A Guide to Setting Up (and Tearing Down) Your RV Campsite

Get ready to make your RV campsite a home away from home with our complete setup and tear-down guide! Whether you're a seasoned RV owner or a newbie hitting the road, these essential tips and tricks will help you effortlessly transform your campsite into a comfortable haven. From leveling your RV to turning on the lights, we've got you covered.

Arrival at Your Campsite: Timing Matters

Plan to arrive at your campsite during daylight hours. Daylight provides better visibility for backing into your campsite. It’s much easier to maneuver around any potential obstacles and locate necessary hookups when you have ample light.

Arriving during daylight hours sets a positive tone for your camping experience and reduces stress during the setup process.

Embrace the Sun

Orient your campsite to maximize shade and natural light. Position your RV to take advantage of natural shade provided by trees or structures during the hottest parts of the day. This can help keep your RV cooler and reduce the need for excessive air conditioning.

Wind Whispers

Consider the direction of prevailing winds to ensure good ventilation inside the RV. Opening windows and roof vents strategically can create a comfortable cross-breeze, enhancing airflow and reducing condensation.

Achieving a Solid Foundation: Your Leveling and Stabilizing Checklist

A level RV site isn't just about comfort, although sleeping, walking, and moving around are much easier when your RV is level.

Level Side-to-Side First

When leveling your RV, it's best to start by adjusting it side-to-side. This involves using leveling blocks or jacks to ensure that the RV is on a stable and level surface. By addressing the side-to-side levelness first, you can prevent doors from swinging or not closing properly.

• Park the RV on a reasonably level spot
• Use leveling blocks or jacks on the low side to raise it until the RV is level.
• Use a bubble level or built-in leveling system to check for levelness.

Leveling helps with the proper functioning of appliances like refrigerators. It also helps prevent damage to your RV's structure, especially the frame, and slide-outs. Leveling is essential for the efficient drainage of wastewater, preventing issues with tanks and sewer lines.

Stabilize Your RV

Stabilizing your RV helps reduce shaking and swaying caused by people walking, entering, and exiting the vehicle. Most RVs come equipped with stabilizer jacks located near the corners.

• Keep children and pets away from the area while stabilizing the RV.
• Keep your hands away from the jacks while lowering.
• Extend the jacks until they make firm contact with the ground.
• Avoid overextending jacks.

Stabilizing jacks provide additional support and help distribute the weight evenly, creating a more solid and stable living environment. Overextending your jacks can put unnecessary stress on the RV's frame.

Lights, Water, and Waste

In this section, you’ll find practical tips on tapping into essential campground resources. From powering up your RV to ensuring a steady supply of freshwater and setting up your site for waste disposal, you'll learn the essentials here.

Connect to the Campground's Electrical Pedestal

• Inspect the campground's electrical pedestal for visible damage or signs of wear.
• Don't hook up to a damaged pedestal!
• Grab your heavy-duty 30 or 50-amp RV power cord and any necessary adapters.

Tip: If you don't own a polarity tester, it's a good idea to splurge—$20-$40—-on this handy tool. It could prevent you from frying your RV's electrical system. Test the campground's electrical pedestal before you switch on the circuit breaker at the pedestal.

• Turn off all electrical appliances and switches to prevent any power surges.
• Connect the power cord and flip the circuit breaker switch on the pedestal.
• Test the connection.
• Make sure lights, appliances, and other electrical components work.

Tip: Invest in a quality surge protector specifically designed for RVs. It's the best way to protect your RV from the wild whims of voltage spikes and power surges. Surge protectors range in price from $50 to $300.

Refreshment on Tap: Hook up Your Freshwater Hose

To hook up your RV to the campground's water supply a.k.a., city water, follow these steps:

• Attach one end of a drinking water-safe hose to the campground's water hookup.
• If you use an external water filter, this is the time to attach it to the hose.
• Make sure the connection is tight to prevent leaks.
• Connect the other end to your RV water inlet.
• Slowly turn on the water supply at the campground's hookup.
• Check for any leaks around the connections.
• Inside your RV, open a faucet to check if there is adequate water flow and pressure.
• Adjust the campground's water supply if needed.

Tip: Consider using a water pressure regulator between the campground's water hookup and the RV. This helps regulate the water pressure to protect your RV's plumbing system from high pressures. Plan on spending $10-$50.

Master the Dance of the RV Sewer Hose Connection

While the role of a waste wizard isn't the most exciting, it's one of the most essential when setting up your campground site. Before anything else, slip on a pair of protective gloves.

• Connect one end to the RV's sewer outlet.
• Connect the other to the sewer hookup at your site.
• Make sure you have a tight connection on the RV side to avoid leaks and odors.
• If the campground requires it, you may need an RV sewer donut.

Question of the day: Should you leave the gray and black tank valves open while camping? Mention this dilemma to 2-3 fellow RV enthusiasts and you'll get at least 2 different answers.

Here’s our take on this critical question.

Leave the black tank valve closed until it's time to empty it. This allows for proper waste accumulation and more effective flushing. You can opt to leave the gray tank valve open, but close it a day or two before dumping the black tank to ensure better flushing results.

As always, be mindful of any specific guidelines provided by the campground.

Power Up with Solar Brilliance

The setup and tear-down process for an RV equipped with solar power may differ slightly compared to a traditional RV. Here are some key considerations for setting up and tearing down your campsite when you have a solar RV:

Setup

• Position your RV for maximum sunlight.
• Select a site with direct sunlight for optimal solar panel exposure.
• Choose a spot with unobstructed access to the sun to maximize solar energy.
• Deploy the solar panels.
• Check the battery levels of your solar system.
• If battery levels are low, connect to the grid until they're adequately charged.

Depending on your RV's solar panel configuration, you may need to extend or unfold the panels to the ideal positions. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure proper setup and alignment for optimal solar charging.

Tear-Down

• Disconnect from the RV’s electrical system.
• Secure foldable or movable solar panels for transit.
• Check the battery levels of your RV's solar setup.
• Make sure the batteries have enough charge to power your essentials while traveling.

It's important to note that the setup and tear-down process for a solar RV will still include other standard procedures, such as leveling the RV, connecting utilities, and securing belongings. However, the presence of solar power introduces additional considerations specific to solar panels and battery management.

Always refer to your RV's user manual for manufacturer-specific instructions regarding the setup and tear-down of your solar RV.

Igniting the Flame: Steps to Set Up Your Propane Tank

Unless you’re satisfied with using the microwave and the charcoal grill for cooking and indulging in S’mores, you’ll need to master setting up your propane tank. This to-do list starts with a tank inspection.

• Make sure propane tanks are secure and not damaged.
• Valves must be tightly closed.
• Check propane lines for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks or leaks.
• Attach the propane regulator to the propane tank by screwing it on firmly.

Before turning on the propane, do the bubble test. It’s an easy way to detect leaks in your propane system. Here’s the recipe:

• Liquid dish soap
• Water
• Spray bottle
• Create a mixture of one part liquid dish soap and 3 parts water.
• Apply the solution to the connections, including the valve and regulator.
• If there is a leak, you will see bubbles forming at the site of the leak.

Safety tip: If you detect a leak, do not attempt to fix it yourself. Immediately shut off the propane supply. Contact a professional propane service technician to inspect and repair the tank or connections.

Even if you don’t detect leaks, we still recommend a yearly inspection of your propane system to ensure its safety and integrity. Now, you’re ready to turn on the gas!

• Open a window or vent inside the RV.
• Slowly open the propane tank valve by turning it counterclockwise.
• Listen for the sound of propane flowing.
• Check for any noticeable smells of gas.
• Test each propane appliance inside your RV.
• Start with the stove and then test the water heater and fridge.
• If you’re camping during the colder months, test the propane furnace.
• Test carbon monoxide and propane detectors.

Compared to the models of yesterday, propane systems today are much safer. Even so, there’s always a safety risk when handling flammable gas, Don’t cut your adventures short by skipping safety measures when setting up your RV campsite.

The Outdoor Setup Checklist: Creating Your Alfresco Oasis

Unless you run into several rainy days, you'll want to spend more time outside at your campsite than inside your RV. Here's a to-do list for setting up your outdoor space:

• Select a level and spacious area with ample shade.
• Extend your RV awning carefully, ensuring it is securely locked in place.
• Lay down outdoor rugs or mats to keep dirt in one place.
• Set up comfortable chairs, tables, and loungers to create a cozy seating area.
• Consider a foldable table for outdoor dining convenience.
• Hang string lights, lanterns, or solar-powered fixtures for a magical ambiance.
• Set up your portable grill or cooking station.
• Make sure the area has proper ventilation and is a safe distance from flammable materials.

Safety should always be a priority. Secure any loose items, be mindful of fire safety regulations, and respect the campground's rules regarding outdoor setups.

Tip: RV awning safety is critical! Make sure you take the time to extend awnings according to the manufacturer's instructions. Never leave awnings extended on a day with unruly winds, rain, or when you're not at the campsite.

Your Tranquil Retreat: The Essential RV Interior Setup Checklist

After you've arranged your outdoor oasis, step inside your RV and transform it into a serene home-away-from-home.

• Switch on your RV's refrigerator.
• Give the fridge time to cool down before loading perishable items from coolers.
• Ignite the water heater.
• Check the smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers.
• Set the thermostat to your desired temperature for relaxation and rejuvenation.
• Adjust the window coverings to control the amount of light and privacy.
• Make the beds with fresh linens and plump pillows.
• Hang towels and washcloths in the bathroom.

Consult your RV's owner's manual for specific instructions related to your RV's systems and appliances. With this checklist, you'll effortlessly establish a cozy and functional interior space within your RV, setting the stage for an unforgettable camping experience.

Setting Up Your Pet's Paradise: RV Site Pet Area Checklist

If you plan well, dogs and cats can make the perfect travel companions. When you’re setting up your RV campsite, don’t forget about safety and comfort for Mr. Wanderpaws

• Set up a secure outdoor enclosure for your pet to prevent them from wandering.
• Inside, offer a portable pet crate or a cozy pet bed.
• Set up sturdy and spill-proof water and food bowls.
• Keep a leash and harness handy.
• Bring pet waste bags and a disposal container.

Remember, the well-being and happiness of your pet are essential while camping. By following this checklist, you can create a safe and enjoyable space for your feline and canine nomads, ensuring they can fully embrace the RV camping experience.

Tip: If you’re camping in bear country, keep your pet’s food and water dishes inside the RV. Bears have an uncanny sense of smell and they’re not afraid to stop by for a snack.

Campsite Tear-Down

What happens at the end of your RV adventure is just as essential as the care you took to set up your campsite. If you’re like most campers, by the end of the stay, you’re ready to throw everything in the storage bins and head to your next destination. It’s tempting, but you may regret not tearing down your campsite in an orderly manner.

On the Road Again: Departure Preparations for a Smooth RV Journey

Remember how easy it was to set up camp using a checklist? Using a tear-down to-do list is just as easy. Try it out and see if you don’t agree.

Get Your Gear Ready for the Next RV Trip

Maybe you’re not a neat freak and that’s okay, but you might want to neatly pack away all the gear you enjoyed during your stay. It’s not much fun when you get down the road and can’t find your favorite outdoor items.

• Gather and pack your outdoor gear like a seasoned explorer.
• Brush off campsite dust and debris.
• Put every chair, table, and grill in its spot in the RV's storage compartments.

Awning Adieu

Taking extra care when retracting awnings prevents accidental unrolling or damage during transit. There’s nothing scarier than driving down the road and realizing your awning is whipping around in the wind.

• Clear obstacles or potential hazards, including people and pets.
• Avoid retracting awnings in high winds or during a storm.
• Remove accessories or items hanging from the awning.
• Slow and steady wins the race when retracting awnings.
• When rolling up the awning, keep the fabric properly aligned and wrinkle-free.
• Once fully retracted, secure the awning with locking or latching mechanisms.
• Double-check that the awning is fully secured and locked in place.

It’s a good idea to keep the instructions for your awning system handy when setting up and tearing down your campsite. There’s no shame in not remembering every step!

Farewell to Waste

Before you hit the road, empty your gray and black water tanks. You’ll need the same protective gloves to keep bacteria away from your skin. Empty the black tank first, as the gray water will help flush out the sewer hose later.

• Open the black tank valve slowly.
• Let the black tank drain for a few seconds.
• Open the gray tank valve and drain the gray water.
• Rinse the tanks and hose.
• Close the valves and disconnect the hose.
• Clean and sanitize hands.

Tip: Use a sewer hose rinser or a built-in tank flush system, if available, to thoroughly rinse the tanks and sewer hose. You can buy a hose rinser at your local RV supply store.

Interior Organization Mastery

There’s an art to organizing items inside an RV. You need to attack the task with the precision of a puzzle master.

• Secure breakables to withstand the twists and turns of a moving RV.
• Use refrigerator bars to keep items from falling out when you open the door.
• Put loose items, including decor in storage bins or overhead compartments.
• Secure cabinets, drawers, and overhead bins with locks or bungees.

Organizing the inside of your RV reduces safety hazards caused by flying objects. It also makes less work for you when you’re ready to take your next RV road trip.

Raise the Jacks

Give your stabilizer jacks and leveling blocks a standing ovation as you retract and secure them. They’ve handled a lot of weight and prevented that unsettling feeling you get when walking on an uneven floor.

• Start with a visual inspection
• Clear away any debris or items that could impede the jacks’ movement.
• If your RV has stabilizer jacks, retract them first before raising the leveling jacks.
• If your RV has hydraulic jacks, release the pressure first.
• Use a gradual approach when raising the jacks.
• Monitor for any movement to make sure the RV remains stable.

Remember to follow the leveling system manufacturer's guidelines for operating the jacks and always prioritize safety when performing any setup or teardown tasks.

Unplug and Unwind

Disconnecting the power at a campsite is essentially doing what you did when you hooked up but in reverse. There are a few extra steps to keep in mind, but here’s what should happen at tear-down:

• Turn off all electrical appliances and devices inside your RV.
• Unplug your RV's power cord from the electrical outlet.
• Instead of pulling on the cord, use a firm grip on the plug.
• Inspect the power cord for frayed wires or exposed insulation.
• Gently coil or fold the power cord, and avoid any knots or tangles.
• Stow the cord in a dedicated compartment or container.
• Double-check that you have disconnected extension cords or adapters.
• Close access panels or compartments on the campsite pedestal or power box.

Secure All Windows and Doors

Engage in a safety dance as you lock all entry points. It only takes a minute to walk around the inside of the RV and make sure your belongings are safe and secure.

• Close and lock windows.
• Secure closet doors.
• Fasten doors you want to leave open.
• Secure the shower door.

Savvy RV travelers keep bungee cords in various sizes. They work well to help keep doors securely closed while the RV is in motion.

Hitch Up

Perform a meticulous hitch and coupler inspection. Everything must align flawlessly and connect securely. It’s one of the last things to do before taking that final theatrical walk around the campsite.

It might be at the end of the tear-down but never, ever rush hitching your tow vehicle to your trailer or motorhome. The steps may look different depending on whether you flat tow or use a car dolly. Taking time to hitch up safely helps keep you, your passengers, and fellow drivers safe.

To prevent stress when hitching up at the end of an adventure, take before and after photos. One photo of your RV or travel trailer and tow vehicle before you hitch up, and one after. It makes a great visual reminder of the steps you need to take for a safe connection.

The Final Act

You’re the director of this RV roadshow. Walk around the campsite as if you’re inspecting the stage after the final performance of your latest production. Make sure no props or personal belongings are left behind. That includes trash! Leave the campsite immaculate, as if untouched, for the next campers to enjoy.