How to Set Up a Travel Trailer

Creating a trailer setup list will help ensure the best camping results.

Setting up your travel trailer is a simple process. By following a basic checklist, you will be able to successfully set up your travel trailer for a camping experience. Because all travel trailers are slightly different, you may add or change some steps in the setting-up process. The most important setup steps include leveling your trailer, setting up a water and electrical supply, and making sure your sewage lines are properly connected.

Things You'll Need

• Trailer keys
• Electrical cord
• Sewer hose
• Water hose
• Pressure regulator
• Stabilizing jacks
• Level
• Six 2x8 wooden boards

Instructions

1. Inspect your campsite to determine if you can pull your trailer through the site or back it into the site. A second person can act as a spotter to help guide your trailer into your camp site.

2. Level your trailer. Park your vehicle and enter your travel trailer. Place your level on the floor of your trailer to determine where to place your wooden boards. The bubble in your level should be centered. If the bubble is on the right side, you should place your wooden boards underneath the tires on the right side of your trailer. If the bubble is on the left side, place your boards underneath the tires on the left side.

   When placing boards underneath your trailer tires, start with one board per tire. Place the board directly in front of each tire, then enter your vehicle and drive your trailer directly on top of the boards. Enter your travel trailer again to check your level. If you still need leveling adjustments, back your travel trailer off the boards, and place two boards on top of each other directly in front of your trailer tires, making the level adjustment higher. Then drive your travel trailer on top of the boards.

   Continue this process until the bubble in your level is centered.

3. Lower and/or set your stabilizing jacks. Most travel trailers come with jacks attached and can be lowered. If your trailer does not have this feature, make sure you purchase stabilizing jacks at a local RV supply store.

   Once you have set your stabilizing jacks, you can unhook your trailer from your vehicle.

4. Turn on your trailer battery switch to the "on" position to ensure the trailer will be powered.

5. Plug in your trailer's electrical cord to your campsite's electrical hook-up.

6. Attach your trailer's water hose to your campsite's water hook-up, making sure your pressure regulator is attached to your water hose. The pressure regulator will help ensure your trailer does not flood and that you have optimum water pressure.

7. Bring the trailer steps out from under your trailer.

8. If your campsite allows for sewage removal, hook your sewage hose to your trailer and into the sewage dump spot.

9. Slide out any trailer slides you may have.

10. Turn your propane valve tanks on.

11. Turn your water heater and water pumps on.

12. Extend your trailer's awning.

13. Set up the exterior of your camp by placing your camping chairs, rugs, tables and other accessories outside, and enjoy your camping trip.

References

• "Mid State RV Center": Campground Set-up 101
• Daniel Myrick, Eagle Scout, San Diego, CA