Understanding RV Hookups: A Complete Guide for Beginners

Whether you’re a new RV owner or planning your first rental experience, understanding RV hookups is essential for a comfortable and hassle-free camping trip. Full-hookup sites provide all the comforts of home, but they can be intimidating if you’ve never used them before. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about RV hookups.

What Are RV Hookups?

RV hookups are utility connections available at campgrounds and RV parks that provide your RV with electricity, water, and sewer services. Some parks also offer cable TV and Wi-Fi connections. These utilities allow you to use your RV’s appliances, plumbing, and entertainment systems without relying solely on your onboard resources.

Types of RV Hookups

Electrical Hookups

Electrical hookups come in three common configurations:

• 30-amp service: Common in smaller to mid-sized RVs
• 50-amp service: Typically for larger RVs with multiple air conditioners or high power requirements
• 20-amp service: Occasionally found at primitive sites (basically a standard household outlet)

To connect to the electrical pedestal:

1. Turn off all major appliances in your RV
2. Make sure the circuit breaker at the pedestal is OFF
3. Connect your power cord to your RV first, then to the pedestal
4. Turn the circuit breaker ON

Pro Tip: Always use a surge protector to shield your RV’s electrical system from power surges and poor campground wiring.

Water Hookups

Water hookups provide fresh water directly to your RV’s plumbing system. To connect:

1. Use a drinking water-safe hose (typically white or blue)
2. Consider using a water pressure regulator to protect your RV’s plumbing
3. Attach a water filter if concerned about water quality
4. Connect one end to the campground spigot and the other to your RV’s city water inlet

Pro Tip: When temperatures might drop below freezing, use a heated water hose or disconnect and drain your water hose at night.

Sewer Hookups

Sewer connections allow you to drain your RV’s gray water (from sinks and showers) and black water (from toilets) directly into the campground’s sewage system.

To connect:

1. Put on disposable gloves
2. Connect your sewer hose to your RV’s outlet using the appropriate fitting
3. Connect the other end to the campground’s sewer connection
4. Use a sewer hose support to create a downhill slope from your RV to the sewer connection
5. Keep the black tank valve closed during your stay, only opening it when you’re ready to dump
6. Keep the gray tank valve closed or open depending on your preference

Pro Tip: Always dump your black tank first, then your gray tank. The soapy gray water helps clean out your sewer hose.

Partial Hookups vs. Full Hookups

• Partial hookups typically include electricity and water, but no sewer connection
• Full hookups include electricity, water, and sewer

Many campgrounds with partial hookups provide a dump station for emptying your tanks before departure.

Hookup Etiquette

1. Leave it clean: Always clean up after yourself, especially around sewer connections
2. Don’t hog water: In drought-prone areas, be mindful of water usage
3. Coil and store: Keep your hookup area neat by properly coiling hoses and cords
4. Report issues: If you notice problems with a hookup, inform the campground staff

Essential Hookup Accessories

• Water pressure regulator
• Surge protector
• Drinking water hose
• Sewer hose and supports
• Sewer hose fittings and adapters
• Disposable gloves
• Leveling blocks (for proper drainage)

Final Thoughts

Understanding RV hookups is an essential skill for any RV traveler. With practice, the connection process will become second nature. Always prioritize safety and cleanliness when dealing with hookups, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from campground staff or fellow RVers if you’re unsure about anything.

Happy camping!