Summary

22 items · 15–30 minutes

Why a Pre-Departure Checklist Matters Every Single Time

Experienced RVers know the scenario all too well: you're two miles down the road and spot something dangling in your mirror—or worse, you hear a grinding sound and pull over to find the leveling jacks were never fully retracted. These are not beginner mistakes exclusive to first-timers. Departure errors happen to seasoned travelers when routine becomes assumption.

A structured checklist removes assumption from the equation. It transforms a mental to-do list—where items compete for attention during a busy pack-up—into a reliable, repeatable process. If you're just getting started with RV travel, our first-trip guide for new RV owners covers the broader picture. This checklist zeros in specifically on what needs to happen in the final 15–30 minutes before wheels roll.

Use the checklist below every departure—whether you've been camped for one night or two weeks. The items don't change; only the stakes do if you skip them.

Utilities Disconnection

Disconnect shore power cord and stow it in its designated compartment before moving the rig. Must
Disconnect the freshwater hose, drain any residual pressure, and pack the hose away securely. Must
Disconnect the sewer hose, rinse it, and store it in a sealed tube or dedicated compartment. Must
Close all tank valves—gray and black—and confirm they are fully seated before departure. Must
Turn off the propane supply at the tank valve; some tunnels and ferries prohibit open propane. Should

Slideouts, Awnings, and Exterior Extensions

Retract all slideouts fully and verify each one is locked or latched per your manufacturer's procedure. Must
Roll in and latch all awnings, including any smaller window or door awnings. Must
Lower and stow any TV antennas, satellite dishes, or roof-mounted accessories before moving. Must
Fold in and secure exterior camp furniture, mats, and decorative items that were placed outside. Must

Leveling and Stabilization

Fully retract all leveling jacks and verify indicator lights (if equipped) confirm the retracted position. Must
Retract all stabilizer jacks and tongue jack to their road-travel position. Must
Remove wheel chocks from all tires and stow them before moving the vehicle. Must

Hitch and Towing Connections

Verify the hitch ball is fully seated in the coupler and the coupler latch is locked with a hitch pin or clip. Must
Cross and attach safety chains with minimal slack, ensuring they won't drag on the road. Must
Plug in the trailer wiring harness and confirm brake lights, turn signals, and running lights all function. Must
Attach the emergency breakaway cable to the tow vehicle's frame, not the hitch ball mount. Must
Confirm weight distribution bars and sway control devices are properly set if your setup uses them. Should

Interior Safety and Securing

Walk through the interior and secure all cabinet latches, refrigerator locks, and overhead compartments. Must
Ensure the stovetop is off, all burners are cool, and the oven door is latched. Must
Confirm all passengers are seated with seatbelts fastened before the rig moves. Must
Stow loose items—dishes, toiletries, pets' food bowls—that could become projectiles during braking. Should

Tools and Supplies to Have On Hand

You don't need specialized equipment to complete this checklist, but having a few key items accessible—not buried in a storage bay—speeds up the process and ensures nothing is skipped.

Required

Tire pressure gauge

Check tire pressure on all rig and tow vehicle tires before each travel day.

Required

Flashlight or headlamp

Inspect low-clearance areas—jacks, hitch, tire sidewalls—during early-morning departures.

Required

Hitch pin or locking hitch pin

Secures the coupler latch on a trailer hitch to prevent accidental disconnection.

Optional

Wheel chock bag or tube

Keeps wheel chocks organized and off the ground so they're easy to grab and easy to confirm stowed.

Optional

Pre-departure checklist printout or app

A physical or digital checklist ensures no items are skipped under the pressure of packing up camp.

If you're planning a tow vehicle-and-trailer setup rather than a motorhome, many of these same pre-departure principles apply. Our long road trip prep guide covers the tow vehicle side of the equation in detail.

Critical Reminders Before Every Departure

Never Move the Rig with Jacks or Slides Extended

Driving with leveling jacks deployed—even partially—can cause severe structural damage to the chassis and the jacks themselves, and can create an immediate road hazard. Slideouts that are not fully retracted and latched can contact roadside obstacles, overpasses, or other vehicles. Both errors are among the most expensive departure mistakes an RV owner can make. Physically confirm retraction by looking at each jack and slide before entering the cab.

Once you've worked through the checklist, do one final 360-degree walk around the entire rig—front to back, both sides. Look low (jacks, hitch, tire sidewalls) and look high (awnings, roof-mounted items, antennas). This walk-around takes under two minutes and is the last line of defense before you pull onto a public road.

For trips into remote areas where roadside help is scarce, pair this checklist with a broader safety review. Our pre-departure checklist for remote travel addresses communication, emergency readiness, and documentation that go beyond the RV itself.

This checklist is part of our complete guide to owning and traveling in an RV, which covers everything from choosing a rig to managing life on the road full-time.

This article provides general informational guidance for RV travelers and does not constitute professional mechanical or safety advice. Consult your RV owner's manual and a qualified technician for vehicle-specific maintenance and inspection requirements.

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The content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.