Connecting Utilities

Now it's time to connect the utilities -- the electricity, the water, and the sewer -- if these are available.

Electricity

Electricity is easy. Most newer RVs have a detachable 3-prong electric cable.

First, locate the power box at the campsite. It usually has a flip lid. Many campgrounds today have both 30 amp and 50 amp; my trailer uses 30 amp. I always make sure the switches are flipped off. Some RVers simply unplug when they leave a campsite, but I like to flip the power off, then unplug. I then plug in to the power box, then into the trailer, then flip the switch on.

By this time, Donna is inside the trailer, and I ask her to check if the power is on. Since basic trailer lights run off battery power on the trailer, she has to check the microwave or other devices.

Water

Water is also easy. I use a white hose, which is supposed to provide a better taste to water than other colors. I simply connect to the fresh, or city, water spigot on the trailer, then take the other end of the hose to the connection which is usually near the power box. Depending on the site, I will often put a water regulator on the spigot. Although I do not think pressure is the problem in RVs it once was, I would rather err on the side of caution. If we see that there is not much pressure in our sinks and shower, I will then remove the regulator.

I also like to put a 2-way attachment on the spigot. I have a black water flush on my trailer, so I go ahead and connect a green hose to the flush connection on the trailer and have it ready for when I empty the black water tank.

Once the fresh water is connected, I turn on the water. If I've connected the black water flush hose, I ensure it is closed; you don't want the flush to pour water in your black water tank when the tank is closed.

Sewer

Ah, my favorite job of all.

I guess no one likes messing with the sewer hoses, but it has to be done.

To start, I have a box of disposable gloves in the bay where my hoses are stored. I put on a pair before going to work on the sewer.

I have 3 or 4 sections of sewer hose, each with interlocking fittings so that I can connect them if necessary. I keep these in a plastic tub with a tight-fitting lid. Each section has stoppers at each end. I begin connecting at the trailer. After removing the cover to the outlet on the trailer, I connect one end of the first section of sewer hose. I then extend it as far as possible towards the sewer connection at the campsite. Ideally, one section of hose will be enough to reach, but it seldom is. It really is best for the hose to be a bit taut; you really don't want the hose to sag.

At this time, I also like to put my hose support in place. If I need another section of hose, I then "daisy chain" onto the first section, working my way towards the sewer connection at the campsite. Most of the time, 2 sections of hose is enough, but I have been in places where the sewer connection was so poorly located that I need 4 sections.

I then like to place my sewer elbow in the connection. Many connections today have a screw fitting, so I like to secure that at this time. If there is not a screw fitting, then I find some way to secure the hose, often by placing a weighted object on it. Then I attach the hose to the elbow.

I ensure the entire length of the hose is on the support with no sags or twists. If all looks well, we're ready for business.

I usually will open the grey water tank on the trailer once we're connected, but I always leave the black water tank closed until it either fills up or we are ready to depart.

Cable

I would say the majority of commercial campgrounds today have cable TV, at least those in the more popular tourist areas where competition among RV parks is keen. I've even found a few state parks that offer cable TV.

Usually, the connection is located on or near the electric power box. It is a simple matter of connecting your trailer to a cable box using coax cable.

Closing notes on utilities

I like to make all the above connections right away for a few reasons.

First, since I have a slide out, I want to connect everything before we extend that slide. If we don't, I may be crawling around under the slide to connect things. I don't crawl around too well these days.

Second, I prefer to run the water after turning on the fresh water to get the air out of the lines. Only after we remove all the air do I feel good about turning on the water heater.

Third, if it is hot outside or really cold, it's nice to get the AC or the heat going as soon as possible after arriving. Since Donna is working inside, I want to get things comfortable for her as soon as possible.