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RV Pre-Travel Checklist for First-Time Campers


Before every trip, check your RV’s tires, secure the interior, retract awnings and slide-outs, disconnect campsite hookups, and verify your towing connections and lights. Following the same checklist each time helps you catch overlooked items before moving your RV.

Use this checklist as a starting point, then add any steps specific to your model, floorplan, and installed equipment.

What should you have ready before checking your RV?

Keep these tools and supplies accessible:

  • Tire pressure gauge and tread depth gauge
  • Torque wrench and correctly sized socket suitable for your wheel’s torque specification
  • Multimeter, if you are familiar with using one
  • Broom or suitable tool for removing roof debris
  • Fully charged RV battery
  • Sufficient propane for your planned stay

Socket sizes and torque requirements vary. Confirm what your RV needs rather than relying on a universal tool size or torque setting.

What should you check on your tires and wheels?

Complete these checks before traveling:

  • Inspect every tire: Look for uneven wear, flat spots, cuts, bulges, or other damage.
  • Check cold tire pressure: Use the recommended cold inflation pressure on your RV’s Tire and Loading Information label. The maximum pressure shown on a tire’s sidewall is not a substitute for the RV’s recommended inflation guidance.
  • Check lug nut torque: Use a torque wrench and the specified torque value, following the tightening sequence for your wheel. After wheel removal or installation, follow the required follow-up torque checks.

Address tire damage or wheel concerns before towing.

How should you prepare the roof, awnings, and slide-outs?

Check overhead equipment before retracting slide-outs or moving the RV:

  • Remove debris: Clear sticks, pine cones, snow, and other debris from slide-out roofs and the main roof where safely accessible.
  • Retract awnings: Verify that each awning is fully retracted and secured.
  • Close roof vents and windows: Secure them for travel according to their operating instructions.
  • Lower the antenna: Stow any television antenna that requires a travel position.
  • Secure the range vent flap: Latch it for travel if equipped with a travel latch.

Use safe access methods when clearing debris. If roof access is unsafe or you are unsure whether your roof supports walking, arrange assistance.

Before retracting slide-outs, check inside and outside for obstructions. Confirm that every slide-out is fully retracted.

How should you secure the RV interior?

Walk through the RV from one end to the other:

  • Secure loose belongings and items inside cabinets.
  • Close and latch cabinet doors and drawers.
  • Secure interior doors, shower doors, and televisions as designed for travel.
  • Close and latch refrigerator doors.
  • Confirm the refrigerator’s travel settings and required power supply.
  • Check that smoke, carbon monoxide, and propane detectors are operating according to their instructions.
  • Inspect the fire extinguisher and keep it accessible.

Finish interior checks before closing up areas that become difficult to reach with slide-outs retracted.

What should you disconnect and stow before hitching?

Before leaving the campsite:

  • Turn off propane cylinder valves.
  • Disconnect and store the shore power cord, water hose, sewer hose, and other campsite connections.
  • Secure exterior baggage doors, utility covers, and hatches.
  • Stow entry steps and close and lock the entrance door, including the deadbolt where provided.

Check the battery disconnect setting for your specific RV. Do not assume it should always be off during travel. Confirm that the breakaway braking system and any equipment requiring travel power remain supplied. Keystone’s Giggy Box, for example, is designed to maintain breakaway power when its battery disconnect is off. Keystone RV

What belongs in your final towing check?

Follow the hitching procedure for your tow vehicle, hitch, and RV. Before moving:

  • Verify that the hitch is properly engaged and locked.
  • Connect the trailer electrical cord and breakaway cable correctly.
  • Attach safety chains where required for your hitch type.
  • Confirm trailer brake operation.
  • Retract and secure stabilizers, landing gear, and tongue jacks as applicable.
  • Remove and store wheel chocks and leveling blocks only when the RV is securely hitched and protected against unintended movement.
  • Check clearance lights, turn signals, and brake lights.
  • Adjust towing mirrors.

Complete one final walkaround to look for forgotten equipment, open compartments, or anything beneath or beside the RV.

For model-specific details, use the Pre-Travel Checklist in your Owner’s Manual.

Personalize this checklist and keep it handy before every trip.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is deemed to be true and accurate at the time of publication. However, due to the evolving nature of our products and services, there may be changes or updates that occur after this article was published. We encourage users to verify the contents and consult with their dealer or Keystone RV for the most current information. If you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact your dealer or reach out to Keystone RV directly.