Your first trailer trip shouldn’t feel like a nightmare, but for most new campers, it does.

• You pull into the site. You're not sure if it's level.
• The hoses are tangled. You forgot to chock the wheels.
• You're sweating, and wondering why you left home.

I’ve been there. That’s why I created a straightforward setup system for new travel trailer campers.

✅ No more guessing what gear you need.
✅ No more skipping steps.
✅ No more “winging it” every time.

And hey—I've thrown in some FREE bonuses on the last page:

 • Simple Pre-Trip Checklist
 • Quick Hitching & Unhitching Checklist
 • Detailed or Quick RV Setup Checklists
 • First Aid & Emergency Kit Checklist
 • Mobile Internet & WiFi Setup Tips
 • Essential Camping Gear Checklist

Travel Trailer Setup Essentials

There are so many RV accessories; it’s crazy. If you're new to RVing, don't get overwhelmed! You don't need everything immediately.

Here is a list of the essential items you need to get started.

These are the items we use every time we set up camp. Over the last 18 years, we have fine-tuned the gear to the items below. We recommend everything here! 

Simple Pre-Trip Checklist

A thorough pre-trip checklist ensures a smooth and safe journey in your travel trailer. This guide covers key steps, including interior prep, exterior checks, hookups, hitching, a final walkaround, and essential safety measures. Whether you're a weekend camper or a full-time RVer, this checklist helps you avoid common mistakes and travel with confidence.

Quick Hitching & Unhitching Checklist

A smooth RV trip starts with proper setup and safety checks. This checklist guides you through key steps before departurepreparing your tow vehicle and trailer, hitching up, and final safety checks. Once at your campsite, it covers unhitching, securing your trailer, and getting set up for a stress-free stay.

First Aid & Emergency Kit Checklist

Being prepared for medical needs and emergencies is essential for any camping trip. This checklist covers first aid basics, pain and allergy relief, digestive and medication essentials, wound and burn care, bite and sting treatment, survival gear, emergency communication, and camping-specific safety items—helping you stay safe and ready for any situation.

Mobile Internet & WiFi Setup Tips

Reliable internet is essential for life on the road. This guide helps you choose the best mobile setup for your travel trailer, keeping you connected wherever you go.

RV Setup "Detailed" Checklist

This is a "Detailed" Step-by-Step Checklist to Setting Up Your Travel Trailer safely in your campsite. This list covers "3 Things to check before you chock!," Disconnecting, Leveling, Blocking, Water, & Sewer. It has much more detail than the "Quick" list above and also includes many links to the products that I talk about if you need them.

Essential Camping Gear Checklist

Packing the right gear makes all the difference for a comfortable and enjoyable camping trip. This checklist covers campsite essentials, kitchen and cooking needs, sleeping and comfort, safety and maintenance, outdoor recreation, hygiene, and entertainment—ensuring you're fully prepared for any adventure.

Meal Planning & Grocery Checklist

Here’s a Meal Planning & Grocery Checklist revised for 2 people, a 2-night trip, and typical storage in a 25' camper with an RV fridge. This list prioritizes fresh, easy-to-cook meals, minimal waste, and space-efficient storage while keeping things delicious and practical. 

INCLUDES: ChatGPT instructions for adjusting cooking methods, number of people, camper length, and days camping.

RV Setup "Quick" Checklist

This is a quick Step-by-Step Checklist to Setting Up Your Travel Trailer safely in your campsite. This list covers "3 Things to check before you chock!," Disconnecting, Leveling, Blocking, Water, & Sewer.

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