For the novice RV owner, setting up at the campground can be somewhat overwhelming. It can take quite a long time and can be frustrating if things don’t go smoothly.
However, it doesn’t have to be that difficult if you develop a checklist and know a few handy tips to make the procedure go faster and more enjoyable.
The first step is preparation and surveying the area for the best site for your rig. Looking for low hanging branches, line of site for satellite systems, and room for awnings and slide rooms is important before even pulling into a site.
You should also know about campground restrictions such as traveling with pets and firewood issues. Most campgrounds have a manager or host that can either spot for you while pulling into a site, or even back the rig in if you are a beginner and have a difficult site to back into.
Extending the slide room seems to be an easy task until you smash a set of lawn chairs tucked away inside the rig, or try pushing over a tree!
Connecting to the campground water source is a relatively easy task, however the campground source is not always the most sanitary and the water is usually hard water. By using a pressure regulator, you will eliminate leaks inside the rig and costly repairs. A common household filter will provide cleaner, better-tasting water, with less lime and calcium buildup in the lines and water pump. Using a quick disconnect and easy access elbow makes connecting a simple task.
Most owners take the electrical system for granted as we plug into the shoreline power and everything works automatically. Not always! You should always check the campground source for proper voltage and wiring and what to do if there is an issue with the power.
There are several things you can do to help yourself get set-up properly, and this class will help you do just that – and ensure a safe and trouble-free stay!
In addition to the detailed video instruction you’ll receive, this online class provides you with some downloadable resources and helpful information including: A detailed Class Guide you can follow and use as a reminder for the key points of the class instruction; resource documents that will help you in testing the water source and hooking up the waste water system; PLUS a bonus video that gives you some advice when using propane with your rig.
NOTE: You’ll receive this Class video instruction in two forms: As on-demand streaming video (in your RV Account); and as a physical DVD, mailed to you.
Class Sessions
Session 1: Entering the Campground
2:52
It is a good idea to stop at the main office to learn about what restrictions are there on pets, generators, campfires, and bringing your own firewood. Getting the “lay of the land” beforehand makes the journey inside much easier.
Session 2: Choosing the Proper Site For You
2:34
Knowing your rig's unique requirements will help choosing the right site! Do you have a satellite dish and need a clear line of sight to the South, or need additional room for an awning and a slide out on the other side? All these and more are covered helping choose a site that fits your needs.
Session 3: Pull Into The Pad
15:11
Most first time RVers struggle with maneuvering in the tight confines of a campground. Using a technique known as the “S” maneuver as you pull up puts the trailer at a slight angle to the pad making the turn less tight. Knowing how your trailer and tow vehicle turn is important as well as the turning radius.
Session 4: Extending the Slide Rooms
3:35
Before extending any slide room, it’s important to check inside and out for items that may be in the way of the slide. Lawn chairs stored inside the rig or trees, garbage cans, and electrical posts can cause quite a bit of damage.
Session 5: Connecting Water
6:44
All campgrounds must certify their water source and post an MSDS sheet in the office. However, bacteria or arsenic can infiltrate a well system between certifications and it’s important to check the quality and hardness of the water before connecting to your rig.
Session 6: Connecting Sewer Hose
9:21
A sewer cap with a smaller garden hose fitting allows owners to slowly open the small cap to make sure no sewage leaked by the valve rather than opening the large cap and risking a disaster! A clear elbow provides a visual to make sure the tank is completely empty.
Session 7: Connecting To Electrical Source
10:40
Checking “Shoreline Power” for the proper voltage and correct wiring is a must before hooking up your rig. You will want to verify at least 115-volts otherwise you can do damage to motors and other electronic equipment. Understanding your power usage is important when plugged into a 30 amp campground source.
Session 8: Final Steps
2:59
Finishing touches includes setting the antenna up and finding the local signals and towers, satellite dish set up with permanent mount and portable units. It’s important to secure or “chock” the wheels of a travel trailer and fifth wheel before disconnecting the tow vehicle.
Your Instructor
Dave Solberg
Dave Solberg is the Managing Editor of the RV Repair Club. For over 25 years, Dave has conducted a wide range of RV maintenance and safety seminars, developed dealer and owner training programs, written RV safety and handyman articles, authored an RV handbook reference guide and logged over 100,000 miles on the road in an RV.
Bonus Material
Class Guide PDF
Download this detailed supplement and keep as a reference for the key points of setting up at a campground
Water Testing Guide PDF
Use this printable reference to help you test the water supply after you connect)
Waste Water Connection Checklist PDF
Print this checklist for things you should have ready as you connect your waste water system
General Set-up Checklist PDF
Print this 1-page sheet as a quick summary of the key steps to take in setting up at any campground
Video: Meet Your Instructor
Download this short video to meet your class instructor, Dave Solberg
Video: Instructor Insight
Download this short video to hear a few insights on this class instruction
Video: Propane Advice
Dave Solberg shares some advice on connecting and using propane tanks with your rig
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I have to be a Member of RV Lifestyle & Repair to purchase a Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on RV Lifestyle & Repair Academy content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great RV videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
How do I access/view my Class?
Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of RV Lifestyle & Repair. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
Do I have to take the Class right away?
No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.
Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?
No problem. Most newer-model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the Class videos. Simply Log In on RV Lifestyle & Repair, and you can view any Class you’ve bought through the MY ACCOUNT section. Or, you can click on the “View Class” link within the email confirmation you’ll receive upon your purchase.
How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
How does the Class Q&A Resource benefit work?
Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but your Class Instructor and RV Lifestyle & Repair contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
Why do you need my email?
We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, in order to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Log In to rvrepairclub.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from RV Lifestyle & Repair from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.
Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How do I contact RV Lifestyle & Repair Academy?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at RVlifestyleandrepair@program-director.net. or call us toll-free, at 1-855-706-3536. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
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