Youll need to pour a concrete pad or install a wooden deck.5. Stay organized by hanging hooks for keys and pet leashes and using storage bins to store personal items. If you sweep daily, make the bed every morning, and tidy up as you go about your day, your travel trailer will never feel so cramped. Several online resources feature land for sale or lease. LP gas will vaporize ok down to around 0-10 degrees if the tank is near full. Many of these items come in the form of large Lego blocks. Step 6: Lower the trailer tongue jack. You use your sinks a lot more than you might think, and once you need to start rationing is when you realize just how much you use it. You already know to check your tires on the road, but its also essential to check them when you set up your RV for the long term. Park models resemble mobile homes or tiny houses. If campers are planning to leave the RV frequently or safety is a concern for them, investing in locking chocks or locking the chocks in place is a good idea. Therefore, lift drive your trailer and move it onto the leveling blocks. The Ultimate Guide to Living in a Travel TrailerTrailer / RV Layout. When you go to buy your travel trailer, one of the things you want to think about is the layout of the RV.RV Protection. Outside Your Travel Trailer. Meeting Your Power Needs. Black Water / Septic. Grey Water. Fresh Water. Cooking. Dishware. Food Storage. More items [Read This Before], Do Travel Trailer Need Alignments? Next, place the RV wheel chocks near your rigs tires. rvtalk.net is reader supported. A home takes more work to move. If this isnt enough water for you, you can buy 6-gallon tanks to keep as back-ups. Keeping one dish for each person on hand is all you need. In the colder months, the heater can make a lot of noise at night, so by turning the heater down while you sleep, you will keep the heater from kicking on so much and waking you up in the middle of the night. Clean and remove any visible clutter and debris from the area as these objects may inhibit you from getting accurate results. A lot of the previous instructions will work for the permanent set-up of a 5th wheel. Otherwise, you will need to hire a contractor to move your RV and deliver it. Once you have picked the location that you will be permanently set up you will need to deliver your RV to the site. Try not to overcorrect and go easy on the gas. Cleaning will also change when you are living permanently in an RV. Make sure that the bubble in the device stays in the center. We are a large family, that was bitten by the travel bug! When deciding where to go in your full time 5th wheel or RV home, a pro tip is to follow the weather. When you are planning to park the travel trailer camper at any place for a single summer, improvise by using some pressure-treated lumber. Answer 10: To power your travel trailer you will need to use a generator. Check with the local authorities of the area or the campground owners you are setting up in to make sure. You may also use jack stands instead of stabilizer jacks. They vary in size depending on the size and make of the travel trailers you are looking at. first let me say thanks for all the great responses I guess I really didnt give enough info on the situation I am in east tennessee so it gets cold but not real cold least wise hasnt last few years as for the stove its just oven issues all the eyes work fine and the hot water heater works as well and as for the fridge it want work at all no matter what i switch it to gas or electric hope that gives a little more detail but so far some great ideas and its greatly appriciated. You may also need to access to water and sewer if you plan to park in one place or on your own land on a permanent basis. They cant have more than 400 square feet in their floor plan. WebStep-by-step Process in Setting up a Travel Trailer Permanently. Find the perfect location. I takethe kids by myself because I dont mind flying or driving solo with my crew to discover the coolest places. https://www.wheresafe.com/rvtipsandtravelsGet 10% off by using discount code: RVTIPS10If you find a link that doesnt work, email us at [email protected] \u0026 well send you an RVTT sticker! Want to see more RV videos? When looking for a travel trailer, be sure to keep an eye on the size of the freshwater tank. He puts all that RV knowledge and experience to good use in his sharing posts. Remember, its a good idea to gather the necessary items, such as RV levels, blocks, chocks, and stabilizing jacks to save yourself the hassle of running back-and-forth to the hardware store. Pro tip: Stabilizing jacks are not meant to bear the weight of the camper or be used for leveling. Youll need to find a spot thats level and has adequate drainage. Does Your Travel Trailer Have an Inverter? You can find this tongue jack at the front of the RV travel trailer to raise the trailer off the hitch of the tow vehicle. You just have to supply the necessary equipment like cement blocks, 2 x6 or 2 x8, or whatever size wood you want along with stabilizers, leveling blocks, and wheel chocks. Subscribe to start planning an EPIC Family RV trip! Chris Coleman is an interesting travel blogger and outdoor photographer with a great sense of humor. . Whatever the reasons you have, setting up a permanent travel trailer site is a good idea. You wont have much to worry about on those pads. This will keep any warm air inside both the garage and the travel trailer. LED lights wont use much of your power, so you will be able to use that power where you need it most. Here is the fun part! I learned so much and Im happy to share everything with you. Even if youre on the electric grid, its vital to check the health of your batteries and frequently. Many people add an extra-large propane tank and even have propane delivered to their campsite. Coffee in the morning is almost always a necessity, but it isnt practical to make if you need to start up a generator every morning to do it. The wood will ensure that the camper stays level during use. The system pipes that come with your rig are often reinforced flexible plastic not meant for long-term use. If you try charging them with the trickle charge that usually comes with the travel trailer, you will be using the generator all day. The downside to this is that its expensive to install and remove if you change your mind later. This is a necessary step when permanently setting up your travel trailer. Furthermore, take the time to do each step to perfectly level a travel trailer. We briefly touched on the RV foundation at the beginning of this article, but its worth mentioning again. When the tongue is above the ball of the hitch, drive the vehicle away from the trailer. Youll need to connect to water sewer and electricity. How good are the USED Cruise America motorhomes ? If youre going to park the vehicle in sloping terrain, the position of the bubble in the level on the travel trailer will go to the far left or far right. Good quality leveling blocks are your best option for stability that is also affordable for a long-term location for your RV. Some people choose to keep it simple while others go all out. I recently wrote an article on this site called: How to Choose the Right Size Travel Trailer: An In-Depth Guide . They can cost anywhere from $25 to $80 a night, though if you could find a monthly rate, that would be a cheaper deal. In preparation, you may want to lay down a couple of pieces of wood or metal plate to provide sound footing, and so it wont sink into the soft ground quickly. Some of the easiest steps are to place an outdoor mat out in front and set up nice camping or patio chairs. For some, it can be overwhelming, but if you know the basic steps then you should be good to go. Copyright 2023 - RV Zone. Introduction: My name is Arielle Torp, I am a comfortable, kind, zealous, lovely, jolly, colorful, adventurous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you. While this undoubtedly attracts the campers, they have to worry about setting up a travel trailer permanently on the level ground. In some cases, the travel trailer has a built-in washer and dryer, which will make this step a bit more bearable. For small travel trailers, you may use one chock per tire. 2023 Commentclient. Not something you want to have happen!!!!! How do you secure your travel trailer to the ground? Your email address will not be published. As the name implies, you use RV leveling blocks to help adjust the level of your rig. Even RVs and tiny homes are usually legal in Virginia (which isn't the case in most states) though the permit process may still be a nightmare, and you'll likely need to connect them to septic. Take note that this process is at the front of the travel trailer. Continue reading to know the things youll need for this project. To save on trips to the laundromat or the freshwater and grey water tank, re-wear mostly clean clothes. The next key would be to make sure the ground is perfectly level. Any camping enthusiast would know that it is impossible to find level ground for the RV. Put things you use outside right by the door. There are very good reasons why you should consider finding a perfect spot to live in. The benefit of hiring a contractor is that they will help you get the camper level and may even be able to connect the hookups. If you have an outdoor cooking stove, this will be handy as well. , Can you live in an RV full time in Georgia? By building a small deck off of your travel trailer, you will have the opportunity to make it feel more like home. Theyre designed for longer periods of sustained use, but most of them are still best for just a few months at a time. Also, consider what size refrigerator you will need. (Complete Breakdown), RV Rental Delivery and Setup at Your Campsite (Cost, FAQs, Examples), Rent an RV for a Month (10 Examples Plus Cost), Outdoorsy vs RVshare for Renting an RV (Who You Should Rent From), Get the Free Vacation Planner and Monthly Updates, RV Camping Rules In Maine: Heres What You Need To Know, Earn Money Renting Out an RV on Your Property (Read This First! If youre considering making the switch to a permanent travel trailer setup there are a few things youll need to take into account. (Use a tongue jack stand or support block to protect the pad of your jack and reduce the amount of extension required.) If you definitely plan to make this a permanent home and you have not yet bought the 5th wheel then you might want to consider a park model or single wide trailer The Best 12 Volt Refrigerators for Camping Trips & RV Travel. The owner of this website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon properties including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. I have used this in very remote locations and the only thing that had a lag was FaceTime (Zoom worked if we were patient). 4. Additionally, if you are going to rent an RV, I always suggest starting with Outdoorsy or RVezy. Many campers complain about feeling dizzy in an uneven RV. Your email address will not be published. Only a level cooking surface will ensure evenly-cooked food. Since she is my care giver. Your water heater will probably need propane to keep running, and you should run your generator and engine frequently if you are living in a motorhome, run the engine weekly to check for issues. Your travel trailer is always ready for you when you visit and you do not have to set it up every time you use it. Step 1: Choose and prepare your site. Raise or lower the tip, blocks, and jacks as needed to make a little bit of adjustment as needed. For many RV owners, the idea of setting up on a prime piece of land sounds like a dream. It can clog the valve and back up your pipe, which will make a stinky mess in your bathroom. It can cause a similar situation to using too much toilet paper. Hang up some family pictures or your favorite artwork using wall putty. Whatever your reason, the minimalist lifestyle can be closer than you can imagine by planning accordingly and taking with you the correct steps to set up an RV for permanent location use. Sign up for our email list for my best travel tips plus get the family travel planner free. But Im guessing you have already thought of all that. If you are the creative type, Pinterest has a ton of ideas for small greenery to hang on the walls as well. It can be done but wont be easy.>>>Dan. When you move your trailer onto these leveling blocks, make sure to center the tires exactly. Now that you know the steps to set up and stabilize your RV, below are a few expert tips on setting up a permanent RV. However, depending on the soil, you will need more than just the jack stands on bare ground. Depending on the soil, it may not be the best choice. As you can imagine, the struggles are endless. Additionally, buying a battery charger will help when you need to charge your batteries quickly while you use the generator to power your home. Many of the newer, Lego-shaped blocks on the market have a design that allows them to snap together to bring up to your desired height, and you can create a ramp for your RVs tires. Lets talk about the basic steps to living in a travel trailer. These devices will help your rig stay in one place at an optimal level for extended periods. ), How to Choose the Right Size Travel Trailer: An In-Depth Guide, Do RV Parks Allow Travel Trailers? If it is not level, there will be clogging in the coolant lines that will need expensive repairs. Staying as a public campground will usually cost you around $20 a night but staying long term will probably get you a smaller payment. If youre going to pick a permanent spot with other campers nearby, ask the other RVers nicely to move their vehicles for you to check the level accurately. At the same time, these jacks will share the long-term load of the tongue jack. (Here Is The Truth! With the constant moving around, you are setting up, leveling, and taking down every time you want to explore a new region of the country. And building a garden doesnt have to be expensive. Avoiding Vertigo: Walking inside a tilted travel trailer is not something people want to experience. Another trick is to keep the heater at a minimum of 50 degrees. Make sure items you use daily are easily accessible, and in a convenient location. Additionally, the sink and toilets could have trouble draining which could lead to clogging. As the tank gets more empty, you may begin to have problems with high flow rate appliances like the furnace at somewhat higher temps. I can help you. Using hot water to wash your dishes is the best way to quickly get any grease off. Unsubscribe at anytime. Maybe your vision is of living by a lake, the mountains, or the desert for an indefinite amount of time. Do you know if Lindt chocolate is Halal or Haram? How To Use Cinder Blocks To Stabilize a RV Camper or Trailer, 2. Required fields are marked *. If you are blocking, then you may have to do a lot of shimmying to make sure everything fits into place. Follow these five steps to unhitch and finish leveling your travel trailer. Depending on the soil you may need to lay down a better foundation under the plastic leveling blocks such as rocks, pavers, boards, or metal plates. Make the outside welcoming by rolling out mats and a doormat and setting up a table and chairs for seating and dining. When first moving in for full-timing, you will be taking only what you need. *Optional: Turn on fridge and thermostat if you have access.5) Disconnect \u0026 move truck.6) Level front to back.7) Install Xchocks.8) Lower stabilizer jacks.9) Open slides.10) Set up ground mounted steps.11) Connect \u0026 set up everything else.12) Check stabilizer jacks one more time. SOME OF OUR FAVORITE RV ACCESSORIES ESSENTIALS: Camco Rhino Flex Sewer Hose \u0026 Elbow Kit https://amzn.to/3wxaiyG Camco 90 Degree Clear Sewer Elbow https://amzn.to/3eezBe7 Camco RV Water Filter https://amzn.to/3VzcMqi Rubber Wheel Chocks https://amzn.to/3v0lL5I Hughes Watchdog 30 Amp Surge Protector/EMS https://amzn.to/3hAmgCy Hughes Watchdog 50 Amp Surge Protector/EMS https://amzn.to/3HKrpm1 Liquified RV Tank Treatment https://amzn.to/3ksg1Ck Tire Minder TPMS https://amzn.to/3mjuBg0 Water Pressure Regulator https://amzn.to/3m3ZFzZ Rubber Gloves 6 Mil https://amzn.to/3XNo7Dc Collapsible Water Hose https://amzn.to/3SvNubwMAINTENANCE: Boeshield T-9 Rust Preventative \u0026 Lubrication https://amzn.to/3sjcjMx Eternabond Roof Tape https://amzn.to/3Ad290J Geocell Proflex Sealer https://amzn.to/3KGMOyb Road Tool Kit https://amzn.to/41NIQKjINTERIOR: Camco Cross Bar Door Handle https://amzn.to/3o8WWS5 Shower Caddy https://amzn.to/3bdU80W Soap Dish https://amzn.to/3pKheSn Oxygenics Shower Head (White) https://amzn.to/3nhDMYW Oxygenics Shower Head (Brushed Nickel) https://amzn.to/2O8YcYC Perfect RV Paper Towel Holder https://amzn.to/3tZxd1K Dimmer Switch https://amzn.to/3rQdfFD Sliding Door Latch https://amzn.to/3EkpTT0 Puppy Paw Hook https://amzn.to/2N9JaRV Foldable Storage Bins https://amzn.to/3tIp01fEXTERIOR: X Chocks https://amzn.to/3m3ck2i Carmtek 10 Digit Keyless Entry System https://amzn.to/3t4IMpB (see the video here: https://youtu.be/KcEUgsDw6kk) Low Point Drain Valves https://amzn.to/3Jd6adbOUTDOOR GEAR: Blackstone Griddle 22 https://amzn.to/3MDDiL0 Blackstone Griddle 28\" https://amzn.to/3eBnOuD Outdoor Gravity Chairs https://amzn.to/3Sb1p4M Ground Mat https://amzn.to/41u3wXg MORE RV ACCESSORIES ON AMAZON https://www.amazon.com/shop/rvtipstravels NEW TO OUR CHANNEL? Regular skirting material such as used on mobile homes will be sufficient. It can open your eyes to a simpler way of life and help you appreciate the things that you do have. You need a trustworthy RV level to remove a significant amount of guesswork in leveling your permanent camper setup. You will want to stay away from the air conditioning unit, but otherwise, everything else is fair game. As the tank gets more empty, you may begin to have problems with high And, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Setting up a travel trailer is going to be difficult no matter what you do. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Most 5th wheels are set up to handle the weight. If a deck is out of your budget, then all you have to do is get a few chairs and maybe a small table to organize around a fire pit. Two-wheeled trailers should use the amount of chocks relative to the two wheels to be as stable as possible. These services will scan your mail and send you photos of the documents so you can be remote if you need to be. If you wear a pair of jeans and they dont get dirty or sweaty, there is no har, in wearing them again another day. Which RV Tires to Go For? spouse. One thing to note is that some of these campgrounds charge extra for additional people so a family with kids is more expensive if this is within your budget. If you invest in a dirt-collecting doormat and keep your shoes outside, it will contain the dirt as well, which means less mess to clean. Just take the wheels off and it is not going anywhere, just like a home doesn't go anywhere. Unsubscribe at any time. Step 3: Position the leveling blocks. Unhitch RV and Level Front to Back. Use your travel trailers stabilizing jacks on the four corners of the rig. You get a bit more stability, you can become part of the local community and it doesnt take that much more work than setting up a site temporarily. Install the Wheel Chocks. These issues include falling appliances and furniture. You will not have a tongue jack but can use a tripod stabilizer on the front. Living in such a small space so consistently can drive anyone crazy. Have someone place a lever in the center or threshold to your RV and have someone keep an eye on it to ensure youre staying level as the jack is lowered. What are the 20 essential steps to setting up a travel trailer? Build a Deck or Organize an Outdoor Living Space, 10. We won't send you spam. Yes, a travel trailer is an RV, but it is important to understand the reason this question can be confusing. People use the term RV in two different ways. Many use RV as an umbrella term to mean any type of recreational vehicle, towed or motorized. These units are often used as permanent housing or as a second vacation homes for owners. But if its legal, its as simple as hooking up your sewer at a campground. How to Level a Travel Trailer on a Permanent Site: start the leveling process by clearing any debris or stationary objects including large rocks, logs, Place your RV level on the travel trailers doorway, noting the position of the bubble relative to the two vertical bars of the level. So make sure to get it level with the blocks and tongue jack. Get instant access and bi-monthy Travel Hacks. Covering your tires will protect them from the elements sun and extend the life span (source). Congratulations you now have a permanent travel trailer setup! Also, toilets and other appliances may not work that well when the TT is not level to perfection. Many people in the Northeast states rent seasonal or permanent RV sites and return year after year. That way, you just go around to each corner and hand-crank each jack into place. Another reason to set up a permanent travel trailer spot is that you have explored the country and now found the right spot where you want to spend your retirement. If you start composting a few months earlier, you will even be able to make your own soil to garden with, which will save you plenty of money. Insulating windows, air vents, and garage be the most effective step to keeping warm in the winter. There are a few mail forwarding services that are popular and get the job done like MyRVMail and Escapes Mail Forwarding Services. Back then, I started without much help. Lastly, if you keep the cupboards open where pipes run, it will allow some warm air to reach the pipes, keeping the water from freezing. Also, if you have any extra storage in the trailer, using it for food will help keep you stocked and organized. The most reliable, but most expensive option, is to use satellite wifi. If you're new to the world of trailers, conduct a few dry runs before you set out for the open road. (I had to walk two blocks to the front of our campground and sit outside the office for a long time before we got this solved.). 2 Unhitch the camper. If the pedestal power is out or there is an issue with the output of the pedestal, you wont have anything to pack up before moving to a new campsite.Our Travel Trailer Set Up Checklist:1) Check for connection lengths and slide clearance. If one area isnt at a desirable level, drive your vehicle away from the level blocks temporarily. And if you cook meat and vegetables in bulk, then all you will need to do is heat it up when you need to eat it. Most RVs will come with either electric or manual stabilizing jacks. Canning is an option not many people think of, but it can be incredibly useful. All steps are below for you to copy and paste for your own records. If you have questions about the batteries and what will work without being plugged in we have an article Will my RV run on Battery. Once you lower the jacks, you can block up the trailer and put some skirting on it to make it look nice. Then some have found the perfect spot and do not want to move from it. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'familytravelfever_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_14',179,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-familytravelfever_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0'); With the help of someone else, carefully drive the RV up onto the blocks. On an uneven surface, campers will not have to face such inconveniences. If yours doesnt, you can purchase these online or in any camping store. Wood is susceptible to water absorption, splitting, and rot in the long run, which will ultimately alter the level of the motorhome, it will be tough to handle on the road. How do you make your travel trailer comfortable? RV parks or private campgrounds are usually the most expensive option aside from buying a plot of private property. Do not use this link to ask for help with RV-related issues; Ask those questions in one of our forums. You have to decide on which location will be the right spot for you and your spouse. How do I stop my camper from The two chocks should be in the front and back of every single wheel. You get to enjoy the area you like the most and have a lot of stability. ASK QUESTIONS if you have any. Check out our catalog:https://www.youtube.com/c/RVTipsTravels/playlists If you enjoyed or learned something from our videos \u0026 want to buy us a coffee, you can donate here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=J2KKM9NR3BJJA SAVE MONEY by using OUR DISCOUNT CODES below! During colder months, drive south or tour the southwest. Youll also find a step-by-step guide on how to level a camper on blocks. Setting up camp for a season or even for a year is a delight on its own. Wheel chocks are mandatory to keep the RV in the right place. It is also the time they have to put in charge the best wheelman. If RV parks arent your thing and if youre not looking to be remote, another option is to consider buying or leasing RV-deeded land to set up. 2021FAMILY TRAVEL FEVER LLC | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Lastly, if you invest in portable solar panels, in the summer months, you will be able to save on generator fuel because the sun will power your home instead. With the planks, the tongue jack should prevent the entire weight of the trailer from sinking into the ground. The most important aspect to look into when buying RV blocks is the materials durability. A lot of the luxuries we have in our kitchens are unnecessary, and they would only take up space in a travel trailer. The only drawback to heat tape is that you need electricity to use it. Enjoy the video!UPDATE: Before completing step 1 below - check the power pedestal for power using only your surge protector indicators or another device that is not connected to your trailer. If youre an RV owner and have been playing with the idea thinking of renting a seasonal or year-round campsite, weve got you covered.