Mistakes to Never Make While Setting Up an RV (Costly & Stressful)

Excuse me, your "newbie" is showing...we've all been there at some point, but in this video, we hope to help you learn how to set up at a campsite like a PRO! And avoid the costly headaches that come with NOT setting up your RV correctly at the campground.

Products shown in this video:

Intro 0:00
Rules 0:24
Parking 1:23
Leveling 1:44
Wheels 2:40
Slides 3:49
Electrical 4:23
Sewer 4:50
Water 5:57
Connections 6:41
Etiquette 7:15

🏔 Originally from Colorado, we dreamed of living a travel and adventure lifestyle but stuck in a 9-5 grind, we had no clue how we would break out of the mold. In 2017 we bought our first RV and it all changed!

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*This channel is for entertainment purposes only. We are not RV or travel experts. We share our opinions and what works for us, but you should do your own research. #rvlife #rvlivingwithkids #gratefulglamper

[suzannewise]

Under campground etiquette, keep your dog on a 6 foot leash, not loose or on a retractable lead, and pick up your dog’s poop. Also don’t cut through other people’s campsite.

[k_enn]

I am new to RV camping. I got two good pieces of advice that are helpful First is to discharge a little from your graywater tank to sewer connection to test the hookup before you let loose with the black water. The second is think of yourself as a pilot where, every time before you take off, you do a full check of the vehicle -- all doors secure, items properly stowed, all hook-ups disconnected, propane off, jacks up, etc.

[Johnybusa]

We are part time campers with years of experience. We are on our longest camping trip ever nearly 3 weeks long. Usually work and life gets in the way of a big trip. Day 3 of this trip campground hopping and the camper next to us (behind my rig) moved the fire ring within a few feet of our bedroom wall so they could be under the trees!? At night!! Not only have to listen to their yapping for hours we woke up to ash all over our rig from the trees they scorched! Luckily they didn’t burn down my camper or the campground. On to the next campground and the young couple next to us (front of my rig) insist on setting their chairs and dog area up on the rear drivers side of the bumper pull camper. Being closest to our site. First few days were to hot to be outside and for a fire. Then when weather is good we go outside and start a fire for s’mores. They get mad because “smoke is getting on them”. Well if you was in your intended camp site then you wouldn’t even know I was in mine!!

[tamalynsmith]

Best advice I can give for directing someone into a site, use walkie talkies or your phones (driver on speaker phone both hands on the wheel) you can talk calmly and quietly. Explain directions without the whole campground hearing the conversation and or your frustrations. Happy camping.

[awaywego]

Something that's really important about the surge protector is everyone needs to go. When you buy the surge protector, go to a hardware store and get a very heavy chain or one of those that are super duty and a very good luck with a key. Take the chain. Put it through the loop that is on your surge protector. Take it around the post where the electric is and then put the lock on the chain with something that cost at least $280. You want to protect it because there are people that want to take it

[donmunro]

Parking at truckstops is another issue. If you're parked at a truckstop, a truck cannot use that spot. If you must park at one use the rv spots or don't open your slide outs. A driver maybe trying to park in the middle of the night, he may not see it and back into it.

[johnnykrantz]

It’s always a good idea to have lists, a list for setting up & for breaking camp, also good to share chores. Maybe he gets things buttoned up outside while the boss secures things inside for travel. Go over list before rolling out & make sure all are done. Final walk around is important, always try to leave campsites better than you found em. Talk to others & add to & or adjust lists make for a safer & happier camping experience 🕺

[stevenemert]

#5 slide clearance. I really like HappilyEverHanks idea of having a couple of dowels the same length as the slide out length, and using them as a guage to test it before sliding them out.

[maryespinola]

When leaving, I always stay in the campsite as my husband drives out. I walk around and check that all the hatches are closed and locked and nothing is attached. But also check the grounds for items left behind: dog leash, trash that blew under the camper, check the picnic table for stuff left for the last minute that I forgot, etc....I try to leave the site the way I would like to find it.

[TexasLadyS]

We’re stationary full timers and watching people pull in with their fancy new rig is usually pretty interesting. My favorite part is when the husband is trying to get it pulled in straight and the wife is directing him from behind the rig. She usually can’t be seen and, depending on the tow vehicle they’re using, she can’t really be heard either. You can really tell a lot about a couple by the way they complete this maneuver. If they’re totally in sync, it’s a beautiful thing to see. If they’re not, it’s highly entertaining. 😂 I did once stop some folks in a Class A who were pulling out with one of their slides extended. It was on the driver’s side so you’d think he’d have seen it but that just shows how distracted you can be when leaving a campground.

[uniquecampingmarine]

Thank you for telling others about us. We don't want anyone to have a poopsie. I am so glad you do such a great job educating Rv'ers

[nicolausranker]

You should survey the site before parking the rv. When surveying, you are looking for the best location to park the rv for all accessories, slides, leveling equipment, power hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, and antennas. Don't even start parking that thing until you have some sort of plan that includes approach angles and turning points.

[ZazuMom]

I can't stress enough the importance of the walk around. No matter where you are. You have no idea what; if anything, is happening while you sleep. I made a quick overnight stop in a rest area. A really nice rest area. For some reason I decided to do a walk around just before pulling out and discovered my right front tire was flat. This prevented me from not only hitting the interstate with 75 mph limits, but it was also pouring rain and windy. I shudder to think what might have happened if I hadn't done this. Since that day I never pull out without a walk around. No matter where I am.

[PineGeri]

We started using Unique in our RV last year…after watching your vids! Great stuff and when on Facebook and other RV’rs ask about black tank issues or TP I refer them to your videos addressing this!

[yardboy]

After two years of RV-ing and watching this video I’m glad I got out of RV-ing, it is so much work.

[connieheep]

Thank You! ❤ I enjoy your approach to resolving things that present while camping n RV’ing💥

[warroberts]

Great Video, thank you. I have found out what's even as if not more important then positioning your RV for proper leveling and within reach of utilities is to ensure you have power from the 30/50 amp services. Nothing like perfectly positioning your vehicle to find out you need to move due to not having power, that is always my first task.

[Bleda]

Ha, I knew I recognized those no dog or horses sign at tillis hills before you showed the sign later in the video. We camp there all the time in our TT, Holder Mine just north of it in the forest is dog friendly and has really nice flat pads.

[trincinf]

i once took off with my awning completely out. that could have been disastorous. Now i use a checklist. it was easier to do than you think.

[coachbobbarnes]

If you have slide outs, you can note measurements somewhere and carry around a tape measure. Or you can just use your body parts that are always with you. Put out your longest slide out piece. Stand beside the RV and touch it with your outstretched finger. Where does the overhang (plus desired buffer) come out to? Your closer shoulder? Your midline? Your far shoulder? Remember that measure against your own anatomy and then you can scout your parking spot easily with a walk-around.