Which side are RV hookups on? (RV Hookups explained)

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Are you planning to rent or purchase (or maybe build) a recreational vehicle but you’re not sure which side RV hookups are on? As a newbie, this is one of the important things that you should know as you’ll need it to connect your rig to water and electricity supply. So, which side of RV are hookups on?

In general, RV hookups are located on the driver’s side (left rear side) of your RV. Campgrounds will have electric, water, and sewer hookups that easily connect to when you back in your camper. However, some RVs, especially older or homemade ones, might have hookups in a different position.

There are 3 hookups that you will see which are for water, electricity, and for your wastewater such as blackwater and greywater. These will be located to the left (driver side) side or possibly the rear of your RV.

Hookups help you to get the most out of your RV trip. Actively using them when traveling will provide for more enjoyment no matter where you go or where you park.

While on the trip, the hookups allow you to feel at home and use things that you will usually find in your house. When on full hookups you can vacation without the fear of needing to conserve resources to use them.

The downside of going on a trip without the hookups is that whenever you need water or power, you will have to make sacrifices to reduce water usage. For electricity either rely on battery power or perhaps use a loud, stinky generator.

Hookups are frequently available at many RV campgrounds and sites. but Be aware that you will need to pay extra for sites with them.

But some campgrounds may allow you to pay for the services that you only used. 

So what are the types of hookups, you may ask?

There are three primary hookup types for the sewer, water, and electrical supply. These three are the essential types as they are what you will mostly be needing on a trip. There are some other types like the Cable or Telephone hookup, yet the availability of this will depend on the campsite you stay in.

To better understand the different types and functions of hookups, let’s discuss them.

How Do RV Hookups Work?

Water Hookup for an RV

Water RV hookup is necessary to provide you with a water supply when you need to take a bath, flush the toilet or wash the dishes, and anything that you need water. The city water hookup, where you connect to the faucet at the campground will generally be found near the other hookups on the driver’s (or left) side of the RV.

This type of hookup enables RVers to link their vehicles directly to the campground’s source of water that is safe for drinking.

Whenever attaching your hose between the faucet and the RV, ensure you thoroughly stretch it to avoid any twists. Inspect for leakage at it from both sides at all times.  You can then gently wind it back up.

I have a retractable water-safe hose that empties itself and does not kink. You can find it here on Amazon.

When it’s ready to unplug, switch off the connection, clear away excess liquid from the pipe and then detach from the supply of the water. To have a hassle-free journey and an abundance of water without worrying much, it is safe to find a water hookup and enjoy the services.

The other option is to fill the onboard water storage tanks that hold between 20-50 gallons of water depending on your rig. The hookup to fill the fresh water tanks can be found on either side of an RV. Mine is on the passenger side (opposite the city water and blackwater flush).

RV Electrical Hookups

Electic hookups to an RV are located near the other hookups or may be found on the back of an RV. Electrical RV hookup is available at most campsites as every camper needs it to run their electrical equipment such as sockets, lights, and other gadgets. Luckily, it’s also one of the most straightforward RV hookups.

The electric hookup needed for your RV will be 30 amp or 50 amp. Some very small trailers may take a 15 amp connection. The number of plugs or prongs on your RV hookup would indicate the amps your RV can take.

Read more: RV Electric Setup Basics (RV Plugs and Voltages)

The power pole at the campground will have a properly labeled receptacle. You will need a long power cord that is the same amp as your RV needs like this one on Amazon.

Pro tip: Protect your electrical system with a surge protector too. It’s a cost-effective solution to safeguard your devices against power surges that may cause further damage. (Amazon)

(Here’s one of my articles that could be helpful for you: Can RV Surge Protectors Get Wet? (And Other Important Questions))

However, when you’re connecting, make sure your gadgets are turned off because there are campsites that have power cables that are defective and might harm your devices.

Read more: RV Keeps Tripping The Breaker? Here’s What to Do!

RV Sewer Hookups

RVs feature constructed storage tanks that store gray water from sinks and showers and black water from toilets. These tanks have adequate room to retain the wasted fluids of a typical household for only several days.

That is why sewer hookups are available, as they make it convenient for you to dispose of water wastes frequently and quickly.

Although RVs generally have two separate tanks for storing greywater and blackwater, there may be one or two connections. Each tank will have a pipe from the tank to the side of the RV. A gate valve with a pull handle will keep the pipe closed. From there, the pipes will each have a connection, or both pipes will come together into one connection.

You will need to connect the gray and blackwater tanks to the sewer and empty them. Campgrounds and dumpsites will have sewers to dispose of the waste. You will need the correct sewer hose to connect to the hookup.

The setup I have for dumping the black and gray water tanks is basic. I have a ling sewer hose (amazon), disposable gloves (amazon), and a spacer for continuous connection at the campground (amazon).

Attach the sewage line to the campsites hookup before connecting it to the RV.  It’s best to be connected in case something happens when you open the vavle.

When working with the sewer line wearing rubber gloves is highly recommended. Still make sure to wash your hands after. 

When detaching the sewer hookup, make sure to shut down all the valves before you remove them to your RV. Prop the hose up to enable any residue to drain into the sewer system of the campgrounds. 

After using your sewer hookup, make sure to keep the hose clean before you put them back to where it should be placed.

For more about RV wastewater systems:

• Where to Empty RV Black Water Tank? (+instructions and cost)
• Does Your RV Have A Sewer Smell Outside? Here’s Why
• 11 Smart Pop-up Camper Gray Water Tank Ideas

What Do RV Hookups Look Like?

Are All RV Hookups on the Same Side?

Most of the time, the RV hookups are placed on the side of the driver near the middle or back part of the RV. However, on older RVs and custom-built RVs, you might find some hookups like electric on the back.

The connection to fill the fresh water tanks may be found on either side of the RV. Some are on the opposite side of the city water connection and the black tank flush connection.

However, this situation may depend on some factors because sometimes you can find hookups at the rear or passenger side of the RV.

Are All RV Camper Doors on the Passenger Side?

RV entrance doors are generally located on the passenger side of the RV. You can safely enter and exit the RV without getting tangles in the hoses and hookups. In addition, it is safer to access your RV on the side of the road from the right.

The right side is almost where most of the country’s roads conduct driving; that is why entering on the road is commonly accomplished at the right-hand side of the highway as it is safer for the passengers to have the entrance at the right side of the RV.

Final Thoughts about RV Hookups

Using RV hookups provides you the freedom to select how you’d like to enjoy your RV while on vacation. However, there are a few factors to consider. 

Not all RV campgrounds will have all the types of RV hookups you need. You need to check the correct electric connection. If you want full or partial hookups.   

If this is your first time out do not be shy to ask for assistance when needed. Nearby campers and campground staff will always be happy to help you. My first couple of time RV camping, people around me were so helpful.

If you want to install an RV hookup at your house it will undoubtedly cost a lot. You need to do your best to keep them in prime condition as it is your home as well.

It’s a good rule of thumb to remember if certain campgrounds have the amenities, tools, or extra things you might need to bring or keep in mind. My Campground Review Journal was a tremendous help to remind me of these things. If you need one just go over to our Etsy Store.

Here are some RV Tips that would be helpful for you:

• RV Keeps Tripping The Breaker? Here’s what to do!
• What You Need To Know About RV Antifreeze And Septic Systems
• Where to Empty RV Black Water Tank? (+instructions and cost)
• Do You Need the Battery if the RV is Plugged In? (Will it Still Work?)

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