Jennifer and I have been doing this for a long hookup. So, sometimes I take for granted some of the beginner's tasks that are now second nature to me. RV hookups being one of those things. I realized I should take a step back and cover some basics that RV beginners need to know. And what better way to start than how to connect full hookups on your first stay at a campground? As a first time RVer, you're probably wondering what steps you need to take and in what order to do them.
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Read our full affiliate disclosure here. Like what you see in these videos? Not too long ago, Jennifer and I made the above video on how to set up your RV at a campground. It covers everything from choosing a site to what to hook up and in what order. It's a great visual guide on what you need to do from start to finish.
For the purpose of this article, however, I'm going to focus only on RV hookups good dating headlines beginners. These steps and tips are the same whether you drive a motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel, or any camper. Hookups are essentially the same wherever you camp, whether it's an RV park, state parks, national parks, or any other place that offers hookups. The most important thing to do before you even start hooking up is set your parking brake!
Or, worse, roll off and pull out the cables and do costly damage to the campground's panels and connection points. So, don't repeat the dumbest RV camping mistakesand set your parking brake! The first thing I recommend connecting is your electric hookup.
The main reason is so you can start running your air conditioning, heater, fridge, etc. There are usually 3 different plugs on a campsite's electric panel: 20 amp, 30 amp, and 50 amp. Bigger RVs usually use here amp and smaller RVs usually use 30 amp. You should know which kind of amp service your RV runs off of. But, how you don't, the plugs have differently shaped prongs, so you should only be able to plug into the correct one.
Once you're plugged in, you flip the breaker switch corresponding to the amp service you need. For instance, you flip the 30 amp breaker after you plug in your 30 amp plug. Then you plug in hookup other end to your RV, giving it a twist and rotating the collar until it's snug. Always use a surge protector when connecting your RV to power! A lot of people have learned the hard way that campground electrical panels are not always well-maintained or wired properly.
They can cause a power surge that can badly damage your electrical system. Plug this portable surge protector into the campground's electric power supply, and then plug your power cable into the surge protector. Not every campground provides multiple amp services. Some may only have electrical hookups for 30 amps or 50 amps. That's why it's a good idea to keep an RV plug adaptor in your RV, like this Dogbone adapter for 50 amp male to 30 amp female.
The next hookup on the list is connecting your water hose to the campground's water source. Just like we recommend a surge protector with electrical hookups, we recommend you always hookup a water filter connected to your fresh water tank. We use a relatively new system called Clear20 that consists of an inline water filter and the Dirtguard pre-filter that takes out the sediment and particulates before they go through the inline filter.
Or, there is a cheaper Clear2o RV water filter system that uses solid charcoal to filter. To easily connect your water hose, I recommend getting a Fresh water quick disconnect. It's much easier than threading hoses by hand and helps minimize water waste from annoying little leaks. The quick connect snaps right on and off. Couldn't be easier. Connect the filter to the campsite's water spigot, then connect your fresh water hose to the water filter.
Plenty of fish dating uk, using the quick connect, connect the other end of the water hose to your RV. If your campground offers cable TV, you can now connect it to your RV. There's nothing special to know here. Simply plug in the cable cord to your RV. If you don't know where your cable port is, consult your owner's manual. Lastly, it's time to do your sewer connection. Not all campsites have sewer connections, so this might not be something you do until you dump your black tank at RV dump stations.
Whether you're connecting at a campsite or the dump station, the process is basically the same. The only difference is how long you leave it connected. Now, let me warn you, dealing with your black water tank is one of the biggest downsides of RVing.
It's just gross. But it needs to be done and is well worth the stinky effort in the end. Connect the end of the hookup with the twist-on connector to your RV drain spout. Then run the hose the sewer drain. It's usually "hookup" to run your sewer hose support as you go. This support helps direct the hose and its contents toward the drain. Now, attach the end of the hose with the elbow connection to the sewer drain. Screw it into position if the sewer drain also has threads not all do.
You might also want to review this post from the RV Proctologist! This is a mistake that a lot of new RVers make. They understandably think that if they're connected, they might as well leave their blank tank valve open so it can continuously drain.
Less poo stored in your RV, the better, right? If you leave your black tank valve open hookup you're hooked up, it will cause gross and sometimes expensive problems. The most common of which has its own inelegant RV terminology : the poop pyramid. This happens when liquid waste easily drains out when your valve is left open but solid waste builds up in your tank. Like I said, it's gross. And stinky.
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RV Hookups Explained: Electricity, Water, Sewage, & TV
Consider this not just a guide—but an invitation to discover the joy of RV travel and the freedom of the open road. They are leading industry experts in RV living and how written 18 travel books.
Unable to determine where or if it needs to be connected. June 10, at amTeam RV Lifestyle said:. This would be a great question for our RVLifestyle Facebook group. November 26, at amChris Nintzel said:. November 25, at pmBryant Payne said:. For the sewer hookup, I always connect the hose to the campground outlet, then to how RV. IMHO, surge protecters are basically a waste of money.
The electronics in new RVs run off 12 volts, and the surge protector does nothing for them. November 26, at pmTeam RV Lifestyle said:. Thanks for sharing the sewer hookup tip and your feedback — it is appreciated! Team RV Lifestyle. November 25, at ammichael smallets said:. November 25, at amRick Beal said:. I always make the power connection to my coach first, and then click here to the pedestal last after ensuring the breaker is off.
This prevents arcing which can damage your power cord connectors. How 25, at pmTeam RV Lifestyle said:. Skip to Content. RV Lifestyle. By How Wendland Updated Jan 15, Summary of this Post show.