Pulling into a Harvest Hosts farm or a Cabela’s lot for one night? The big question is whether to unhook or leave your RV hitched overnight. After 18+ years of RVing and 6+ years full-time on the road, here’s how we decide.

Is It Safe to Leave Your RV Hitched Overnight?

Yes, it’s generally safe to leave your RV hitched to your truck overnight. Just take care of two things first:

1. Get level. If your site isn’t level, the RV can rock back and forth, which can damage the hitch or the truck.
2. Put your stabilizer jacks down. They keep the RV steady and stop it from rocking.

Stay Hitched vs. Unhook: Pros and Cons

When You Should Unhook

• Staying more than one night. For a longer stay, unhooking keeps your truck battery from running down.
• The site isn’t level. Unhooking lets you level the RV so it doesn’t rock.
• Bad weather is coming. Unhooking can help keep the rig from getting damaged.
• Personal preference. Some people just sleep better unhooked. There’s no wrong answer.

Boondocking Safety Tips

• Check the weather forecast before you go.
• Bring plenty of water and food.
• Make sure your RV is in good working order.
• Get your tanks ready before you go. Our RV black tank cleaning guide keeps things fresh while you’re off-grid.
• Be aware of your surroundings and be ready to leave in an emergency.
• Looking for a spot? Harvest Hosts members can stay overnight at farms, wineries and other businesses. Find locations on their website or app.

With a little planning, boondocking overnight is safe and a whole lot of fun.

Hitched Overnight FAQ

Is it safe to leave my RV hitched overnight?

Yes, for most one-night stops it is generally safe, as long as your site is level and your stabilizer jacks are down so the rig does not rock on the hitch.

Can staying hitched drain my truck battery?

It can. The 7-pin cord keeps charging the RV battery from your truck. If your truck battery is older, unplug the 7-pin cord overnight or unhook completely.

Do I still need stabilizers if I stay hitched?

Yes. Put your stabilizer jacks down so the RV stays steady and does not put extra stress on the hitch or truck.

When should I unhook instead?

Unhook if you are staying more than one night, the site is not level, bad weather is coming, or you simply sleep better with the truck free.

We hope to see you on the road some day. Until then, stay safe! Want to boondock with friends? Join us at a FindUsCamping campout.