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Ultimate RV Arrival Setup Checklist for Teardrop Trailers

ByMarianne Updated on

You are packed and on your way to the campground. But as a newbie Teardrop owner, are you confident about what to do when you arrive?

John and I weren’t in the beginning! As new RV owners, the learning curve was quite steep.

And many times, there just weren’t enough resources geared towards smaller rigs like our Teardrop.

So we have put together a comprehensive guide on what to do when you arrive at a campground.

From the time that you check in, until that first hot dog hits the flames, we have got you covered!

Ready to learn more? Let’s jump right in!

RV Setup Checklist

You are all excited for your first campground adventure with your new Teardrop. You arrive at the campground… but now what?

🚨 IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER – Every RV is different. This is a general guide geared towards Teardrop trailers. Your rig may be slightly different and may require more or less steps.

Arrival at the Campground

When you arrive at the campground, head straight to the camp office or gate office to check in. At this time you can:

  • Confirm your reservation details.
  • Verify that your campsite has all the requested amenities.
  • Ask for a map of the campground.
  • Get directions to the comfort stations, dump stations, or any other points of interest.
  • Inquire about any special events or activities happening during your stay.
  • Purchase firewood or ice
  • Make a note of any specific departure requirements, as well as check-out time.
Darlington Provincial Park - Gatehouse

If you are camping at a provincial park, you will need to head to a water-fill station to fill your tank. If your Teardrop does not have water tanks, then you can skip this step and head straight to your campsite.

If you are camping at a private campsite, and have a water hook-up at the site, you can skip this step as well.

Arrival at Your Campsite

Once you arrive at your campsite, and before you back in your trailer, the first thing you will want to do is check it over:

Turkey Point - Empty Campsite
  • Walk around your campsite to check for tree stumps, rocks, debris, low-hanging tree branches, or anything else that may cause damage to your Teardrop.
  • Figure out what the most level spot on the campsite is.
  • Be sure that you can reach the water and electrical connections once you pull your Teardrop into the site.

Exterior Teardrop Setup

Now that you have figured out the best location for your Teardrop, it’s time to back in the trailer:

Teardrop at sloped campsite
  • Back or pull into the spot that you selected (take your time!)
  • Level your Teardrop side to side using levelling blocks.
  • Use wheel chocks to secure your tires front and back.
  • Partially lower tongue jack.
  • Mount the front wheel to the jack. Install the wheel pin.
  • Lower the tongue jack until the wheel engages with the ground.
  • Chock the tongue jack wheel.
  • Disconnect your trailer from your tow vehicle, including power cords, safety chains, and breakaway cables.
  • Level your Teardrop front to back.
  • Lower your stabilizing jacks, placing support blocks underneath.
  • Before plugging in, turn off your battery to protect against electrical surges.
  • Then connect your Teardrop to shore power, using a surge protector.
  • Turn the battery back on.
  • Attach your water lines, using a water pressure regulator to prevent damage to your plumbing system.
  • Set your Nautilus to the correct setting (city water or dry camping).
  • Connect your sewer hose if a sewer connection is available.
  • Open the grey water tank valve but leave the black water tank valve closed to avoid clogs.
  • Turn on your propane.
  • Install hitch lock and trailer tire boot lock.
  • Set up your campsite with items like an outdoor rug, table and chairs, string lights, and any other accessories to make your space comfortable.

Get a FREE RV Setup Checklist PDF Printable Here!

I always tell John to do things in the same order all the time. This way you will develop ‘muscle memory’ and will have less of a chance of forgetting something.

This is where our checklist will come in handy. Our best advice is to follow the list until you get into a routine of your own.

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Interior Teardrop Setup

It’s not quite time to relax yet! Now that the outside of your Teardrop is all set up, you still need to get the inside ready to go for your camping adventure:

Bunk Beds inside our Teardrop Trailer
  • Turn on your Alde system and make sure that your settings are correct (including those for the water heater).
  • Depending on what time of the year you are camping, you may want to turn on your A/C or heat.
  • Open your roof vents for some air circulation.
  • Turn on your water pump.
  • Test your water lines by running water in both your kitchen and bathroom to check that your connections are hooked up correctly.
  • Add tank treatment to your grey and black tanks if you are not hooked up to city water or sewer.
  • Configure your bed or dinette.
  • Unpack any secured items.

RV Newbie Setup Checklist – FAQs

Darlington Provincial Park - Campsite 161
How do I find a level spot for my teardrop trailer?

Look for a flat area or use a small bubble level to check the ground before parking.

How do I ensure my teardrop trailer is level on uneven ground?

Use levelling blocks or ramps under the tires to adjust the height and make the trailer level.

What should I check before using the campsite’s electrical hookup?

Inspect the outlet for damage and use a surge protector to prevent electrical issues.

What type of extension cords should I use for my Teardrop travel trailer?

Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords designed for RVs to handle the electrical load safely.

How long on average does it take to set up a Teardrop when travelling?

On average, it takes about 30 minutes to an hour to set up your Teardrop at a campsite.

Nellie in neon at night

RV Setup Checklist – Final Thoughts

While setting up your Teardrop at a campsite may seem a little daunting for newbies, we promise you, it does get easier with practice.

Soon, you won’t even have to think twice about the process!

Until then just follow the steps included in our RV setup checklist, and you can ensure a smooth start to your camping adventure.

Don’t forget to download the handy printable. You can check tasks off as you complete them for a worry-free arrival.

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Marianne is the founder and co-writer for Teardrop Travel Tales. Together with her husband, John, and their children, the family has owned their Teardrop Trailer for two years. Marianne is responsible for planning all of her family's camping itineraries and dreaming up new adventures. A lover of the outdoors, Marianne shares all her favourite tips and tricks for camping in a tiny trailer.