Question about setting up camp…

[Dennis C.]

Hey everyone, I have a question about the proper sequence for setting up when arriving at a campsite. My sales associate told me that the proper sequence was to park in the site and check for obstructions that might cause a problem with the slides. If the site looks good and clear, the next step is to connect to 50A power and then move the slide into position. Once the slides are in position, then auto leveling should be initiated.

This seems a little odd to me because my coach will not extend the slides unless the engine is off. I was also told that auto leveling should be done with the engine running. If I follow this advice, then I have to turn off the engine to put the slides into position, then start it again to level, then turn it off and complete my other setup items.

Is this the proper sequence, or should I do it differently?

Thanks for your help.

[Podivin]

I'll leave the slide question to someone who has the same make and model as you, because they differ by brand and by year.

But checking for obstructions is the FIRST thing you do, before you even start to put the RV in the site. Get out, walk the site, check the ground, check the sides of the site AND check above the site for low hanging branches or wires. THEN you can enter the site. At that point it's check again to make sure you've got enough clearance for the slides to come out.

[wingnut60]

Not sure about Newmars, but with my Tiffin it is get the coach located where I want it sidewise and utility location. With me watching for the nearest obstruction (were my eyes wrong?) wife hits autolevel, then starts on the slides. When I see the slides won't hit anything, I unroll the power cord, plug in the PI surge protector and watch for oks. If all ok, turn pedestal on for power. By then, coach is level and slides are out. This is slowed somewhat if I need pads under the jacks due to ground conditions--if in for extended stay, I always set the wood pads.
You will figure out a routine, but try hard to stay with it once figured out--accidents can and will happen if you aren't observant.

[Steve-W]

That is the correct sequence.Newmar recommends that slides (especially full wall slides) be out prior to leveling. This is due to the fact that the opening for the slide may not be as square as when it is in travel mode. In either case you should verify that the reveal (vertical gaps) show at least some space prior to moving the slide.

See the attached doc from Newmar.

[Dennis C.]

Thanks for posting that. I appreciate it.

[fcbbob15]

Everyone does this different. Some manufactures want the coach level before extending slides some don't. What I do is check the site before entering. I then pull in and check for slide clearance. I carry a 3/8 dowel rod that is marked with depth of slides and use it to check. I then power up the coach. Next step is blocks if needed and then auto level. then slides, water and sewer. I have gadgets that come next if using them. Starlink, weather station, flag and patio stuff.

[Dennis C.]

We had a very good system and sequence for setting up camp with our Airstream. We’ll quickly develop something similar for the Newmar. In my limited experience, it’s much easier to setup with the Class A coach as opposed to the travel trailer. The leveling and unhitching procedures with the trailer will not be missed!

[tmandoug1]

Unhook at the office....drive the route and verify the site before going in. Once in the site and hook up electrical and once your progressive system digs the power shut down the motor. Connect all hotel services and drain and fill appropriate tanks. Extend all slides while watching each operation. Listen and look during this evolution as you may hear some stuff that will alert you to loose motor bolts and improper alignment. Once they are all out level the coach. This applies to my Newmar 4369 and most Newmar coaches with full wall slides. The leveling system is not exact and can be off +/- 5 inches front to back.

Be safe and take your time.

[CWSWine]

tmandoug1 touched on the issue of slide bolts. This has lots threads on here about the slide bolts loosing up and damage an expensive motor. When I did mine the first time there really loose and it something I do every year while snow birding.

While you are walking around check clearance for the slides I also check the gaps/revels on the slides this is important and I believe that is what cause a thumbnail size chip in one corner of my full wall slide.

My Discovery was Jacks down then Level but the Newmar is Level then Jacks down and I do follow Newmar guidance.

[NCC-1701A]

When we took the Newmar Factory tour in 2019 the question of level/deploy or deploy/level was asked and the tour guide wouldn't answer because "it depends."

My take is this: If I pull into a reasonably level site I get out and check the gap around the slides to ensure a slide isn't jammed against the opening. If all is OK I deploy slides, then level (I manually run the levers as auto mode always seems to "over do it" and raises the coach more than needed.) If the site is not too level to where I think it will potentially stress the slide system, I level and then check the gaps. If OK I deploy slides. If leveling has twisted the frame I'll decide which pair of jacks (front or back) I need to relieve some pressure from to eliminate the binding, then when a gap is good, run out the slides and then finish leveling.

Never had a motorhome I had to mess around with as much as this unit.

Just remember, you must do the reverse order to pull them in.