Are You Making These Common RV Camper Setup Mistakes?
Setting up your RV camper at a campsite shouldn’t be a frustrating experience. Yet many campersānovice and experiencedācontinue to make the same rookie mistakes that unnecessarily complicate the process. After years on the road and countless campsite setups, I’ve identified four common mistakes that make leveling and backing up your camper much more difficult than it needs to be.
I’ll share four clever gear hacks in this guide to revolutionize your campsite setup routine. These innovative, simple tools do the work for you and make your job significantly easier. After reading this, I doubt you’ll want to return to doing things the old wayābut hey, you be the judge!
Rookie Mistake #1: Not Using a Backup Camera
Backing your RV into a campsite with limited space and multiple obstacles (trees, picnic tables, hookup posts) can be incredibly stressful without proper visibility. Many campers rely solely on their mirrors or a spotter, often leading to frustration, wasted time, and sometimes even damage to their camper trailer.
The Solution: Wireless Backup Camera
I always thought installing a backup camera would be challenging and expensive, costing hundreds of dollars for a quality system. I couldn’t have been more wrong! The Auto-Vox Solar Wireless Backup Camera has been a complete game-changer for my RV camper setup routine.
Why this backup camera stands out:
- Easy installation – It plugs right into your cigarette lighter socket
- Crystal clear display – The 5-inch monitor provides excellent visibility
- Automatic syncing – Turn it on, and it connects instantly
- Solar-powered camera – No need to run complicated wiring through your RV
With this camera, I can see exactly where I’m going when backing up, which makes the process significantly less stressful. I’m able to position my RV precisely where I need it, getting close to hookups without risking collision with obstacles.
Pro tip: At the time of writing this, the Auto-Vox Solar Wireless Backup Camera is currently $149 on Amazon, but there’s a 15% discount available with a promo code here:
Once I installed this backup camera on my camper I immediately wished I had done it much sooner! It is super easy to install and actually works. It's a total game-changer!
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Rookie Mistake #2: Not Using a Leveling System
Trying to level your RV camper by eyeballing it or using the “bubble level method” is inefficient and often inaccurate. Proper leveling is crucial not only for comfort but also for the proper functioning of your refrigerator and other appliances.
The Solution: Digital RV Leveling System
The Beach Lane RV Leveling System takes all the guesswork out of getting your camper perfectly level. This innovative system consists of a device that mounts in your RV’s storage area and syncs wirelessly to an app on your smartphone.
Key benefits:
- Real-time leveling data – Shows exactly which side is low and by how much
- Precise measurements – No more guessing if you’re level
- User-friendly app interface – Easy to understand and follow
- Time-saving – Achieve perfect leveling in minutes, not hours
When setting up, I simply open the app on my phone while I’m still in my tow vehicle. It immediately tells me which side is low and exactly how much adjustment is needed.
The Beech Lane RV Leveling System takes the hassle out of leveling your camper with real-time feedback, precise measurements, and an easy-to-use app, ensuring your RV is perfectly level every time. Perfect for solo RVers and anyone looking to simplify the leveling process!
Rookie Mistake #3: Not Using Curved Levelers
Traditional wooden blocks or plastic levelers can be cumbersome to use and often don’t provide the precise height adjustment needed for perfect leveling.
The Solution: Curved RV Levelers
Curved levelers are ramp-style devices that allow you to drive onto them and achieve variable height adjustment based on how far up the ramp you position your tires.
Advantages of curved levelers:
- Adjustable height – The further up the ramp, the more height you gain
- Easy to use – Simply drive onto them; no need to stack blocks
- Strong and durable – Made to support heavy RV weight
- Perfect companion to digital leveling systems
Using curved levelers in conjunction with the Beach Lane RV Leveling System is truly a match made in heaven. The app tells you exactly which side needs adjustment, and the curved levelers allow you to make those precise adjustments easily.
When the app indicated my driver’s side was low, I simply placed my curved leveler behind that tire, pulled forward onto it while watching the app in real time, and stopped when the digital reading hit zero. It’s that simple!
These curved levelers make leveling your camper stupid easy! 🚐✨ No more stacking (and restacking) those annoying plastic blocksājust drive up until you're level and chock it in place. BOOM, done! Faster setup means more time to relax by the campfire.
Rookie Mistake #4: Using Blocks for Stabilizers Instead of RV SnapPads
Many RVers still use plastic blocks under their stabilizer jacks, which can be unstable, require storage space, and need to be positioned manually each time you set up.
The Solution: RV SnapPads
RV SnapPads are permanent jack pads that attach directly to your stabilizer jacks, eliminating the need for blocks altogether.
Why RV SnapPads are superior:
- Permanent attachment – Install once, and they stay on your jacks
- Better grip and support – More secure than traditional plastic blocks
- Vibration absorption – Less rocking and shaking inside your camper
- Time-saving – No need to position blocks each time you set up
- Space-saving – No need to store bulky leveling blocks
Once attached, RV SnapPads stay in place, making them a truly “set it and forget it” solution. They help absorb vibration, resulting in a more stable camping experience with less rocking and movement when walking around inside your RV.
RV SnapPads make stabilizing your RV camper faster, easier, and way more secureāno more dragging around blocks or sinking into soft ground. Just snap them on once, then forget the hassle, the bending, and the blocksā¦ forever.
Buy here for instant 10% savings!
Transform Your RV Setup Experience Today
Implementing these four simple solutionsāwireless backup camera, digital leveling system, curved levelers, and RV Snap Padsācan dramatically improve your campsite setup experience. These tools eliminate the frustration and guesswork, allowing you to enjoy more of your camping trip and spend less time getting situated.
Could any of these make your camper setup routine easier?
For detailed product reviews, installation tips, and honest ratings of all the products mentioned in this article, check out our comprehensive Randi’s Ratings YouTube video playlist.
FAQ: RV Camper Setup and Leveling
How important is it to properly level an RV?
Proper leveling is essential for RV comfort and functionality. Most refrigerators require a level surface to operate correctly, and sleeping on an angle can be uncomfortable. Additionally, proper leveling reduces stress on your RV’s structure.
Can I install a wireless backup camera myself?
Yes! Most wireless backup cameras, like the Auto-Vox model mentioned, are designed for DIY installation. They typically plug into your vehicle’s power source and require minimal technical knowledge.
How much time can these tools save during setup?
Using all four tools mentioned can reduce your setup time by 50% or more. Many RVers report cutting their setup time from 30+ minutes to just 10-15 minutes.
Are RV Snap Pads compatible with all types of stabilizer jacks?
RV Snap Pads come in different sizes and models to fit various jack types. Always check compatibility with your specific RV model before purchasing.
What’s the average cost to implement all these solutions?
While the initial investment might be $300-500 for all four solutions, the time saved, stress reduced, and potential damage avoided make them worthwhile investments for regular RV users.
