RV Travel Checklist

Eager to get on the road but worried you might leave something at home? Don't fret, this blog is going to provide checklists for before you leave your home. Packing up the outside and inside of your RV, unhitching procedures, hitching up and pulling out, and a Tow Vehicle checklist, keep scrolling for more!

Before you leave your home checklist:

• Membership cards (Good Sam, Camping World, Pilot, Flying J, National Park Pass, Costco, Sams Club, etc.)
• RV Insurance
• Extended Warranty Service
• Car Keys
• Arrange for pickup of mail and flyers
• Newspapers- cancel or have picked up
• Phone number or itinerary with a trusted friend/neighbor
• Security watch for home (neighbor, friend, police)
• Turn off water heater
• Turn off air conditioners
• Turn off water to the house
• Set alarm
• Remove and stow TV cable and/or phone cords
• Check lugs on wheels
• Check tire pressure
• Check engine oil
• Check transmission oil
• Check coolant level
• Check Hydraulic Fluid Level
• Check diesel/ water filter
• Make sure all exterior storage items are secure; close and lock all compartments
• Personal Items (clothes, phone charger, food, toiletry items, shoes, etc.)

Packing Up: Outside

• Take down and stow awning lights
• Stow all outside items: carpets, chairs, grill, etc.
• Put up awnings and lock arms
• If not operating the refrigerator, shut off the LP gas bottles
• Turn off gas water heater
• Shore power disconnected and stow any outside electrical connectors
• Drain and flush black water holding tank
• Put in 2-3 gallons of water and appropriate amount of holding tank chemical into black water tank
• Drain grey water tank
• Double check that sewer drain valve on RV is closed and remove the sewer hose
• Cap the RV sewer drain outlet
• Drain sewer hose, clean and stow
• Disconnect shore power electrical cord and stow; close and secure the hatch
• Remove fresh water hose, drain, and stow
• Cover the outside water connection
• Stow satellite dish and stand
• Make sure all exterior storage items are secure; close and lock all compartments
• Put steps up

Packing Up: Inside

• Stow everything loose; coffee maker, toaster, dishes, cups, etc.
• Put in the slide outs
• Lock in the slide out (travel bars and/or lock pins)
• Lower roof TV antenna
• Lower roof satellite dish
• Lower roof vents
• Put travel bars in refrigerator
• Lock refrigerator door (safety pin or latch)
• Turn off refrigerator or switch to gas operation
• Turn off air conditioner or furnace
• Turn off water pump
• Turn off electric water heater
• Turn off all gas pilot lights
• Turn off all lights, radios, and electrical items
• Lower range top cover
• Lower toilet seat cover
• Close windows and secure blinds/drapes
• Secure bathroom shower door
• Secure all other doors (pass-thru, bathroom and bedroom closest doors)
• Secure all cabinets and drawers
• Secure any stand-alone tables, chairs and other objects
• Secure all bathroom items
• Put cutting board in sink or stow in cabinet
• Make sure the weight inside is as evenly distributed as possible

Unhitch Procedures:

• Situate in site, level side to side
• Unlock hitch, remove breakaway, move truck
• Hookups: electric, water, sewer, propane
• Slide out
• Ensure that all compartments and doors are closed and locked (when going into dead storage)
• Battery disconnect (when going into dead storage)

Hitching Up and Pulling Out:

• Check that hitch is secure
• Pull out of the site slowly to the road; get out and check the following:
  • Take one last look around the site; did you forget anything? Is the site clean?
• Throw out your last bag of trash
• Take one last look around the tow and towed vehicles; does everything look secure?
• Check the lights (stop lights, turn signals and running lights)
• Check your electric brakes
• Pull out of the park slowly

Tow Vehicle Checklist:

• Is the tow bar properly connected? All pins and clips properly secured?
• Checked for any indications of damage to the bar or bracket?
• Checked all nuts and bolts tightness?
• Are safety cables hooked up and crossed under the coupler and attached to the towed vehicle and motorhome?
• Is the transmission in the proper gear for towing?
• Turn on brake switch in RV
• If equipped, has braking system for towed vehicle been properly connected and tested?
• Is towed vehicle's parking brake released?
• Is ignition in the first ON position allowing the steering wheel to freely turn?
• Is the towed vehicle locked for towing? Do you have a spare key?
• Have you followed your vehicle manufacturer's instructions for towing?
• Hitch car to MH and lock on, breakaway switch
• Check lights
• Are window closed?

Congratulations, you now have a check list to help make your travels as smooth and easy as possible. As always make sure to share your adventures with us on social media using #OnTheGoWithRVO on FaceBook, Twitter , and Instagram. Enjoy the cooler temperatures and happy travels!