---
title: What do I need to know before going camping with my trailer?
description: "How to set up RV trailer before camping: shore power connection, battery monitor use, fresh water tank fill, city water hookup, fridge prep steps"
---

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# What do I need to know before going camping with my trailer?

Please take a moment to watch the video below for step-by-step guidance, or follow the step-by-step written directions.

If you need additional help, our After Sales team at Escape Trailer will be happy to assist you. You can submit a support ticket [using this form](https://escapetrailer.com/after-sales-support/). 

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 **1. Connect Shore Power**

- If you **DO NOT** have a surge protector

- - Use an outlet tester on the campsite power outlet first.
    - Check for:
      
          - Proper wiring (no reverse polarity)
          - Safe voltage (not too high/low)
    - Only plug in if everything checks out.

- If you **DO** have a surge protector

- - Inspect the power pedestal for visible damage.
    - Plug in your 30-amp power cord:
      
          - Line up the prongs (slightly angled left helps).
          - Push the plug in.
          - Turn slightly right to lock it.
          - Tighten the threaded collar:

- - - - Make sure it’s straight (not cross-threaded).
                  - Twist until snug.

- To disconnect:

- - Unscrew the collar.
    - Turn plug slightly left.
    - Pull it out.
    - Close the outlet cover.

 

**2. Check Battery Monitor (Inside Trailer)**

- Location: Front passenger side overhead panel.
- How to use it: 
    - Look at the display and use + / – buttons to cycle readings.
- What each reading means: 
    - Voltage (V) → Current battery voltage.
    - Hours (H) → Time remaining before battery hits safe minimum.
    - % (State of Charge) → Battery percentage.
    - Ah (Amp Hours)
      
          - Negative = draining
          - Positive = charging
    - Watts (W) → Total power being used.
    - Amps (A) → Current flow
      
          - Negative = using power
          - Positive = gaining power
- **Important tips:** 
    - If you change battery type (e.g., AGM → lithium), update settings using the app.
    - If unsure, have a professional do it.

 

**3. Fill Fresh Water Tank**

- Unlock the water fill door.
- Use a clean (potable) water hose.
- (Recommended) Attach a water filter to the hose.
- Insert hose into the gravity fill port.
- Fill tank:
  
    - Until water comes out overflow OR
    - Check levels on monitor panel.
- Remove hose and lock the compartment.

- **First-time use:** 
    - Sanitize, flush, and drain the tank before drinking.

 

**4. Connect City Water (Pressurized Water)**

- Attach a 50 PSI pressure regulator to the water source (tap) — not the trailer.
- Connect hose to regulator.
- Connect other end to trailer inlet.
- Turn on water.

- - Why regulator goes on the tap:
    - Protects your trailer if pressure spikes.

 

**5. Prep Your Fridge (Very Important)**

- Before your trip: 
    - Turn fridge on empty.
    - Let it cool for 8–24 hours.
    - Then add food.

 

**6. Absorption Fridge (Standard)**

- Turn it ON: 
    - Lightly press and hold the power button (don’t press hard).
- Choose mode: 
    - Auto (A) → switches between electric & propane automatically
    - Electric only → uses shore power only
    - Propane only → uses gas only
- Set temperature: 
    - Press temperature button.
    - Choose:
      
          - 1 = warmest
          - 5 = coldest
          - Recommended: 3
- Watch for:
- Green light = working
- Red light = not cooling (no power source)
- **7. Compressor Fridge (Optional)**
- Turn ON:
  
    - Lightly press and hold power.
- Set fridge temp:
  
    - 1–5 bars (5 = coldest)
    - Start at 3, adjust if needed
- Set freezer:
  
    - 1–3 snowflakes (3 = coldest)
- To turn OFF freezer:
  
    - Hold until blinking
    - Press stop icon
- Night Mode: 
    - Hold until blinking.
    - Tap moon icon.
    - Makes fridge quieter (not more efficient).

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