The beauty of an RV is that you can have all of the comforts of home combined with the freedom to go almost anywhere. Over the years, Nohr’s RV Center has noticed that setting up camp can be daunting for people new to RVing. We also know that the quality of your camp will affect the quality of your trip. These useful tips provide a guide for first-time RVers trying to set up camp.
Parking and Securing
Try to select a level
site. Disconnect any towed trailers or vehicles from the RV. Engage the parking brake and
put chocks in on the outer side of the outer wheel pairs. Always use outriggers or stabilizing jacks designed for your
RV.
Electrical Connections
Disengage the chassis
power. Make sure that all appliances or the main circuit breaker are off. Use a
voltmeter to verify that you are getting between 107 and 130 volts of current. Connect the RV to the appropriate outlet, and energize the
outlet. Turn on the main breaker or necessary appliances. To avoid overloading
the amperage, disconnect items unused items.
Water and Sewage
Connecting the water
supply involves connecting a single hose to the site’s hose-bib. Before you
connect, run the water for a few minutes to cycle water through the lines. This
removes old water and sediments in the water line. Most campgrounds will have a
centralized disposal site for tank water and
personal rubbish. Even if a trash can is provided, be considerate and
dispose of your household waste yourself. Accumulated waste attracts insects
and rodents and may emit unpleasant odors.
Personalize the Site
An area rug can make the space outside the RV more comfortable.
Use a rug designed for outdoor use which allows water and sunlight to pass
through. For short-term camping, a large tarp will work, but it could be a
problem during rains because water cannot seep through the material. It is also
a good idea to place a “mud” rug or a tub of water at the edge of your ground
cloth to allow cleaning your shoes or washing your feet.
Lighting the Site
Exterior
lighting ideas
range from gas and battery powered lanterns to decorative string lights. Solar
lighting is gaining popularity as low-cost, high output lights. The ultimate in
portability, solar lights will absorb enough daily charge for hours of
nighttime use.With the campsite set up and secured, your family is ready to enjoy the area. As long as your RV is kept in good mechanical and electrical condition, everything will go fine. To make sure you have the bases covered, have your motorhome inspected before you leave the Bay Area. Just stop by our Tracy location and have it checked out by the service staff at Nohr’s RV Center.
