ABC's of setting up at camp site

[progolfer]

Please can someone give me the correct order for setting up at the camp site. I know I should start with the JACKS and then where to from there. We are very new at this and thank goodness this website is available. A lot of you have already answered a lot of questions and I really thank you for your replies. We will be going on our first trip April 6th. This is also our 47th. wedding anniversary and I would like to have some things go right. If someone could guide me through this starting with after the JACKS are set I would be very grateful. As always a big THANK YOU to everyone who helps with this.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by progolfer

Please can someone give me the correct order for setting up at the camp site. I know I should start with the JACKS and then where to from there. We are very new at this and thank goodness this website is available. A lot of you have already answered a lot of questions and I really thank you for your replies. We will be going on our first trip April 6th. This is also our 47th. wedding anniversary and I would like to have some things go right. If someone could guide me through this starting with after the JACKS are set I would be very grateful. As always a big THANK YOU to everyone who helps with this.

The very 1st thing is block/chock/lock the wheels.

[Grouch1]

1st make shore you are level then plug in your camper make shore the power is off at ped then plug in I use a surge protector to test if power is ok then I do the water and then sewer I also don't put my slides out until it is level and the jacks are down. And another thing everybody has there way of hooking up it all in the way you prover. So good look and happy travels

[mlangdn]

Here's a checklist. Don't let it scare you because of length. This doesn't take that long!

[bob caldwell]

It's more fun to chase them and do a landing gear check

[dan-nickie]

Do you guys know he has a Class A type RV?

Here is a simple one in this link.

http://gorving.com/what-to-do/setting-up-camp


Setting Up Camp
RVers are some of the friendliest, most helpful people you will ever meet. Don’t be surprised if you pull into your site and your neighbor, whom you never met, is right there to assist and offer advice. Never be afraid to ask for help – everyone was a newbie at one time.

RVs vary, so this checklist is not meant to be all-inclusive. It is just a list of the high points to be sure you have it covered when you first take to a campground in your RV.

When you arrive
If you’re new to RV camping, at check-in, ask if the campground provides an escort service for first-timers. A seasoned staffer will guide you to your site and assist you in getting parked and leveled.
After arriving at your assigned site
Determine if you need to back in or if it is a pull-through site. Know where your water, electrical and sewer hookups are on your RV. Position the RV so you have easy access to the hookups on the site.
Be sure there are no low-hanging branches or other obstacles that will interfere with the RV. If you have a slideout or awning, be sure there is room on either side for those to fully extend.
Once positioned at the site
Apply the parking brake if you have a motorhome (as a safety precaution, slideouts will not operate if the parking brake is not engaged).
The ground is not always flat, so level your RV as necessary, using blocks or stabilizing jacks if your RV is equipped with them.

Powering up
Make a connection. Plug the electrical shore power cord into the campsite receptacle that matches the amperage requirements of your RV. Electrical adapters may be needed, but keep extension cord use to a minimum.
Switch your refrigerator to the AC setting to draw on the electricity rather than your propane.

Water supply
Always use a white potable RV drinking water hose. Attach it to the tank on the side of your unit and run the other end to the campground water supply. Turn on the water and check for any leaks.
When you are hooked up to a water supply, you don’t need the 12-volt water pump. The pump is used to draw water from the fresh water tank when an external source is not available.

The finishing touches
Turn the main LP gas supply valve on at the tank or bottles.
Now it’s time to set up the exterior of your home away from home. Put an outdoor carpet mat down if you have one.
Set up the lawn chairs and put the awning out per the manufacturer’s instructions – be sure to close and secure your awning if storms or winds are expected.

Now relax and enjoy your getaway! RVers often ask to tour your RV if it’s a model they are unfamiliar with and likewise will invite you in to see theirs.

[dan-nickie]

Once you get the process, you really should do a test run before you take a trip to make sure everything works and get familiar with things.

Is there is a close by RV park you could try for a day or even in your driveway>

[bob caldwell]

Ther's no shame in trying a set-up at home if you have the space. I think people think everyones watching everyone's else move and we all become to self-conchance(?). Look at your signature.... nothing should distract you.

[wayne and sherry]

I've had my FR3 30DS 2015 now for 3 weeks.. I've been exercising the RV in my drive way every weekend. Jacks up, jacks down, power hooked up, power unhooked, slides in, slides out. Still to early up here in Minnesota to risk exercising any of the water systems. I've been crawling all over the RV as if it were a new jungle gym. I've explored the underside looking for any issues, pinched or loose wires, zerk fittings, location of oil filter and drain plugs, pulling on and giggling stuff. So far everything seems hunky dory eh.


Jenny (FR3/30DS)

[wayne and sherry]

Today I'll try the furnace for the 1st time, and oh by the way, someone at some place at sometime here talked about the AC unit having a heat pump..? Any info on that whole deal?


Jenny (FR3/30DS)

[bubbles]

As you said, level your unit first and shut engine off. Make all external hookups (water, power, sewage, cable etc.) and then extend your slideouts and ready the systems inside for your stay. The heat pump (if you have one) is using the air conditioner as a heater. If you have one it will be a selection on your thermostat. Some units have a heat strip and that is a coil within the air conditioner ducting for heater function but again that function will be annotated on your thermostat if that's what you have. Heat strip not very efficient and we don't use it. Heat pump works pretty good though. Everyone will probably have a sequence of events for site set up and this is mine. I like to do the external hookups before the slides come out because some of the hookups and preparation would be hindered with the slides out. However; external power hookup before slide deploy will aid 12volt slide power draw.

[Anders]

Here are some of the things that we have found making RV'ing easier and more enjoyable. I especially like the coiled water hose (make sure it is for drinking water). Makes hooking up and disconnecting the water a breeze. We Discover Canada And Beyond: The Little Things, Make The RV Life Easy

[bigduke1956]

Hello All, I am so pleased to own a FR3, seems like this forum group of operators is very helpful to us 'Newbies', it is greatly appreciated, I have read so many postings, then run out to the RV to check it out, I am retired, so have a lot of time; I am a 'pay it forward' type of person, so hope to meet some of you on road, sooner or later; thanks much to you for everything

[spicyrv]

Really great advice given here. One thing we found handy when we started was having a check list, much like the previous poster shared. We printed off several copies and literally checked off items on the list as they were completed. In no time at all it became second nature to do them. As was also pointed out, the people you run into are usually really friendly and ready to help.