Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Keystone RV Forums > Keystone Fleet | Keystone RV Models > Travel Trailers
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 07-20-2016, 12:31 PM   #1
johnnyringo
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Vero Beach, FL
Posts: 45
First time set up question

Tomorrow we head out for our shake down trip. Staying local, just wanting to see how everything works. Never having had a camper before, I'd appreciate you folks sharing with me the correct way to set up the trailer.

Once you back into your site, what are the correct steps (in order) to follow?

I have leveling blocks, X chocks, fresh water hoses, water filter, pressure regulator, black water hose, full propane tanks and a empty wallet.

Thanks again for all your help. I do appreciate it! JR
__________________
2014 Bullet Premier 22 RBPR
2005 GMC Envoy Denali
johnnyringo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2016, 12:42 PM   #2
SADLY
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 82
1) Get camper generally where you want it in the camp spot
2) Level left to right by driving trailer tires onto boards/blocks
3) chock trailer tires
4) disconnect truck
5) level front to back using tongue jack
6) lower rear stabilizers to the point of "snug, plus a turn or two" (and front corners if you have those too) - these do not level your RV... They just minimize movement when disconnected from truck.
7) open slides
8) connect electrical cable (if detachable from RV) to the RV
9) open camp power pedestal and ensure that the main breaker is OFF
10) plug RV cord into camp power pedestal
11) turn ON camp power pedestal breaker.
12) open hot water heater pressure release valve till water comes out - creates bubble air space and ensures water is IN the heater
13) fill tank/turn on pump OR connect fresh water hose pressure regulator to spigot
14) drink beer
SADLY is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2016, 12:53 PM   #3
buzzcop63
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Beaverton
Posts: 309
Arriving at Camp Check List
1 Check in
2 Get guidance to location and check ease of parking
3 Look at sight, best way to get trailer in, clean for tires, nails, glass etc.
4 Walk sight for any problems, trees, pot holes, glass, nails, etc
5 Use a guide to park, note water, Pedestal, Cable location clearance for slide
6 Also check up high for tree's that might get in way
7 Put level in freezer section to see if trailer needs leveling
8 Before uncoupling, level the unit from side to side if needed
9 Put chocks on wheels
10 Disconnect from truck
11 Adjust front to back for level with tongue jack
12 Attach 30 amp Power, turn off power to outlet first
13 Put all jacks down before running slide out, check level again
14 Run out Slide
15 Turn on refrigerator, put on Auto if not already operating
16 Attach Fresh Water hose with regulator
17 Open stove vent if going to use
18 Put up TV Antenna, push button on Amplifier, check each channel
19 Or attach cable TV to inlet and make sure TV Amplifier is off.
20 Put out awning
21 Put out chairs, table and stool for back door step
22 Pull off hitch from truck and store in pass through
__________________
2012 Cougar TT, 24RKSWE, 27'
2012 Tundra 4.6V8, 2wd, dbl cab
buzzcop63 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2016, 01:50 PM   #4
Tbos
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Solomons
Posts: 3,874
Since you have X-chocks too I would add that after you have the trailer level side to side and front to back and your 4 stabilizer jacks down, install your x-chocks. At that point pick up on either list below. Have fun.
__________________
Tom
2019 Alpine 3651RL
2016 F350 CC DRW
Tbos is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2016, 02:10 PM   #5
sourdough
Site Team
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: W. Texas
Posts: 17,599
You have received some comprehensive lists. If you are in a complicated site my wife and I use our cell phones to communicate while she tells me of things I can't see. I have hands free so I can just maneuver and talk.

Also, you did not mention a surge protector. If you don't have one you need to seriously consider one before you start camping a lot. I know the empty wallet feeling but our surge protector has more than paid for itself. The Progressive and Surge Guard brands are good and I would recommend the more expensive ones that show their line analysis.

Good luck on your trip and HAVE FUN.
sourdough is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2016, 02:38 PM   #6
SADLY
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 82
Buzzcop's list is TOTALLY INVALID......

No mention of beer!!
SADLY is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2016, 02:40 PM   #7
Mike484
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 380
There are also some good YouTube videos explaining setup.
__________________

2016 Passport 2890RL
2007 GMC Sierra 1500
Reese 26000 Weight Distribution and Sway Control
Champion 2800/3100 Inverter Generator

American Ranger Auto Gyro
Mike484 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2016, 02:46 PM   #8
buzzcop63
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Beaverton
Posts: 309
Buzzcop feels very sad about the omission and even sadder that I cannot partake of said beverage! 40 plus years of being dry, I consumed my fair share and more during High School and Collage and then body rebelled, became allergic to alcohol! Isn't that a pain!
__________________
2012 Cougar TT, 24RKSWE, 27'
2012 Tundra 4.6V8, 2wd, dbl cab
buzzcop63 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2016, 02:47 PM   #9
Pull Toy
Senior Member
 
Pull Toy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Southeastern Connectiut
Posts: 1,305
Just add Bourbon and Sweet Vermouth to the above advice.... you'll do fine!

Good Luck... Have FUN... You'll do great... let us know how it went!
__________________

Pull Toy

Steve & Jan, Ava & Emma (Mini Schnauzers):
2016 F350 Lariat 4X4 Powerstroke CC/SB "PULLTOY V"
2013 Alpine 3535RE "MAGIC CARPET IV"
Proud Navy Vet!
Pull Toy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2016, 02:56 PM   #10
SADLY
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 82
Quote:
Originally Posted by buzzcop63 View Post
Buzzcop feels very sad about the omission and even sadder that I cannot partake of said beverage! 40 plus years of being dry, I consumed my fair share and more during High School and Collage and then body rebelled, became allergic to alcohol! Isn't that a pain!
Exception noted.
SADLY is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2016, 04:59 PM   #11
Desert185
Senior Member
 
Desert185's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Nevada
Posts: 2,695
Icemaker! Turn on ice maker!

Also, I like an inline water filter (the blue one from Walmart).
__________________
Desert185 🇺🇸 (Retired Chemtrail vendor)
-Ram 2500 QC, LB, 4x4, Cummins HO/exhaust brake, 6-speed stick.
-Andersen Ultimate 24K 5er Hitch.
-2014 Cougar 326SRX, Maxxis tires w/TPMS, wet bolts, two 6v batts.
-Four Wheel 8' Popup Camper.
Desert185 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-21-2016, 03:11 AM   #12
johnnyringo
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Vero Beach, FL
Posts: 45
Getting ready to load up and head out. First stop will be to weigh the trailer and the combined rig.

BTW, I did install a hard wired surge protector.

Thanks to all for your helping me. I'll let you know how the adventure went.

JR
__________________
2014 Bullet Premier 22 RBPR
2005 GMC Envoy Denali
johnnyringo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-21-2016, 07:40 AM   #13
GaryWT
Senior Member
 
GaryWT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: MA
Posts: 3,153
Some good list and info here but everyone does it a little different and you will find what works for you, just be sure you are level front to back before unhooking.

I connect all utilities before open the slides, electric, water, cable and sewer. This way I do not have to crawl on the ground. Also I use the level on the floor just inside the door as it is easier and my refrigerator is already on when I arrive so it does not have to be turn on.

Enjoy your first trip.
__________________
2013 Premier 31BHPR
2014 F350 6.2L
Soon to be just DW and I
GaryWT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-21-2016, 08:20 AM   #14
buzzcop63
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Beaverton
Posts: 309
GaryWT:
Side to side should be level before un-hitching from truck, but if you are still attached to the tow vehicle when you adjust the trailer, front to back you may have a lot of pressure on the hitch which could make it hard to un-hitch.
__________________
2012 Cougar TT, 24RKSWE, 27'
2012 Tundra 4.6V8, 2wd, dbl cab
buzzcop63 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-22-2016, 07:52 AM   #15
johnnyringo
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Vero Beach, FL
Posts: 45
Thanks very much to all for the help. Thanks to your sage advice, all went quite well. Set up was relatively easy thanks to the step by step instructions you folks provided. When we arrived the trailer was HOT inside. Got a lesson on trying to run both the AC and the hot water tank at same time. I finally recalled something I read here about why that wouldn't work. Switched the tank from AC to gas and the AC was happy.

All in all it was a pleasant first experience.

Stopped on the way out and had the rig weighed. We're under the limits for both max trailer weight and GCWR.

Still concerned about the rear air suspension on the TV. Wish I could find someone who towed with one like ours (2005 GMC Envoy Denali).

Happy Camper Couple, JR
__________________
2014 Bullet Premier 22 RBPR
2005 GMC Envoy Denali
johnnyringo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-22-2016, 08:16 AM   #16
Desert185
Senior Member
 
Desert185's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Nevada
Posts: 2,695
In many ways, what is more important than the arrival setup is the walkaround prior to the tow out of the "campsite". TV antenna, steps, slide(s), interior secure, stabilizers, doors/hatches secure, hitch secure, water pump off, fridge on gas, lug nuts, tire pressure, etc. A good "preflight" is essential to a good trip. Occasionally, paranoia is justified.
__________________
Desert185 🇺🇸 (Retired Chemtrail vendor)
-Ram 2500 QC, LB, 4x4, Cummins HO/exhaust brake, 6-speed stick.
-Andersen Ultimate 24K 5er Hitch.
-2014 Cougar 326SRX, Maxxis tires w/TPMS, wet bolts, two 6v batts.
-Four Wheel 8' Popup Camper.
Desert185 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-22-2016, 08:27 AM   #17
Tbos
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Solomons
Posts: 3,874
Glad it went well. Ditto on Desert185's comments. Go ahead and make a list on your smartphone you can check and edit as needed. This becomes especially important when other campers distract you in the middle of something. Don't forget if you have full hookups to dump and flush the black tank. Close the valve and then dump the gray tank. Close that valve before you disconnect the sewer hose.
__________________
Tom
2019 Alpine 3651RL
2016 F350 CC DRW
Tbos is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-22-2016, 12:08 PM   #18
Mike484
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 380
I didnt see "turn on the air conditioner" on any lists.

After leveling the trailer and unhitching, my first step is to plug in the electrical, then turn on the air conditioner. This way, after everything else is complete, hopefully the trailer is beginning to get cool enough that I can go in and cool off after everything is set up. I am in Texas though, so the A/C may be more important to me than it is most anyone else.
__________________

2016 Passport 2890RL
2007 GMC Sierra 1500
Reese 26000 Weight Distribution and Sway Control
Champion 2800/3100 Inverter Generator

American Ranger Auto Gyro
Mike484 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-22-2016, 05:10 PM   #19
sourdough
Site Team
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: W. Texas
Posts: 17,599
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike484 View Post
I didnt see "turn on the air conditioner" on any lists.

After leveling the trailer and unhitching, my first step is to plug in the electrical, then turn on the air conditioner. This way, after everything else is complete, hopefully the trailer is beginning to get cool enough that I can go in and cool off after everything is set up. I am in Texas though, so the A/C may be more important to me than it is most anyone else.
x2^^ AC is important to us everywhere we go in the summer.
sourdough is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 07-23-2016, 08:46 AM   #20
mfifield01
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 834
I have my wife pull out the electrical cable as I move the truck (right after unhitching). I turn on the A/C and then finish leveling/stabilizer. In the Texas summer, A/C is a top priority.



Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
__________________
(SOLD) 2015 Keystone Passport 2810BH
2013 Ram 1500 Hemi 8-speed 3.92 Air Suspension
mfifield01 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates in any way. Keystone RV® is a registered trademark of the Keystone RV Company.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 09:51 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.