Check fresh water in tank (fill if required)
You definitely don't want to get to the campsite and realize that you don't have any water. Make sure the fresh water tank is ready to go if you don't have a water hookup at your site.
Drain black and gray tank (properly secure and stow all hose/connectors)
The extra weight of a full black or gray tank can not only make towing more difficult than it has to be, but impacts fuel efficiency. Make sure you utilize a dump station for your tanks after your camping trips.
Make sure tank caps and valves are closed
You don't want the contents of your tanks to end up on the highway. Nobody else wants that either.
Shut off propane
Propane can be extremely dangerous if a leak develops while you're on the road. Debris and other movement during travel can cause dangerous leaks and impact on the tank itself.
Lock propane
Securing your propane tanks is extremely important. A propane tank flying down the highway is exactly as terrifying as it sounds.
Retract the awning and secure
Your awning was not meant to be extended during travel. You run the very real risk of damaging the awning, or even another vehicle if it flies off of your RV on the road.
Secure kitchen and bathroom vent
This is a similar point above, but keeping vents closed and secured keeps air from getting into your RV while you travel. Which increases fuel efficiency by minimizing drag.
Raise front and rear jacks
Your front and rear jacks can drag on the road if they are still extended, damaging your jacks, or even the RV itself. That's a bad thing.
Disconnect from shore power and stow cords
Minimizing the amount of things that your RV is "dragging" as you travel is important. And you definitely want to make sure you are disconnected from shore power before leaving as not to damage the post itself or your RV.
Hookup trailer/5th wheel to tow vehicle
Make sure your trailer is firmly and completely connected to your vehicle before pulling off. You do not want to pull away only to have your fifth wheel camper crush your truck.
Remove wheel chocks
This is self explanatory, but make sure your wheels can turn if you need to go somewhere.
Check tire pressure visually inspect tires (and spare) and check pressure and
Check your tire pressure, but also check for signs of dry rot, excessive wear, or any other damage that may cause a safety concern on the road.
Secure rv steps
Making sure your RV steps don't drag on the road as you drive will save you from damage to the steps or your RV.
Store and lock all exterior hatch doors
Like most things on this list, make sure your doors are securely fastened before you hit the road.
Check that towing vehicle is properly connected
Double and triple check the connection between your trailer and your vehicle. You will thank us later.
Turn off batteries
You won't be using your batteries as you travel, so make sure they aren't constantly draining when you don't need them, so they're charged and ready to go when you do.
Check status of any exterior solar set upMake sure any solar panels affixed to your roof are securely attached. Also make sure any additional panels are collected and stored properly.
