How to build an RV hookup?

In this blog post, we will answer the question: “How to build an RV hookup?” We will discuss the steps to build an RV hookup and talk about the required materials for this project. We will also touch upon the importance of having a surge protector for your RV hookup. At the end of this post, you will get to know how to build an RV hookup in a couple of days.

How to build an RV hookup?

To build an RV hookup, you need to follow the steps described below.

• Find the right location

• Build a concrete parking pad

• Install posts for the water and electrical hookups

• Install the water line hookup

• Install the electrical hookup

• Install a surge protector

Find the right location

• The first step is to find the right location to build an RV hookup. Considering that you already have a parking space for your RV at home, you will still need to make a few adjustments.

• The right location requires the land to be spacious and flat for your RV. You must also have enough space to walk around the RV while parked. Find a location that is a little bigger than the RV and make sure that the land is flat.

• Level out the land if there are too many uneven spots. To build an RV hookup, the land must be as plain and flat as possible.

Build a concrete parking pad

• Next, you will need to build a concrete parking pad. RV parking pads are common in campgrounds and RV parks. These parking pads are going to be a huge benefit if you want to build an RV hookup.

• You can either build a gravel or a concrete parking pad. This will allow your RV to rest on a flat surface outside your home. The major reason for this concrete pad is that it helps to prevent the weight of the RV from getting into the ground.

• RVs are heavy and parking them on the ground will not be level. A gravel or parking pad is a must-have, especially if you are planning on building an RV hookup at home.

• To start this process you will need to measure the length and width of the RV. Remember that the pad you plan on the building must be at least four feet longer than the RV. This gives you room to walk around and install the hookups.

• Start by leveling the area where you plan on building the RV pad. Once the area is level, you must add four inches of gravel and six inches of concrete.

• Add the gravel to the ground and make sure that they are intact like a foundation for the concrete. In the next step, you must pour the concrete over the gravel.

• Use a 2×6’s to build a form for the concrete pad to have a clean edge throughout the way. You can also add wire mesh to the concrete or purchase concrete that has fiber mesh for better strength.

Install posts for the water and electrical hookups

• You must install 4 x 4 posts for the RV hookups. Keep some concrete mixture for installing the posts into the ground.

• Dig a hole in the ground at least a minimum of 30 inches deep. The hole must have a diameter of eight inches wide.

• Place the 4 x 4 posts and fill the ground with the remaining concrete mix. You can also use gravel for packing. You will need to wait for the concrete to settle and dry. Ensure that the posts are sturdy into the ground.

• The most important part is to make sure that the water and the electrical posts are on the same side of the RV. This will make it easy to hook up the water hose and electric line.

Install the water line hookup

• It is always good to install the water line hookup first. To get started with this process you will need to dig a trench from the water source to the post for the water hookup.

• This trench will help prevent the water line from freezing or receiving any damage. Make sure that the trench is positioned towards the post.

• Contact the utility services in your area before digging the trench. The utility services will help you mark out all the existing lines on your property. This is essential since you need to avoid hitting a power or existing gas line. Remember that this is the law in many states across the US.

• The trench is probably going to be the most challenging part since you need to dig down below the frost line. It’s good to know the frost line depth in your area so you can dig below it. This is highly recommended in states that experience tough winter conditions. You can rent a trenching machine to help make this process easy.

• Use CPVC pipes that are glue rated for the installation. Run your water line through the trench and up the post. Wrap the water line with heat tape before securing it to the post.

• Secure the water line with pipe clamps and fill the trench with mud. Add a faucet to the end and make sure that everything is sturdy and fitted well.

Install the electrical hookup

• Before installing the electrical hookup, you will need to figure out the number of amps your RV requires. This will help you determine the breaker box and outlet that you purchase for your electrical line.

• You will need to install a 30 or 50-amp outlet based on the requirements of your rig. Take a look at the owner’s manual to get the right information. You can also look at the male electric plug of the RV.

• Install the breaker box on the post and run the electrical line from the breaker box or sub-panel to the RV. Hire an electrician if you are unable to work with these systems. You must determine the size of the electric line that you need to run from your house to the RV.

• This is not mandatory but it is always good to install a 110 outlet at the electrical post to plug in your heat tape for the water line during winter.

• The electrical line will need to have a separate trench and it needs to be a little away from the water line. Use u-shaped clamps to secure the electric wire to the post and connect it to the breaker box.

Install a surge protector

• There are several benefits of having a surge protector for your RV hookup. Irrespective of the amperage, it is important to install a surge protector. A surge protector will help you keep your electronics from getting damaged during a power surge. There is no need to worry about voltage issues even during a storm.

Those were a few simple steps to build an RV hookup with ease. Make sure to install the breaker box on the top with the help of screws. Run the wires correctly into the breaker box and avoid any confusion. It is always recommended to contact a professional electrician to help you with this process.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we have answered the question: “How to build an RV hookup?” We have discussed the steps to build an RV hookup and talked about the required materials for this project. We have also touched upon the importance of having a surge protector for your RV hookup.

Citations

https://lakeshore-rv.com/blog/setting-up-your-own-rv-hookups-at-home

https://rvlifestyle.com/rv-hookups-for-beginners/

https://rvblogger.com/blog/rv-hookup-at-home/

https://www.progressive.com/lifelanes/adventure/rv-hookups-explained/

https://rvshare.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-install-rv-hookups/

3 Simple Steps for Hooking Up Your RV at a Campsite

https://www.wikihow.com/Start-an-RV-Park