RV Pre-Trip Checklist

Hello Campers!

Although excitement is rising while you are packing up getting ready for your RV adventure, its important to perform a walk-around on the interior and exterior of your RV to make sure everything is in good condition and properly stored away before hitting the road. We have created a Pre-Trip Checklist for Travel Trailers and Motorhomes that you can print out and use before heading out!

Personal Information:

❑ Medical information

❑ Emergency contact information

❑ Driver’s license

❑ Proof of insurance

❑ Trip routing information

Interior Travel Trailer Checklist:

❑ Water pump off

❑ Water heater off

❑ Furnace off, portable heater stowed

❑ TV antenna down, satellite dish down or stowed

❑ TV and electronics secured

❑ Furniture secured – recliners, kitchen chairs, etc.

❑ Loose items from countertop, cabinets, and bathroom stowed or secured

❑ Cabinet drawers and doors closed and secure

❑ Refrigerator off, interior items secured, door latched

❑ Stove top secured

❑ Toilet seat down

❑ Bathroom/bedroom doors closed and secure

❑ Windows and vents closed

❑ All interior lights turned off

Exterior Travel Trailer Checklist:

❑ Truck tailgate down (fifth wheel) for hitching, up after

❑ Proper hitch connection, safety chains, locking pin, breakaway cable

❑ Perform tug test

❑ Electrical pigtail securely connected

❑ Weight distribution/stabilizer connected properly

❑ External lights working & clean – brake, turns, clearance.

❑ Tires

❑ Proper pressure cold

❑ Sidewall weather checking

❑ Tread

❑ Valve stem/extensions

❑ Lug nut torque

❑ Axle lubrication – check interval or bearing buddy lube

❑ Jacks, stabilizers retracted, stow pads

❑ Slide rooms retracted – check for debris on top

❑ Awnings retracted and latched

❑ Compartments latched/locked if preferred

❑ Propane off

❑ Steps in

❑ Remove wheel chocks

❑ All keys accounted for and Doors locked

Interior Motorhome Checklist:

❑ Water pump off

❑ Water heater off

❑ Furnace off

Portable heater stowed

❑ TV antenna down, satellite dish down or stowed

❑ TV and electronics secured

❑ Furniture secured – recliners, kitchen chairs, etc.

❑ Loose items from countertop, cabinets, and bathroom stowed or secured

❑ Cabinet drawers and doors closed and secure

❑ Refrigerator off, interior items secured, door latched

❑ Stove top secured

❑ Toilet seat down

❑ Bathroom/bedroom doors closed and secure

❑ Windows and vents closed

❑ All interior lights turned of

Exterior Motorhome Checklist:

-Engine fluids:

❑ Oil

❑ Brake fluid

❑ Engine coolant

❑ Transmission fluid

❑ Engine compartment

❑ Leaks underneath

❑ Hoses, fittings, belts

❑ Check for leaves, nests, or other debris lodged in compartment ❑ Batteries

❑ Windshield clean, check for cracks or rock chips

❑ Windshield wipers

❑ Mirrors adjusted and tight

❑ External lights working and clean – brake, turn signals, clearance markers, etc.

- Tires:

❑ Proper pressure cold

❑ Sidewall weather checking

❑ Valve stem/extensions

❑ Jacks retracted

❑ Slide rooms retracted – check for debris on top

❑ Awnings retracted and latched

❑ Compartments latched/locked if preferred

❑ Propane off

❑ Operation of step

Tow Vehicle Exterior Checklist:

❑ Proper hitch connection

❑ Braking mechanism

❑ Lights

❑ Towed vehicles recommended procedure:

❑ Emergency brake off

❑ Key in proper position

❑ Shifter in neutral

❑ Fuses

When Leaving a Campsite:

❑ Put away all loose items around or under the rig – lawn chairs, rugs, grills, etc.

❑ Service center – water, electricity, cable, etc.

❑ Dump tanks if applicable

❑ Check water level

❑ Check exit route for obstructions high and low

❑ Shut off all pilot lights

❑ Properly dump all trash and recycling

Do you have a specific routine or checklist that helps you while getting ready to head out on your RV adventure?

Share with us in a comment below!

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