How Much Does it Cost to Install RV Hookups?

For most people, the number one reason to own an RV is to travel. Whether they travel locally or all over the country, people like these tiny homes-on-wheels because they allow them to pack up and see new things whenever the mood strikes.

That said, there are instances when it’s nice to be able to use your RV on your own land. Maybe you have friends coming to visit and would like to give them their own place to stay. Perhaps you’d like to use your trailer or motorhome as an office. For this reason, it’s recommended that those RV owners who have land give some thought to installing RV hookups on that land.

Of course, it does cost to install RV hookups, and the investment won’t necessarily be a small one. Therefore, it’s a good idea to budget for this kind of project. Knowing the average cost of installing RV hookups will help when it comes to this budgeting.

We will use this article to give you an idea of what kinds of costs to expect, and help you understand how to install your hookups.

Cost to Install RV Hookups on Land

First, let’s talk about money. The cost to install RV hookups on land can vary quite a bit. In the end, the total will depend on 1) how much work you’re able and willing to do on your own, 2) how many amps your RV requires, 3) the type of sewer system you’re working with, and 4) how far from your house you’d like your hookups to be.

• Cost to Install an RV Water Hookup — $30 if DIY; $700 if not.

• Cost to Install an RV Electric Hookup — Around $1,200 for a professional install.

• Cost to Install an RV Sewer Hookup — Free or extremely cheap for use of current sewage disposal system. $2,000–$3,000 for RV-specific septic tank.

So how much does it cost to install RV hookups? The true answer is that the cost can vary wildly, but you’ll be looking at an investment of anywhere from $200–$300 for a DIY job, to a few thousand dollars for a professional to do the work.

How to Install RV Hookups at Home (Step-by-Step)

Want to save a few bucks on RV hookup installation cost by doing the work yourself? Good plan! Most of this project is pretty straightforward and can be done by any moderately handy individual with a good bag of tools.

Here is our RV hookup DIY installation guide.

Create a Parking Pad

The first step is to create a parking pad for your RV. The goal is to have a level surface that can support the weight of your RV should the ground become very wet. Gravel and cement both work well.

Your pad should be at least 4 feet wide and long enough to comfortably accommodate your rig and then some. Make sure there are no low-hanging branches or power lines over your pad, and consider the distance to your house and how that will affect your water and electric hookup installation.

Install a Post

Once your pad is in place, a hole should be dug to hold a post securely in place. The hole should be about 8 inches wide and 30 inches deep. Place a 4’x4’ post into the hole and pour concrete around it to hold it in place.

This pole will hold your electric and water hookups, so it should be placed on the driver’s side of the RV.

Put In Your Water Hookup

Putting in a water hookup is a relatively straightforward process. Dig a trench below the frost line from your water source to your post, then run a high-rated CPVC pipe through the trench, connecting it to the water supply and securing it well.

Wrap the exposed waterline with heat tape to prevent freezing, secure the water line to your post using pipe clamps, fill the trench with cement, and cover the trench with dirt. Add your faucet to your water line, and now you have a water hookup!

Note: It’s important to contact utility companies before digging in your yard. This will ensure you avoid gas, water, and power lines, saving you money and possibly your life.

Turn to the Electricity

Next, you’ll need to consider the electric hookup. While this can be done by a very knowledgeable individual who has experience working with electricity, this isn’t a job for the average joe. Therefore, we recommend calling an electrician if you don’t already have the know-how to get this step done.

Whoever installs this hookup will need to be aware of what type of plug your rig uses: 30-amp or 50-amp. The ‘heads’ of these cables have different and specific prong layouts, so you’ll want to make sure a compatible one is put in place.

Finish with Sewer

Last but not least, you will need a sewer hookup. In some cases, you may not need to install anything at all. If your home is connected to a public sewer system, you likely have a cleanout in your yard. As long as it’s legal in your area, you can pop the cap off this cleanout and hook your RV up to that—though if you’re far away from it, you might need a really long hose and a macerator pump to move the sewage along.

If you have a septic tank, the process could be just the same. However, you may find that there isn’t a cleanout to dump into. In this case, you may need to install a 4-inch pipe upward and out from the septic tank in order to give yourself something to dump into.

The final option is to add an RV-specific in-ground septic tank. This is both expensive and much more difficult. Therefore, we only recommend it as a last resort. If this is what you need to do, you will likely want to bring in a contractor to bury the tank, and you will definitely need to bring someone in to pump that tank from time to time.

Don’t love any of these sewer options? You might consider switching to a composting toilet. Learn more about composting toilets here.

Need to know more about what RV hookups are and how they work? This post covers all the RV hookup basics so you can go into this project knowing your stuff. Also, see this article: Can I Plug My RV Into my Dryer Outlet – SOLVED

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