RV Pre-Trip Checklist — The Departure Walk-Around

Antennas, awnings, steps, and tongue jacks — the things RVs leave behind or drive off with. Run this before every departure: inside prep, utilities teardown, hitch-up or load-up for your rig, and a final walk-around.

Inside the rig

• Stow and secure everything loose; latch all cabinets and drawers
• Lock the fridge door and set it for travelDecide your own propane-while-driving policy — many RVers switch the fridge off or to 12V and keep it closed; it will hold temp for hours.
• Close and latch all windows and roof vents
• Lower the TV antenna / satellite dishThe classic. Put a reminder clip on your steering wheel or door if you have an antenna.
• Retract slide-outs — check for obstructions inside and out first, then engage travel locksLook on the roof of the slide for branches and water before pulling it in.
• Turn OFF the water pump and water heater
• Turn off interior lights and 12V loads; secure pets' area
• Latch interior doors and the shower door so they can't swing

Tanks & utilities

• Dump and rinse holding tanks if needed; close and cap the valves
• Disconnect, rinse, and stow the sewer hose
• Disconnect city water; drain and stow the hose, regulator, and filter
• Turn off the pedestal breaker, THEN unplug shore power; stow cord and surge protector
• Set the propane valve for travel per your policy (closed is safest; required in some tunnels)
• Retract and secure the awning — double-check the travel locksAn awning unfurling at 65 mph is a catastrophe. Check it twice.
• Retract stabilizer jacks / leveling jacks fully; stow jack pads and blocks

Hitch up (towables)

• Coupler fully seated on the ball, latched, and pinned (Travel Trailer, Toy Hauler, Pop-Up Camper)Do the tug test: pull forward gently with the tongue jack barely off the ball seat... the trailer should come with you.
• Weight distribution bars attached and tensioned; sway control connected (Travel Trailer, Toy Hauler)
• Fifth wheel jaws locked around the kingpin — visually confirm, then tug test (Fifth Wheel)Look for the jaws wrapped around the pin, not behind it. Then pull forward against chocked wheels.
• Tailgate up (or notched) and bed clear (Fifth Wheel)
• Safety chains crossed under the tongue and hooked (Travel Trailer, Toy Hauler, Pop-Up Camper)
• Breakaway cable attached to the tow vehicle (NOT to the safety chains or hitch pin)
• 7-pin connector plugged in; running, brake, and turn lights all checked with a helper
• Test the trailer brakes with the brake controller manual lever as you first pull away
• Tongue jack / landing gear fully retracted, foot stowed
• Wheel chocks pulled LAST — after you're fully hitched
• Cargo and toys tied down; fuel station and garage secured (Toy Hauler)
• Ramp door latched and locked (Toy Hauler)
• Roof fully latched down and lift system secured (Pop-Up Camper)

Load up (truck campers)

• All four tie-down turnbuckles attached and tensioned evenly (Truck Camper)
• Camper jacks fully raised and secured (Truck Camper)
• Umbilical cord plugged in; clearance lights working (Truck Camper)
• Rear steps removed/stowed (Truck Camper)
• Truck tires at max-load pressure per the door placard (Truck Camper)

Chassis & driver check

• Check engine oil, coolant, and washer fluid; glance at belts and hoses (motorhomes)
• Look under the rig for fresh leaks (motorhomes)
• Adjust mirrors and test the backup/side cameras (motorhomes)
• Check dash gauges and fuel; test the horn and wipers (motorhomes)
• Towed vehicle: tow bar locked, safety cables on, lights cable connected, braking system armed, transmission/ignition set per the manual (motorhomes)

Final walk-around

• Tires: pressure checked cold, no cracks or bulges, lug nuts snugDuals: check the inner tire too — that's what the extension hoses are for.
• All bay/compartment doors latched and locked
• Steps retracted or auto-step confirmed working
• Roof glance: antenna down, vents closed, nothing left up there
• Full lights check: running, brake, turn, hazards
• Campfire completely out; site swept for gear, chocks, blocks, and kids' stuff
• Trash packed out; picnic table cleared
• Everyone (two- and four-legged) on board and buckled
• Know your rig height and your routeWrite your height on a sticky note on the dash. Low bridges don't negotiate.

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