How To Set Up Your RV at a Campground | Site Selection, Hookups & More Tips!

[@RVLifestyle]

We have a companion article for this video that lists the various tips we talk about here (all 17 of them!), as well as sharing links to some of the resources we talk about in the vid. The article can be found on our RV Lifestyle Travel Blog at rvlifestyle.com/rv-setup-at-a-campground/

[@mitchsmolow6268]

Two suggestions. 1. Connect both ends of your power supply before you flip on the breaker. When you connect to your RV with power on you could get some arcing which could shorten the life of your RV connection. There may also be a safety issue if you are on damp ground. 2. Purchase a pressure regulator for your water hose. Just as your electric pedestal could be miswired, your water supply could have excessive, damaging water pressure.

[@carolfyfe9180]

Thanks for the info! I camped for years with my husband and kids in a travel trailer. Now that my partner in crime (or camping) is no longer with us, I've taken the plunge and purchased a Class C 24'. The first couple of times out will be interesting, luckily my sons will be around until I fly solo. Love the videos......from Ohio!

[@LoveBugXOXO]

Good for you! Safe travels and have so much fun!

[@robertg8875]

Mike enjoyed your other career but I really like and enjoy your retirement keep camping very informative!

[@genebjerke3852]

Since our Class B is also our vehicle for local exploring, we have minimized our setup for a campground. As soon as we are backed in (Navigator stands next to the pedestal), I follow this sequence: 1. Test the pedestal with my NCVT; 2. Make sure the 30A switch is off, then plug in the smart surge protector; 3. Then plug in the shore power cord while it is running the tests; 4. Slowly turn on the propane; 5. While the back doors are open, pull the curtains shut (it is easier from the outside); 6, Turn the navigtaor's seat around; 7. When the power comes on, switch the refrigerator from DC to AC; 8. Mix up two Cuba Libres and kick back. This looks like a lot of steps, but the whole process takes less than three minutes. Maybe if there is cable TV we might hook up the cable. We don't bother with water most of the time, that's why we carry it. If we want to drive off to someplace local, it takes about the same time to break down (we don't leave gear behind, we have had it stolen). We drop a couple of collapsible traffic cones to show that the site is taken, and head in to town. No fuss,, no muss.

[@yobabybubba]

My wife and I are renting a 29' rv and going on our 1st trip and 2 weeks. We were wondering if people do it without dragging a vehicle along. They didn't give us that option when renting even though I asked. Thank you.

[@AbdulAbulbulAmir]

After so many years you have become real experts and it shows. Simple set up, no carfuffle and no regrets. "Why didn't we buy the auto leveller?", "why did we buy this when we never use it?" You also make your videos so relaxing to watch. Thanks for sharing you life.

[@loriw2661]

I recommend an external surge/voltage/neutral/ground protector be plugged in first even if you have a hard wired one in your coach. I’d rather know at the pedestal if there’s something wrong rather than frying my 30 or 50 amp cord before the problem hits my internal one. Just a thought. Also, very important…prior to plugging in and prior to unplugging from the pedestal, turn OFF the breakers. I also recommend a water pressure regulator. I have one with an adjustable gauge. Works great! I love your water filter. I’ll be getting one of those. Thanks!

[@Mackenzieadventures1]

The Unity has a built in surge protector.

[@lindaward5338]

Thank you. This was very informative for those of us who have never been in a campground. (We will soon.) I especially liked the tip about using the sticky note and recording where you are staying.

[@briandorsey682]

My wife and I were taking our first road trip to Key West and found Traveling Robert, not knowing that it would spark our interest in RVing, something we never ever thought about. Then we started researching more and we found you guys. This is incredibly helpful in showing us how it’s done. Thank you so much for being a key component in our journey toward a future RV lifestyle. Very informative!

[@wendysimpson134]

This was fantastic! I would love to get a travel trailer and start traveling with my husband, but I’ve always been intimidated by all that’s involved--the step by step setup made it seem so easy! Thank you for this!!!!

[@bobcrispycritterrv2706]

additional safety. Looked like you flipped the breaker before plugging in the umbilical cord. I wouldn't flip the breaker until after all connections have been made.

[@yobabybubba]

Someone else mentioned this in the comments section. What exactly are you talking about? What is the extra plug or ibellical cord as you call it?

[@bobcrispycritterrv2706]

@@yobabybubba The umbilical is simply the electrical cable connecting the electric to the RV

[@yobabybubba]

@@bobcrispycritterrv2706 OK thank you, now I think I understand. So in other words he pluged the cable into the Box, than he turned it on from the Box before plugging it into the rig...but so he should have plugged it into the rig 1st and then turned it on at the Box, correct ?

[@bobcrispycritterrv2706]

@@yobabybubba That's how I do it.

[@yobabybubba]

@@bobcrispycritterrv2706 thank you. I learned something new today. I'm going camping for my 1st time in 2 weeks.

[@rosies1263]

I noticed you connected water hose to faucet without telling us to first flush out faucet in case dirt or bugs hid in it.

[@CarlasLovingWife]

good to know!

[@sashad8204]

You both are just soooo reassuring patient and calm for us newbies especially. Cant thank you enough for making such helpful videos like this especially when I know you are so well past this stage of experience. Always appreciate your tops!

[@srbh41413]

Repeating some others about energizing the cable before having both ends connected being dangerous. The arc possibility is especially dangerous if there's moisture on the ground or lightly raining. Common sense to most, but since you are doing a detailed how-to, I think your usual high standards warrant a re-edit with warnings about being careful with electricity outdoors. Thank you for all the effort you put in.

[@muzerhythm2242]

As someone starting out soon I LOVE these tips!👍😁 Especially the tip on campsite info on a sticky note...if I was injured or other emergency...it's one less thing to worry about when calling for help.

[@dejonsmall9886]

Great vid. It's always good to go over the simple things because simple things can cause you so much grief...

[@janethartwig774]

Oh, I completely enjoyed your video even though I’ll probably never have the pleasure of traveling in an RV. You certainly have the setup organized. Thanks for posting this video.

[@Mackenzieadventures1]

Just bought a used Unity FX and took her on her maiden voyage. Thanks for all the tips! Don’t forget pressure regulator for the water shouldn’t be more than 50 psi.

[@p.i.e.management9245]

THIS IS ONE OF THE VERY BEST SET UP VIDEOS...ON KZbin.. YOU GUYS ARE BEST...THANK YOU

[@sdwesley3]

Thank you for the tips... I am just thinking about the RV travel world. This gives me some ideas and I have even "bookmarked," this video. Be safe and keep making those videos, your great!

[@slister45]

Your rig looks a lot like ours, but we don't have all the automation. We have to level, put out our awning, etc. the old-fashioned way. We are a retired couple with a faithful canine companion, too. We just bought a class C so we need all the advice we can get. Thanks for the great advice!

[@johnnyv5995]

You Guys are so awesome. Stay Safe - enjoy.

[@the_fry_way]

We have a white board for info on where we are. Because as full timers we forget/name escape. We're currently Camphosting in the Hiawatha National Forest in the UP of MI and I actually had to use it the other night to call 911 for a camper. Glad I had it! Great tip! ~Lynette

[@emeraldmorningmist]

I love the videos, thank you for them all! I was a but surprised that you didn't put a water pressure regulator on the water hose before you nice expensive filter.

[@StressLessCamping]

The sticky note with the campground information is a terrific idea.

[@dimitrisraptopoulos1158]

Such great presentation skills…really well done and to the point…you are both so young at heart it is obvious!

[@suzannenelson2630]

We are getting our new Wonder in the spring and this video is priceless. We are not at all technical so please continue to explain and show each step in detail. These videos are incredibly helpful. Thank you!

[@gersonmathias2848]

I accidentally fell into the channel, ready they already won me over. I loved you .. Congratulations, HEALTH and success! (GM - Brazil)

[@larrywoessner5756]

Velcro straps are great for hose and cable management

[@manifestwithlynn]

Thank you for this helpful video on setting up your RV at a campground.

[@shareea202]

I’m NOT an RVer but this was a REALLY great, must watch video for newbies!

[@franciscomedinav]

Wao. That was great. This is gonna be my RV setup video guide when someday I rent or buy an rv and go to a campground. Thank you so much!!

[@suzannea66]

Thanks for the information. Great video! I am getting my first Class B in about a week. I was also told besides a water filter, you should also add a water pressure regulator. What are your thoughts on that device?

[@tuomasholo]

There’s a lot of useful information in this video. Thanks a bunch.

[@r.hooper2355]

On a previous video y’all mentioned bicycles and folding ebikes. The best folding bike Is the Brompton. It’s almost like a trifold. They have replaced the front wheel with a hub motor and you have an e-bike. They are expensive but I think worth it. Brompton are made outside of London and are a very popular international folding bike. Enjoy 73 K4QJS

[@cvx2dog549]

Nicely done presentation!

[@maureenkwarcinski4117]

Oh my goodness! I just finished watching and I just had to tell you, I loved your video. Thank you for sharing it with us. ❤️😊

[@rossl.2929]

No pressure regulator? I've seen many problems from over pressure in plumbing systems in RVs

[@73av8r5]

We’ve been trailer camping for a few years now. This past June I managed to rip out my slide out window on a state park kiosk turnout. Didn’t swing wide enough. Oh well....stuff happens I guess. The perils of camping 😱. We’re looking at changing to a class B/C one of these days. 👍🏻

[@seede]

Thank you, this is a great beginner’s explanation on set up!

[@keyplayer5]

This video got me so excited to go camping. I told my husband, let’s get a cheap tent and get started. 😀💕 Excellent information - so much help for us newbies still struggling to get a camper! Thanks for all you do!

[@sammiepuppy4196]

Bo looks like a happy camper! Thank you for sharing your tips and suggestions. Travel safely and stay healthy.

[@GreatGrannyFreeBird]

seems like I learn something new every time I watch one of your videos!

[@karenbochinski]

WOW this was wonderful to watch

[@GertieBirdieJems]

Thank you for such an informative video! I'm a newbie looking to purchase either a Class B or Class C.

[@americanrvtraveler2446]

Because of you water connect at RV, you need to have the water filter at hose bib. I prefer to connect the water filter to RV and then have water hose connect to water pressure regulator at hose bib. Water hoses can get contaminated when in storage.

[@petervachon6989]

Go you one further. Run the spigot at the source a bit before you hookup the line to clear the line of anything inside if the supply does not have a cover.

[@tonyrodriguez3698]

Cool,I love your video just dont forget to hook up your black and grey water tanks discharge hose.

[@discoveringlockenest8420]

Great video thanks for sharing! I have seen other RV’s swear by a “pressure regulator” on the water line. Does your RV have a built in regulator? 🤙

[@mitzihoward6344]

Re water hook up: after connecting the hose, is there any order to opening the campground water tap, and setting the camper to city water? Are there ever sewage connections at campsites & how to hook up? Are you going to do a video on breaking camp? Thanks so much. Your videos are very helpful.

[@ronyano]

Great video and advice. Thanks for publishing this.

[@jeandecker4073]

Great tips. I sure like your Wonder but I can see that I’d have problems hooking up the water as I cannot bend over very far or go down on my knees. Perhaps I could do it if I were sitting.

[@K4t77]

This is a great tutorial. Thank you so much for taking time to make this and then sharing 🙂

[@noworries.8601]

Thank you. Very well done and super helpful!

[@lauraweger4403]

You are only about 10-15 minutes (depending on how fast you take Predmore) from my mother's house in Lake Orion. :)

[@selectshelley]

Such a helpful, easy to follow video. Thanks! Shelley from San Diego

[@TXAggiemomma]

Haha....doesn’t look like Bo was going anywhere. He’s a good boy! 🐶💜

[@faithrada]

The devil's in the details. I have no doubt you have saved MANY campers a lot of headaches. Good Job guys.

[@debrakreck-harnish977]

Love your videos and appreciate all you have taught my husband and me. In one video, I saw the bungee netting in your overhead cabinets. Where can I find that? Thank you so much.

[@devodoesdrivingk6856]

I can’t thank you enough for going through the set up so thoroughly! I always learn so much from y’all!! 💋😍 I really think the sticky note idea is a good one! Even maybe take a picture of the note and send it to someone on your contact list in case they need to find you. For safety’s sake.

[@Francesca1545]

We just got home yesterday and now I want to go right back out after watching you two. 😎. Thank you for the info especially on the green water filter thingie. Will be telling the hubby about that. 👍🏼☮️

[@kellyphillips4404]

Watching from Kentucky

[@Maryana1964]

Thanks for all the tips. Be safe. 😊

[@darci12u]

Mike &Jen I mentioned what I use to sit outside when the mosquitos are hungry ,if its okay I will tell you again I misspelled it last time It is called Thermalcell and it is so convenient Please check it out on at Academy I got mine at wsl mart... Happy Trails

[@globalstories1409]

Que bueno son sus videos y hacen una pareja emocionante.

[@youknow457]

So awesome to find your channel. You have the RV I dream of owning. Look forward to following your travels.

[@robertellis3824]

Great video! We're new to the RV world and this video is very helpful.

[@935frank]

Thanks Mike and Jennifer this was a good video, Hope you two had fun at the campground wish you would have had a Meetup their we live just up the road off of Rochester Rd we know you guys don't live to far from us here in Almont Mi one day will run into you two at a loco meetup thanks

[@GaryMiller1973]

Supper helpful video! An absolute abundance of useful information. Thank you so much 😊!!!!

[@marylublankenship6398]

Thank you for this video! All great information.

[@robertg8875]

Mike im digging your retirement!!!

[@kknit6032]

My only comment is that I was told to always make sure the power at the pedestal is always turned OFF before you plug in. Then turn it on after you plug in. I always check and many are NOT turned off when I am ready to plug in. I understand that you have a surge protector built in to your rig, but many of us do not. And, one should always turn off the power, at the pedestal, before disconnecting, to avoid any issues.

[@stanherbert3772]

Thanks for the tips, you guys are very professional thank you thank you. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@wendyeesue]

Very informative, thanks, we are new to using hook ups at horse campgrounds

[@Cruzinthecoach]

Hey guys what are those black boxs you had on your shirts with the blue circle? Love your shows

[@angelakaiser3110]

Great video! We appreciate you guys and all of your wisdom!! Stay safe!

[@gregjohnson720]

What are those little pager looking badges clipped on your shirts?

[@ronammologist16]

Love your Elk hound. Iv had several over the years. How many times a day do you brush him? They shed crazy amounts of fur.

[@darlenekeene755]

Excellent. Thoroughly enjoyed the information. Thank you.

[@kevinburdette3231]

I’m a soon-to-be RV Newbie here. Couple of questions. Do you not hook up you black/grey tank hose when you setup camp? Also, what are the black boxes clipped to you in the beginning of the video? Thanks. Your video has helped to build my confidence for when we start our RV adventures.

[@abetterlife3088]

Good video...what about sewage? Necessity!

[@pilcomayo277]

Thanks, I have a question you no have black tank to attach ?

[@deniseracine6788]

Thank you for the excellent videos! What do you do with your dog when you need to leave him behind?

[@elainekellaway8923]

Thanks for the informative video. Did I miss the hook up for solid or black water waste? Did the campsite you were demonstrating not have this? Thank you!

[@dr.conradm.4824]

Nice job, guys! Thank you.

[@lorijennings8628]

do you have to do any leveling or blocking off tires to make sure it doesn't move while walking around in van?

[@kawaiimisanga]

You guys the loveliest ❤️ Thank you!😊

[@canuck52]

Can you tell me what the distance is between the top of the slide out and the top of the garage opening? And the distance to the storage roof from the slide once the item is through the opening? Trying to figure out what will fit. Thx.

[@dayaghass]

Wow what a nice good infos ,it was a good idea how to setup an RV , I like it , enjoy ur times and god bless you .

[@pineasebutler9679]

Thank you so much for sharing that. I had not a clue of what to do.

[@sdearing6375]

Just FYI - the water filter is not available on amazon any more. I am going to look to see where else it might be available

[@lavinia5160]

How do you do! I love the "division of labor" between the two of you. Let me explain. I got my eyes on you. Thank you！

[@lorettatayor5840]

Does your fresh water tank beep to let you know it's full?, or do you have to visually look at the panel?

[@sueturner8122]

Very helpful video thank you. May I make a well meaning comment about tying a dog to a vehicle. It’s too easy to forget when we have such a lot to remember when getting in the vehicle and leaving for whatever reason. Please people find some other way of tying your dog, or maybe tie it to the front drivers door, but not on the back hitch.

[@jimbridge4166]

Great common sense presentation. Thanks for sharing.

[@mariondiemert430]

Thank you for the tips! Your videos are always so informative. Love them.

[@heyawoo]

Very nice video, thx for your tips!

[@wande.RV.iew1]

I'm looking.... But just cannot find the water filter you show in this episode. Can you please send me a link for it? Thank you!

[@glowingmonkey9033]

Thank you so much for the video! My wife and I always want to try RV traveling. Any suggestions on bring young kids traveling along? And also anything about security and safety traveling to unknown camp site or to the wild? Theft, Intruder kinda thing.

[@mobonds1]

You guys are super. Thanks for all the good information.

[@brianjgibson1006]

Why did you not use a pressure regulator on your water connection?