Some of the most stressful aspects of camping in your trailer for the first time include packing/stocking it initially, towing it, and setting it up at your camp spot. Nothing to worry about, though! Setting up your trailer for the first time is actually quite a bit easier than you would think. It can take a little bit of time, but putting in the effort and setting everything up correctly will ensure that you have a great, (hopefully) problem-free first time camping. 

Many campers have found that a checklist is the easiest thing to follow when setting up (and taking down) your trailer campsite. After a few times of following this camp setup checklist, you’ll find that it goes rather quickly - especially if you divide the tasks up between people. 

Because every camp trailer, travel trailer, and RV model is different, there is no way to individually cover the specifics of each model. Let the following checklist serve as a sort of blueprint for your individual camp trailer or RV, and feel free to make any additions or adjustments for your personal camp setup needs.

Camp Setup Checklist 

• Arrive and check in to your camp spot.

• If you are in an RV and are towing a vehicle, disconnect your towed car.

• Locate your camping spot. 

• If you have to back into your spot, identify which angle is easiest for backing in. You may have to find a way to approach the camp spot from a different angle. This will save a lot of tricky reversing in the long run. 

• Once backed in, chock your wheels (and set the parking brake if you are in an RV).

• Unhitch your trailer, set your trailer to level, then put down your stabilizer jacks. 

• Lock your trailer tongue. 

• If your camp spot has electrical, water, or sewer hookups, hook everything up. With your sewer hose hookup, leave your tank valves closed, and only drain your tanks when they are near full capacity. 

• Ensure that your propane tank valves are open. 

• Turn on either your air conditioner or furnace. This way your trailer can be closer to the temperature you want when you are finished setting up. 

• If you haven’t already, turn your refrigerator on. 

• If you are staying in an RV park or someplace similar that has cable TV, connect your TV coax cable. If there is no coax, raise your antenna. (Optional step). 

• Put out your RV mat, chairs, and awning (weather permitting). 

• Sit back, have a cold (or hot) drink, and enjoy your first camping trip! 

Conclusion

The key to making your first camping trip a success (and not a stressful memory) is to take things slow and focus on learning as you go. There is no way to become a seasoned camper overnight, so enjoy learning how to set up your camp to your liking. A pro tip here is to remember to pack a set of common tools in the event that something needs repair. The last thing you want is to be far away from any type of service station or store and need a wrench, socket set, or screwdriver. Also, you will quickly find that many of your neighbors who are camping are more than happy to offer advice and help, if needed. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance if you need it. We’re all happy to help out first time campers - after all, we’ve all been there before. Happy camping!