Check Your RV - Pre-Trip RV Inspection

Check Your RV

Chassis System
___Check that fluid levels are in operating range (oil, power steering, engine coolant, windshield washer, transmission, brake fluid, etc., if so equipped)
___ Check chassis engine starting battery for clean connections and proper state of charge
___ Check operation of all lights and flashers
___ Check horn operation
___ Check for proper operation of foot brake and parking brake
___ Check wheel lugs for proper tightness
___ Check and set tire pressure according to actual axle load

Generator
___ Check for cleanliness of the generating set as it affects efficiency
___ Service the air cleaner as required by the owner's manual
___ Check oil level and change as required by the owner's manual
___ Check generator-starting battery for clean connections and proper state of charge
___ Keep governor and choke linkage clean

Stove/Oven
___ Operate stove on propane, look at burner to see if flame is blue. If not, have repairs performed
___ Check and ensure there are no obstructions in ventilation system
___ Check to see that control knobs are not stripped causing a false thermostat reading

Air Conditioning
___ Check air filters and clean if necessary. Look to see if cooling unit coils are clean/free of debris
___ Check to see that condensing unit is clean/free of obstructions + there is nothing blocking air flow
___ Check voltage at outside panel. Most air conditioning systems are designed to operate at 120 volts plus or minus 10% (108-132 volts)

Additional Items
___ Check that the fire extinguisher is fully charged
___ Check smoke detector battery
___ Check for an up to date inspection or emission sticker and license plates
___ Be sure RV insurance is current

Two weeks before departure, it’s time to consider what you’ll need in your RV and at your campsite to make your stay more enjoyable. Consider whether or not you’ll want to take the following items:

Campground Essentials Checklist

Food Preparation
___ A small propane or charcoal grill with charcoal and starting fluid or propane tank
___ Butane lighters (preferably the longer ones used for starting fireplaces)
___ Storage containers, aluminum foil, napkins, plastic zip lock bags
___ Cutting board, knife and knife sharpener
___ Cooking Utensils
___ Dishes and silverware (consider using heavy plastic ones and dispose after a couple of outings) ___ Kitchen linen (napkins, pot holders, tablecloth, towels)
___ Coffee pot/tea kettle and filters, tea and coffee
___ Cleaning items (soap, sponge, paper towels, kitchen brushes and cleaners)
___ Paper/plastic bags for trash collection
___ Several gallons of bottled water or good water filter

Outdoor Relaxation
___ Lanterns and fuel for outdoor lighting
___ Outdoor furniture (stools, folding chairs, stackable chairs, etc.)
___ Outdoor sleeping gear, if desired (air mattress, ground cloth or moisture barrier, sleeping bags)
___ Battery powered radio (with weather bands is an excellent choice)

Campsite Maintenance
___ Spare batteries (9V, 6V lantern, D, C, AA, AAA)
___ Tool set (screw driver, etc.)
___ Ropes, tarps, bungee straps, tape (electrical, duct, etc.) + other items necessary to secure gear
___ Small shovel, ax, level and small pails
___ Wood blocks and levelers to assist in leveling your recreational vehicle
___ Broom, mop and dust pan
___ An ample supply of toilet paper, toilet chemicals and tissue
___ A good camping manual (if new and unfamiliar to necessary campground procedures)

The big trip is right around the corner! Here’s a quick checklist to help your planning go smoothly.

___ Confirm reservations
___ Make a clothing checklist
___ Check medication for needed refills
___ Temporarily change of address or stop mail order to USPS
Start Date: __________ Stop Date:_________
___ Get General Delivery ZIP codes for mail-forwarding destinations
___ Temporarily stop on newspaper delivery
Stop Date: __________ Restart Date:___________
___ Check Maps and Tour Guides
___ Notify neighbors and police of departure and return dates

Recreational Vehicle “Day of Trip” Checklist

Around the House
___ Check lawn sprinkler control setting
___ Remove all trash and garbage
___ Check refrigerator/freezer temperature settings
___ Secure home and valuables before leaving

Outside the Recreational Vehicle

If your RV is connected, make sure to disconnect and stow:

___ Shore Power Cord
___ City Water Connection Hose
___ Sewer Hose

Take an exterior walk around:
___ Check all exterior lights for operation and damage
___ Check wheel lugs for tightness
___ Check tires for correct air pressure
___ Check and lock all exterior compartments and filler doors
___ Check and secure all items stored on the exterior of the coach
___ Check the areas around/below/above the coach for obstacles to move or avoid when driving away
___ Turn main LP gas valve OFF
___ Check that the leveling jacks are fully retracted or removed
___ Check that the TV antenna is fully retracted
___ Check that the awning (s) are up and secured and in lock position
___ If auxiliary power is necessary, start generator and check 120V system

Inside the Recreational Vehicle
___ Lock the entrance door from the inside
___ Make sure the entrance step is completely retracted
___ Check adjustment of rear-view and driver's seat mirrors
___ Close all windows and vents
___ Turn off the water pump switch
___ Clear and stow all loose articles from counters, range, sinks and shelves
___ Check that heavy items are stowed in lower cabinets, NOT overhead
___ Close and secure the bathroom door, shower door, all cabinet doors and all drawers
___ Turn off all interior lights
___ Check refrigerator for proper settings and that door is securely fastened
___ When packing the refrigerator, do not pack so tightly as to shut off internal air flow
___ Recheck smoke detector battery
___ Check that air conditioning switch is off before travel
___ Make sure current insurance card and vehicle registration are in vehicle

If towing a vehicle:
___ Check running lights, turn signals, brake lights, emergency flashers and headlights on tow vehicle
___ Check foot, parking and trailer brakes for proper operation
___ Adjust the interior and exterior automotive mirrors
___ Check that all fluid levels are normal; oil, coolants, power steering, batteries, transmission, windshield, washer, etc.

If towing a vehicle with a two bar:
___ Check that tow bar is securely locked
___ Check that safety chains are crossed under the coupling and securely hooked
___ Make sure the transmission is in proper gear
___ Check that the drive shaft is disengaged, if needed
___ Make sure the parking brake is off
___ Check that the ignition is in the proper position (consult your owner’s manual for details)
___ If you have a spare set of keys/separate door keys, make sure to lock the vehicle

Frequently forgotten items (Don’t forget!)
___ Prescription glasses/sunglasses (and prescription in case they are lost)
___ Camera/film/video recorder/ extra digital image storage
___ Stationery and stamps
___ Address Book/PDA with phone list
___ Cell phone, charger, instructions, accessories
___ Quarters/Dimes/Nickels
___ TV/Satellite manuals
___ Rock salt supply (for water softener)
___ Power inverter
___ Battery jumper cables/flares/flashlight
___ Accurate tire pressure gauge
___ Emergency items: First aid kit, heating pad, ice bag

If you forget something, don’t worry. Many RV parks and campgrounds have well-stocked stores with some RV maintenance supplies.