In last month’s Camper-in-Training post I shared suggestions and tips I learned from a UPS driver about how to tow a camper. So I thought it was time to do a quick tutorial about how to set up a camper trailer once you get to the campground.
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As a side note, this campsite was NOT easy to back the camper into and after I successfully got the camper in place Kristin said, “I wish I had been recording for a Camper-in-Training post!” … so be watching for that post in the future.
Below are a series of four videos that will show you the basics of how to safely set up your camper once you have it in the campsite. Let me stress that in order to safely set up your camper, these steps must be completed in the right order.
Video 1: Leveling the camper from side-to-side
A few notes on this video:
- I like to put tri-levelers behind only my rear-most camper wheels if possible. This makes putting X-chocks between the tires easier (since the space between the tires is clear) and when it is time to leave the campsite I can simply pull down off the levelers.
- The exception to this is if I have to go up to the third level of the tri-leveler; then I find the camper is more secure if I put a tri-leveler behind both tires on that side of the camper.
Video 2: Blocking the wheels
A few notes on this video:
- X-Chocks come in two widths based upon whether your camper’s axles are close together or spread axles (like our camper). If your camper’s axles are less than 10″ apart then you need this set of X-Chocks. If you have wide “spread” axles like our camper, then you will need TWO of these X-Chocks, since they are sold separately.
- I always put X-Chocks on both sides of the camper. However, X-Chocks ARE NOT DESIGNED TO KEEP THE CAMPER FROM ROLLING DOWN A HILL. You should always block your tires with something like these.
- I mentioned using a chuck for my drill: I LOVE this inexpensive gadget. You can find one here.
Video 3: Leveling the camper front to back
A few notes on this video:
- I like to use a jack stand to put the front jack on a more stable base, and it gives me an extra 6″ of lift in the front end.
- I typically like to have the front of the camper a smidge higher than the back. This forces water to run off the back of the camper.
- I do keep wood 4×4 pieces in the camper in case the stabilizer jacks need to be extended beyond their range. Since replacing the scissor jacks with these larger jacks, though, I rarely need the 4×4 pieces.
Video 4: Connecting to water & electric
A few notes on this video:
- Since this campsite did not have full hook-up I was not able to show you how to hook up a sewer line. Until I get a video post up about that you could check out my sewer slide post for a general idea about how to connect into the campground sewer.
- Mark Polk from RV Education 101 has a series of posts on understanding camper electricity here.
- And here are links to the water filter and pressure regulator that I referenced in the video. It is also advisable to use a DRINKING water hose (not a garden hose).
So there you have it: a short tutorial on how to set up your camper safely … so you can start campfire chillin!
The content of TheTouringCamper.com is intended for entertainment and information use only and is not to be construed as providing professional advice. Your situation is factually specific and you should accordingly make decisions based upon your specific needs and situation. Extra precautions, additional expert input, and additional research are always advised.
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