RV Camping: Setting Up & Breaking Camp

Ready to go RV camping? Setting up your RV campsite is easy if you follow a few simple guidelines! Practice makes perfect - keeping your setup routine the same every time you go means it will get smoother and quicker the more RV resorts you visit!  Use the following checklist or make your own to help you get your RV campsite up and running in no time.

• Check in at the campground. Let them know if you do or do not have a reservation. If you do not have a reserved campsite, let the campground hosts know your site preferences. Be sure to get a detailed map of the park when you check in!
• Hands-on site check: Once you arrive at your site, be sure to check for overhead obstructions and any other objects that may interfere with parking. Make sure the electrical connections to your site, if any, are working before you start set-up.
• Parking: Take some time to plan how you intend to locate your RV on the site and the best way to place it there.  When you’re satisfied with where you’re located, level the rig, unhitch it and chock the trailer wheels and place blocks under the landing gear. If you have a Fifth wheel, pull the hitch lever. Be sure to disconnect the connections from the truck to the RV before you drive away!  Once your RV is in place, make sure it’s as level as possible.
• Steps for Site Set-up: Once you’re sure the RV is stable, hook up your electrical connection, water, sewer, etc. Turn your LP gas on.
• Unload: Begin to unload the ‘basics’: lawn chairs, grills, any awnings, tables, or extras.
• Have fun!

Timing is another important consideration when preparing to set up your campsite. You can do it in the dark, but it’s a whole lot easier in daylight!  Experience is the best teacher, but a little planning and organization goes a long way toward a successful start to a wonderful RV camping vacation!

Breaking Camp

Enjoyed a fun RV vacation? Use the following tips and guidelines to help you break down your RV campsite when it’s time to go. Be sure to leave as much time as you need to complete these tasks and avoid any problems on the trip home:

• Inside: Wipe off all your camping gear as you put it away. Stow all loose items such as pictures, knick-knacks, dishes, etc. Close the windows and vents, and make sure the cabinets and drawers are all properly secured. Clean out your cooler. Get rid of any food that you will no longer consume and drain any excess water from the cooler (use it on your campfire!). Make sure all appliances: furnace, water heater, water pump, etc., are off and/or unplugged and secured.
• Gear: Roll up and stow all awnings, rugs, chairs, grill, etc.
• Dump holding tanks and rinse if necessary; disconnect and stow hoses.
• Unplug electrical connections and stow.
• Fill fresh water tank, drain and stow the water hose and filters
• Turn off your propane
• Rig removal: Remove and stow all stabilizers, wheel chocks and any other parking gear
• Hitch up and check your hitch by pulling forward just enough to make sure it’s tight.
• Hook up the break-away switch cable, umbilical connection, and check to make sure all trailer and brake lights are working and raise the landing gear
• Before you go: Make a quick review of your campsite to make sure you have everything before locking up. One of the #1 rules of RV camping is to leave your campsite as clean - or cleaner - than you found it.
• Have a great trip!