Imagine you’re cruising down the road in your RV, excited to get to your next destination. You left home early, 3 AM, to get a jump on the traffic. You were still pretty sleepy when pulling the RV out of your driveway, but you’ve done this a hundred times before and wouldn’t have forgotten anything – right? … Right? If you had an RV Pre-Departure Checklist you could be certain!
Having a pre-departure checklist is essential for any RV trip. It helps you avoid common mistakes and ensures a smooth and stress-free adventure. There is nothing worse than getting halfway to your destination and realizing you left your wheel chocks behind, or worse yet forgot to secure part of your camper! This article provides a comprehensive checklist that you can customize based on your specific RV and travel plans.
Why is an RV Pre-Departure Checklist Important?
An RV pre-departure checklist is your secret weapon to a stress-free and safe adventure. Imagine the frustration of discovering a dead battery miles from civilization, or realizing you forgot essential camping supplies. A checklist helps you avoid these mishaps by ensuring everything, from crucial fluids to propane levels, is prepped and ready. It also promotes peace of mind, knowing you’ve addressed potential problems before they arise. By taking a few minutes to systematically review your checklist, you can turn your RV trip into a truly relaxing and enjoyable experience, allowing you to focus on creating memories that last a lifetime.
Even if you’ve packed up your RV a hundred times mistakes can be made! If you’re tired, or stressed about getting on the road you may overlook a crucial step. When you do something so many times you can go on “autopilot” and not be sure if you’ve completed all the steps or not. Everybody makes mistakes, but having a Pre-Departure Checklist can help you avoid them.
How to make your Checklist
Crafting your personalized RV pre-departure checklist is an empowering process that sets the stage for a smooth journey. The next time you go to prep your RV for a trip take extra time to write down each step you take. Every RV is different, so your steps may look different if you have a Travel Trailer vs a van for example. These steps should apply both for when you are leaving home base, and for when you are leaving a campsite.
Separate your Checklist into categories. The main categories should be something like Exterior, Interior, Essentials, and Comforts. This will help you to easily see what still needs to be done. Things like essentials and comforts you can even start to gather and check off a few days before your trip to be prepared!
Exterior Checklist
Your Exterior section of your RV Pre-departure checklist should cover all the tools and items on the outside of your RV. Some examples of this are:
- Connections – Make sure you are disconnected from all power and utilities, hoses are stored and valves are securely closed
- Stabilizers – Before departure look to check that your stabilizers are pulled in, and any wheel chocks are removed and stored
- Tire Pressure – Check your tire pressure and adjust as needed, this can make a huge difference in your drive
- Propane – Secure your propane tank and check that you have enough in the tank
- Stairs – If your RV has stairs be sure they are pulled up and locked in place
- Doors / Windows /Vents – Be sure these are locked to avoid rattling during your drive
- Tools – After using your tools for any set up/break down needs check that you’ve stored them away
Travel Trailers: If you have a travel trailer you may want to consider adding a whole section to your RV pre-departure checklist to insure your tow vehicle is hooked up properly! For inspiration you can check out our article on How To Hook Your Travel Trailer to your Tow Vehicle.
Interior Checklist
The Interior section of your RV Pre-departure checklist should include all the things that need to be secured, switched off, packed away etc in the inside of your RV. Some examples are:
- Small Appliances – If you have small appliances you usually keep on the counter, be sure to store them away while you drive
- Other Appliances – Make sure the rest of your appliances are turned off for your journey. Did you know your RV fridge is designed to keep cold for hours without power?!
- Doors – If you have doors to different room of your RV make sure they are secure so they are not opening & closing during your drive
- Slides – If your RV has a slide make sure it is retracted before your trip
- Power – Make sure things like lights and appliances are turned off to save battery power as you travel
Essentials Checklist
Your Essentials section of your RV Pre-departure checklist should be a catch all for those things you really can’t do without!
- Tool Box – Tools are on the list twice because they’re that important. You won’t be able to properly set up your campsite if you don’t have things like a drill for your stabilizer jacks or your bubble level!
- Wheel Chocks – These are necessary to stabilize your RV when you park
- Leveling Blocks – You’ll need these to properly level your RV
- Pins & Locks – To keep your RV and tow set up safe and secure
- Route – This isn’t an item but it’s important to know your route ahead of time so add it here!
- Hoses – Make sure you have your sewer and water hoses to hook up at your campsite
- Water Pressure Regulator & Filter – You don’t want to blow your lines!
- Flashlight – For nighttime walks
Comfort Checklist
Now for all the things you could probably camp without – but wouldn’t want to 😉
- Camping Chairs – Those park benches aren’t very comfortable
- Outdoor rug – To help cut down on dirt tracked inside
- Broom – For sweeping out the dirt that does get in
- Hammock – Let me tell you there’s nothing better than reading in a hammock in the woods
- Bug Spray – Because nobody likes being eaten alive
- Sun Screen – You’ll be spending a lot of time outside!
- Personal Items – Make it feel like home by bringing your favorite blankets and pillows
This checklist is a starting point, and you may need to add or remove items based on your specific RV and travel plans. For example, if you are traveling to a cold climate, you may want to add items to your checklist such as winterizing your RV and bringing extra blankets.
If you’re going through this checklist and realizing you may not have some items on the list, we’ve got you! Check out our RV Essentials Start Kit.
By following a comprehensive pre-departure checklist, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable RV trip. Here are some additional tips for RV travel:
- Pack light: RVs have limited storage space, so it is important to pack light. Bring only the essentials that you will need for your trip.
- Plan your route: Plan your route in advance and be sure to factor in rest stops, fuel stops, and campgrounds.
- Be prepared for the unexpected: Bring along an emergency kit that includes basic tools, a first-aid kit, and a fire extinguisher.
With a little planning and preparation, you can have a fantastic RV adventure. Happy travels!
