Here we will try to cover most of the basics of setting up camp correctly and a list of supplies you will need to do so. Items such as water and sewer hookup, leveling your unit and black water preparation. Lighting the water heater and the pilot on the stove along with other basic information. Following these steps will ensure a safe and happy camping adventure. Please remember if you have a problem in the campground with setting up contact the park ranger. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to  Contact Us. Visit the WeCamp2 Forum to discuss all kinds of camping information.

Leveling Your Unit

RV leveling is one of the most important set-up procedures you will perform. With the unit level you will sleep better, your refrigerator will operate better and your walking inside of the unit will be pleasant. Follow these steps to level your RV.
1. Level your unit from side to side first. It may be necessary to add blocks under your tires to achieve this. (tip: when looking at your level remember that the blocks will go under the side that is furthest away from the bubble.) If you are looking at the bubble and it is on the left, you need to put blocks under the right side of the trailer.
2. Now you will need to level from front to back. One point here, you may need to go up with the front jack before unhitching. This would allow for downward movement so you can get the RV level front to back.

Wheel Chucks

Once your unit is level from side to side, you will then need to put chucks under your tires before you unhitch. Once you have the chucks under the tires put the tow vehicle in neutral and let the trailer settle into one of the chucks. If you have a loose chuck after doing this then push the other chuck into the tire. This will assist in stabilizing the trailer from rocking front to back. It is also a good idea to put a chuck under your tire if you are stopping to fuel up or just for a rest. This is a good safety habit and is worth the 5 seconds it takes to do this.

Shore Power

For those of us that use shore power (that is connecting to an electrical outlet) remember to first turn off the breaker in the box before plugging in and unplugging the power cord. If there is something wrong with the breaker or outlet see the park ranger for assistance. Electricity is nothing to play with. It is a good habit to plug into the shore power before operating your slide outs. You will find that they operate better being plugged into shore power. Most manufactures even recommend this now.

Water Hook-Up

Hooking up your water supply is simple. First make sure that you have a pressure regulator and it is on the end of the hose closest to the water spigot. It may be a good idea to carry a spray bottle of diluted bleach. Just give a light spray on the ends that will meet at the water source. This is just a good sanitization tip. RV regulators keep the pressure going into the RV between 40-45 PSI. Without the regulator you risk having your plumbing leak. Also be sure to use a hose designated safe for drinking water. Once hooked up, run water through the hose before connecting it to your RV. This will help cut down on air getting into the line.

Hot Water Heater

Lighting the pilot on your hot water is easy. Simply have a match or one of the long lighters in your hand. Turn the dial to pilot and light the pilot. Keep the pilot dial in the pilot position for about 30 seconds and then switch the dial to on. If you have electronic ignition press the button to the on position, this will be located in the RV itself. You should have a steady flame into the heating tube and most of the flame should be blue. If the flame is not blue and is yellow in color. Shut the unit down and check the supply tube for spiders. Yes spiders, they love the smell that is put into the gas for odor detection. Simply blow into the tube or clean out with a blast of air. You may also use a pipe cleaner.

Advertise With Us • Contact Us • WeCamp2 Sponsors • Legal Notice
© 2002-2004 WeCamp2