Although it may seem intimidating to hook up your RV for the first time at a campground or RV park, remember that we've all been there. Everyone has to start someplace. Making mistakes is part of the camping experience, and you may have to learn a few things the hard way.
Make sure there is adequate room for your slide outs.
Even 20 years ago, many campers did not have slide outs. Most RV parks and campsites were intended to accommodate compact RVs and trailers with little side-to-side room. Most RVs nowadays pull into a parking area and grow to a much bigger size. Some campers even include massive slide outs on both sides, thereby doubling the original width. Slide outs are here to stay, and although some RV parks and campgrounds have tried to adapt, just a few have made the necessary modifications.
Always measure the slide out distance when you first enter or return to your campsite. If there is a tree nearby, be sure it is not in the way from the side or above.
Check to determine that all of the connections are functional.
Before you even put down the tire chocks and unhitch, double-check the connection arrangement. Electrical problems are the most prevalent. Begin by disconnecting the RV electric wire and making sure it can reach the power pedestal. If you have a surge protector, which I'll go over in further detail in tip 3, now is a good time to plug it in to confirm that the outlet you need to use is safe. Water and sewer hookups are often more forgiving since most RVers have longer water and sewage lines.
As soon as feasible, remove the wheel chocks.
Install the wheel chocks as soon as you've established where your RV needs to be and your level from side to side. They are especially important to secure before detaching a travel trailer or fifth-wheel. Any kind of camp trailer's front leveler jacks should not be the only thing keeping your camper in place. They are not meant to sustain sideways strain and may break if the RV pushes or drags them.
Make Use Of A Surge Protector (Surge Protector)
Power surges may occur at any time, and circuit breakers cannot prevent them. If your RV is connected in at the time, the wiring inside may be completely fried. The repair may be pricey, and in certain cases, you may need to buy a new camper. RV surge protectors are often used by seasoned campers, and I strongly recommend acquiring one. Surge protectors are classified into numerous sorts. Some are constructed to withstand higher surges and have built-in electrical monitoring systems (EMS) that test the power supply before connecting it.
Use a water pressure regulator as well as a water filter.
If you've ever looked at the water pipes in an RV, you've probably noticed how delicate they seem. Most campgrounds utilize PEX tubing for freshwater piping. PEX tubing is used because it is inexpensive and easy to install. If the water pressure from the water connection is too high, the PEX tubing may first fail.
It is usually the connections or faucets that begin to leak and eventually break. Constantly high water pressure might potentially harm the water hose. You don't want any water leaks in your camper, so keeping the plumbing in good working condition should be a major priority. The pressure range of most RV water pumps is 40 to 60 psi. That is also a good pressure guideline for your RV park's water connection.
Get a Sewer Hose Stand.
Don't be like us. It took us at least four RV parks to realize that a sewage hose stand was not as optional as we had thought. Many RV parks require that the sewage hose be raised above ground, and they may be rather stringent about it. That is how the situation shown in the photograph below happened.
Conclusion
While it is hard to anticipate every situation that an RVer may experience at an RV park or campground, there are a few things you can do to make the process a little easier. If you're just starting started, making a list that you can refer to every time you pull into a new campsite is an excellent approach to build a routine. Discover the best Riverbound RV park in Lake Havasu City. As you camp more, you'll pick up more tips and tricks and become more adept at setting up and taking down your RV.