Tag Archives: hiking

RV Set Up Procedure: How to Properly & Easily Set Up A Travel Trailer at a Campsite

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Arriving at a campsite after a long drive is one of the best feelings in the world — but only if your setup goes smoothly. Whether you’re a first-timer or just looking to sharpen your routine, this step-by-step guide will walk you through how to properly set up a travel trailer at a campsite quickly and confidently.

Step 1: Choose and Pull Into Your Site

Before unhitching, take a moment to survey your campsite. Look for a level spot, note where the hookups are (water, electric, sewer), and plan your pull-in angle. Back in slowly — use a spotter if you have one — and position your trailer so the door faces away from the sun or toward your preferred view.

Pro tip: Use your tow vehicle’s backup camera and take it slow. A few extra minutes here saves a lot of frustration later.

Step 2: Chock Your Wheels

Before you do anything else, place wheel chocks on both sides of your tires to prevent any rolling. This is a critical safety step — don’t skip it.

Step 3: Level Your Trailer

A level trailer is essential for comfort, appliance performance (especially the refrigerator), and slide-out operation. Use a bubble level or a leveling app on your phone.

  • Side-to-side: Use leveling blocks or ramps under the low-side tires.
  • Front-to-back: Adjust your tongue jack up or down until level.

Most modern travel trailers have a built-in level indicator — check your owner’s manual for its location.

Step 4: Unhitch from Your Tow Vehicle

Once level and chocked, you can safely unhitch:

  1. Lower the tongue jack until it takes the weight off the hitch ball.
  2. Disconnect the safety chains, brake controller plug, and trailer wiring harness.
  3. Release the hitch coupler and lift it off the ball.
  4. Raise the tongue jack fully and pull your tow vehicle forward.

Step 5: Deploy the Stabilizer Jacks

Stabilizer jacks (at the four corners of your trailer) reduce movement and sway when you’re inside. Lower them until they make firm contact with the ground — but don’t use them to level the trailer. That’s what leveling blocks are for.

Step 6: Connect to Shore Power

Plug your 30-amp or 50-amp power cord into the campsite’s electrical pedestal. Make sure the breaker is off before plugging in, then flip it on. Check inside that your outlets and appliances are working.

Note: Always use a surge protector to protect your RV’s electrical system from power fluctuations.

Step 7: Hook Up Water

  1. Attach a drinking-water-safe hose to the campsite’s water spigot.
  2. Connect the other end to your trailer’s city water inlet.
  3. Turn on the spigot slowly and check for leaks at both connections.

Pro tip: Use an inline water pressure regulator (set to 40–60 PSI) to protect your trailer’s plumbing from high campground water pressure.

Step 8: Set Up Sewer (If Full Hookup)

If your site has a sewer connection:

  1. Connect your sewer hose to the trailer’s drain outlet.
  2. Place the other end securely in the campsite’s sewer inlet.
  3. Keep your black tank valve closed until it’s at least two-thirds full — this prevents pyramid plugs.
  4. You can leave the gray tank valve open to drain continuously.

Step 9: Extend Your Awning & Slide-Outs

With utilities connected and the trailer stable, extend your slide-outs (if equipped) and deploy your awning. Make sure there are no obstructions — tree branches, neighboring rigs, or uneven ground — before extending.

Step 10: Final Walkthrough

Do a quick interior and exterior check:

  • Refrigerator switched to electric mode and cooling
  • Water heater on (electric or propane)
  • Propane tanks open (if using gas appliances)
  • Smoke and CO detectors functioning
  • All windows and vents opened for airflow

You’re Set Up — Now Enjoy It!

A solid setup routine becomes second nature after a few trips. The key is consistency — do it in the same order every time and you’ll be set up in under 30 minutes. Now kick back, pour a cold drink, and enjoy the outdoors.

Need gear to make your setup easier? Browse our RV accessories collection for leveling blocks, surge protectors, water pressure regulators, and more.

Getting Your RV Ready for Camping Season: Essential Prep Checklist

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Spring is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to shake off the winter dust and get your RV ready for adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned road warrior or planning your first trip of the year, proper preparation ensures a safe, comfortable camping season ahead.

Start with a Thorough Inspection

Before you hit the road, walk around your RV and check for any damage that may have occurred during storage. Look for cracks in seals, damaged awnings, or tire wear. Check your roof for any signs of water damage or deterioration in the sealant around vents and skylights.

Essential Systems Check

Your RV’s critical systems need attention after sitting idle. Test your water pump, check for leaks in water lines, and sanitize your fresh water tank. Inspect your propane system for leaks and ensure all appliances are functioning properly. Don’t forget to check your battery charge and connections—corroded terminals can leave you stranded.

Tire Safety Matters

Tires are one of the most overlooked yet critical components. Check tire pressure when they’re cold, inspect for cracks or bulges, and verify the tread depth. Remember, RV tires age out even with low mileage, so check those date codes.

Interior Refresh

Open windows and air out your RV to eliminate any musty odors. Check for signs of moisture or pest intrusion. Test all lights, outlets, and entertainment systems. Restock your emergency kit, first aid supplies, and any camping essentials you may have depleted last season.

Exterior Maintenance

Clean and inspect your awning, lubricate slide-out mechanisms, and check all exterior lights and turn signals. A good wash and wax not only makes your RV look great but protects the finish from UV damage and road grime.

Create Your Pre-Trip Checklist

Develop a routine checklist you can use before every trip. Include items like checking fluid levels, testing brakes, verifying hitch connections, and ensuring all safety equipment is accessible.

Taking the time now to properly prepare your RV means more time enjoying the open road and less time dealing with preventable issues. Here’s to a fantastic camping season ahead!

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Robins Hollow

One day I went to Holiday Acres as a quest of a friend. He wanted to show me his new site and camper. Afterwards, we walked down to the pond to do some fishing. Not much was happening while fishing from shore. I noticed a canoe and asked if we could take it out and fish from it. There is never much in the middle of the pond, unless you’re fishing for bullhead. Casting into the shore is how I’ve always caught bass. He said, “No, I catch more from the shore.” Some time went by and I asked again. He adamantly rejected my request. I could tell something else was at play.

Eventually he told me the story of the last time he went out in the canoe. On the way back to camp the wind had picked up significantly. The harder it blew towards him the harder he paddled. The harder he paddled the further the front of the canoe went out of the water. The battle persisted for awhile until the wind won and flipped him over in the canoe. He was now afraid to go out on the pond.

What he didn’t realize was he could have just put the paddle down and let the wind take him to the calmer water. Then he could have just paddled gently back to camp by following the shoreline. Robins Hollow is not that big of a pond.

I tell this story because sometimes we get so caught up in getting things done our way, we forget there may be a better way. Instead of fighting the wind he should have worked with it to get back home. We all have experienced this in our lives at one time or another. It could have been in business, in a relationship, or in a number of other areas of our lives. Fighting against adversity is good, but knowing when to put the paddle down it better. Maybe it was God telling my friend, “I have a better way!”