How To Setup Your Camper

So camping on a hill on a mountain is quite different than camping on level ground at a park. You will have to do some prepping before you arrive and then getting the camper in position is another fun adventure.

Planning

  • A Level – I’d recommend the smaller 2′ version vs 4′ .. and or even a smaller one; so you can place it on any flat surface regardless of width.
  • Chocks – These are a *MUST*. Especially on a hill you want your wheels well chocked BEFORE you detach the trailer from the vehicle. Cannot stress this enough.
  • Boards – You will need to consider that the downhill side of your camper will need to be raised by up to 8 inches. To do this you will want to bring boards that can be stacked in a ramp so that you can back the trailer up on them.
    • Goto the hardware store and get at least 4 10-foot salt-treated 2x10s and cut them in 1/2 to have 8 5-foot 2x10s. Most stores will do it for you if you ask, and that makes it easier to transport home
    • You *can* use the yellow lego blocks, however, this is NOT recommended as these are not nearly as stable as the boards and it’s generally recommended you use those for your jacks and not the wheels
  • Blocks – bring some blocks to put under the steps so you can get up in the door, under the jacks for the trailer as well as support the tongue wheel/foot. These can be 2×6, 4x4s, or 6x6s about 18″ long. You can use the yellow lego-style blocks here as well.

Arrival and Reconnisance

Once you have talked to Camping Staff and figured out where you’re camp will be, you will want to walk it and consider a few things to make sure you can level easily.

  • It’s easiest to be perpendicular to the angle of the location, especially if you have a long trailer as otherwise, you’ll be blocking the lower end up about 4 feet 😉
  • It’s easier to have your door “downhill” so that your awning isn’t too low to the ground when deployed if it was “uphill”, but you may choose uphill given your camp.
  • where the wheels will end up – if there’s a dip or bump in the ground that can help/hinder your ability to level out.
  • where your stairs will end up – if there’s a dip in the ground will be harder to build a “step” to reach the bottom stair of your trailer

Placement

This can be a very difficult ( and frustrating ) operation, and a few things make it go alot smoother.

  • PICK 1 PERSON TO LISTEN FOR DIRECTIONS – preferably someone with experience (camping staff will do this if you ask). Politely tell everyone else who that person is and make it clear you’re only listening to them.
  • Be prepared it will take several movements to get you where you need to be. This is not a quick operation nor should it be. Be patient and take your time.
  • Get out and go look at where your wheels are going, where the blocks are, etc. So you understand what each movement means.
  • Roll your windows down and listen for directions.. Its likely you will NOT be able to see your director in the mirrors, so make sure you and your director are able to hear each other
  • make slow movements
MtnFamily.camp