Safety Checklist for Parking Your RV
You've been thinking about buying an RV motorhome but you’re not sure about driving and parking one. You’re not even sure if you need a commercial driver’s license to drive one. Well, the answer is no and the best place to look for a first timer RV is online: simply search for “new and used motorhomes near me.”
While searching for an RV motorhome is definitely a thrilling experience, finding one and learning how to drive and park it, is even more rewarding. Of course, there are some “learning curves” involved. RVs are much bigger and taller than the average car, so it takes time getting used to driving, turning, and of course parking it. For starters, we recommend following these few steps to ensure stability and safety when parking your rig. The process is easy once you know the steps to take and have performed them several times.
Leveling and Stabilizing
When parking your RV, there are several safety precautions to keep in mind. The first step is leveling and stabilizing the vehicle. For discussion purposes, we are only talking about auto-leveling systems here, since most motorhomes have them.
Auto-Leveling Systems
Always test your leveling system before you leave on your trip. This will save you from having to find only flat surfaces to park while on your trip. Also, make sure that all four jacks are functioning properly — making sure they drop down all the way to the ground. Most times it is impossible to find a spot that is totally level. Once your rig is level, don’t forget to place chocks at the front and back of the rear tires for added stability.
Power Operated Slides
Once the motorhome is stabilized, you can put the slides out. Put the slides closest to the front of the coach out first to make it easier to access the rear slides last. Open the slides up one at a time – alternating from one side to the other. Open the smaller slides first, then the larger ones to keep the rig in balance.
Parking Brakes
Be sure your parking brakes are on once you are parked. The parking air brake is usually a yellow knop the pulls out for “on” when engaged and pushes in when “off” before moving. The transmission should be in the “neutral” position when the rig is parked and the air brakes are “on.”
Awnings
RV awnings offer sun and rain protection when enjoying the great outdoors. They can also make your motorhome more energy efficient by limiting how much sun enters through the windows. If your awning opens automatically, make sure you are connected to shore power or a generator. If using an inverter, your batteries must be charged to power the awning motor. You should always be aware of high winds and retract your awnings to avoid possible wind damage to them. Also be sure to close all basement compartment doors and awnings before departing your campsite.
Gray Water and Black Water Tanks
Gray water is the wastewater from sinks, showers, tubs, and washing machines. Black water is the wastewater from toilets. Both types of wastewater are usually stored in tanks on the underside of your RV. These tanks should be emptied at the campground dumping station before you park.
Most campground resorts offer full hookups which include a sewer connection on the RV lot allowing the tanks to be dumped as needed without needing to leave the site. Full hookups come with the obvious benefit of avoiding the need to re-level and stabilize for after each dump occurs.
Water Connection
Find your motorhome fresh water drinking hose in your RV storage. Add a water pressure regulator or a water filter if you plan to use them. Regulators can be helpful if you like high-pressure showers. Filters will remove minerals that can create unpleasant odors and tastes in campsite water. Screw the loose end of the hose into the potable campground water spigot. Do not turn on the water pump if you are connecting to a city water connection as it is already pressurized. Only use the pump if you are pulling water from tanks inside the RV when you an outside water source is not available. Disconnect the water hose before leaving, draining water from the hose, before storing it back in the RV. Many motorhomes, like the Newmar brand, have power rewind wheels in the storage compartment to make storing the hose easier. The same goes for the power cord.
Independence RV
If you haven’t already found the right RV for you, Independence RV has a full selection of new and used RV’s for sale here in Central Florida, including brand new 2022 motorhomes by Newmar, the indisputable leader in luxury motorhomes.