How to Set up a Travel Trailer at a Campground

Setting up your travel trailer when you arrive at a campground takes a few minutes and a little preparation; but if done right, you can enjoy your stay in comfort. Camping areas offer more amenities now than ever before: water, electric, cable, sewer and more in some locations. A spotter is a big help during the set-up process, but it can be done without one if you don't have anyone to assist you. If you are booking ahead of your arrival, be sure to discuss what you want or need on the site you will be using.

Instructions

1

Walk around the site, when you arrive, to inspect the location, noting the placement of hook-ups, where the ground is the most level, and if there are any obstructions that might make it hard to place your trailer. Some sites offer drive-through access which makes it easier for you to position your trailer.

2

Position the trailer on the site with guidance from a spotter if you have one. Family service radios can be a huge help to communicate between the spotter and driver. Hand signals can also be a great help, but be sure the spotter and driver are in agreement on what they mean..

3

Chock the wheels on the trailer once it is in place and extend the tongue jack to take the pressure off the tow vehicle. Unhook the umbilical from the tow vehicle.

4

Unlock the hitch and jack the trailer tongue up enough to clear the hitch and drive the tow vehicle out. Level the trailer as close as you can with the tongue jack. It is okay if it is not perfect just yet.

5

Extend the leveling jacks on all four corners to stabilize the trailer and bring it completely level. You may need a small piece of wood or blocking under the jacks if the ground is soft.

6

Extend the folding steps to the entrance of the trailer so that you can safely get in and out. If you store hoses or cords for your hook-up inside the trailer, take them out for later use.

7

Attach your electrical, water, sewer, and other needed connections to the outside of the trailer and to the electrical box, water hook-up and other needed connections on the site.

8

Set up any other items that you may need on your site. Tables, awnings or other things can be set up now. If you use gas from your stove, a hot water tank or furnace, turn on the gas and light the pilots if you will be using them.