Before departing on your camping trip, complete a quick inspection that includes checking tire inflation, camper light functions and verify security of stored items to prevent them jostling about during travel. Set all antenna, doors, vents and windows in travel position to prevent damage while traveling. Securely lock the hitch and properly install safety chains before beginning your trip.
While towing a camper may intimidate beginners, practicing helps to make it routine. Give yourself extra stopping distance, as the extra weight of the camper reduces the vehicle's stopping ability. Backup the camper slowly and turn the steering wheel the opposite way you want the camper to turn. Give the camper enough room in the rear when backing up, as it is hard to judge distance from inside a vehicle. A camper also requires extra room to turn than a normal vehicle.
Once you've found that special spot, secure the camper appropriately to ensure stability when people move around in it. Lower leveling pads, if available, to level the camper. Alternatively use a floor jack to place jack stands underneath the camper, if it is a tow-behind. Keep a safe buffer around the camper for walking, as well as space for any slide-out extensions. Do not attempt to park the camper on steep, uneven or extremely wet surfaces, as this could cause damage and be very unstable. Attach all utilities securely and keep cords and hoses out of the walking path to prevent tripping.
When the camper is not in use, store it properly to ensure everything works for years to come. Park your camper on a hard dry surface and use a tire cover or a tarp to cover the tires to prevent dry rot. Drain all water from the plumbing system to prevent cracked pipes, especially in colder climates that get below freezing. For long-term storage, a large tarp or camper cover prevents water from sitting on the roof, which can cause leakage over time.
