your needs go beyond the standard dump-and-dash. You’re not just looking for a place to empty the tanks; you’ve got a problem. Maybe a persistent water leak has finally revealed itself, or the fridge is acting up, or you’ve decided it’s finally time to get that solar panel installed. In those moments, a typical campground or truck stop just won’t cut it. You need a specialist. That’s the niche that Pikes Peak RV Sales & Service Center on East Platte Avenue in Colorado Springs fills. This is, first and foremost, a dealership and a professional service hub that also happens to offer a dump station.
Think of this stop as a problem solver. It’s not the cheapest, and it’s not the most scenic, but it can be an absolute lifesaver when you need professional help. The business is a large dealership, so you’ll see rows of shiny new trailers and motorhomes as you pull in. They specialize in lightweight trailers, but their service center is equipped to handle just about any kind of rig. The real magic here is the ability to bundle a necessary chore, like dumping your tanks, with an essential repair or an upgrade. It’s the ultimate in RV multitasking.
Because this is an active business, the whole experience is different. Dumping isn’t a 24/7, self-service affair. It’s available only during their service bay hours, which typically align with a standard workday. You don’t just pull up to an open lane. The process involves pulling your rig around to the back, near the service bays, and checking in at the parts counter. A service tech will then come out and direct you to their dump pad. It’s a more structured, professional interaction. You’re a customer seeking a specific service, not just a passing traveler.
While you're there, this is your golden opportunity to address that nagging issue on your RV to-do list. The certified technicians here can handle everything from simple fixes like awning tears or brake checks to more complex jobs like appliance repair or installing new accessories. You can also get your propane cylinders filled at the service dock. Imagine dropping off your rig for a quick repair, and while the professionals are working on it, you’re also getting your tanks emptied and your propane topped off. It turns a potentially stressful repair stop into a highly productive one.
Now, it’s crucial to understand what this place is not. It is not a place with a long list of creature comforts. The amenity list is short and focused. There is no water spigot listed for rinsing your hose or filling your fresh tank. This is a critical piece of information. You must arrive prepared for a “dry” dump. That means having your own rinse hose and, more importantly, a portable jug of water to flush it out and clean your connections. You should also have your disposable gloves ready. Furthermore, there are no public trash barrels for you to dump your garbage. You’ll need to pack out whatever waste you have. For safety reasons, pets are not allowed in the service bay areas, so you’ll need to make sure they are safely secured inside your RV while any work is being done. And of course, there are no showers, laundry, or overnight hookups. This is a daytime service stop only.
Let’s talk about the cost, because at a reported forty dollars, it’s significantly pricier than any other option in the area. This fee can feel steep if all you need is a simple dump. However, you have to look at it through the lens of value and convenience for a specific situation. The cost reflects the fact that this is a professional service facility in a prime urban location, with staff labor involved. If you are already there to get a fifty-dollar part or a few hundred dollars’ worth of service, the dump fee becomes part of a larger, necessary expense. The bundled convenience is where the value lies. If this one stop saves you from having to make two or three other stops for parts, service, and dumping, that forty dollars might suddenly seem very reasonable. Always, always call ahead and confirm the current dump fee when you’re booking a service appointment or just planning to stop by.
To get the most out of a visit here, a little planning goes a long way. Schedule your visit for an early morning slot if you can. Service bays at dealerships get busy as the day goes on, so being one of the first in line can save you a lot of time. And I can’t stress this enough: bring your own water for rinsing. A five-gallon jug of water is an RVer’s best friend in situations like this. It’s also a good idea to have some wheel chocks handy. Dealership lots can sometimes have a slight, almost unnoticeable grade, and you want your rig to be perfectly still while it's being worked on or while you're connected to the sewer.
So, who is this stop for? It’s for the RVer who needs more than the basics. It’s for the RVer with a problem to solve. If you just need a quick, cheap dump, this is not your place. But if you need professional service, a hard-to-find part, and a propane fill, and you want to get it all done at once, Pikes Peak RV is an incredibly valuable resource. The high cost and lack of water are significant drawbacks, but when you need their expertise, they are worth every penny.
4815 E Platte Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80915
(719) 596-2716
Cost: $40
Category: RV dealer
No Water
pikespeakrv.com