Parking your RV

The first time you park your RV will seem like a daunting task. Thankfully, with a little practice, the experience becomes second nature. Whether you're away for a weekend or the entire summer, careful installation makes all the difference.

Here are a few guidelines to help you save time and start your vacation sooner.

Choosing the right spot

Before parking your RV, you need to find the perfect spot. Avoid areas that are too soft or too steep. Look for the most stable, relatively flat surface, with no visible rocks or roots. Then, look up, because a low-hanging branch can damage your RV.

Assess the surrounding area. Do you have enough room to extend the awning and slide-outs? Are the hookups within reach? Are you close to the campground restroom or play area? Convenient for some, noisy for others.

When it comes to maximum RV size, floor mat size and placement restrictions as well as fire safety rules, each campground is different. Find out what they are to avoid problems once you're there.

Parking and stabilizing the RV

Once you've chosen the perfect spot, take the time to get settled in. It’s not about how fast you get it done—it’s about doing it right. Here are the steps to follow.

Step 1 – Positioning the RV and locking the wheels

Slowly back up and line up the RV. Once in position, apply the handbrake. Then place chocks in front of and behind the wheels. Even on seemingly flat ground, it's better to be safe than sorry. A poorly parked vehicle is always risky.

Step 2 - Levelling and stabilizing

Proper levelling is key for comfort inside the vehicle. It ensures that the refrigerator, doors and shower will function properly.

Use a level (bubble or laser), adjust with levelling blocks, then install stabilizer jacks to limit rocking.

Step 3 – Connecting the hookups

Start with the power hookup. Make sure the breaker switch is off, connect the RV power cord, and turn on the breaker. Then, go to the refrigerator power switch and select AC mode.

For the water hookup. Connect a pressure regulator to the spigot, attach the hose, slowly turn on the water and check for leaks under the sink, near the water heater and under the RV. Once hooked up, turn off the 12V water pump inside the RV.

Finally, there’s the sewer hookup. After locating the sewer connection, connect the sewer hose to the RV, while wearing gloves. Make sure the hose is well supported, with a gentle slope towards the outlet.

Once everything's hooked up, take a few minutes to do a final check: lights, hot water heater, radiator, propane valve.

Organizing your outdoor space

Once the RV is parked, you can start taking things out to create a pleasant, functional space.

Extend the awning and install the floor mats to prevent water from seeping in. A thin tarp underneath can also reduce humidity.

When it comes to the outdoors, make sure to have:

• folding table and chairs
• carry case for utensils
• barbecue (located on a stable surface away from the RV)
• storage bins or boxes to avoid clutter

And to keep the indoors clean and comfortable, consider:

• a rug at the entrance
• shoe bin
• collapsible garbage can with waterproof bag
• opening windows half-way to reduce condensation

Safety and respect

When RVing, it’s important to take precautions. Keep a fire extinguisher handy. Always keep an eye on the fire and the BBQ. Store flammable objects safely away from all heat sources.

Think about Mother Nature too. Don’t throw garbage on the ground. Don’t use soap in natural bodies of water. And no dumping, except at designated stations.

In the evening, keep noise to a minimum and point the lights away from your neighbours. Doing this will make the experience enjoyable for everyone.

Don't forget the essentials

Everyone forgets. Be sure to pack these essentials before you hit the road:

• chocks and levelling blocks
• water hose (with pressure regulator)
• electrical adapter (with correct amperage)
• gloves, headlamps, tape
• outdoor floor mat
• comfortable chairs
• shoe bin
• small emergency kit

Everyone has their own habits. It’s not always about having the most sophisticated equipment, it’s about being comfortable.

What next?

Once everything is in place, you can sit back and relax. The first few times will take a little longer, but each installation makes the next one easier.

Just remember, insuring your RV will make your vacation even more stress-free!