RV Arrival Checklist

The campsite fit test: 6 checks before you commit

• Overhead envelope — check branches, wires, signs and obstacles against your known travel height.
• Slide and awning envelope — visualize every deployed component and check trees, posts, pedestals and neighboring-site boundaries.
• Utility reach — locate electrical, potable-water and sewer hookups before final positioning.
• Ground and leveling — inspect slope, soft ground, holes and where tires or leveling equipment will sit.
• Living-space fit — check door swing, steps, picnic table, fire ring and planned hose/cord routes.
• Exit plan — visualize the departure turn before unhitching or deploying anything.

Towable: before unhitching

• Do not unhitch until position, clearances, utility reach and leveling strategy make sense.
• Follow the hitch/RV manufacturer sequence for securing the trailer before separation.
• Keep the tow vehicle available to reposition until the fit test is complete.

Motorhome: before deploying

• Confirm final parking position before leveling or extending slides.
• If towing a vehicle, plan where and when to disconnect it according to campground and equipment procedures.
• Check that the final position leaves access to compartments you will need.

Common arrival mistakes

• Unhitching before discovering the power pedestal or water connection is out of reach.
• Checking slide clearance on only one side.
• Choosing the patio view while ignoring the eventual departure turn.
• Deploying slides before confirming the RV’s leveling requirements.
• Assuming advertised site length guarantees usable geometry for your rig.

Customize this for your own RV

Add model-specific steps that apply to your rig and remove items that do not. Keep the finished version in the same place and use the same sequence each trip. For equipment-specific tasks, write the requirement from the current manual into your personal copy rather than relying on memory.

RV arrival checklist: before you commit to the campsite

Arrival is the decision stage between driving and setup. A few deliberate checks before leveling or connecting utilities can prevent unnecessary repositioning later.

• Stop where you can inspect the site safely before making the final approach.
• Check branches, posts, picnic tables, fire rings, curbs and other fixed obstacles.
• Estimate slide, awning and entry-door clearance in the intended final position.
• Confirm the electrical pedestal, water and sewer locations can be reached with the equipment you actually carry.
• Look at slope, soft ground, drainage and the path your tires will use.
• Agree on spotter signals before backing or making tight positioning adjustments.

RV travel workflow

• RV Packing List
• RV Arrival Checklist
• RV Campground Setup Checklist
• RV Teardown Checklist
• RV Departure Checklist
• RV Pre-Trip Checklist

Official references to keep with your RV

A general checklist cannot replace instructions for your exact rig and installed equipment. Keep your current owner manuals available and use official safety information from NHTSA Vehicle Safety when relevant to road-safety questions.