RV Maintenance & Tutorials

Hold The Phone: Check Off These To-Dos Before Your Next RV Trip

Checklists

You’ve done your planning, made your campsite reservations and stocked up on all your favourite snacks. That’s right – you’re ready for your next big RV adventure!

Whether you’re starting out a long, multi-destination journey or packing up to head back home, you should always take care of a few things first. Use this easy step-by-step checklist, and you’ll be ready to hit the open road with confidence and peace of mind.

Outside your RV

  • Ensure all items stored in exterior compartments (e.g., outdoor grill or sink) are secured.
  • Lock the door to every exterior compartment.
  • Securely attach your bicycle rack and bikes.
  • Disconnect your power cord, water hoses and any other cables, and then store them.
  • Drain your sewer hose and store it in a secure place.
  • Drain your holding tanks as needed. (A good rule of thumb is to keep enough fresh water to last between your destinations).
  • Close off sewer drain valves.
  • Roll in and tie down your awning.
  • Pack up any outside items (e.g., mats, chairs, grills, etc.) and store them in a safe place.
  • Turn off your gas water heater.
  • Retract your jacks (or store any portable jacks you may have used).
  • Pack up any wheel chocks and/or levelers, and store them in a safe place.
  • Adjust the air pressure in all tires as needed.
  • Secure the lug nuts on all wheels, and replace as needed.
  • Inspect all engine fluid levels and top them off if you have a long drive ahead.
  • Test out all signal and break lights. (This one will require a spotter.)
  • If applicable, check the following hitch components:
  • Towing system
  • Breakaway cable
  • Sway bars
  • Spring bars
  • Test your electric breaks.
  • Clean up your campsite and make sure you haven’t left anything behind.

Inside your RV

  • Make sure that all dinnerware, books and appliances (e.g., toaster, coffee pot, etc.) are safely stored.
  • Secure all doors, drawers and cabinets.
  • Place travel bars inside your fridge and lock the door.
  • Turn off the water pump and water heater.
  • Lower your roof antenna and/or satellite system.
  • Lower roof vents.

And that’s it! If you have any other questions, always feel free to contact your local Fraserway RV team.