The Complete RV Pre-Trip Checklist

Start before departure day

The calmest pre-trip check begins before everyone is ready to leave. Review maintenance that is due, check the route and weather, and handle anything that may need parts, service, charging, or extra time.

Every RV is different. Build a checklist around your own motorhome, fifth wheel, toy hauler, or travel trailer, and update it whenever you add equipment or discover a step that is easy to forget.

• Review upcoming maintenance and unresolved repairs
• Confirm the RV, tow vehicle, or towed vehicle is within its rated limits
• Check fuel, engine fluids, generator needs, and visible leaks where applicable
• Confirm reservations, route restrictions, fuel stops, and arrival instructions
• Keep roadside-assistance and emergency contacts available

Check every tire and wheel

Tires deserve attention before every trip. NHTSA recommends checking pressure when tires are cold and using the vehicle manufacturer's recommended inflation information. Inspect the tread and sidewalls for damage, unusual wear, cracks, cuts, bulges, or embedded objects, and include the spare.

For an RV combination, check the motorhome or tow vehicle as well as every trailer or towed-vehicle tire. Follow the correct manufacturer instructions for wheel fasteners and never guess at a torque value.

• Check cold tire pressure with a dependable gauge
• Inspect tread and sidewalls in good light
• Look for uneven wear and signs of aging or damage
• Check valve stems, caps, and tire-pressure-monitoring sensors
• Confirm the spare and the tools needed to use it are accessible

RELATED GUIDERV Maintenance Record Checklist →

Inspect towing and braking connections

Towable RVs and motorhomes pulling a vehicle need a deliberate connection check. Follow the instructions for the exact hitch, coupler, fifth-wheel hitch, tow bar, weight-distribution equipment, and braking system you use.

• Confirm the hitch or coupler is fully seated and locked
• Connect safety chains or cables correctly
• Attach the breakaway cable as directed and check its battery when applicable
• Connect the electrical plug and secure excess cable
• Confirm the tongue jack, landing gear, or support equipment is fully raised
• Test running lights, turn signals, brake lights, and the applicable braking system
• Check mirrors and cameras before entering traffic

Disconnect and stow the campsite

Walk through the campsite in a consistent order so hoses, cords, adapters, blocks, tools, and outdoor gear do not get left behind or dragged. Wear appropriate protection when handling sewer equipment and store it separately from fresh-water items.

• Disconnect shore power and stow the cord and adapters
• Disconnect water, sewer, cable, and other campsite connections
• Turn off or configure propane equipment according to manufacturer instructions and applicable rules
• Retract awnings, antennas, steps, stabilizers, and leveling equipment
• Bring in chairs, rugs, grills, pet equipment, chocks, and leveling blocks
• Close and positively latch every exterior compartment
• Look above, below, and behind the RV for forgotten equipment

Secure the inside for travel

A short interior sweep protects both the RV and its occupants. Imagine the first turn, bump, and hard stop: anything that can slide, swing, fall, spill, or open needs to be secured.

• Latch cabinets, drawers, the refrigerator, and interior doors
• Secure televisions, computers, countertop appliances, and loose decorations
• Close roof vents and windows as appropriate
• Retract slide-outs completely and check the surrounding floor and exterior
• Store breakable or heavy objects low and securely
• Turn off appliances that should not operate in transit
• Confirm passengers and pets have safe travel positions

RELATED GUIDEWhat Paperwork Should I Keep in My RV? →

Carry the information and supplies you may need

Keep required travel documents accessible, but do not leave irreplaceable originals or unnecessary personal information exposed in the RV. A protected digital backup can help if a travel copy is lost.

• Driver's license, registration, insurance, and any required permits
• Roadside-assistance information and emergency contacts
• RV, chassis, appliance, hitch, and braking-system instructions
• Medication, water, first-aid supplies, flashlight, and weather-appropriate gear
• A charged phone, charging cable, and an offline route option
• Basic warning and roadside equipment appropriate for the rig

Do one final walk-around

When everyone believes the RV is ready, stop and walk around it one more time. Go slowly, physically touch latches and connections, and avoid letting conversation or departure pressure interrupt the check.

Go RVing's pre-trip guidance highlights tires, fluids, hitch work, brakes, lights, interior security, and a final exterior inspection. That last pass is where many easy-to-miss items are found.

• All people and pets are accounted for
• All hookups are disconnected and openings are capped
• Awnings, slides, steps, jacks, antennas, and compartments are travel-ready
• Hitch, tow-bar, safety, electrical, and braking connections are correct
• Tires look normal and the travel path is clear
• Lights and cameras work
• Nothing remains on the roof, under the RV, or around the campsite

Use a pause-and-recheck rule

If the routine is interrupted, return to the last confirmed point or repeat the relevant section. If anyone is uncertain about a latch, connection, tire, warning light, or unusual sound, stop and check it before proceeding.

After pulling forward a short distance in a safe area, pause if appropriate and look back at the campsite and the rig. Follow manufacturer guidance for any required early rechecks after hitching, servicing wheels, or changing equipment. A few unhurried minutes are far easier than dealing with preventable damage on the road.