Last Updated on March 20, 2025
With RV season in full swing, it's the perfect time to brush up on some essential tips to make your camping experience smooth and enjoyable. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a rookie just getting your feet wet, avoiding common mistakes can save you a lot of hassle and embarrassment at the campsite. We found a great video that outlines five critical errors to avoid when setting up your travel trailer.
1. Keep Your Cool When Backing In
Does your confidence deflate faster than a popped tire when it's time to back your rig in? Or maybe you get a little anxious when you're the only one pulling in, and everyone at the campground is watching you? Well, that's where patience comes in, my friends. Trust us, we've been there. It's really easy to feel like a raging bull ready to charge when you're trying to back this behemoth into these tiny sites. From nearly missing the neighbor's truck to backing into the picnic table or even taking out a tree limb or two, parking an RV is a comedy of errors waiting to happen. But that's what makes it fun, right? Embrace the chaos, embrace the fun, and most importantly, embrace the art of patience while you're backing this thing in.
2. Don't Park Too Far from the Electrical Box
Picture this: you're all excited for the camping weekend, you get everything finally parked and level, and then you realize—oops, you're way too far from the electrical box. Now you're left with only two crappy choices: either pack everything up, re-hitch, and reset, or try to stretch your electrical cord like it's made out of elastic. Of course, we always recommend carrying an extension cord just in case you run into instances like this. It might look goofy, but it beats the alternative. So, avoid the electric limbo and park smart!
3. Never Unhook Your Safety Chains Before You're Completely Unhitched
This is a safety issue that not a lot of people talk about, but it's very important. Never unhook your safety chains before you are completely unhitched and have your wheel chocks out. You certainly don't want to be the talk of the campground as you chase a runaway camper. These chains won't stop you from rolling forward, but they'll certainly stop you from rolling backward down a cliff. Sometimes when you first pop the camper off the ball, it has a tendency to roll, so a good set of wheel chocks is crucial. Waiting to unhook your chains is absolutely important. Don't be that person chasing after a rogue trailer in your pajamas!
4. Don't Use Your Stabilizing Jacks to Level or Lift the RV
These jacks are not designed to support the entire weight of your camper, and using them to level will result in potential damage and all sorts of strain on them. It's kind of like using a fork to eat soup—definitely not the right tool for the job. Only level the camper side-to-side using boards or support blocks, and use the tongue jack to level it front-to-back. Your camper will thank you, your jacks will thank you, and so will your wallet because you won't be buying new ones before your trip. Let's keep the jacks for their intended purpose and avoid any unnecessary expenses.
5. Never Leave Your Black Tank Valve Open While Connected to a Sewer
This mistake can definitely wreak havoc on your septic system, especially with a little thing we like to call the dreaded poop pyramid. Not to mention the look on your neighbor's face while they're trying to enjoy their barbecue, or the smell that's going to come up through your toilet. Leaving the gray tank open is okay, though not necessarily recommended until you have a full tank with enough fluid to flush everything out. Only open the black tank valve when you're ready to dump. Trust me, nobody wants to deal with a poop pyramid—it's not the kind of mountain you want to climb on your vacation.
Remember, the key to a smooth setup is always patience and attention to detail. This list could go on and on. Check out the video below:
