RV Setup Checklist: 15 Tips on How to Setup Your RV

Every RV setup checklist is a little different. But here are the 15 things you need to do to setup camp on your next RV trip…

When you arrive at camp, the last thing you want to do is waste too much time setting up camp. That's why it's important to have a solid RV setup checklist that outlines everything you need to do when you arrive at your campsite.

By having a system in place, you can ensure that everything gets done every time and that your trip goes smoothly.

In this blog post, we'll discuss some tips for setting up your RV when you arrive at camp. Stay tuned for our next post, where we'll talk about breaking down your RV before leaving!

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RV Setup Checklist

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When you first start RVing, you can feel overwhelmed by how much you need to setup when you arrive. Don't worry, it gets easier and faster with time and practice.

This RV setup checklist will help you get started.

**By the way, if you want a free packing list, you can sign up for our newsletter at the end and we'll send you one!

1. Check Campsite Before You Back In

Before you back into your site, look up! Make sure there are no low-hanging branches or other obstacles that could damage your RV.

Then take a walk around to make sure there are no nails, glass, or other sharp objects that could puncture your tires.

2. Use a Spotter to Back In

Use a spotter to help you back in. Station them off the back corner of your RV so you can see them in the side mirror. Make sure they stand to the side, not behind the RV!

If you're new to backing up, check out our “Backing Up an RV” Learner's Kit: Everything You Need.

I also have 14 RV Pro Tips for Backing Up a Travel Trailer.

3. Set the Emergency Break

Always set the emergency brake as soon as you park!

If your RV or travel trailer doesn't have an emergency brake, use wheel chocks on both sides of the wheels.

4. Secure Your Pet

I recommend making sure you secure your pet as soon as you park. It's very easy to leave your RV door open or lose sight of your pet when you're running around setting up camp.

Confine them inside your RV, leash them to a shaded area, or put up their portable fence.

Check out the 10 Best Dog Accessories for Camping or 10 Purrfect Cat Travel Accessories to help.

5. Hook up Electricity

Once parked, we recommend hooking up the electricity first. If you're staying at an RV park with full hookups, this will be easy. If not, it's a good idea to have a portable generator on hand.

Make sure you check the receptacle for the correct amps for your RV. If your RV runs on 30 amp shore power but there's only a 50 am plug, you can use an adapter.

Old electrical receptacles or bad connections can damage your RV and appliances. I recommend using a surge protector, like the Southwire Surge Guard, model 34930.

If you're boondocking, be sure to conserve your battery power. Use a solar panel or generator to recharge your batteries as needed.

6. Connect Water

If your campsite has water hookups, go ahead and connect your hose. If not, you can fill up your fresh water tank before you leave or bring along a portable water container.

If you're boondocking, be sure to conserve your water usage. Use it for drinking, cooking, and washing dishes only.

We recommend that you always use a water filter between the spigot and the freshwater hose that connects to your RV. We use a system called Clear20 that consists of an inline water filter and the Dirtguard pre-filter that removes the sediment and particulates before they go through the inline filter.

7. Coil Hoses & Conceal Sewer Hose

Coiled hoses look nicer but that's not the only reason I recommend this. When you keep them coiled, you'll “train” them to stay coiled for easy storage.

Concealing the sewer hose is for your neighbor's sake. Sewer connections are often right next to your neighbor's outdoor living area. It's actually one of the RV Park Deal Breakers RVers complain about most.

So, do your neighbor a favor and conceal the sewer connection. That'll help improve their RVing experience.

8. Level Your RV

We are big fans of our automatic leveling system but not every RV has one. If your RV doesn't have an automatic system, you'll need to level it manually.

You can use leveling blocks or ramps. Just make sure they're big enough to support your RV. Do not use cinder blocks!

If you have a bigger RV, like a fifth wheel, you might need to use leveling jacks or stabilizing jacks.

Here are some helpful articles:

• How to Level a Pop-Up Camper
• Should We Level First & Then Do Slide Outs, or Vice Versa?
• Leveling Blocks and Campervans

*Note that when you extend slide outs depends on your manufacturer. You'll need to consult your owner's manual to see when you should extend and retract your slide outs.

9. Turn On Hot Water Heater

It's better to do this sooner rather than later so you can take a hot shower after setting up camp.

If your RV has an electric/propane switch, make sure it's in the “propane” position.

If you're boondocking, you might want to turn off the water heater when you're not using it to conserve propane.

10. Roll Out Your Awning

Now that your RV is level, it's time to roll out the awning.

If you have an electric awning, extend it all the way. If you have a manual awning, extend it about halfway.

Make sure the awning is locked in place and that the arms are secured.

If you have an awning topper, put it on now. It'll help keep your awning clean and provide some extra shade.

11. Setup Your Outdoor Living Space

Everyone has their own setup for the outdoor living space, but I do recommend a few things for everyone.

First, lay out a large outdoor rug. This will cut down on the amount of dirt and mud you and your pets trek inside.

Second, set up your portable camping grill (if you have one) and your foldable tables and table accessories, too.

Then, it's time for your favorite camping chairs.

Lastly, you can set up you portable camping fire pit, if you have one and want to use it this trip.

12. Tend to Your Trash

You never want to leave trash lying around your campsite. Of course, this is especially important if you're camping in bear country.

Locate where and how you can dispose of trash .Some campgrounds pick it up each morning. Others expect you to take it daily to the garbage bin or dumpster.

13. Know Where You Are!

This is a VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY MEASURE that most people overlook. You need to write down the official name of the campground, its address, the office phone number, and your site number.

I recommend noting this all on a paper that you stick to your fridge or easily accessible place.

In an emergency, having this information within reach is a huge help. It'll help emergency services reach you quickly and find you easily.

Be sure that everyone traveling with you also knows where the RV fire extinguishers and first aid kit are located.

And since we're talking about safety measures, read about the Biggest Pitfall of Splitting RV Duties Down the Middle. Dividing your RV setup checklist is efficient, and how you'll setup camp most the time.

However, it's important that you and your travel companion know how to do everything on the RV setup checklist.

Nifty RV Setup Checklist System

Like what you see in these videos? We'd appreciate it if you would Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (easy to do right here) and consider “ringing the bell icon” to be notified of any new video from us. 🙂 Thanks!

Ever drive off from a campsite forgetting to close the vent lid? Or leaving outdoor chairs behind? Or the TV antenna up? Well follow the foolproof reminder system Sharon shows Jennifer in this RV Quick Tip and those problems will be a thing of the past.

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