In this episode I share some tips about safely hooking up your RV. I talk about a few required items you'll need and then some steps I find help me when I hookup my rig.
Always keep safety in mind through the hookup and take down process. These times are the most dangerous times. We want everyone to safely travel with a purpose.
In this episode I share some tips about safely hooking up your RV. I talk about a few required items you'll need and then some steps I find help me when I hookup my rig.
Always keep safety in mind through the hookup and take down process. These times are the most dangerous times. We want everyone to safely travel with a purpose.
Hello fellow Sojourners. I’m your host Dave Laton and welcome to Travel With A Purpose, a podcast designed to keep sojourners and friends informed, entertained, and inspired.
In today’s episode we will be looking at some things to keep in mind as we hookup at an RV park. Certainly, as experienced road warriors you may think you don't need this information. But I always say we can always learn something and, even if you do know all about hookup, please pass this information on to someone else. Better yet, have them listen to the podcast!
Well, Let’s get started.
First, always keep safety in mind. Setting up and taking down an RV is one of the most dangerous times for RVing. Always think safety. Think about lifting properly, watch out for pinch points, those places where we can get a finger or hand caught. Look out for areas where we might bump our head. Look out for standing water if you're working with electricity. OK…you get the picture. Be safe so you can enjoy traveling with a purpose.
When we first started traveling with an RV, hooking up the rig at the camp ground was an intimidating process. A good piece of advice given to me was to have a checklist in a logical sequence. If you follow a checklist you are less likely to overlook an important step, and you might save yourself extra effort if you don't have to undo something you did so you can do something you forgot…I'm speaking from a voice of experience.
Before we get into the information about hooking up your rig at the camping spot, lets talk about essential items you'll need. These are important whether you use a massive motor home, 5th wheel, or modest sized trailer.
First, you'll need a power cord. Your RV comes with a power cord that connects you to the power source. They typically come in 25-to-30-foot length and are rated for either 30 or 50 amp. I also recommend you purchase an extension cord (or 2) for your rig in case you have to park farther away from your power source. I even have a 10 foot power cord as an intermediate size. Always inspect your cord before you hook up to look for scorch marks, frayed insulation, or other possible damage. Either replace or repair any damaged cords.
Along with a power cord, you should have a surge protector. Surge protectors help prevent a power surge or power drop-off that could damage the electrical system of your rig as well as appliances and devices. It is not uncommon to have surges and power drop off at a campground and then have it come on suddenly. All too often when this happens, there can be a surge before the electricity levels out. They also can help protect during lightening strikes.
Here's an expert tip. Always be conscious of security of your rig and items around it. Unfortunately, a prime target for thefts is your surge protector. It is recommended that you lock it to the pedestal. I use a large bicycle padlock and chain that secures the surge protector to the pedestal. It isn't fool proof but most thieves are looking for an easy target so this would slow them down enough that they would move one. I read an article that talked about how a thief will find an unsecured surge protector at an RV that is left alone. They will take the surge protector and reattach the power chord. When the owner returns, they don't notice the surge protector is gone until later. Now, what someone does with the stolen surge protector is a mystery to me.
Another thing to keep in mind is that not all RV campgrounds are equal. Some might not have the same quality of electrical hookups than others. To help prevent electrical issues during hookup, look for a surge protector that checks for faulty connections at the power pedestal. Don't assume the power source is working as it should.
I also recommend you have a variety of dog bone electrical connectors. They are called dog bone because of their shape like a dog bone.
A dog bone adapter allows you to plug your power cord into a power source that might not match yours. I recommend you have at least a 50-to-30 amp dog bone. We camped at a park in the Smoky Mountains area that only had 50 amp plugins. My rig is 30 amp so I was able to hook up a 50 to 30 amp dog bone and keep going. You might not use them all the time but you will be glad you have one when you need it.
OK, so those are basic electrical items you'll need to hook up your Rv. A power cord, surge protector, and a dog bone adapter. There may be other items you want, but these will get you hooked up with plenty of power. Sometimes getting the AC running is a high priority.
Let's talk now about water and sewar hook ups.
First, you'll need an RV sewar hose and attachments, and you might need a sewar hose extension. Dumping the tanks is never fun but very important. We'll talk about this a bit later.
Some suggested sewer attachments include a donut to seal the hose to the sewar to the system. Some camp grounds require them. Also, you'll need an elbow connector that angles down to connect to the sewar system. Most basic sewar hoses come with these pre-connected. I recommend a clear connector at either the RV connection or at the sewer system connection so you can monitor the flow.
You should also have a flexible sewer hose support. There are some excellent support systems you can purchase or you can make one of your own. Sometimes you only need some blocks of wood or leveling blocks. But I recommend the flexible hose supports.
Along with a sewer drainage system, you will need a water hose to flush your system. Only use this hose for this purpose. Do not use it for drinking water or to fill your freshwater tank.
You will need a water hose designed for drinking water. Regular water hoses can leave a plastic taste in the water so get one rated for drinking water. And only use it for drinking water or filling your freshwater tank.
Along with a hose for drinking water, you will need a water regulator. Always use a regulator. Some campgrounds have higher pressure water systems that can damage your water lines in the rig. A regulator keeps the pressure low enough to protect your water lines. And there are some camp grounds that have low pressure.
There are different types of regulators. Some are just a simple reducer that connects to the hose. There are some that have a gauge attached that show you how much water pressure there is. I have one that allows me to increase or decrease the water pressure.
You will also want to have an inline water filter. There are several types on the market. If you have questions, check with your RV manufacturer for recommendations. My rig has a built-in water filter but I still like to attach an inline filter. A water filter not only helps remove any bad smell or taste. They also protects the water lines of the RV from becoming blocked from sediment. Over time sediment can damage water system components. You should replace water filters seasonally, if your RV is used occasionally, or more frequently if used often.
You should also have wheel chocks and leveling blocks. Some folks make their own from wood or purchase some. I keep a full set of leveling blocks and wheel chocks for both directions under my rigs wheels.
There may be some other items you need that are unique to your RV or that you have found work well for you. If so, please share your ideas with us. We all like to make things safer and easier as we travel.
OK…you have a full set of items to hook up at the campground. Now lets talk about the hookup process itself. Everyone has their own way of doing things so do what works well for you. But here are some suggestions.
Again, I want to mention safety here. One thing I want to suggest about safety is to stay focused as you hook up the rig. Sometimes folks want to welcome us to the campground or come over and offer advice while we're hooking up. Please don't be that person. Unless asked, leave the person alone as they hook up their rig. Save the visiting and suggestions for later. The same is true by the way when we are getting ready to leave.
Hooking up can be intimidating if you are new to RVing or perhaps have a new rig you are taking out for the first time. Hopefully these ideas will help.
Some camp sites have pull through spots. These are great. You simply pull in, unhook from your tow vehicle and hookup your rig. But a lot of campgrounds require you to back into the spot. I recommend you always use a spotter to help guide you into the spot. This person should look out to make sure you are properly positioned so slide-outs, awnings, and doors can open fully, and you don't hit or run over anything. And they help you with how far back or forward to stop so you can optimize the water, electrical, and sewer hookups.
My wife and I use our cell phones to communicate while I'm backing up. Some folks use hand signals, radios, or shout really loud. I recommend you have the window down and the car radio off.
I also recommend you practice backing your rig before you begin your trip. Different kinds of rigs act differently. You don't want to be the source of humor for other campers. But more importantly, you want to be safe and not injure someone or damage your rig or property.
By the way, if you are towing a vehicle or something else to your motor home, unhitch it before you begin to back into the camp spot.
Once you've positioned your rig on the spot, you will need to get your RV level. Leving is important for comfort and proper RV appliance operation. Most RV spots are not exactly level, even if you are parking on a concrete pad. Even raising or lowering an inch or two makes a difference.
Before you begin leveling, be sure to secure your RV from rolling backwards or forwards by placing wheel chocks. I recommend you place chocks in both directions. I place mine between the wheels, front and back.
Some RVs come with automatic leveling systems. If yours does, then follow the manufacturer's instructions for leveling.
I use manufactured leveling blocks because they can be stacked to allow for incremental changes to height. Some folks use boards. Use what works well for you.
I level my rig from side to side first. Then I level front to back. I have bubble levels attached to both sides and front of my rig, but I still use a carpenter's level to verify. Once I get it where I want it, I place the carpenter's level on the floor on the inside and check one last time.
Next, I hookup my RV to the power pedestal. We've already discussed the need for power cords and surge protection. First, do a visual inspection of the power pedestal to see if there is any obvious damage. Never hook up to a damaged pedestal, even if it is not a breaker you would be using. If the pedestal looks undamaged, then you can begin to hook up for power. Before hooking up, always make sure the breakers at the power pedestal are off. You do not want to connect to a live power source. A point of note, be nice and turn off the breakers when you leave.
Before you connect your electrical, it is a good idea to turn off major electrical appliances and the AC in your rig. This will prevent an overload on your RV breakers. Some folks turn off all the breakers inside the rig and then turn them on one at a time after power is provided to the rig. I just make sure all appliances are off before I start.
After you've verified the power pedestal breaker is off, connect your surge protector to the proper breaker (30 or 50 amp). This is where it helps to have a surge protector that also checks the polarity of the pedestal. Once you've verified the pedestal is working properly, turn off the breaker again and plug in your power cord to the surge protector. Check all connections to make sure they are secure. Then turn on the breaker. Once you verify that the external power is connected and working, begin to turn on the necessary electrical items in the rig.
Once I have electrical to the rig, I hook up my fresh water. I would rather hook up fresh water before I hook up the sewer lines. Most camp grounds will have a water system to city water or a well system. If you are boondocking, you'll use your freshwater tanks. That's a different podcast show for the future.
When hooking up your RV to the campground water system, first attach your inline water regulator. There's an ongoing debate of whether to attach the regulator at the water source or where the water connects to your rig. I prefer at the water source, but you do what works for you, just be sure to always use a regulator.
Some rigs have a complex system of knobs to regulate the water. Once again, if you have this, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Our RV simply has a connector for the freshwater hose coming from the source. Again, this is where a water regulator is critical.
Once I have fresh water connected, I check for leaks and adjust as necessary. I keep extra hose washers in my kit to replace washers as needed.
Next, you'll want to hook up your RV sewer system. Here's an expert tip… rubber gloves are highly recommended when performing this task.
Begin by connecting your RV's sewer hose to your RV first then connect it to the sewer hookup. Use only as much sewer hose as you need. And try to keep the sewer hose as straight as you can. Do not, and I repeat, do not open your sewer valves until you have verified the system is properly hooked up and supported, especially at the sewer drain. If you've ever experienced a sewer blowout, you will not do it again.
Here's an expert tip. Never leave your black tank open. Some might think you should keep it open to continuously drain the black tank. Unfortunately, the liquid waste runs out leaving the solid waste behind. This results in what is lovingly referred to as a "poop pyramid" and can cause the tank to be blocked. Instead, close the black tank until ready to dump. How often you dump the black tank is up to you. I dump ours every week during an extended trip. I also dump it before I leave the campground. Also, a good idea is to dump the black tank first and then the grey water so the grey water flushes out the sewer hose.
Some people use a device called a macerator for their sewer system instead of the gravity hose. A macerator is a pump that connects to your RV sewer outlet. It grinds up the solid waste small enough to travel through a garden hose. This is especially useful if you set up your RV too far away from a sewer connection. I have one we keep in the RV for such situations or if there are not enough sewer connections. Different macerators have different features so again, follow manufacturer's instructions for use.
Now that all the electrical, water, and sewer are hooked up, I then turn on the propane system.
The propane system is pretty straight forward. This system allows you to heat water, power stove burners, and run some refrigerators.
For safety purposes, do a visual inspection and make sure the lines are secure before turning on the propane. If you smell gas, don't turn it on until you've found the source and fixed the issue. I speak to this more in episode 10 where I discuss some general maintenance checks.
Most RVs have two propane tanks. Some allow you to turn both tanks on and will switch by themselves from an empty tank to the full one. Ours must be switched manually so I just turn on one and use it until I need the second tank. I don't know why but my system is notorious for needing to be switched in the middle of the night. Anyway, if you don't know how to do this, check your owner's manual for how your system works and how to operate it. It really isn't too difficult but you want to keep safety in mind.
Well, there you have it. You are all hooked up and ready to enjoy the campsite. All you need to do now is roll out the awning, set up your chairs and grill and let the RV life begin.
Well, friends, that wraps up our discussion about some things to think about when hooking up at the campsite.
I appreciate you listening to this podcast. If you have any ideas to share, please let me know.
If you are interested in being a guest on our podcast or know someone we should have as a guest, or you have some topics you'd like to discuss, please email me at: sojournersevangelize@gmail.com. Also, please follow our podcast to keep updated when new episodes are published.
I’m your host Dave Laton and remember we glorify God as together we, “Travel With A Purpose”!