by Scott Freeman

Created on: July 27, 2009   Last Updated: July 28, 2009

Since the title is "Beginners guide to using a camp trailer in camp", I will go out on a limb here and say that you have arrived safely at the campground and are looking to set up camp. I am also going to assume you choose an improved campground for your first trip out.

So after a scary but hopefully safe first trip [it does get easier by the way.] you have finally arrived at the campground and pull up to the office and check in. They have assigned you a site and given you the little map to your site. As you drive to your site, be aware of your speed, children on bikes, dogs, trees, rocks and other potential obstacles.

Once you arrive at your site it is time to get out of the tow vehicle and survey the site.

You are looking for several things. Where are the utilities for this site? What trees are in the way? Look up, are branches going to hit the tow vehicle or camper? Where is the picnic table and fire ring? Will I have room to open my awning and slide outs? Is the site a pull through or will I need to back in?

Once you have checked for all these things, discuss where you want the camper to be when you park as well as how you intend to get to that spot. More arguments arise when both parties have different ideas on where to park and how to get there then I care to admit.

Hand signals work better then yelling back and forth when trying to guide someone back into a spot. It also keeps fellow campers form having such a fun show as a couple arguing and yelling at each other. The key of good hand signals is agreement on what they are to being able to see them. The person giving directions needs to be able to see the drivers face and give the hand signals at roughly head height. For the person backing the camper, the most important tip it to put your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel and move that hand in the direction you want the back of the trailer to go.

Finally, after some back and forth, in and out, the camper is parked where you want it, the utilities are in reach and life is good. Time to level the camper. Campers need to be leveled in two directions, side-to-side and front-to-back. For side-to-side, put planks, blocks or a ramp under the low side tire and back onto them until the camper is lever within about bubble on the level. Then chock the low side of the wheels and unhook from the tow vehicle.

Once the tow vehicle is out of the way, level front-to-back using the crank on the front of the camper. Finally, put down the stabilizer jacks

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>