When you are planning a camping trip in your RV, like any other trip, you will always want to make sure you plan for what services will or will not be offered at your destination.
- What Does An Rv Hookup Site Usually Cost Money
- What Does An Rv Hookup Site Usually Cost Without
- What Does An Rv Hookup Site Usually Cost Calculator
- What Does An Rv Hookup Site Usually Cost For A
- What Does An Rv Hookup Site Usually Cost Per
The next step is to secure the line to the post by using clamps. Fill up the trench with cement. Now, all you have to do is connect the RV faucet to the water line. Costs: The RV hookup cost for the water line will be around $100 if you take the DIY route. Taking a professional service will require over $500. 1 Here's a HUGE list of Free or Cheap RV Sites & Camping Locations! 1.1 Intro to Boondocking. 1.1.1 (Hint, It's Off The Grid) 1.1.2 Boondocking For Quick Overnight Stays. 1.1.3 Boondocking at a Campground – Without Hookups. 1.1.4 Boondocking in Undeveloped Campgrounds. 1.1.5 How Boondocking Can Save You Money. We did some research and found that many cable companies will hook up a direct internet line to your RV site and charge month to month. We have done this twice at the cost of about $90 for the connection fee and about $50 a month for service. If you are only checking email once a day, use your phone as a hotspot.
One of the biggest things to think about when planning a trip in your RV is what types of hook-ups you are going to have when you get there.
Most campers require four hookups: water, electrical, sewer and cable.
Knowing what type of services and hookups to expect while camping can make a huge difference when you are planning your vacation.
Check out our guide to campground hookups!
What are the Available Hookups Found at Campsites and How Do I Hook them Up?
There are a few different types of RV hookups that you can find at different campsites. Some campgrounds offer multiple types of hook-ups and some others only offer a certain type of hookup.
Below, I have described what types of hookups you can expect to find at varying campgrounds.
What Does An Rv Hookup Site Usually Cost Money
Water Hookup:
One of the most important hookups that you will need while you are camping in your RV is water.
Water can be essential for cooking, dishes, washing your hands, showering, and even using the bathroom. Without having water in your RV you will have to walk to the shared public facilities that are offered by the campground.
Getting water working in your RV is a little more complicated than just turning on the faucet. You will either need a full water tank in your RV or camper, or you will need a water hookup.
If you are at a campground that offers a water hookup, you will be able to confidently have water at any time during your vacation.
Hooking up the water hookup is not overly complicated. The steps to hookup your RV to water are as follows:
- First, you will want to make sure that you have a clean hose for your freshwater hookup with you. Your hose should be certified for potable water and is usually blue or white in color. You can buy a hose that ranges between 10 and 50 feet.
- Before you attach the hose to the hookup you will want to attach any filters or pressure regulators that you have.
- Screw the loose end of your hose into the water supply hookup provided at your campsite.
- Set your water system to pull from the connection, often labeled “city water position” instead of your water tank.
- Make sure your RV water pump is switched on to get the desired pressure to come out of the sinks and shower.
For water pressure regulators, see item 14 on our article, 15 Really Helpful Accessories For RVing!
You will also want to make sure you have an RV water heater. This will ensure that you have hot water that is needed for showering and cooking.
Electrical Hookup:
Electrical is also a highly important hookup that is needed when you are camping in an RV.
The electrical present in your RV is responsible for running everything from lights to water pumps, and other amenities.
There are different electrical service levels that are offered at RV campgrounds. These include 20, 30, or 50 amp services.
Some campgrounds offer a variety of these levels, but a majority of campgrounds, including State Parks, offer a 30-amp service.
Before you hook up your RV you will want to make sure you can tell the difference between the services. The different types of electrical services are listed below:
- 20-Amp Plug: These are the standard plug that you would see in your house that has 2 straight, flat prongs and 1 round prong.
- 30-Amp Plug: These are made with 2 flat prongs and 1 round prong as well, but unlike the 20-Amp prongs the flat prongs for a 30-Amp hookup are placed at an angle.
- 50-Amp Plug: These are made with 3 flat prongs instead of 2 and, like the others, also come with 1 round prong.
It is important to know what kind of hookup you need, and what kind of hookup is offered at the campsite you will be visiting.
If at all possible, you will want to have adapters that will allow you to convert your connection. This is most important if you require a 50-Amp hookup as most parks offer a 30-Amp hookup.
Hooking up the electrical hookup is the easiest hookup that you will have with your RV and is basically like plugging something into the wall.
Make sure you CUT THE POWER from the power supply before you plug yourself in.
What Does An Rv Hookup Site Usually Cost Without
Most power boxes at campsites have a breaker switch right on the box that you can turn off yourself so that you do not have any issues when connecting yourself to power.
After you are firmly plugged in, you can switch the breaker back to the “on” position and enjoy your power.
It is also a good idea to utilize a surge protector between these connections to make sure you do not have any damage to your vehicle and its electrical components.
See item 4 on this list – 15 Really Helpful Accessories For RVing!
Sewer Hookup:
Sewage is a necessary evil for all activities including RV camping.
Because of the nature of this job, dealing with the sewage in your RV can be the most dreaded job while you are living in your home away from home.
If your campsite offers a sewer hookup this will be the hookup that you want to be the most careful with, whether it is connecting it to the hookup, or emptying it on your way out of the campground.
The steps to handling your sewer hookup are:
- Put on gloves. This is a very important step for your health and hygiene. Some people use gloves that they save and wash, and some people use disposable gloves. Which type you choose is up to you.
- Make sure both your gray and black water tanks are secure and closed.
- Grab your hose and connect it to your RV drain spout.
- Place any support that is needed for your hose from your RV all the way to the sewer drain. Then you will want to place the hose properly.
- Attach the elbow to the end of your hose that will hook up to the sewer drain. You should attach the elbow to the drain using the treads whenever possible.
- Open your valves and allow the tanks to drain on their own.
Having a sewer hookup will save you from having to empty a full sewage tank on your way out of the campground.
If your RV has more than one bathroom it can be safe to say that it also has two sewer hookups.
This is often because RV manufacturers like to have the black water tanks right below the toilet. With this setup, you might also have two gray water tanks also.
This can make your hookup process a little more challenging. You might need an adapter that can create a sealed connection between your sewer hoses and the campsite connection. Doing this means that you can empty both connections at all times instead of having to do one or the other.
Cable Hookup:
Some RV parks even offer a cable hookup for your RV.
This can be an added luxury, especially on any rainy days where you are forced to stay inside. This hookup is the least likely to be available at campgrounds, so if it is important to you, you may want to call ahead and inquire about its availability.
This hookup will be the easiest hookup for you. Even easier than your electrical hookup was.
If you have ever hooked up your cable in your home, you should know exactly what to do when it comes to hooking up your RV’s cable.
Simply grab your coaxial cable and connect one end to the cable supply offered by the campsite, and connect the other end into your RV where it is labeled “cable”.
When you are looking to supply your truck with a coaxial cable, you should look for one that is about 50 feet in length. This is sufficient for most of the RV parks that offer cable.
What is Considered a Full-Hookup?
When you are making your reservations at RV parks or campsites, you might be wondering what is included when they use the term “full-hookup”.
Even though most RVs are set up to function without a hookup, having a full hookup can be nice and can help your vacation feel stress-free without worrying about power or water levels.
Campgrounds often offer two different levels of hookups for their RV campers. These can include a partial or full hookup.
Partial hookups generally only include water and electricity hookups. These hookups are great because they allow you to use unlimited water as well as devices that pull more power like televisions or air conditioners.
Hookups include water and electrical hookups, but a full hookup also provides a sewage hookup for you.
There are also parks that offer cable and phone hookups as well as Wi-Fi services, though these are less common. These luxuries are not necessarily included, even in campsites that offer a full hookup.
It is always good to research what type of hookup you can expect at each location, that way you can plan ahead.
What Hookups do KOA Campgrounds Have?
KOA Campgrounds is one of the largest private campground companies, with over 500 locations in the United States and Canada.
These campgrounds offer many amenities and other services.
Among these services, this company offers full hookups for your RV. This would include water, electrical, and sewage.
The electrical offered at these campsites are either 30 or 50-Amp Service to match the needs of your RV.
Some KOA campsites even offer patios for additional outdoor appeal.
What Does An Rv Hookup Site Usually Cost Calculator
Can I Get Help With Hookup at Campgrounds?
Most campgrounds will have someone that you could ask for help if you need it when it comes to hooking up your RV at your campsite.
KOA campgrounds, in particular, have staff on hand to help anyone who has any issues with all aspects of their camping trip, which includes hooking up your vehicle.
Because these tasks can be highly important and no one wants you to do it wrong, most locations will have staff members that are available to help demonstrate or explain to you how your hookups work.
You will also likely be asked whether or not you think you understand your hookups when you show up for your reservation check-in. This is a great time to ask for assistance if you think you will need it!
What Can I Do If There Aren’t Any Hookups?
If you are camping in a campground or other location where you do not have any available hookups, there are still things that you can do to make sure you are able to use the amenities offered by your RV.
Most RVs come equipped with tanks that act as a temporary solution for each of the necessary hookups needed for a comfortable camping experience.
There are a few different types of tanks that can be found on an RV and each tank has its own uses.
The freshwater tank in your RV is used to hold the clean water than can be safe to drink, cook with, and shower in. This tank is normally hooked up to your sinks and shower. The fresh water tank can be used up very quickly, especially when it comes to showers.
When you shower you can use between 1 and 3 gallons of water out of your freshwater tank per minute. If you are solely relying on your water tank, and you do not have a water hookup, it might be worth it to utilize the public showers offered at the facility.
You also should have a semi-dirty water tank. This is also called your gray water tank. This tank holds any water that you wash down the drain, either from a sink or shower.
The final tank that you should have equipped on your RV is the sewage or septic tank. This tank holds the waste that comes from your toilet.
Each of these tanks should be properly filled, maintained, and then emptied. Often this is done after every camping excursion.
If your campground does not offer hookups, they might offer you a fill/empty station to service your RV and its tanks properly. Make sure you are properly filling and emptying these tanks to preserve the longevity of both the tanks and your RV.
Emptying Your Tanks:
Like previously mentioned, before you are done with your camping trip, you will want to make sure that you empty all the necessary tanks.
Most campgrounds have dumping stations to help you accomplish this on your way out of the campground.
Emptying these tanks can be done by following these steps:
- Make sure you put on a pair of gloves before you begin.
- Connect your sewer hose to the sewer hookup and the sewer or black water tank.
- Open the valve and allow the contents to drain.
- Make sure you close the valve completely and securely.
- Then empty the gray water tank and allow the wastewater to drain.
- Close the valve completely and securely.
- Flush and rinse the tanks to make sure they are clean.
These stations are very intuitive and easy to use, but if necessary, you should be able to find help if you need it.
Final Thoughts:
Hooking up your RV when you go camping is not necessary to have a great experience, but it can make your experience even better.
Having your RV hooked up can provide peace of mind when it comes to using your water or electricity. Having an unlimited supply will allow you to take showers while still knowing you will have enough water left for cooking or dishes.
You can also use electrical objects that might utilize more power than lights and other base electrical devices. These objects can include televisions or even air conditioning units.
Having a septic hookup is also a big deal when it comes to your RV camping trip. Being hooked up for the duration of your trip will save you the task of having to empty the septic tank at the end of your trip, which can be a gross job that nobody likes doing.
Even if you only have a partial hookup, that can still be more comfortable than no hookup at all. But don’t let a lack of hookup stop you from going where you want to go. RVs are designed to be functional while off the grid and are totally manageable.
No matter what the situation is at the campground you plan to visit, you will want to make sure you call ahead so that you can properly plan. This is also a good idea to make sure you get a campsite that fits your RV and the features that you want.
Some RV campgrounds have both types of hookups but only for select campsites. If a full hookup is important to you, you will want to make sure there is a site available that offers it.
Speaking with the campground while you are making a reservation is the best way to make sure you get what you want when you are camping.
Camp with style!
Hooking Up RV Utilities At The Campground covers the basic fundamentals of connecting your rig's water, sewer, electrical, and cable connections to the campground's facilities. RV beginner tips and tricks to get you hooked up quickly so you can get on with your vacation!
- RV water hookup
- Electric hookup
- Sewer line hookup
- Cable/satellite TV hookup
Pro Tip: Although all of the connections described shouldn't require tools, an ordinary pair of pliers can be handy for tightening and loosening connections. Drop a pair into your on rig tool set.
Situating Your RV
- When choosing a specific parking spot for your rig, be sure to examine the campsite, noting the location of the utility pedestals. Usually those are located close to each other, but not always. Be sure when you park your rig that your connection equipment can reach their destinations to avoid re-spotting or other frustrations.
- It's generally a good idea to complete your utility connections BEFORE extending your slides (depending on your rig, of course). Often when the slides are out access to your rig's connection points can become tighter, or worse...
RV Water Hookup
Connect Your Rig's Water System To Campground Water
- Remove the water line cap. Verify this is the right one by checking the labeling on your rig. Usually this line is labeled “city water” supply or similar verbiage.
- Attach the pressure limit device to the inlet.
- Connect a water filter to the pressure limiter inlet (if used).
- Connect the male connector on your drinking hose to the filter or pressure limiter, whichever is in place.
- Attach the female connector of the hose to the campground water pedestal.
- Double check all connections for tightness.
- Turn on the water at the campground pedestal, check for leaks.
- Move to the RV's interior, and open each faucet for a few minutes. This allows trapped air in the lines to escape. Close the faucet when all the air in the line has been forced out. Repeat for all the faucets in your rig; don't forget the shower!
Pro tip: Make a point to allow your water heater to fill before turning it on. If you don't, and are using electrical power to run your heater, you run the risk of burning out the heating element. Patience pays off...
Pro tip: When you store your water hose, thoroughly drain it, coil it up and then connect the ends together. This helps keep the hose interior clean, and also protects your storage area from stray water draining from it.
RV Water Hookup Parts Needed
- Fresh water hose. These are typically offered in 25 and 50 foot lengths. We strongly recommend you don't just use a regular garden hose – purchase one that is rated for human drinking water consumption. Hoses are available from your local RV dealer, home improvement, and other large-scale retailers, or on-line. It's also good practice to incorporate a pressure limiter and a water filter in the connection. Here's a link to give you an idea of what the hoses look like: RV fresh water hose.
- External water filter
- Water pressure regulator
RV Electric Hookup
Connect Your Rig To Campground Power
- Locate the power inlet connector on your rig. Usually these are protected by a snap on or hinged cover. Open the cover.
- Plug the appropriate end of your power cable into the connector. Some cords require a partial twist and incorporate a lock ring lock to safely secure in place.
- At the campground power pedestal, locate the switch for the receptacle your cable end matches, and make sure it's in the OFF position.
- Plug in the proper cable end into the receptacle, and turn the power ON.
- Verify you now have AC power in your rig. Appliances like microwaves, air conditioners and most refrigerators require AC to operate. A quick check is a flashing clock display on the microwave.
- If your water heater tank is full, and you're using campground power to heat your water, turn the heater on.
- Turn on all other appliances as needed – refrigerator, air conditioning, etc.
Pro tip: Connecting your rig to campground power will sometimes be referred to as connecting to 'shore power'
What Does An Rv Hookup Site Usually Cost For A
RV Electric Hookup Parts Needed
- Power cable. You will need one to match the rated amperage of your rig; these are either 30 amp or 50 amp, and probably 25 feet long.
- Usually, the power inlet port on your rig will have a label close by identifying the proper amperage cable needed. You can also distinguish the proper type by studying the plug port on your rig – the 30 amp cable uses a three-conductor plug, while the 50 amp uses a four-conductor one.
- If you think 25 feet is inadequate, extension cords can be purchased to increase your “reach”. Like the drinking hoses, these are available on-line, your local RV dealer or large retailers with an RV products section. Follow this link to see examples: 30 amp RV power cable
- External surge protector box protects your RV from dangerous power surges. The box connects to the campground electrical (optional but recommended). The surge protector needs to be matched to your RV's ampage 30 amp or 50 amp. RV surge protector 50 amp or RV surge protector 30 amp
- Dog bone adapter 30 to 50 amp, and 20 to 30 amp, only if needed. Most campgrounds have multiple plug ins at the receptacle post to match your rig's power; these are only needed if the appropriate port is not available.Adapter sample.
RV Sewer Hookup
Attach Sewer Line To Campsite Drain
- Normally best practice to keep your sewer drain hose clean is to NOT attach it a sanitary line available at the site. This is because often the gradual flow from a constant connection is insufficient to remove all solids. Dumping your tank contents upon departure is usually a better course for your sewer lines. But, if you prefer to use this connection, read on...
- Don your disposable gloves before working with sewer line.
- Remove your sewer drain hose from storage, remove the caps.
- Make sure your dump valve for this tank is closed - if it's open you will get an unpleasant surprise when you loosen the drain cap! Disconnect the drain valve cap from the black tank drain outlet. Note this may be a valve devoted to the black water tank or in a 'Y' configuration to serve a black water tank and a gray water tank.
- Next, connect one end of the sewer hose to the drain outlet, and the other to the campsite dump drain. The hose uses a push and twist-action to connect to the tank outlet, just like the drain cap covering the outlet is attached. The connection at the site drain may be a screw in type, or just a gravity type.
- Now open the drain valve(s). Black tanks use a black “T” shaped handle, while gray tank handles are gray. Depending on the valve orientation, pull the handle towards you or away from the valve body to open it. Be sure to open it all the way!
- Remove and discard your gloves, and carefully wash your hands. Be safe...
RV Sewer Hookup Parts Needed
- Sewer drain hose, at least 20 feet long. These should include end caps for storage; most come so equipped. Hoses are available from your local RV dealer, home improvement and other large scale retailers, or on-line. Here's a link to give you an idea of what they look like: RV sewer hose
- Clear sewer hose elbow (attaches to the drain hose so you can see the RV emptying and when the water is clear after emptying/flushing). Drain elbow example.
- Disposable latex gloves. Though not strictly mandatory, these can help keep your hands relatively clean and sanitary. Also coming in handy are paper towels and hand sanitizer. You can find these at auto parts stores, drug stores or on-line. Gloves.
Cable / Satellite TV Hookup
Connect entertainment systems to campground TV access
- Some campgrounds offer access to local cable or satellite TV systems, usually for a premium. The full variety of systems available is too broad for this particular subject, at least in terms of equipment from the campground that would be required, but we will cover the basics.
- For basic connectivity, attach one end of your coaxial cable to the matching port on the campground pedestal.
- Connect the other end to the port on the exterior of your rig labeled “Satellite” or “Cable” access.
- If no cable box is required for access, you will need to reprogram / re-scan channels on your TV so it knows which channels are available, and your TV remote will scroll through the identified stations properly. Consult your TV owner's manual for the details if you're not familiar with that process.
- If the campground provides a cable box, follow their instructions for setting up your TV.
Cable/Satellite TV Hookup Parts Needed
- Coaxial cable. This is similar to the cable used for home TV connections from a cable or satellite provider. They are available in a variety of lengths; we recommend at least a 25 foot version for best flexibility. Your most economical source for these are big box retailers, but they're also available on-line. The cable looks like this: Coaxial cable.
Common Questions
Here are some common questions we get about RV utility hookups!
What do you need for an RV hookup?
Depending on the utilities you wish to employ, you'll need a drinking water hose, an electrical cable (and potentially an adapter), a sewer line hose and possibly a coaxial cable if you're hooking up everything.
What does full RV hookup mean?
A 'full' hookup normally implies that all normal services (power, water, sewer) are available at a given campsite. For some campgrounds, that may also include access to satellite or cable TV.
Check with your proposed destination campground manager for details.
Can you hookup an RV to your house?
In most cases, you can do at least a partial hookup of your rig at home. Most typically the connections you'd make are electrical and water; same directions as provided above apply when attaching to your home's utility systems.
Of course you'll need access to an exterior electrical outlet (and use one of the adapters mentioned), and run your water line hose to a water supply.
Most homes do not have easy access to their sewer systems, so you may want to consider if using your toilet in your RV is a good idea or not... See our companion posting about dumping tanks for more information.
What sides are RV hookups on?
There is no standard that defines where the hookups are located on all rigs. Most manufacturers seem to locate these on the road, or driver's side, but that's not universal. Often electrical and satellite TV hookups are located on the back of the rig.
Water connections could be on the side, or even in an enclosed compartment accessible by opening a side hatch. Dump tank connections are on the underside; again, these are normally on the road or driver's side. Consult your owner's manual for details.
What is the difference between 30 amp and 50 amp hookup?
The amperage rating (30 versus 50) indicates what the maximum electrical load your rig's wiring and converter box is capable of handling.
Usually the 50 amp capacity is used for rigs with very high demands, originating from dual or triple air conditioners, large residential refrigerators and high power microwaves. 30 amp systems are sufficient if the internal electrical load is not excessive; most rigs with a single A/C unit come so equipped.
Adapters are available to help overcome a lack of the correct connector on the campground pedestal, but will not increase your rig's capacity if you are using a 30 amp to 50 amp adapter.
Related Content
What Does An Rv Hookup Site Usually Cost Per
Articles From Our RV Basics How-To Series:
RV Campground Ideas
We'd Love To Hear From You!
We'd LOVE for you to help us share this post! Here's how:
SHARE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW
We love your comments - say hello, or leave any questions and comments below!
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK
Show your RV's, travel photos, food photos, and favorite campgrounds! We'd LOVE to see them!
PIN OUR PIN
Share our pin and pin on Pinterest!
Pin me for later!
RV Hacks: how to up your RV utilities to campground connections! Perfect information for all RV beginners and new RV owners out there! Helpful tips & tricks for the best ways to hookup RV connections with ease. What parts do you need to hookup your RV utilities? #rvhacks #rvhowto #rvbasics #RVliving #campsite #rvamping #rvtipsandtricks #rvutilities #rvhookup #rvsewer #rvwater #rvelectric #rvcable #rv101 #rvmaintenace #seekingthervlife