Pull Through vs Back In RV: Differences, Pros and Cons
A pull-through campsite is where you drive in from one direction and exit out the other side. The back-in option is where you back in so that the shore power and other hook ups are on the driver’s side of the RV. It is up to your preference which type of campsite you want to use.
The pros for pull-in are that it is easier to work with and drive out. For the drive in the back in align your RV with the hook ups. A negative for both would be the view. Getting the right position can be difficult with the back-in style of the campsite.
To learn more about this issue just continue to read our article. it has the information you want to know about so you can look for the right campground for your RV situation. Some campsites are designed to accommodate both options so you can maximize your windows to view the scenery.
What is Pull-Thru Camping?
Pull through camping is simply a campsite where you drive in from one entrance and exit out the other side without backing up. This saves time and is hassle-free. You do not have to worry about positioning your RV or trailer just right to back in.
Plus, you can see what is in front of making this the safer option to use. It is also a better option when you do not like backing up. Do not confuse pull-through with pull-in camping. The pull-in option means you have to back out to get back on the road.
Some campgrounds also have parallel camping sites which may be tougher to navigate than the back-in options. Keep in mind that the hook ups will be on the side where it is easiest to hook up to sewer, electricity, and so on.
Difference Between Back in And Pull Through
The biggest difference will be the location of the hook ups. Different campgrounds have different designs for the location of their hook-ups. You would need to use the option that keeps the connections of your RV on the same side as the connections in the campground.
You can drive into a back-in campsite but then you would have to pull your electrical cords and hoses underneath your RV or trailer to hook up. The other difference would be ease of access. Backing up takes some talent, especially in an RV or towing a trailer. Pull through campsites relieve you of that stress and duty.
One more difference that will influence your parking, will be the scenery. If one side has great scenery and the other doesn’t, you may change the position of your trailer or RV so you have the scenery on the side with the best windows.
Some campgrounds have already thought of this issue and have designed their layout to meet those needs. If you are pulling a toad, then pull through may be your preference. You do not have to disconnect it to get your RV in position.
Which option you use is up to you, your RV, etc., design, and the campground rules.
Pull Through vs Back in RV
This is a case of 6 of one and a half dozen of another. There really is no better option unless you will be missing out on some great scenery. It is up to your preference and you may not like to back in so a pull-through would be best for you.
To those who do not mind backing up or prefer their RV to be pointing outward, for example, they can avoid having their door facing a road or a railroad tie wall. While campgrounds try to design their campsites so that everyone is happy, it is a fairly difficult task to do.
Also, if you do not mind pulling hoses and wires underneath your RV, etc., to the hook-up connections, then back in is not a problem. It will depend on the view. A lot of RV owners do not mind this extra work as they can enjoy the view and have a relaxing time as they camp.
Then keep in mind that some campgrounds put hook ups on both sides of their campsites to make sure you get the direction you want.
Finding Pull-Through RV Sites
One of the best sources for these campgrounds is to become a member of an RV discussion forum. Other members are happy to share these locations and we read one today where they listed a few good places to go.
These members can also tell you about the campground, its owners, and their experiences so you can get the full picture of what it is like staying there. That is a big advantage over just reading promotional material and ads.
Next, you can go to the KOA website to get the location of campgrounds with this camping option. Most KOAs have both options so you may want to book in advance. Some individual campgrounds pop up in a general search so you can read their websites to help you find one on your route.
This website has a search function that goes state by state. You just type in the state’s name and a list of campgrounds with links pops up. You would have to click on the individual links to see if they have a pull-through design or not.
The internet will have many more options for you to try.
Some Final Words
Both campsite options have their good and bad points. You just have to decide which style is right for you and your RV design. There is no real right or wrong way to use these different campsites as long as the campground allows you to be different.
Talk to the campground owners or managers to make sure you get the option that is best.
