It’s common for brand new RVers to view their first camping trip with a mix of excitement and worry. RVs have a lot of moving parts, and it can sometimes be overwhelming to remember everything you need to do on your first time out.
But don’t fear! We have compiled a step-by-step checklist to follow when you are setting up and breaking down your camp. Print this out and keep it handy. You’ll be an expert in no time!
Setting up camp
- Deploy jacks/levelers. Use leveling blocks or pads to give jacks a solid foundation.
- Open slides if your RV has them.
- Connect to the park’s electric hookup.
- Turn on city water to flush out any rust in the lines. Then, hook up to inline filter or city water connections. Always use a water pressure regulator, as the water pressure can vary depending on how full the campground is.
- Fill water heater, purge air with pressure relief valve, and then turn heater on.
- Turn on A/C or furnace and set thermostat.
- Hook up to sewer. Open gray tank valve, but keep the black tank valve closed until tank needs to be dumped.
- Set up your TVs, satellite, grills, chairs and other accessories.
Breaking down camp
- Shut off water heater.
- Dump and flush all tanks. Treat the tanks for storage. Disconnect and clean the sewer hose.
- Shut off all appliances except the refrigerator if it has food in it. If it does have food, set it to auto or LP.
- Put down antenna.
- Clean debris from slide-outs and then close.
- Disconnect from power and put away cord.
- Retract jacks or levelers and retrieve the blocks.
- Lock all compartment doors and a do a final walk-around for any loose items.
- Dump and flush black water tanks at appropriate dump station.
- Disconnect water , dump hot water heater, open low point drains and drain main tank.
- Put away water hose.
- Close up and lock compartment doors.
When you get home
- Drain water heater.
- Open low point drains and empty freshwater tank.
- Make sure battery has a full charge.
- Shut all appliances off and disconnect battery.
- Double check cabinets and fridge for any perishable food.
- Prop cabinet and fridge doors open to prevent mildew.
Check back next month for our next course: Dewinterization: 10 Steps to Prepare Your RV for the Season
Need advice on packing for your next trip? Download our free RV Adventure Checklist to make sure you have all the gear you'll need!