Travel Trailer Setup and Take Down Guide

---

Setting up and taking down a travel trailer may seem daunting, especially if you’re new to RV camping. However, with a few simple RV camping tips 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 the trailer take down and setup a smooth experience, and we’ve put together a comprehensive guide outlining best practices with our renters to help you through each step.

1. Choosing and Positioning Your Campsite for RV Camping

Before you start the RV camping experience, 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 the 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 allowing adequate space to 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 your setup. This is especially important in the RV camping process.

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 during your RV camping.

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 include stabilizer jacks, making the setup a breeze, especially as it eliminates the manual effort required with cranking. Lower the stabilizer jacks until they touch the ground and provide stability, but 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 an inline 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, ensuring a smooth trailer take down at the end of your trip.

Taking down the trailer requires reversing your setup process, ensuring everything is properly packed and secured before hitting the road. Here are some essential RV camping tips for a smooth trailer take down.

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 interior.

• 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 the process becomes. Spend some time on this, especially when starting out, to avoid missing any crucial steps in your RV camping tips.

2. Use a Checklist: Keeping a checklist handy is a great way to ensure you don’t overlook anything during the setup or trailer take down process.

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

By following these RV camping tips and becoming familiar with your trailer’s features, you’ll quickly gain confidence in setting up and taking down a travel trailer, transforming each trip into an enjoyable and stress-free adventure.