RV Pre-Trip Checklist
Quick answer: Before moving an RV, do a complete walk-around: inspect tires and visible damage, secure towing connections or motorhome tow equipment, retract slides/awnings/jacks, disconnect utilities, latch exterior compartments, secure the interior and check lights. Finish with one last 360-degree walk-around.
An RV pre-trip checklist is less about adding work to departure day and more about doing the same important checks in the same order. Whether you drive a motorhome or tow a travel trailer, a repeatable routine makes it harder to forget a connection, compartment, loose item or travel-critical system.
Free printable RV pre-trip checklist
Download the ReadyToolkit printable and keep a copy with your trip paperwork.
RV pre-trip checklist: the full walk-around
- Look underneath the RV for fresh fluid, water or sewage leaks.
- Inspect tires for visible damage, bulges, abnormal wear or obvious under-inflation.
- Verify wheel chocks and leveling blocks are removed only when ready to move.
- Close and latch exterior storage bays, service doors and access panels.
- Retract awnings, steps, slides, stabilizers and leveling jacks as applicable.
- Disconnect and store shore power, fresh-water and sewer equipment.
- Confirm waste valves/caps are secure.
- Check exterior lights, reflectors, mirrors and cameras.
- Walk around the entire RV once more immediately before moving.
Towable RV: hitch and connection checks
- Confirm coupler or fifth-wheel connection is seated and locked.
- Attach safety chains correctly.
- Connect the breakaway cable correctly.
- Secure the trailer electrical connector.
- Raise and secure tongue jack or landing gear.
- Check weight-distribution/sway-control equipment if used.
- Verify brake lights, turn signals and running lights.
- Confirm towing mirrors provide a useful view.
Motorhome pre-trip checks
- Confirm leveling jacks are fully retracted.
- Check dash warning indicators and gauges after startup.
- Verify mirrors and camera views.
- If towing a vehicle, recheck tow bar, safety cables, lighting and supplemental braking.
- Resolve unexplained warnings before entering traffic.
Secure the RV interior for travel
- Latch cabinets, drawers, refrigerator and interior doors.
- Secure countertop items, electronics and loose gear.
- Secure movable furniture and TV mounts.
- Set windows, roof vents and skylights to the intended travel position.
- Set appliances/systems to their manufacturer-recommended travel state.
- Secure pets and passenger belongings.
- Keep the driver’s view and controls unobstructed.
The final 60-second departure check
- Confirm route, destination and relevant height/weight/length constraints.
- Verify everyone and everything is ready for travel.
- Walk the full perimeter one last time.
- Pull forward slowly and, when safe, check the vacated site for forgotten gear or leaks.
Tip: Print the checklist, laminate it and use a dry-erase marker. The goal is to make the sequence automatic, not to memorize it.
How often should you use it?
Use a departure walk-around every time the RV is going to move—not only at the start of a vacation.
RV pre-trip checklist FAQ
What should I check before every RV trip?
Check the exterior, tires, towing/tow-vehicle connections, lights, utilities, slides/awnings/jacks, compartments and loose interior items, plus anything required by your manuals.
Is this for motorhomes and travel trailers?
Yes. The core walk-around applies to both, with separate checks where appropriate.
Does this replace RV maintenance?
No. A pre-trip check is a travel-readiness routine; scheduled maintenance is separate.
Can I download it as a PDF?
Yes. ReadyToolkit provides a free printable US Letter version.
Want the complete system?
The Complete RV Owner Toolkit combines travel checklists with maintenance, seasonal preparation and records.
Safety note: This checklist is an organizational aid, not a substitute for manufacturer instructions, professional inspection or applicable laws.