Do steps in order. Hooking up water before leveling, or extending slides before checking clearance, are among the most common first-trip mistakes.
Step 1 — Scout the Site Before Parking
- Walk the entire site before backing incheck for branches, obstacles, drainage
- Locate the electrical pedestal, water spigot, and sewer drain before parking
- Aim for hookups on the driver's side of the trailer for easiest access
- Confirm the site length fits your trailer + tow vehicle
First-Timer Tip
Request a pull-through site for your first few trips — no backing required. You can practice backing skills once you've mastered the setup sequence.
Step 2 — Level Side-to-Side (While Still Hitched)
- Use a bubble level to check which side is lower
- Place leveling blocks under the low-side tires
- Drive trailer slowly onto blocksrecheck level, adjust until side-to-side level
Why First
Leveling must happen before you unhitch, before hookups, before slideouts. An unlevel trailer means the fridge won't cool properly, doors won't stay open or closed, and sleep is uncomfortable.
Step 3 — Chock Wheels (Before Unhitching)
- Place wheel chocks on BOTH sides of each tireor solid rubber chocks for extra grip on uneven surfacesBuy ↗
- Optional: the Lynx Cap 'N Chock kit covers chocks + lug nut caps in one packBuy ↗
- For single-axle trailers: chocking is required, not optional
- Do NOT unhitch until chocks are fully in place
Step 4 — Unhitch from Tow Vehicle
Step 5 — Front-to-Back Level (Tongue Jack)
- Check front-to-back level with bubble level
- Adjust tongue jack height until trailer is level front-to-back
- Place stabilizer jack pads under jack foot if on soft ground or asphaltBuy ↗
Why This Step Is Separate
Front-to-back leveling can only be done after unhitching because the hitch controls tongue height while attached. Adjust the tongue jack now, not before.
Step 6 — Stabilizer Jacks
- Lower all four stabilizer jacks until they contact the ground firmly
- Place stabilizer jack pads under each foot on soft ground or asphalt
- Do NOT use stabilizer jacks to level the trailerthey are for stability only, not leveling
- Hand-tight onlydo not crank hard enough to lift the trailer off the tires
Step 7 — Shore Power
- Install EMS surge protector at the pedestal firstbefore plugging inBuy ↗
- Check pedestal voltage with EMS (should read 108–132V for 30A)
- Connect shore power cord from trailer to pedestal
- Confirm 12V and 120V systems are live inside trailer
EMS Surge Protector — Non-Negotiable
Campground power is notoriously unreliable. Faulty pedestals can send voltage spikes that fry every appliance in your trailer. The EMS protects everything. Never plug in without it.
Step 8 — Water Hookup
- Install water pressure regulator at the spigotCamco TastePURE with gaugeBuy ↗
- Connect inline water filter to pressure regulatorBuy ↗
- Connect food-grade white drinking water hose from filter to trailer inletBuy ↗
- Turn on water supply slowlycheck for leaks at all connections
- Turn on a faucet inside, confirm water flow and pressure
Step 9 — Sewer Hookup (Full Hookup Sites Only)
- Connect sewer hose to trailer's sewer outletBuy ↗
- Run hose to campsite sewer inletuse hose support to slope downhillBuy ↗
- Connect to sewer inletpush and twist to lock
- Leave both tank valves CLOSEDdo not open gray or black valve until ready to dump
- Gray valve exception: some campers leave gray open on full-hookup sitesonly do this if black is fully closed
⚠ Never Leave Black Valve Open
Leaving the black tank valve open lets liquids drain continuously but leaves solids behind. They dry out and create a "poop pyramid" that requires professional service to remove. Always dump black when 2/3 full.
Step 10 — Slideouts & Awning
- Check for overhead clearance (trees, power lines) before extending any slide
- Extend slides one at a timewatch from outside for obstructions
- Check slide seals after extendingno pinched fabric or debris
- Deploy awning if desiredimmediately stake down awning tie-downs
- Never leave awning extended unattended in wind
Step 11 — Interior Setup
- Turn on water heater (allow 20–30 min to heat)
- Turn on fridge if not already coldconfirm cooling on correct power source (shore power preferred)
- Test CO detector, smoke alarm, and LP detectorpress test buttons
- Check all faucets, toilet, showerconfirm water flow throughout
- Set up sleeping areas, kitchen, and living space
- Place outdoor mat, set up camp chairs and tableBuy ↗
- Lock exterior storage bays with cable lock if leaving the campsite unattendedBuy ↗