{"id":7944,"date":"2021-11-07T19:42:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-07T19:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/familytravelfever.com\/?p=7944"},"modified":"2023-02-19T16:40:40","modified_gmt":"2023-02-19T16:40:40","slug":"which-side-are-rv-hookups-on-rv-hookups-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/familytravelfever.com\/which-side-are-rv-hookups-on-rv-hookups-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"Which side are RV hookups on? (RV Hookups explained)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

NOTE*** The content on this page may contain affiliate links, we may make a commission. And, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.<\/em>\u00a0\u00a0More information: disclosure page<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you planning to rent or purchase (or maybe build) a recreational vehicle but you\u2019re not sure which side RV hookups are on? As a newbie, this is one of the important things that you should know as you\u2019ll need it to connect your rig to water and electricity supply. So, which side of RV are hookups on?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In general, RV hookups are located on the driver\u2019s 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. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

But some campgrounds may allow you to pay for the services that you only used. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what are the types of hookups, you may ask?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To better understand the different types and functions of hookups, let\u2019s discuss them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How Do RV Hookups Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Water<\/strong> Hookup for an RV<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Water hookup with a water filter atttached. Campwillowlake via Canva.com<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This type of hookup enables RVers to link their vehicles directly to the campground’s source of water that is safe for drinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have a retractable water-safe hose that empties itself and does not kink. You can find it here on Amazon. <\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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). <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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RV Electrical<\/strong> Hookups <\/h3>\n\n\n
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Welcomia via Canva.com<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more: RV Electric Setup Basics (RV Plugs and Voltages)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>)<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Here’s one of my articles that could be helpful for you: Can RV Surge Protectors Get Wet? (And Other Important Questions)<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more: RV Keeps Tripping The Breaker? Here\u2019s What to Do!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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RV Sewer<\/strong> Hookups<\/h3>\n\n\n
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RV sewer hookup at a campground via FTF blog<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When working with the sewer line wearing rubber gloves is highly recommended. Still make sure to wash your hands after. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

For more about RV wastewater systems:<\/p>\n\n\n\n