RVs are the ultimate way to explore and enjoy the great outdoors. But with all the fun opportunities available comes the responsibility to ensure that your RV is properly hooked up. So, how much does RV hookups cost? Well, it depends on the hookup you need and where you plan on staying. On average, it costs around $430-$12,000.
Read on to learn more about the expenses and how to budget for your next camping adventure.
An Overview of RV Hookups Cost
Hookups for a camper can range from essential water lines and electricity to a full-service camping spot with sewer, cable, and phone connections.
The RV hookups cost will depend on the type of hookup you are looking for and the complexity of the electrical and water connections.
How much does it cost to install RV hookups? Here are the details:
Parking Pad Installation Cost
You need to build a parking pad before installing the lines and connections for electricity, fresh water, and sewer. It works as a protective bubble for your camper. A pad’s surface must be plain and level and have good drainage.
The cost to install RV hookups on land will vary depending on the type of material you choose and the pad size. There are DIY parking pad kits available in many retailers. However, you can also make it from scratch by collecting all items from a local store.
RV parking pads can be made from asphalt, cement, gravel, and more. Standard materials and their associated costs are outlined below:
- Gravel Pad: These are an excellent way to provide a solid foundation for your RV parking spot. The installation cost of a gravel pad is about $300.
- Cement Pad: They’re more expensive than gravel but offer more stability and durability. A typical cement pad will cost about $4000 to install.
- EGA Ground Grid: They’re made of high-density polyethylene and are made to absorb the shock of a lightning strike. Their price is around $450.
- Permeable Pavers: They’re mostly seen in various permanent RV campsites. Masonry businesses manufacture permeable pavers using burned concrete or clay bricks.
The pavers are then installed in low spots to prevent undetectable water runoff. They cost anywhere from $250 to $350.
Water Hookup for RV Installation Cost
The total RV hookups cost depends on your connection’s complexity, the local labor and parts rates, and the line’s length and location. The initial installation expense can range from around $30 to over $700.
A DIY hookup can be installed for much less, costing around $30 to $60, including a spigot and piping. Hiring a professional to do the same job will cost you between $600 and $700.
How much to install RV hookups for water connection? Here is the price breakdown:
Hose Costs: A 25-foot-long hose costs around $30 to $45. However, you’ll have to pay $250 to $300 for an insulated or heated RV water hose to prevent freezing during winter.
Post and Fittings: Put a post in the ground that rises at least three to four feet. This way, you can see it as you pull into your campground, so you don’t accidentally park the trailer over the water spigot. Its price will be $5 to $6.
Costs for RV Electrical Hookup
The RV hookup installation cost can vary depending on the type of camper you’ve. For example, there are several power connections, including 30-amp and 50-amp.
You need to hire a professional to deal with 30 or 50-amp service. A professional service may require around $1200 fees, while DIY installation only costs $100 to $200.
Here are other charges involving the installation of power lines:
Wire Price: It depends on the wire length, the type you use, and more. A 125 -foot-long 50-amp wire costs around $500. Since wire types also determine the price, aluminum wire costs less than copper wire.
Surge Protector Cost: You need an RV surge protector for an electrical power connection. These devices are used to prevent shorting out.
They dissipate electric surges or sudden, high-voltage spikes resulting from lightning strikes or other power problems. The price of a high-quality surge protector is around $250 to $300.
RV Hookup Installation Cost for Sewer Lines
This is the most expensive type of connection in the entire setup. To add a functioning sewer drain and waste receptacle, you’ll need to hire a professional plumber, install a holding tank, and connect the whole system to the drain line.
If you hire a professional service, the charge for setting up a septic system could be around $2,000 to $6,000. DIY will be much cheaper, but septic line installation is quite challenging.
Expenses of Installing an RV Parking Pad Cover
The installation cost of an RV parking pad cover can vary dramatically depending on the type of material and size of the area you need to be covered. Generally, installation costs range from around $500 to $1,200, depending on the space size.
Installation Cost of RV Internet and Cable
TV and internet cables for your RV cost less than $50. However, the expenses may increase if you pay a connection charge to the local cable company’s office.
Connecting to an existing internet connection available within the RV park or your property will keep the cost down.
Final Word
The RV hookups cost can vary greatly depending on the type of hookup, the location, and the services offered. The cost of basic services, such as water, power, and sewer connections, can vary from as low as $430 to as high as $12,000 or more.
On the other hand, extra services, such as cable or Internet, can be less expensive. When deciding on RV hookups, it’s essential to consider the expenses, the quality of the services, and the location to ensure you get the best deals.
