In 2021, more than 11.2 million American households own an RV. That’s nearly double the RV ownership from just 20 years ago.
Traveling in an RV gives you more freedom and control over your vacation. Plus, you get to take your home base with you, which can be a great comfort.
The trouble is, setting up an RV comes with a list of essential tasks. If you’re a new RV owner, you might not know where to begin.
Luckily, RV set up doesn’t have to be a source of frustration. At Mid America RV, we take the time to show you the ins and outs of your new RV so you never go into a camping trip feeling unprepared.
Read on to learn a few of the basics of how to handle an RV park set up before unloading and enjoying your stay.
Before RV Set Up, Check Your RV Placement
When you back into your campsite, make sure you’re close enough to reach the water and electrical hookups. You’ll also want to make sure there’s enough open space to open your slides (if your RV has them).
If there’s a tree or picnic table in the way, make sure to adjust the placement of your RV before you proceed. This is also the best time to check your side to side leveling of your RV. If it’s not level, try different spots around the campsite to find a level spot.
Chock the Tires
Once you’ve chosen a spot, it’s time to chock the tires. You can use chock blocks, X blocks, or leveling blocks to secure your trailer.
This locks your wheels into place to make sure you have a sturdy foundation for your RV. It’s a key step to a safe RV set up, so you need to do this as soon as you choose a spot.
Disconnect Your Vehicle and Put Down Stabilizers
Now it’s time to remove your towing vehicle from your RV. Before you remove the hitch, you need to put down the tongue jack because it supports the front weight of the trailer.
You’ll also need to check the leveling from front to back on the trailer. Then, put down the stabilizers with a hand crank or an attachment on your cordless drill. This add extra support to the trailer.
Connect to Electrical and Water
To connect to electrical, plug in a surge protector adapter to check that the electricity is working. Then, turn the power off and connect your RV cable to the surge protector adapter. Then, turn the electrical supply on.
Next, you can use a hose to connect your trailer’s water supply to the water hookup.
Open the Slides
Make sure there’s no nearby trees and open your slides if you have them. (Have someone inside check for open drawers before you open them.)
This will ensure nothing gets broken.
Start Your RV Adventure Today
Once you get the hang of the RV setup process, heading out for a weekend trip or a summer getaway will be a breeze. You’ll know what to do to make sure your campsite is safe and operational.
Whether you’d like to upgrade to a newer RV or buy one for the first time, Mid America RV can help. We offer a range of new and pre-owned RVs to fit every need. Contact us today for more information on our inventory or financing options.
