Essential Pre-Travel Checklist for First-Time Campers: Your Guide to a Smooth Camping Experience

Welcome to our First Time Camper Series! We understand that camping can feel overwhelming at first, which is why we’ve created a series of helpful videos for first-time campers like you. Today, we're focusing on developing a routine pre-travel checklist that will enhance your camping experience and make it much smoother.

Tools Needed

Before you begin your checklist, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

• Multimeter
• Tire pressure gauge and tread depth gauge
• Torque wrench (with ¾”, 13/16”, or 7/8” socket, rated up to 150 ft-lbs)
• Broom
• Fully charged 12V battery
• Full propane bottles

Pre-Travel Checklist Steps

1. Tire Inspection

• Inspect the Tires: Look for uneven wear, flat spots, or any damage.
• Check Tire Pressure: Ensure the pressure does not exceed the maximum allowed, which can be found on the Federal ID sticker (located on the front corner of the driver sidewall or the tire sidewall).
• Torque the Lug Nuts: Using a torque wrench, tighten the lug nuts to the appropriate ft-lbs in a star pattern.

2. Awning and Roof Maintenance

• Inspect Awnings: Ensure all awnings are properly retracted and secured for travel.
• Remove Debris: Clear all debris (sticks, pine cones, snow, etc.) from the main roof and slide-out roofs. Closing a slide-out with debris on the roof can cause unwanted damage and repair expenses.

3. Securing the Interior

• Close Roof Vents and Windows: Ensure all vents and windows, including the exterior range vent flap (if equipped), are closed.
• Adjust the Television Antenna: Put the television antenna in the “down” position (if applicable).
• Secure Loose Items: Check all interior storage compartments and cabinets to ensure items are secured.
• Inspect Interior Doors: Ensure all cabinet doors, interior doors, and shower doors are closed and secured. Make sure televisions are also secured.

4. Final Checks

• Refrigerator: Verify that the refrigerator door is closed and latched.
• Safety Devices: Confirm that smoke, carbon monoxide, and LP detectors, along with the fire extinguisher, are in working condition.
• Retract Slide Rooms: Ensure slide rooms are fully retracted.
• Close LP Valves: Turn off the valves on the LP bottles.
• Disconnect Park Connections: Securely store all cords, hoses, and park connections.
• Stow Entry Steps: Shut and lock the entrance door, engaging the deadbolt during transport.
• Battery Disconnect: If equipped, position the battery disconnect to the “off” position.
• Reconnect to Tow Vehicle: After reconnecting, stow tire chocks and any leveling blocks.
• Check Baggage Doors: Inspect all exterior baggage doors and hatches to ensure they are locked.
• Lights Check: Verify that clearance lights, turn signals, and brake lights are working properly and check your mirrors.

Pre-Travel Checklist

This pre-travel checklist can also be found in your Owner’s Manual. As you develop your own checklists and conduct regular inspections, you'll become more familiar with your RV, making it easier to identify any potential issues that may arise. Depending on your model and floor plan, you may have more or fewer features. Take the time to write down your personalized steps, adding any unique features your RV has. This preparation will save you time and reduce stress in the future.

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.