Did you know that many campsites offer hookups for trailers and RVs? These hookups allow you to have power, water, and even sewage capabilities in your own trailer. If you’re new to camping or need a refresher, read on to learn how to hook up your trailer at a campsite.
Items You’ll Need to Hook Up Your Trailer
- Your trailer’s power cord and any necessary adapters
- Surge protector
- Portable fresh water hose (often white or blue)
- Water pressure regulator
- Sewer hose
- Hose adapters and clear sewer elbow
- Sewer hose support
- Disinfectant spray
- Protective gloves
Hook Up Your Trailer at a Campsite
1. Prepare to Hook Up Your Trailer
Before you hook up your trailer at a campsite power source, ensure that your trailer’s circuit breaker is switched off. You should also have a quality surge protector with you to protect your trailer from electrical accidents. Taking both of these steps will save you from accidentally frying your trailer’s electrical connections.
2. Plug in the Power Cord
Once you have prepared everything you need to start hooking up your trailer, the next step is to plug in the power cord. To do this, start by locating the pedestal. Next, identify which power outlet corresponds with your trailer’s electrical cord.
There may be 20 amp, 30 amp, or 50 amp power outlets on the pedestal. Each of these power outlets has a unique pattern and size. You should be able to easily identify which power outlet is correct for your trailer. On rare occasions, you may need to use an adapter to plug your trailer into the power source.
Once your trailer is connected to the pedestal, turn on the breaker for the corresponding outlet. Now your trailer has power at your campsite.
3. Hook Up the Fresh Water Hose
The next step for hooking up your trailer at a campsite is connecting the freshwater hose. Make sure you use a hose that is designed for drinking water. These hoses are often white or blue in color.
It’s also a good idea to disinfect the water faucet before you connect to it. You never know how the person before you used the faucet, so it’s best to disinfect it just in case. This practice still applies even if you will be using a water filter.
Use a water pressure regulator when hooking up your water. This will help protect your trailer’s water system from high pressure. Water pressure regulators can be adjustable or simple, but never hook up your water without one.
4. Hook Up the Sewer Hose
Finally, if your campsite has full hookups, you can connect your trailer’s sewer hose. It is imperative that you wear protective gloves and keep disinfectant nearby during this process. This will help you stay protected against germs and disease.
Check to ensure that your black tank and gray tank valves are closed before removing the cap. If your sewer hose doesn’t already have a clear section, clip a clear elbow onto the outlet so that you can see if your sewer tanks are draining correctly.
Connect your sewer hose to the park’s sewer line, making sure all of your connections are secure enough that there are no leaks. You can add sewer hose supports to help keep everything steady.
Now that your power, water, and sewer are all connected, it’s time to enjoy your time at the campsite!
Experience Outdoor Living!
At Omni Outdoor Living, we make it our mission to help customers get the most out of their outdoor experiences. We offer quality outdoor products focused on outdoor recreation, DIY projects, entertaining friends and family, or just relaxing outside!
