Setting Up & Taking Down a Travel Trailer

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Setting up and taking down a travel trailer may seem daunting, especially if you’re new to RV camping. However, with a few simple steps and a bit of practice, you’ll be able to set up camp and pack down with confidence and ease. All of our campers have everything onboard that’s required for making set up and take down a smooth experience and we’ve put together a comprehensive guide outlining beat practices with our renters to help you through each step.

1. Choosing and Positioning Your Campsite

Before you start setting up, it’s essential to pick the right spot for your trailer. Look for a level area that’s large enough for your trailer and allows access to the hookups if you’re staying at a developed campsite. Avoid low-lying areas where water might accumulate if it rains, and check for potential hazards like tree branches overhead.

Once you’ve selected a spot, position your travel trailer according to the site’s layout:

• Align Your Trailer with the Hookups: If you’re in a campground with electric, water, or sewer hookups, park so these are on the appropriate side of your trailer.

• Level the Trailer: Leveling is crucial for proper function of appliances and a comfortable experience. Use a bubble level smartphone app placed on the trailer floor to check both side-to-side and front-to-back levels.

2. Leveling the Trailer Side-to-Side

Before disconnecting from the tow vehicle, make sure the trailer is level side-to-side:

• Use Leveling Blocks: Place leveling blocks under the tires on the low side of the trailer until it’s level. Drive the trailer onto the blocks to achieve the desired height while  BBC allowing adequate space to appropriately chock the wheels.

• Chock the Wheels: Once level side-to-side, chock the wheels on both sides to prevent the trailer from moving while you finish setup.

3. Unhitching and Leveling Front-to-Back

With the trailer leveled side-to-side, it’s time to disconnect from the tow vehicle:

• Lower the Tongue Jack: Use the tongue jack to raise the trailer hitch, freeing it from the tow vehicle’s hitch ball.

• Disconnect Safety Chains and Electrical: Detach the safety chains, breakaway cable, and electrical connection between the trailer and the vehicle.

• Level Front-to-Back: Use the tongue jack to raise or lower the trailer until it is level from front to back. This step is important for stable trailer operation and appliance performance.

4. Stabilize the Trailer

Most travel trailers come with stabilizer jacks that help prevent movement inside the trailer:

• Extend the Stabilizer Jacks: All of our campers have a stabilizer jack drill include. This helps make set up a breeze and eliminates the manual effort required with manual cranks. Lower the stabilizer jacks with the drill until they touch the ground and provide stability. Avoid using these jacks to lift the trailer; they’re only intended to add stability.

• Double Check Stability: Walk around inside the trailer to ensure it’s stable and doesn’t sway. Adjust the jacks as necessary for better stability.

5. Connecting to Utilities

Once your trailer is stable, it’s time to hook up utilities if you’re at a campsite with hookups:

• Water Connection: Connect your drinking-safe hose to the trailer’s fresh water inlet and the campground’s water source. Our water hoses also include a pressure regulator to prevent damage from high water pressure and a in line water filter.

• Electricity Connection: Connect your trailer’s power cord to the campsite’s electrical pedestal. Ensure the breaker is off before plugging in, and flip it back on once connected.

• Sewer Connection (if available): Attach a sewer hose to the trailer’s sewer outlet and connect it to the campground’s sewer inlet. Use a sewer elbow or adapter for a secure fit, and always wear gloves when handling sewer hoses.

6. Setting Up the Interior

After handling the exterior setup, make the interior comfortable and functional:

• Open Slide-Outs: If your trailer has slide-outs, extend them once the trailer is fully leveled and stabilized.

• Adjust Appliances: Turn on the refrigerator and other appliances as needed, allowing them to cool and get ready for use.

• Organize: Set up any furniture, make beds, and organize your belongings for easy access during your stay.

Taking down the trailer requires reversing your setup process, ensuring everything is properly packed and secured before hitting the road.

1. Disconnect Utilities

The first step in packing down is disconnecting all hookups:

• Turn Off Appliances: Turn off appliances like the refrigerator to avoid power surges when disconnecting electricity.

• Unplug the Power Cord: Switch off the breaker, unplug the trailer from the electrical pedestal, and store the power cord in its compartment.

• Disconnect Water and Sewer: Turn off the water source, disconnect the hose, and empty the fresh water tank if needed. Drain and rinse the sewer hose before storing it in its designated compartment.

2. Secure the Interior

Preparing the interior of the trailer is essential to prevent damage while towing:

• Retract Slide-Outs: If you used slide-outs, bring them back in, ensuring the area is clear of obstacles and items.

• Secure Loose Items: Stow away any loose items, secure drawers and cabinets, and close blinds to prevent rattling. Any open liquids can be stowed in the sink to prevent spilling into the Interier.

• Turn Off All Interior Lights and Appliances: Ensure everything is powered down and any switches are off to conserve battery power.

3. Retract Stabilizer Jacks

With the interior secure, return to the outside to retract the stabilizer jacks:

• Raise the Stabilizer Jacks: Using the stabilizer jack drill, retract each stabilizer jack until fully lifted. Double-check that they’re securely up to avoid dragging while driving.

4. Hitching Up to the Tow Vehicle

Once everything is packed up, it’s time to reconnect the trailer to your tow vehicle:

• Back Up the Tow Vehicle: Align the vehicle with the trailer hitch and lower the tongue jack until the hitch ball is positioned directly under the coupler.

• Lower the Trailer Onto the Hitch Ball: Use the tongue jack to lower the trailer until the coupler sits securely on the hitch ball. Lock the coupler in place and retract the tongue jack fully.

• Attach Safety Chains and Electrical Connection: Cross the safety chains under the hitch and attach them to the tow vehicle. Connect the trailer’s electrical plug to the vehicle’s socket for lights and brake signals, and ensure the breakaway cable is attached.

5. Remove Wheel Chocks and Double Check

Before you drive away, double-check everything:

• Remove Wheel Chocks: Retrieve the chocks from the trailer wheels.

• Do a Final Walkaround: Inspect the entire trailer to make sure all items are secure, the hitch is locked, and no belongings are left behind. Ensure lights and turn signals are working by testing them once hooked up to the tow vehicle.

1. Practice Makes Perfect: The more you set up and take down a travel trailer, the faster and easier it becomes. Take your time, especially when starting out, to avoid missing any critical steps.

2. Use a Checklist: Keeping a checklist handy is a great way to make sure you don’t overlook anything in the setup or takedown process.

3. Stay Safe: Always prioritize safety when handling connections, leveling, and stabilizing the trailer. This ensures not only a successful setup but a secure and enjoyable camping experience.

By following these steps and becoming familiar with your trailer’s features, you’ll quickly become confident in setting up and taking down a travel trailer, making each trip an enjoyable and stress-free adventure.