RV Features & Gear that Make Setting Up Camp Easier!

RV Features & Gear that Make Setting Up Camp Easier!
From automated systems to fully integrated tech, check out the latest upgrades.

By: Brooke Baum

Getting your campsite set up is one of the hallmarks of RVing that many travelers look forward to because it means you are finally ready to enjoy your destination! 

While the process may feel like second nature after a few months on the road, finding ways to expedite it means taking in the views even quicker. And who doesn’t want that?

If you are looking for ways to make setting up your RV for camp more efficient, check out these features and upgrades that were created with ease of setup in mind! Plus, learn how Winnebago Connect, a first-of-its-kind intelligent RV platform, offers technology for making operating your RV easier than ever.

Getting Your RV Parked & Level

When parking at your campsite, remember to look out for any potential hazards you may run into, or that might be in the way of your slideouts or door. Also keep in mind where you might have the most shade to keep your RV cool or have the most sunlight for your solar panels, depending on your needs.

For more beginner tips on RV campsite setup, read this article.

1. Rear and Side Cameras

While parking in a pull-through campsite or in a boondocking area is often straightforward, back-in sites can offer some challenges. It is important to get close enough to the power pedestal and water hookup (if staying at a campground) and avoid any trees or other potential hazards.

Having a spotter can help relieve a lot of the stress of backing in, but a quality backup camera as well as side cameras can be even more helpful and makes traveling alone much less stressful. Exterior lighting is also key if arriving at a campsite after the sun has begun to set. 

Many new RVs now come standard with rear-view cameras and exterior lighting. For example, the Winnebago Travato and Winnebago View/Navion have a digital rearview mirror. However, you can also modify your rig to include these upgrades.

2. Powered Tongue Jack & Stabilization Jacks for Travel Trailers

Another great automation is a powered tongue jack that raises and lowers the trailer’s front end with a push of a button. This makes hitching and unhitching much easier since there is no manual cranking involved. 

Power stabilization jacks are also a great way to expedite your campsite setup since they extend with a simple switch or button. These keep your towable RV from rocking and swaying. (Note: You should make sure the RV is level before deploying these.)

All Winnebago Access floorplans and multiple other Winnebago towables come standard with powered stabilization jacks, and many towable RVs have a powered tongue jack.

Read more about setting up a towable RV for camp.

3. Automated Leveling 

Sometimes you can find a very flat campsite, but most often you will need to do a little work to make sure your RV is level. Manually leveling your rig by driving onto blocks or boards can be time-consuming and even frustrating. With automated leveling, you simply push a button and the RV levels itself with no guesswork on your part.

Automated leveling is more common in larger motorhomes, such as Winnebago’s Class A coaches, but can also be found in many Class Cs.

Learn more about leveling your RV here.

4. Onboard Air Compressor

If you have a more rugged RV, like the Winnebago Revel or new ARKA, and love off-grid boondocking spots, an onboard air compressor is often a necessity for getting to the epic dry camping spots you dream of. 

An onboard air compressor provides reliable tire pressure management so you can adjust depending on what kind of road you will be driving on. This comes standard in the Winnebago ARKA and is also a popular modification for off-road RVing. 

Read a review of camping in the Winnebago ARKA!

Connecting to the Essentials

Getting hooked up correctly to the utilities at your campsite is key to a happy camping experience. When boondocking, make sure to check that your freshwater is full and your grey and black tanks are empty before heading off-grid. If you rely on propane for heating or cooking, or may need fuel to use your generator, be sure to check that you will have enough.

1. Surge Protector

One of the top RV gear items recommended is a surge protector. These are very easy to use and offer important protection for your RV’s electrical system against dangerous voltage spikes, faulty wiring, and other potential issues that could cause expensive damage.

Learn more about the importance of surge protectors.

2. Simple, Reliable Off-Grid Power

Many Winnebago RVs, like the Winnebago Revel and Winnebago EKKO, now come standard with roof-mounted solar that is charging whenever it is exposed to sunlight, and lithium batteries that keep you from needing to run the generator. (Read why Winnebago owners rave about lithium power!)

If your RV did not come with enough off-grid power sources, portable or mounted solar panels can be added, as well as lithium batteries and inverter upgrades. However, you should make sure to do extensive research and consider having a professional do any major modifications to avoid potential issues.

3. Automatic Generator Start 

An automatic generator start turns on your generator as needed without you having to press a button or even be inside your RV. It is ideal for managing battery levels and climate control when not plugged in to shore power. This advanced feature is available in multiple Winnebago Class A models.

4. Automated Tank Systems for Easy Use and Maintenance

There are multiple ways to make maintaining and operating your RV tanks and plumbing system simpler. Here are some top features and upgrades:

• Built-in water filtration makes it simple to use and drink the water straight from your tap! Multiple Winnebago RVs now have this feature.
• An autofill freshwater system keeps your freshwater tank at a preset level to have easy access when hooked up at a campsite and prevent overflowing.
• Heated and enclosed tanks make it possible to extend your camping season and prevent issues when the temperatures drop without needing to do additional manual work to cover your tanks for protection.
• A black tank flush system makes leaving for your next campsite easier and helps maintain your tanks.

5. Tankless Hot Water Heater for Limitless Hot Water

Having a tankless hot water heater in your RV is an upgrade you will never want to go without again! It provides endless, on-demand hot water when hooked up to a water source. This is ideal for large families or anyone who craves a long, hot shower! 

The Truma AquaGo is a top option for RVers and comes standard in multiple Winnebago models. You can also upgrade to one if your RV doesn't already have this great feature!

6. Make Sure You Have Connectivity (If You Want It!)

Some RVers look forward to disconnecting and getting to those glorious places that don’t have cell service. However, if you work remotely from the road, or just prefer to stay connected, making sure you have options that will work where you are camping is key. Many campgrounds now offer WiFi, but more remote places may need a signal booster or WiFi extender for a more reliable connection.

Starlink satellite internet has also become a very popular option for RVers, especially those who love to boondock, because it offers reliable high-speed internet in remote locations. (Learn more about staying connected from the road.)

Setting Up Your Indoor & Outdoor Living Space

Once the logistics are taken care of, the fun part of making yourself at home begins. Just a few more buttons to press and you are ready to enjoy the views!

1. Powered & Auto-Retracting Awning

Extending and retracting your awning with a push of a button is a nice feature to have at the end of a busy travel day. Many awnings on new RVs now also come with wind sensors to automatically retract during gusts to avoid damage.

2. Power Lift Beds

Murphy beds and liftable beds are popular in many Winnebago floorplans. For example, the power lift bed in the Winnebago Revel raises up to the ceiling to offer more space in the gear garage, while the Murphy bed in the Winnebago View/Navion is lifted and lowered by the push of a button. 

3. Keyless Entry

No need to worry about losing your keys while getting set up when your RV has keyless entry. And with Winnebago Connect (currently available in the Winnebago View/Navion and Winnebago ARKA), you can even lock up from the Winnebago App!

4. Auto-Deploy Entry Steps

Make sure your steps are always ready for your next adventure with the handy auto-deploy feature. Many Winnebago RVs now have steps that automatically extend when the door opens, making your exit safer and more convenient. 

An All-in-One Solution with Winnebago Connect 

With Winnebago Connect, you can control the lights, slides, awning, tanks, and climate systems. This makes setting up your RV for camp feel more like a fun task than a tiring one!

Winnebago Connect is a first-of-its-kind intelligent RV platform that makes owning and operating your RV easier with a control center inside your RV as well as an app to use while on the go. 

Here are some of the ways this intuitive system makes RVing better:

• Optimizes off-grid power by constantly monitoring power systems.
• Monitors and automatically adjusts systems as needed to save power.
• Customizable presets to set ideal lighting for different times of day.
• With the seamless Winnebago App integration, you can get push notifications to stay in the know while away from your RV, and you can even control lights, locks, and other systems!
• The pet minder feature helps keep your furry family members safe by maintaining set temperatures and sending you notifications.
• Winnebago Connect also receives automatic real-time updates to optimize your systems and enhance your vehicle’s performance over time.
• Winnebago Connect is currently available in the Winnebago View/Navion and Winnebago ARKA; however, Winnebago plans to include this exciting technology in more of its lineup. 

Learn more about Winnebago Connect here.

With the right mix of features, getting your RV set up for camp can be as simple as parking, pressing a few buttons, and putting out your favorite camping chairs!