✅ RV Departure Checklist: Motorhomes, Towables & Van Life! (Download PDF Guide)
Whether you’re a RV newbie or just need a refresher, this RV departure checklist is designed to help you confidently prepare for travel day. It covers motorhome departure steps for Class A, Class B, and Class C RVs, as well as towable RVs like fifth wheels and travel trailers. Plus, it includes helpful tips for those living the van life lifestyle too!
This RV checklist for departure outlines the key RV pre-departure tasks, including RV safety checks, RV packing and preparation, and other important steps to follow when preparing your RV for travel. Whether you’re heading out on your next adventure, leaving an RV park, or simply hitting the road from home, these RV travel readiness tips will help you stay safe and organized.
Please use this motorhome pre-departure checklist as a general RV owner’s guide and customize it based on your rig’s setup and the specific instructions in your RV Beginner Owner’s Manual. Every RV is a little different, so be sure to refer to your manufacturer’s guidelines for the most accurate RV trip preparation.
As someone who’s owned six different RVs, I’ve put this list together based on personal experience. While not every step will apply to your rig, this how to RV guide includes many interchangeable tasks and RV departure day tips that apply across various vehicle types. Keep in mind, your RV pre-trip checklist may vary depending on your departure situation—whether you’re pulling out of a campsite or leaving for your first big road trip.
🧭 RV Departure Checklist for Class A, B, C Motorhomes, Towables & Van Life
Preparing for an RV trip involves more than just planning your route and packing your bags. Ensuring your RV is ready for the journey is crucial for a safe and enjoyable travel experience. This comprehensive RV Departure Checklist is designed to help you systematically prepare your motorhome or towable recreational vehicle—such as Class A, Class B, and Class C motorhomes, fifth wheels, and travel trailers—for departure.
By following this guide, you can address all essential pre-trip tasks, ensuring nothing is overlooked. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time RVer, customizing this checklist to your specific vehicle and needs will help you embark on your adventures with confidence and peace of mind. Let’s dive into the essential steps to get your RV ready for the road.
Also, It’s a good idea to read through this list BEFORE departing so that you can be prepared. There are also several items you might can do ahead of time. We try to do as much as we can prior to departure day so that we only have the ain’t things to do as departure day has enough stress itself without adding more things to this list.
🗓️ Days Before RV Departure Checklist
Reservations & Planning
- ✅ Confirm reservations at your destination
- 🗺️ Prepare maps and directions
Pre-Trip Shopping
- 🧺 Wash laundry
- 🛒 Buy groceries and supplies for the trip
Fuel & Power
- 🔥 Check propane levels and fill if needed
- ⛽ Check generator fuel levels and fill
- 🔋 Check RV battery is charged
- 🗨️ Check two-way radio batteries
- 🔦 Check flashlight batteries
- 🥶 Turn the Fridge On EXTRA Cold
Vehicle Prep
- 🛻 Check motorhome or tow vehicle fluid levels
- 🔗 If towing, inspect hitch security
- 🛞 Inspect tires and check pressure
- 🪟 Clean windows and mirrors for better visibility
Water & Waste Systems
- 🚽 Confirm sewer tank valves are closed (and dumped if possible)
- 💧 Fill fresh water tank to desired level
🚐 Day of RV Departure Checklist
Kitchen & Interior
- 🧊 Arrange items in the fridge to prevent breakage
- 🥤 Fill drinking water containers
- 🍽️ Secure items on countertops
- 🚪 Latch refrigerator doors
- 🔐 Secure items inside cabinets and latch
- 🚿 Secure items in the shower and latch door
- 📺 Secure TVs
- 🔧 Close and latch stove top / oven door
- 🧲 Lock tabs on external range hood vent
Exterior Prep
- 🎯 Collect and store all items from outside
- 🎪 Retract and secure awnings
- 🧼 Clean slide tops, clear area, retract and lock
- 🚲 Stow external features (bike racks, grills, mats, etc.)
- 🗑️ Discard all trash
Slides, Vents & Windows
- 📡 Lower TV antenna or satellite
- 🪟 Close all roof vents and windows
- 🧩 Confirm all slides are retracted and locked
Water & Propane Systems
- 🚽 Empty black tank and close valve
- 🚿 Empty gray tank and close valve
- 🧴 Add fresh water and tank treatments
- 💨 Turn off all propane appliances
- 🔒 Shut off all propane bottle valves
Electric & Hookups
- ⚡ Turn off A/C and other power loads
- 📺 Disconnect cable TV and store cables
- 🔌 Disconnect electricity and store accessories
- 💦 Turn off water pump
- 🚿 Disconnect water hose and store
- 🧼 Disconnect, rinse, and store sewer hose
- ✅ Confirm that the refrigerator is running (after disconnect)
Loose Items & Safety
- 🧳 Lay down and pad any large, loose items
- 🪑 Secure anything near the driver’s seat
- 🏠 Latch any remaining doors or drawers
🚚 Hitching Up & Final RV Departure:
Leveling & Stabilizing
- 🦵 Raise or remove all stabilizing jacks
- 📦 Collect and store leveling blocks
- ⚖️ Raise leveling jacks
- 🔓 Leave front leveling/tongue jacks down (until hitching)
Hitching Checklist (if towing)
- 🚛 Hitch RV to tow vehicle (or If towing, hitch trailer/vehicle to motorhome)
- 🔐 Remove king pin lock, if used
- ⬇️ Lower truck tailgate before backing up
- ⚓ Attach safety chains
- 💡 Connect umbilical cord
- 🔌 Connect breakaway switch cable
- 🛠️ Attach sway bars
- 🔼 Retract front leveling/tongue jacks
- ⛓️ Confirm hitch and towing gear is secure
- 📌 Remove wheel chocks
Final Checks
- 🔒 Lock all external RV doors and compartments
- ✅ Confirm all jacks are raised or removed
- 💡 Check all lights: running, brake, and turn signals
- 🛑 Check RV brakes and brake controller
- 🪞 Check and adjust mirrors
- 🚶 Perform a final walk around, look under and above the RV
- 🚨 Secure all other loose items
- ⛽ Fuel up before you hit the road!
[DOWNLOAD] My RV Departure Checklist >> HERE
Final Thoughts…
Proper preparation is key to a successful and stress-free RV adventure. By following this comprehensive RV Departure Checklist, you can ensure that your motorhome or towable RV is ready for the road, helping to avoid common pitfalls and ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey. Customizing this checklist to fit your specific vehicle and needs will further enhance your travel experience. From pre-trip preparations to final departure checks, every step is crucial in maintaining the safety and functionality of your RV. So, before you set off on your next adventure, take the time to go through this checklist and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your RV is well-prepared for the journey ahead.
Related:
- RV Arrival & Setup Checklist
- RV Maintenance Checklist (Download)*
- Top 10 Mistakes Most RVers Make
- WATCH: My RV Departure Day VLOG
Don’t Miss A Thing…
📫 Most Importantly, Sign Up To Receive the RV Newsletter!
🚐 Follow Me on Social Media @RVersity via Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter X, and Pinterest.
🎬 Also, don’t forget to Subscribe on YouTube!
😍 LOVE this content — Buy Me A Coffee & Say Thanks!
