RV Hookup Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Pulling into a full-hookup RV site for the first time can feel a little overwhelming. Which cord goes where? What order do you connect things? What equipment do you actually need?

Don't worry — hookups are simpler than they look. This guide walks you through everything step by step so you can set up with confidence every time.

A full hookup site provides three connections:

• Electric (30-amp or 50-amp power)
• Water (fresh water supply)
• Sewer (waste water drain)

Venice On The Lake offers full hookup sites with 30/50-amp electric service, fresh water, and sewer — everything you need for a comfortable stay, short or long term.

Before you connect anything, make sure you have these items:

• Surge protector — Protects your RV's electronics from power surges and low voltage. Non-negotiable.
• 30-amp or 50-amp adapter — Lets you connect to either pedestal type
• Extension cord (if needed) — Use only a heavy-duty RV-rated cord

• Drinking water hose — White or blue hose rated for potable water (never use a standard garden hose)
• Water pressure regulator — Keeps pressure between 40–60 PSI to protect your RV's plumbing
• Inline water filter — Filters sediment and improves taste

• Sewer hose — A quality 20-foot hose with fittings
• Sewer hose support — Keeps the hose elevated at an angle for proper drainage
• Rubber gloves — Always
• Sewer donut/seal — Creates a tight seal at the drain inlet

Before connecting anything, level your RV. Use leveling blocks under your tires and deploy your stabilizer jacks. A level RV ensures your refrigerator works properly and your slide-outs operate correctly.

1. Make sure your RV's main breaker is off before connecting.
2. Plug your surge protector into the pedestal first.
3. Connect your RV's power cord to the surge protector.
4. Turn on the pedestal breaker, then turn on your RV's main breaker.
5. Check that your surge protector shows a green "OK" light.

30-amp vs. 50-amp: Most RVs use 30-amp service. Larger Class A motorhomes and fifth wheels often use 50-amp. Use an adapter if the pedestal doesn't match your cord — just know that a 30-amp RV on a 50-amp pedestal (with adapter) still only draws 30 amps.

1. Attach your pressure regulator to the water spigot first.
2. Connect your inline filter to the pressure regulator.
3. Attach your drinking water hose to the filter.
4. Connect the other end to your RV's city water inlet (usually a white cap on the exterior).
5. Turn on the spigot slowly and check for leaks at every connection.

Pro tip: Always connect the pressure regulator directly to the spigot — not to your RV. This protects your plumbing from any pressure spikes when you first open the valve.

Sewer is last — always.

1. Put on your gloves.
2. Remove the cap from your RV's sewer outlet.
3. Attach your sewer hose to the RV outlet.
4. Run the hose to the sewer inlet at your site, keeping it supported with your hose stand.
5. Insert the other end into the sewer inlet and secure it with your donut seal.
6. Keep your gray and black tank valves closed until you're ready to dump.

Important: Never leave your black tank valve open continuously. Let it fill to at least two-thirds before dumping — the volume of water helps flush the tank clean.

When it's time to dump:

1. Dump black tank first (toilet waste)
2. Dump gray tank second (sink/shower water)

The gray water flushes and cleans the sewer hose after the black tank empties. Always finish by rinsing the black tank with your built-in tank flush or a wand.

When you're ready to leave:

1. Close all tank valves
2. Disconnect sewer (cap your RV outlet immediately)
3. Turn off water spigot, disconnect water hose
4. Turn off RV main breaker, then pedestal breaker
5. Disconnect electric cord

• Skipping the surge protector — Power pedestals can have wiring issues. Always protect your investment.
• Leaving the black tank valve open — This causes "pyramid plugs" — a solid waste buildup that's very difficult to clear.
• Using a garden hose for water — Standard hoses leach chemicals into your drinking water. Always use a potable water hose.
• Forgetting the pressure regulator — High water pressure can burst RV plumbing fittings.

Have questions about hookups at Venice On The Lake? Our friendly staff is always happy to help you get set up. Contact us or stop by the office when you arrive.