RV Hookups Explained: Water, Power, and Sewer for Total Beginners

(AKA: The Post I Wish Existed Before Our First “Oh Shit, What's That Smell?” Moment)

So you’ve got the RV. You’ve packed the snacks. You’ve maybe even watched one too many “How to Become a Full-Time RVer” YouTube videos. But you pull into your first campsite, see all these boxes, plugs, and pipes, and immediately wish Campsite Hookup 101 was a class in school.

I’ve been there. So let me break this down in a real-human, “I don’t want to blow this thing up or flood it" way. And just so you know up front — I’ve linked the exact gear I use throughout this post. Real stuff we’ve tested, used, and survived with.

Let’s do this.

RV Power Hookups (Electric)

If you get one thing from this post, let it be this: campground power is not the same as home power.

Here’s the short version:

• 30-amp hookups fit most travel trailers and smaller RVs

• 50-amp is for big rigs like Class A RVs

• You can plug into the “wrong” size using an adapter — but only if you know what you’re doing

Things you need for power:

• Your RV’s power cord (comes with the rig)

• A solid surge protector (trust me, you want one)

  • 50-amp

  • 30-amp

• Amp adapter (called a "dog-bone") if you’re ever between 30 and 50 amps

  • 30 amp male to 50 amp female

  • 50 amp male to 30 amp female

How to hook up safely:

1. Turn the breaker OFF first. (Campground pedestals usually have a switch.)

2. Plug your surge protector into the pedestal.

3. Plug your power cord into the surge protector.

4. Then flip the breaker to ON.

That’s it. If you don’t turn the breaker off first, you risk frying your appliances or tripping the power. Ask me how I learned that one.

RV Water Hookups (Fresh Water)

This is what lets you shower, flush, and wash dishes without having to take a field trip to the public restroom at 2:00 AM. NO ONE wants that.

What you need:

• A drinking-safe hose

  • This is my favorite one because it is lighter weight and kink resistant so you can get the 50’ - you’ll never be sad about having a longer hose!

  • People will tell you it needs to be white, it does not. However, make sure that it says drinking water safe and I suggest it is a different color than your other hose so there are not mistakes!

• Water pressure regulator (to stop campground water pressure from blowing your pipes)

• Optional water filter (if you want cleaner water or to avoid mystery campground water smells)

How to hook it up:

1. Attach the pressure regulator to the campground spigot first.

2. Then attach your water hose.

3. Attach the other end of the hose to your RV.

4. Turn on the water slowly to avoid shocking your pipes.

And always, always keep your fresh water hose separate from anything that’s ever touched sewer or gray water. Label it, if needed.

RV Sewer Hookups (Yes, We’re Going There)

Let’s be clear: this is the part everyone worries about. Is it gross? It can be. Does it have to be? Not really.

What you need:

• Sewer hose

  • If you have the resources, I would suggest getting this hose instead since it is even more crush resistant-just a better hose overall.

• A clear elbow connector (so you can see when things are actually flowing)

  • Comes WITH the hoses above! What a deal!

• Disposable gloves (this is not the time to be brave)

• Optional: sewer hose support so everything flows downhill smoothly

How to do it without disaster:

1. Put your gloves on (It is amazing how many people don’t! Ewwwww…)

2. Hook the sewer hose to the RV.

3. Hook the other end into the campground sewer connection.

4. Open the black tank valve first (this is where the toilet waste goes).

5. Once that’s done, open the gray tank (showers and sinks) to rinse the hose.

6. Close both valves, disconnect, rinse, and store the sewer hose separately from, you know… literally everything else you own.

The biggest mistake newbies make is leaving the black tank valve open the whole time. Don’t do that unless you want a hardened mountain of poop stuck inside your tank. It’s called a poop pyramid. It’s real. It’s horrifying.

What If the Site Has No Hookups?

That’s called dry camping or boondocking. You’ll live off:

• Your battery

  • A portable battery with solar panels is GAME CHANGING for boondocking life

• Fresh water tank

• Propane

• Black/gray tanks

Basically, you manage your resources like a normal person… except now you're also your own electrician, plumber, and water department.

RV Hookup Checklist (Print or Screenshot)

Power

• Surge protector

• Correct amp plug or adapter

• Flip breaker on last

Water

• White drinking water hose

• Pressure regulator

• Optional filter

Sewer

• Sewer hose

• Gloves

• Gravity-friendly setup

• Dump black first, then gray

Final Thoughts

Hooking up an RV feels intimidating exactly once — ok, maybe twice. After that, it’s muscle memory. You’ll be casually connecting hoses, switching breakers, and dumping tanks while eating a sandwich in no time. Well, maybe not eating a sandwich, cause ew.

And hey — nobody looks cool dumping a sewer hose. We’re all just out here doing our best not to get splashed. But please, PLEASE for the sake of all things holy-remember that the sewer hose held POOP. Don’t put it on the table-ever. Don’t be THAT girl (or guy-you know, whatever) ❤️

Your Turn

What part of RV hookups freaks you out the most — power, water, or sewer? Drop a comment or ask me anything. You can even check out my YouTube channel where I make how-to videos-maybe your question can be featured next! If you’ve already had a hookup fail… definitely share that too. Misery loves company.

XO, Krissy