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If you're an RV owner, you know how long the off-season can feel.
Every day can feel like forever when you're waiting to hit the road. But each day that goes by is one day closer to being able to uncover your RV, air it out, and get it back on the road for another season of exciting RV travel and adventure.
However, before you head out on that first road trip of the year, or any road trip for that matter, it's important to make sure your RV and its systems are in good working order.
The last thing you want is to be a few hundred miles away from the nearest hardware store when experience a flat tire or an RV tire blowout, your plumbing system springs a leak or you blow a fuse and can't use your RV's electrical system.
These mishaps can be incredibly frustrating.
But the good news is that they can be easily avoided if you take the time to inspect your RV thoroughly before hitting the road.
And that's why we've put together the following RV departure guide: to help you master RV pre-trip inspection, travel planning and emergency awareness.
Image courtesy of Matthew Osborn @ Unsplash.com
Why RV Travel Prep Matters?
Dad always said that his RV departure checklist wasn’t optional... He said it was “the difference between a smooth trip and becoming the laughing stock of the entire campground.”
I didn’t take him seriously until the day I tried to leave my site in a hurry. I thought I was ready to hit the road. But when I started rolling forward… I heard a SCREEEECH CRRRRRRRUNCH that sounded expensive.
Turns out I’d forgotten to retract the stabilizers. That day I learned two things:
- RVs do not travel well when they're unprepared, and...
- Dad was right...
Ever since then, I don’t move my rig an inch until I’ve completed every single item on my checklist.
The thing is that when you're traveling, you might be hundreds, maybe even thousands of miles away from the nearest store or RV repair service center when something goes wrong, or when you forget to retract your RV's stabilizers.
That's why RV travel requires a bit of careful planning and preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip every time. A well-planned RV departure checklist helps prevent accidents and reduces stress on the road.
So before you head out, please don't make the same mistake I did. Always take the time to review your RV setup and prepare your rig for the road!
Pro Tip - Click here to download our printable RV departure checklist to simplify your pre-trip prep, help you stay organized, make sure you don't forget anything behind.
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RV Pre-Trip Preparation - What to check before hitting the road
Once or twice per year, we encourage you to perform a thorough inspection of your RV, including checking your RV tires and drivetrain, exterior paneling, inspecting your windows, doors, and the RV roof for leaks, as well as performing essential maintenance on plumbing, electrical, and propane systems.
But when it comes to pre-trip prep, there are a handful of basic, yet vital steps to take to ensure your rig is ready for the road.
Before heading out on the road, always begin with a thorough visual inspection of your RV. Check tires, propane tanks, connection points, and appliances to ensure they are in working order. Secure loose items inside the RV, including doors, windows, and cabinets.
And always review your RV travel plans, including the route, campsite, and weather forecast. Here's a more in-depth overview and checklist of what you'll want to do before heading out:
RV Tire And Wheel Checks
- Check tire pressure (use manufacturer PSI)
- Inspect tire tread and sidewalls for cracks or bulges
- Torque lug nuts to spec
- Remove and store tire covers
Travel Trailer And Towing Checks
- Inspect brake lights, turn signals, and headlights
- Check tow connections (safety chains, breakaway cable, wiring plug)
- Verify hitch, coupler, and weight distribution setup
Engine & Fluid Checks
- Check engine oil level (motorized RVs)
- Check coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid
- Verify generator oil and test-run under load
- Top up windshield washer fluid
Final Walk Around
- Inspect slide-outs for proper seal and operation
- Ensure awnings are retracted and latched securely
- Check windows, doors, and compartments for proper latching
- Close and secure all vents, roof caps, and antennas
- Confirm steps, stabilizers, and jacks are retracted
- Secure loose items (kitchenware, décor, electronics)
- Stow leveling blocks and chocks
- If needed, disconnect shore power, water, and sewer lines
- Do one final circle check before hitting the road
Whether you're heading out for a short trip or a multi-week cross-country adventure, always perform a final circle check before hitting the road. Even once you've made your way through your RV departure checklist, we encourage you to do a quick walk-around at every stop along the way.
Pro Tip - Click here to download our printable RV departure checklist to simplify your pre-trip prep, help you stay organized, make sure you don't forget anything behind.
Image courtesy of Joey Zhou @ Unsplash.com
Important Exterior RV Checks
Perform a walk-around inspection of the RV, checking for any damage or issues with the exterior. Keep an eye on your rig's siding, windows, doors, vents, and slide-outs to make sure that nothing is broken or out of place.
Inspect connection points, including your water hookup and sewer hose, for any signs of damage or leaks.
Whether you're setting up or tearing down, before heading out, always keep an eye on tire pressure. And make sure you've got wheel chocks packed, and that your leveling jacks are in good condition. These ensure your RV is stable and secure when set up.
It can also be easy to misplace items while dismantling your setup. So it's a good idea to regularly double-check your inventory and make sure you're not forgetting anything. We recommend making lists to make sure you've got all essential gear packed up properly.
Lastly, test your brake lights, turn signals, and other exterior lights to ensure they are functioning properly. These are crucial for safety while traveling. So don't forget this important step before hitting the road.
RV Tire and Wheel Checks
There are many important systems and components on an RV or camper. But your tires truly are one of the most important. After all, without your tires, you can't go anywhere. Which is why it's crucial to inspect your tires often and make sure they're in good shape.
Here's another quick list of the most important RV tire and wheel checks to perform before every departure:
- Check the tire pressure
- Check tread depth to ensure the tires are in good condition
- Look for signs of dry rot, cracks, or bulges in your tire sidewalls
- Inspect rims and axles for any signs of damage or wear
- Make sure you've packed wheel chocks and tire covers
- Check that leveling jacks are raised and secured in place
- If pulling a trailer, check your hitch and hookups are properly connected and secured
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RV Systems Checks
An RV or camper trailer has three primary systems, which include the electrical system, plumbing and sewage system, and propane system.
It's important to make sure each of these systems are in good working order before heading out on the road. Here's a quick look at each critical RV system and a few simple tips for inspecting and maintaining them before your next road trip.
Checking your RV electrical system
- Make sure your RV batteries are charged
- Inspect battery terminals and connections
- Check your shore power cable and make sure you've packed a surge protector
- Test your RV outlets, fuses, and breakers
- Inspect electric appliances to make sure they work properly
- Test and inspect your generator, if applicable
Checking your RV plumbing system
- Check your plumbing system for leaks
- Test your RV water pump
- Flush and sanitize your freshwater system
- Inspect all hose connections
- Make sure your water heater is working properly
- Inspect grey/black water tanks and sensors
- Flush/empty sewage tanks if needed
- Flush antifreeze out of water lines
Checking your RV propane system
- Inspect propane tank and mounting points
- Check propane level. Fill tanks if needed
- Inspect hoses, lines and regulators
- Test propane appliances
- Secure propane tanks in place and use tank covers
- Know how to access and use your propane system's main shutoff valve
Additionally, you'll want to check your RV safety systems, including your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector. We also recommend double-checking your first-aid kits, fire extinguishers, and that you're using a fireproof document holder or case to protect your valuables during travel.
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Travel Trailer & Towing Considerations
Whether you're pulling a small cargo trailer behind your RV or towing a travel trailer or camper, hauling anything behind a tow vehicle requires a bit of special consideration.
For starters, you need to make sure your trailer is properly connected to the tow vehicle.
Check the hitch or coupler to ensure they're secure and functioning properly. Make sure your electrical hookup is tight and secure too. And always inspect trailer brakes (if applicable) to ensure they function properly.
Furthermore, it's important to understand RV weight distribution and safe towing practices, which are crucial for making each trip as safe as possible.
Final Walk-Around Before Hitting The Road This Travel Season
Lastly, we also encourage you to perform a final walk-around inspection of your RV to ensure all checks have been completed. Check for loose items or debris that may have been missed. Review your RV departure checklist and double-check your campsite to ensure it's clean and secure.
We also recommend doing a quick walk around after every stop you make. You don't need to run through your full inspection checklist.
But after driving a few hundred miles, it's a good idea to check that nothing's come loose or shifted, that your tires haven't lost any air, and that everything is safe and secure.
Safety Precautions & Double-Checking The Essentials
Inspecting your RV inside and out ensures it's in good working order. But there are many things you'll want to pack to have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience on the road.
Unfortunately, it's easy to forget things you need, especially when caught up in the exciting of planning your next RV adventure.
Forgetting something like a can opener might seem like an innocuous mistake. But it could mean not being able to have dinner one night. And that's why it's important to make lists, pack the right gear, and bring enough food, water, clothing, and medication if needed.
Ensure you have a first-aid kit and emergency supplies. Always review your RV travel plans before heading out. And make sure you have all necessary documents and information with you, which is especially important if you're going off-grid.
You should also let people know where you're going, how long you'll be gone, and check the weather forecast and road conditions before hitting the road.
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Optimizing RV Travel for New and Experience RVers
All the steps we've covered in this guide are simple. But they can make all the difference between a safe and enjoyable RV experience and a miserable one. RV travel can be a lot of fun. But it also presents a range of unique risks and considerations that every RVer must take into account before hitting the road.
Here are a few more pro tips on optimizing your RV for travel:
- Have RV insurance and travel insurance with necessary coverage. Print copies of these documents and keep secured in your RV, trailer or tow vehicle.
- Review your RV warranty and understand the terms and conditions
- Store valuables and importance documents in a fireproof case or safe
- Invest in a good quality GPS for off-grid use
- Download offline maps
- Consider installing a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
- Consider purchasing solar panels or a generator
- Make sure you've packed all essentials, like a clean drinking water hose, water pressure regulator, shore power cable, etc.
- Pack extra batteries, chargers, and a jump starter
- Scout campsites and plan your trip ahead of time
- Test all safety gear regularly
Frequently Asked Questions - The Essential RV Departure Checklist
Taking the time to check that your RV or camper are in good working order reduces your risk of running into problems while traveling. Using our RV departure checklist is a great starting point to get your next road trip started on the right foot!
Here are a few frequently asked questions we hear from our readers.
What to pack in my RV before a road trip?
Food, water, clothing, and medication are just a few important items to pack before a road trip. But it's also important to pack gear like a tire compressor, jump starter, first-aid kit, and other emergency supplies. You can also check out our guide on the best RV accessories to learn about essential travel items.
What is the most forgotten items when camping in an RV?
Toilet paper, drinking water, firewood, and cooking utensils are the most forgotten items when camping in an RV. But don't forget other necessities like garbage bags, bug spray, sunscreen, batteries, matches, or first-aid kits.
What is the 4-4-4 rule for RV?
The 4-4-4 rules for RV travel starts that you should never travel more than 400 miles per day, arrive at camp before 4pm, and stay for at least 4 days. It's similar to the 3-3-3 rule or the 2-2-2 rule, but gives you more time to enjoy your setup.
What is the 2-2-2 rule for RV?
The 2-2-2 rule for RVs refers to traveling no more than 200 miles per day, arriving at your destination before 2pm, and staying for 2 days. It's not an ideal plan for longer road trips since you travel less per day and change sites more often. But it gives you more sunlight hours at camp, once you reach your destination.