In the world of RVing, few words are as beautiful as the word "free." Finding a free, clean, and accessible dump station can feel like striking gold, especially in a state like California where every stop seems to come with a cost. That is why R V Express in Visalia is such a legendary spot among travelers in the Central Valley. It is not just a place to empty your tanks, it is an RV service center that offers this essential service completely free of charge. You can find it right on West Goshen Avenue, and they have cleverly set up the dump access at both ends of their propane island. The best part? You can often use it even after the business has closed for the day. This incredible combination of a free dump, on site propane, and professional repair services makes it a true one stop shop for getting your rig tuned up and ready before you start the challenging climb up into the Sierra Nevada mountains.
The location of R V Express is what makes it so strategically brilliant. Visalia serves as the anchor for the vast agricultural heartland of the San Joaquin Valley, but more importantly for us travelers, it is the primary gateway to the breathtaking beauty of Sequoia National Park. From the shop, you are only about 51 miles, or a 90 minute drive, from standing in awe amongst the world’s largest living things, the giant sequoias. The contrast is stark and wonderful. You leave the flat, sun baked valley floor and ascend on the winding hairpins of California State Route 198 into a world of cool mountain air and sky scraping trees. Many RVers will spend a night or two at the local KOA, which offers lovely shady pull thru sites and a great dog park, to get organized before making the ascent. A stop at R V Express becomes a crucial part of that pre trip ritual. It is the place you go to ensure you are rolling out with empty tanks and a full supply of propane, ready for whatever the mountains have in store.
Dumping your tanks at an active RV repair shop is a unique experience. It has a different energy than a quiet state park or a sterile storage facility. You will likely be surrounded by the sounds of air tools and the smell of diesel as mechanics work on other rigs. You might see everything from brand new Class A motorhomes to vintage travel trailers being moved around the lot. The key here is to stay alert and be ready to reposition your rig if needed. The staff is focused on throughput, so they have made the process as efficient as possible. Painted arrows on the pavement guide you right alongside the propane pumps and directly to the concrete drain. The setup is designed for quick and easy access. The real magic of this place, however, is the synergy of services. While you are taking care of the tanks, you might remember a nagging issue you have been meaning to get checked out. Maybe your water heater has been acting up, or you want a professional to check your LP system for leaks. At R V Express, you can get those small but important jobs handled right then and there, without having to make a separate, time consuming stop.
Let’s talk about that perfect trifecta of amenities. First, the free dump station. This is a huge money saver and an incredible gesture of goodwill to the RV community. Second, the on site propane. Having the propane pumps right there at the dump island is genius. You can empty the tanks and top off your cylinders in one smooth operation, saving you a whole other stop. Third, the repair services. Having access to skilled technicians who can handle everything from appliance repair to brake checks is invaluable. A small issue caught and fixed here in the valley can prevent a major breakdown up on a steep mountain pass, potentially saving your entire trip. Of course, this is a no frills operation. There is no public restroom and no place to dispose of your household trash, so you will need to plan a grocery or gas station stop for those needs. Also, the asphalt lot gets incredibly hot in the summer, and for safety and liability reasons, pets are not allowed on the property. Finally, there are no electrical hookups, so if you need to run your air conditioning while you wait for service, you will need to fire up your generator.
The value proposition here is unbeatable because the core service is free. However, this is where the unwritten rules of RV etiquette come into play. A business that provides such a valuable service for free deserves our support. It is considered good form, and just plain courteous, to buy something while you are there. Fill up your propane tanks, even if they are not completely empty. Browse their parts store and pick up some tank chemicals, a new water filter, or some other supplies you will eventually need anyway. This small gesture of patronage helps the business offset the cost of maintaining the dump station and, most importantly, ensures that this wonderful free resource remains available for all of us to use in the future.
To make your visit a success, keep a few tips in mind. If you think you might need repair work, it is essential to call ahead. The service bays are often booked up, and you do not want to be disappointed. To avoid the punishing summer heat of the Central Valley, plan your stop for the early morning, right when they open around 8 a.m. It will be a much more pleasant experience for you and your rig. While they do have a rinse hose available on the pump island, it is always a smart practice to have your own dedicated non potable water hose. Shop hoses have a tendency to wander off or can be in rough shape. Lastly, be very mindful of the traffic. West Goshen Avenue can be quite busy, and it intersects with the frontage roads for the very busy Highway 99. Stay alert and take your time pulling in and out of the lot.
In summary, R V Express is a must visit pit stop for any RVer traveling through California's Central Valley. The combination of free dumping, convenient propane, and available on site technicians is simply too good to pass up. It is the perfect place to prepare for an adventure into the Sierras. Add this spot to your pre trip checklist, show them a little love by buying some propane, and you will roll out feeling confident, with full LP tanks and empty holding tanks, ready for the road ahead.
8621 W Goshen Ave, Visalia, CA 93291
(559) 651-8080
Cost: FREE
Category: RV repair shop
Has Water
rvexpressca.com