Arrival days have a rhythm. We ease into the site, breathe, and then work left to right through the hookups so nothing gets missed. A few small habits make the difference between a calm setup and a story you do not want to tell.
Sewer goes first for me because it is the one that can turn a day sideways. I make sure the hose twists on tight, and the fittings are seated before any valve moves. A clear elbow at the park connection helps me see what is happening so I can flush the black tank thoroughly. We rinse more than once and use the built-in tank sprayer for a final sweep.
I have seen a hose pop loose mid-dump, and it is a mess that spreads fast and smells worse. Parks do not love it either. Some keep lye on hand, some do not, so you may be hunting for cleanup supplies if it happens. Gloves and a small tub of dedicated sewer gear live in our bay, so I am never scrambling.
Water is next and gets the same careful touch. Quick-disconnects make life easier, but I still tug each connection to be sure it is seated. A pressure regulator stays on our hose because campground water can swing too high or too low. High pressure can burst a hose or stress fittings from the inside. The regulator keeps things steady so I can turn on the tap without bracing for a surprise spray.
Power is last and never rushed. I plug a surge protector into the pedestal before I connect the rig. It will not solve every electrical problem, but it has already saved our coffee maker, microwave, and my nerves from bad power. Once it reads clean, I flip the breaker on and let the system settle before we start moving around inside.
Travel timing matters too. If you can avoid weekends, do it. Sundays in parks without full hookups can mean a line at the dump station as part-timers head home. Fridays run busy for the same reason in reverse. Tuesdays and Wednesdays have become my favorite travel days. Fewer rigs on the road, fewer neighbors arriving all at once, and a calmer parking experience when we roll in.
None of this is fancy. Tight fittings, clear sightlines, steady pressure, clean power, and smart timing. Little checks save you from big messes, and they give you back the part of arrival day that should feel best, stepping outside, taking a breath, and knowing you are all set.