Introduction
Setting up a travel trailer can seem daunting, but with a step-by-step approach, it becomes straightforward. This guide will help you efficiently set up your travel trailer, ensuring safety and comfort during your stay.
Step 1: Site Inspection
G.O.A.L. (Get Out and Look): Before you begin setting up your travel trailer, it’s crucial to inspect the site thoroughly. Walk around the site and check for any potential hazards or obstacles that might interfere with your setup. Look for low-hanging branches that could damage your trailer, uneven ground that might affect levelling, and any other elements that could pose a risk. This initial inspection helps ensure a smooth and safe setup process.
Check Power and Water: After inspecting the site, verify that the power and water connections are available nearby. Turn off the breakers before plugging in to prevent any electrical issues. Confirm that there is clear, running water available at the site. Ensuring these utilities are in working order before setting up will save you time and prevent potential issues later on.
Unlock Storage: Unlock all doors and storage compartments on your trailer. This makes it easier to access the necessary tools and equipment for the setup process without having to search for keys later. By keeping everything accessible, you can streamline the setup process and avoid unnecessary delays.
Step 2: Positioning the Trailer
Clearance Checks: Before you position your trailer, ensure there is ample space for slide-outs, power cords, water hoses, sewer hoses, and the awning. Walk around the site to identify any obstacles that might interfere with these components once the trailer is parked and set up. This helps avoid any adjustments after the trailer is in place.
Initial Setup: When positioning your trailer, keep the steps off the ground until it is time to lower them to avoid damage or interference. Use a level to ensure your trailer is level from side to side, as this will make the rest of the setup process easier. Engage your tow vehicle’s emergency brake to secure the vehicle and prevent any movement while you are setting up.
Step 3: Stabilizing the Trailer
Wheel Chocks and Blocks: Once your trailer is in position, it’s crucial to stabilize it to prevent any movement. Start by installing wheel chocks on both sides of the trailer wheels. This will secure the trailer and keep it from rolling. Additionally, place blocks under the tongue if necessary to help level the trailer and provide extra stability.
Disconnecting the Tow Vehicle: Begin disconnecting your tow vehicle from the trailer. Remove everything except the safety chains initially. Raise the tongue off and above the hitch to ensure no movement, then remove the safety chains. This step-by-step approach ensures that the trailer is stable before fully disconnecting the tow vehicle. Store sway control bar and weight distribution bars securely in their designated compartments.
LPG and Power Connection: Turn on the LPG to power your appliances. This is essential for using the stove, refrigerator, and other LPG-powered devices in your trailer. Next, connect the shore power to the trailer, ensuring the breakers are off before plugging in to prevent electrical issues. Lock the EMS (Electrical Management System) and padlock the tongue for added security.
Step 4: Final Adjustments
Level Front to Back: After stabilizing the trailer from side to side, it’s time to level it from front to back. Use a level to ensure the trailer is even. Adjust the tongue jack to raise or lower the front of the trailer until it is perfectly level. This step is crucial for the proper functioning of your appliances and for overall comfort.
Lower Stabilizers: With the trailer levelled, lower the stabilizer jacks at each corner of the trailer. These jacks provide additional support and stability, preventing any rocking or movement when you are inside the trailer. Make sure the stabilizers are firmly in contact with the ground and secure. Remember that the stabilizer jacks are not weight bearing and are only meant to balance the camper. The weight should be carried by the tongue jack and the tyres/axle.
Install X Chocks: For extra stability, install X chocks between the wheels in case of double axle campers. These chocks help prevent any forward or backward movement of the trailer. Use the ratchet tool to tighten the X chocks securely. Once installed, store the ratchet tool in its designated compartment.
Awning, Slide Outs and Appliances: Extend the awning and open the slide-outs to expand your living space. Ensure there are no obstructions that might interfere with the slide-out mechanisms. Once the slide-outs are fully extended, turn on the air/heat to regulate the interior temperature. Power up the fridge and other appliances to make sure everything is functioning correctly and ready for use.
Step 5: Exterior Setup
Water Connection: Start by connecting the water hose and filter to the water supply. Adjust the wet bay valves according to your preference—whether you are using city water or filling the fresh water tank. Turn on the water and monitor the flow. If using city water, adjust the pressure regulator to ensure a steady and safe flow. If filling the tank, be mindful of the water level to prevent overfilling.
Cable and Sewer Connections: Next, connect the cable TV coax line and any other necessary lines, such as for Starlink, if applicable. Ensure the stove hood vent is open to allow for proper ventilation. Connect the sewer hose to the designated outlet on your trailer and the sewer connection at the site. Add a few gallons of water to each tank along with treatment chemicals to maintain cleanliness and reduce odours.
Outdoor Living Area: Enhance your outdoor living space by setting up ground mats, tables, chairs, a dog fence, lights, and a grill. These elements not only make your campsite more comfortable and functional but also create a cozy and inviting atmosphere for relaxation and socializing.
Step 6: Safety and Comfort
Final Safety Checks: Gather the phone numbers and addresses of nearby hospitals and veterinarians for emergencies. This ensures you have quick access to medical assistance if needed. Always keep some water in the fresh tank for emergencies, providing a backup water supply in case of unexpected issues. Recheck and readjust the stabilizer jacks to ensure the trailer remains stable and secure throughout your stay.
Comfort Setup: Arrange the steps to ensure easy access to the trailer, making it convenient to enter and exit. Check that the air conditioning and heating systems are functioning properly to maintain a comfortable interior climate, regardless of the weather outside. Power up the fridge and other appliances inside the trailer to ensure everything is ready for use, providing you with all the comforts of home while on the road.
Conclusion
By following these detailed steps, setting up your travel trailer becomes an organized and efficient process, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. From thorough site inspections to final safety checks and comfort setups, each step is designed to make your stay as comfortable and secure as possible. Enjoy your stay, knowing you’ve covered all the essentials for a comfortable setup.
Setting up a travel trailer doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can ensure that your trailer is properly set up and ready for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Whether you’re new to RVing or a seasoned traveller, these steps will help you create a home away from home, wherever your adventures take you.