RV Campsite Setup Checklist — Arrival Day Done Right

The first 30 minutes at a site set the tone for the whole stay. This checklist covers scoping the site before you pull in, leveling and stabilizing in the right order, hooking up utilities safely, and getting comfortable.

Scope out the site first

• Walk the site before you pull in — look up for branches and power lines, down for holes and glass
• Find the power pedestal, water spigot, and sewer connection; plan which way to parkYour hookups are on the driver side (street side) of the rig — aim accordingly.
• Check slide-out and awning clearance from trees, posts, and the neighbor's site (Class A Motorhome, Class C Motorhome, Travel Trailer, Fifth Wheel, Toy Hauler)
• Agree on hand signals with your spotter before backingA pair of cheap walkie-talkies or a phone call beats yelling across the campground.

Position, level & stabilize

• Back in slowly with your spotter — small corrections, stop and reset if it is going wrong
• Level side-to-side with leveling blocks before unhitching (Travel Trailer, Fifth Wheel, Toy Hauler, Pop-Up Camper, Truck Camper)Your fridge, tanks, and sleep all care. Check with a bubble level or phone app.
• Run the leveling jacks per your rig's procedure (motorhomes)
• Chock the wheels BEFORE unhitching (Travel Trailer, Fifth Wheel, Toy Hauler, Pop-Up Camper)
• Unhitch: tongue jack on a pad, coupler up, chains and 7-pin off, tow vehicle clear (Travel Trailer, Toy Hauler, Pop-Up Camper)
• Lower landing gear onto pads, release kingpin, pull the truck forward slowly (Fifth Wheel)
• Lower stabilizer jacks snug — they steady the rig, they do not lift it (Travel Trailer, Fifth Wheel, Toy Hauler, Pop-Up Camper)
• Camper staying on the truck? Level with blocks under the tires; coming off? jacks down evenly (Truck Camper)
• Open slide-outs once level — double-check clearance outside first (Class A Motorhome, Class C Motorhome, Travel Trailer, Fifth Wheel, Toy Hauler)

Popping up

• Release the roof latches and crank the roof up fully (Pop-Up Camper)
• Pull out the bunk ends and set the support poles (Pop-Up Camper)
• Install the door and check the canvas is taut with no pinched spots (Pop-Up Camper)

Hook up utilities

• Test the pedestal with the breaker OFF, then plug in through your surge protector/EMS, then breaker onThe 30 seconds this takes has saved a lot of $2,000 electrical systems.
• Connect city water through the pressure regulator and filter
• Hook up the sewer hose on its support — and keep BOTH tank valves closedLeave the black valve closed until the tank is 2/3 full so solids flush properly. An open black valve builds the dreaded poop pyramid.
• Switch the fridge to shore power and turn on the water heater once it is full of water
• Open the propane and light/test the stove if you will cook

Settle in

• Extend the awning — and roll it in for wind, storms, and overnightWind destroys more awnings than anything else. When in doubt, bring it in.
• Roll out the patio mat, set up chairs, hang the lantern
• Glance under the rig for drips after 15 minutes of water pressure
• Note your site number, the camp office number, and quiet hours
• Show everyone in the family where the fire extinguisher and exits are

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