When Parking at a Full Hookup Site, Don’t Make This Mistake!

At a full hookup site, the 10 most important steps for a safe, comfortable, and neighbor-friendly setup are:

Scout the Site: 

When parking at a full hookup site, don’t make this mistake! Instead, walk the site to look for obstacles, such as trees, low branches, or rocks, and make sure you you have enough clearance so that your RV and slide-outs will fit.

• We were humbled! The water hookup was positioned separately from the electrical pedestal and sewer connections, which we somehow missed. From inside the electrical post, off to the side, everything appeared clear.

  
  

  Moments after extending the slide, we heard and felt the awful thud, followed by a spray of water that quickly spread to four adjacent sites. Prompt staff intervention resolved the issue, and neighboring glampers responded with fellow humor and understanding. I bet you can feel my heart still beating out of my chest!

Level & Chock:

Position your RV, use leveling blocks if needed, and secure it with wheel chocks for stability and safety.

Pro Safety Tips:

• Chock First: Always chock wheels before unhitching or using jacks, because it stops the vehicle/trailer from moving when disconnected from the tow vehicle or when jacks are applied/removed.

• Chock Both Sides: Place chocks in front of and behind the tires to keep your RV from moving.

• Jacks vs. Leveling: Jacks stabilize; blocks level. Don't rely solely on jacks for leveling heavy rigs.

Connect Power (Surge Protector First!): 

Plug in a surge protector first, then connect to the pedestal and check your amp (30 or 50).

Step-by-Step RV Power Connection

1. Kill the Power: Go to the electrical pedestal and flip the main breaker OFF for the outlet you'll be using.

2. Connect Your Gear:

   1. Plug your RV's power cord (or an adapter/pigtail if going from 50A to 30A) into the surge protector.

   2. Plug the surge protector into the pedestal's outlet.

   3. Check the lights: Look for the status lights on the surge protector (usually green) to confirm it's working correctly.

3. Restore Power: Turn the pedestal's breaker back ON.

4. Connect to RV: Plug the other end of the power cord into your RV, ensuring the cord isn't stretched taut (to prevent strain).

Connect Water:

Use a potable (drinking-safe) water hose and a pressure regulator if available. Always use a white or blue hose specifically for drinking water.

• Turn Off Pump: Make sure your RV's internal water pump is OFF.

• Attach Regulator: Screw the water pressure regulator onto the campground spigot.

• Connect Hose: Attach your potable water hose to the regulator, then to the RV's city water inlet.

• Add Filter (Optional): If using, place a water filter between the regulator and the hose, or between the hose and the RV.

• Turn On Water: Slowly open the spigot and check all connections for leaks.

Connect Sewer:

Securely attach your sewer hose from the RV to the campground drain.

• Check Valves: Ensure your black and gray tank valves are closed.

• Attach Hose: Securely connect one end of the sewer hose to your RV's waste outlet. Secure & Seal: A tight seal prevents unpleasant leaks and odors.

• Use Adapter/Elbow: Attach an elbow fitting or adapter to the hose's other end and insert it firmly into the campground drain.

• Create Slope: Ensure the hose has a downward slope towards the drain to allow for proper flow.

Pro Tip: Drain Order: Dump the black tank first, then the gray tank to rinse the hose.

Deploy Slides & Level (Internal): 

1. Level your RV first, then deploy the slides. This general rule minimizes stress on the slide mechanisms and prevents damage by ensuring the chassis is supported and straight before movement.

2. Deploy Slides: With the RV secure and level, extend your slides. Make sure you have enough battery power or are connected to shore power or a generator to operate the electric motors.

3. Manage Awnings: Awnings act like sails and are highly susceptible to wind damage.

• Retract awnings in the wind, at night, or when you leave the campsite. Sudden gusts can cause serious damage or rip them off.

  
  

• We’ve had to replace our awning once due to wind damage. The RV Awning Fabric Replacement alone can cost $200 to $1,200. If you hire someone, the total can climb from $1,000 to $3,000. We did it ourselves to save money. If you want tips on installing your awning, message us.

Note: By following the sequence of leveling first and keeping the awnings in during wind, you will help prevent costly damage and ensure a comfortable, safe camping experience.

Check Interior & Appliances:

Turn on the fridge, water heater, furnace (if needed), and secure all cabinets and drawers.

• Consider getting a refrigerator fan. It helps move air around, reduces hot spots, and keeps your fridge from overheating during warm weather.

  
  

• A refrigerator temperature sensor lets you monitor the inside temperature. This helps make sure it stays at a safe level, usually about 34°F (1°C), so your food does not spoil or freeze.

Secure Outside Gear:

Create your glamping outdoor living space, bring out plush seating like comfy chairs or hammocks, lay down cozy rugs and cushions, add ambient lighting (lanterns, string lights) for atmosphere, and set up amenities like a portable fire pit or dining set to make it a luxurious, functional extension of your home, transforming the area into a stylish "outdoor room" for relaxation and gathering. The Vibe: Luxury Meets Nature.

Manage Hookups & Site:

Make sure hoses don’t cross into other sites, lock your storage bays, and tidy up your area. Always run utility hoses and electrical cords neatly along the ground, ideally close to your own RV's side and towards the utility pedestal. This ensures they don't cross into neighboring sites, creating trip hazards or an unkempt appearance. Use hose guides or zip ties to keep things organized and out of the way.

Observe Campground Rules:

Observing campground rules means being a considerate neighbor by keeping noise down during quiet hours (usually 10 PM-7 AM), adhering to slow speed limits, following pet policies (like leashes and not leaving them unattended to bark), and respecting others' sites by not cutting through or encroaching on their space, ensuring a peaceful experience for everyone in the shared outdoor setting.

Happy Glamping!

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