The Complete RV Set-Up Guide for Easy Campground Arrival
📄 Download the Travel Trailer Setup Checklist [PDF]
📄 Download the Travel Trailer Setup Checklist [DOCX]
Pulling into a new campground is one of the best feelings in RV life—but it can quickly turn stressful if you are not sure what to do next. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or full-time traveler, this travel trailer setup checklist has everything you need to get your campsite dialed in the right way, every time.
This is not just a generic RV checklist—it is the same step-by-step camper setup checklist we use when pulling into any campground with our travel trailer. It covers everything from leveling and stabilizing to hookups and final touches. Let’s break it all down!
🧭 Before You Park
Start with safety and positioning.
- Check water and electric at the site – Make sure the hookups are functioning before backing in. If power or water is faulty, you will want to know before you unhook.
- Clear distance for slides – Always inspect both sides of your camper to ensure slide-outs will open without hitting trees, posts, or your neighbor’s gear.
- Park on level ground – Helps your fridge work properly and keeps everything inside feeling balanced and stable.
🛞 Securing and Leveling Your Travel Trailer
Once in place, get your rig secured and stabilized.
- Chock tires – Prevents the trailer from rolling when unhitched. Use wheel chocks on both sides of at least one axle.
- Level camper – Use a bubble level or leveling blocks to even out your trailer side-to-side.
- X-Chock tires – Optional but great for reducing wiggle and bounce once parked.
- Drop tow stabilizer – Adds front-end support before you unhook.
- Disconnect hitch – Carefully unhook the trailer from your tow vehicle once stabilized.
- Store sway bars – Keep them clean and out of the way to avoid damage or injury.
- Drop stabilizers – Lower your corner jacks to prevent bounce and rocking inside the camper.
⚡ Hooking Up Power
Power up safely and protect your RV systems.
- Ensure all electrical is off inside – Protects your appliances from any unexpected surges.
- Plug-in electric surge protector – Shields your RV from voltage spikes or bad campground wiring.
- Connect electric to surge protector – Plug the main power cord into your surge protector.
- Lock protector in place – Optional lock kits keep your surge protector from being stolen.
💧 Water and Sewer Connections
Time to get your utilities flowing.
- Hook up water components – Attach your water pressure regulator, filter, and drinking-safe hose.
- Hook up gray water to the sewer – Optional for short stays, but a must for longer ones.
- Drop in black water pods – Add tank treatment early to help with odor control and waste breakdown.
- Turn on the water heater – Make sure it’s full before powering it on (electric or propane).
- Wash hands – Always a good idea after handling hoses and sewer lines.
🔥 Final Setup and Comfort
The last few steps to get you fully camp-ready.
- Turn on propane – Open your tanks to enable cooking, heating, and propane fridges.
- Ensure slides are clear of cords – Make sure nothing is in the way or could be pinched.
- Open slides – Expand your space once it’s safe to do so.
- Turn on interior power – Flip on lights, fans, and any other essentials.
- Turn on fridges – Let it begin cooling before adding groceries.
- Secure all containers in storage – Put away hoses, bins, and any loose gear to keep things neat and trip-safe.
🧺 Optional Extras for a Cozy Campsite
Once the essentials are done, go ahead and set the vibe.
- Lay down an outdoor rug
- Set up camp chairs and the awning
- Turn on string lights or lanterns
- Connect to campground Wi-Fi or a hotspot
- Double check quiet hours and local rules
Why a Travel Trailer Setup Checklist Matters
Using a travel trailer set up checklist ensures your RV is safe, secure, and fully operational. It helps prevent costly damage, keeps your family safe, and lets you relax knowing you did it all right the first time.
Whether you’re a full-timer, weekender, or brand-new RVer, having a repeatable system turns arrival into a fun routine—not a stressful guessing game.
