RV 101® / RV Education 101®

A big part of the camping experience is the campground experience. Here are some tips and tricks to help make your next campground stay as pleasant and carefree as possible.

• If you know where you’ll be staying make campground reservations at your favorite campground in advance, particularly during prime travel season. With a reservation there will always be a site waiting for you when you arrive.
• Plan to stop traveling while there is still plenty of daylight so you can get set-up, get settled in, and enjoy some of the amenities the campground has to offer.
• When you arrive at the campground, ask to see the site before you accept it. Ask if there are any pull-thru sites available. If you are not proficient at backing this can ease the stress of having to back your unit into the campsite.
• Make sure the electrical source is compatible with your RV’s electrical system.
• Make sure the site will accommodate the length of your RV and vehicle.
• If it’s hot outside request a site that is in the shade, if possible. This will help the refrigerator and AC work more efficiently.
• Check the site for any overhead obstacles that might interfere with the campground set-up, and when you position the unit on the site make sure there is enough clearance for slide-outs and the patio awning.
• Level the RV and chock the wheels before disconnecting from the tow vehicle (for towable RVs.)
• Test the polarity and voltage prior to plugging the RV into any electrical source. After you test the electrical source turn the breaker off, plug the RV in and turn the breaker back on.
• Campground voltage can fluctuate depending on the demand. You should use a quality surge protector to protect your RV’s electrical equipment and appliances in the event AC voltage drops below 105-volts or goes above 130-volts.
• Keep a variety of electrical adapters on hand in case you need them. You should also have an extension cord that is compatible with the electrical system on your RV.  The gauges of wire used in standard household type extension cords are not suitable for RV hook-ups.
• Use a water pressure regulator at the campground to prevent possible damage to your plumbing system from high water pressure. Always connect the pressure regulator at the water source, then connect the drinking hose to it.
• Use a white drinking safe hose to connect from the water source to the RV. It’s a good idea to have a 4-foot, 10-foot and 25-foot hose on hand so you can always reach the campground water hook-up. Take a green or black garden hose for all other uses, like flushing holding tanks or cleaning the RV.
• You should always filter the water going into the RV with a high quality filtration system. The 4-foot or 10-foot drinking hose can be used to go from a water filter to the city water connector on the RV.
• It’s a good idea to have a 10-foot and 20-foot sewer hose available so you can always reach the campground sewer connection. Spend a little extra and get heavy-duty sewer hoses. Keep an assortment of sewer hose adapters and connectors on hand.
• If you’re going to be leaving the campground for more than few minutes it’s a good idea to turn the water supply off until you return. Better safe than sorry.
• Always stow the awning when you’re not going to be at the campsite, and leave it in the stowed position at night.
• Lock your RV and secure valuables when you are not physically at the campsite.
• Keep a spare set of keys for the RV and other vehicles.
• Practice good campground etiquette and leave the campsite in the same condition you found it, or better.
• If you travel with pets, respect other campers as it pertains to your pets. Always use a leash, control any barking and always clean up after your pets.

Hopefully these campground tips will help make all of your campground experiences good memories, rather than memories you would like to forget. For checklists like this and many more check out my Checklists for RVers E-book

Be safe & have a great time camping!

Mark Polk

www.rveducation101.com