- Pack Loose Items: Gather all loose items in your kitchen area. This could include utensils, dishes, and food items. Make sure to store them securely to prevent damage during transit.
- Latch and Secure All Cabinet Doors: Ensure that all your kitchen cabinet doors are closed and latched to prevent items from falling out while on the move.
- Remove Items from the Counter: Clear your countertops to avoid any loose items from toppling over or sliding off during travel.
- Secure Stove Top and Oven Door: Ensure that the stove top and oven door are securely fastened to prevent any accidental openings.
- Secure Items in the Fridge: Arrange items in your fridge in a secure manner, using tension bars if necessary, to prevent spills or breakages.
- Latch Fridge: After securing your items, ensure the fridge door is latched securely to prevent accidental openings.
- Secure Items in Storage Cabinets: Similar to the kitchen, make sure all items in your living room storage cabinets are secure and won’t move around during travel.
- Latch All Cabinet & Closet Doors: Double check all cabinets and closet doors to make sure they’re closed and latched securely.
- Secure TV and Other Electronics: Safeguard your electronics by securing them properly. This might involve removing them from their stands and storing them safely, or using straps to secure them in place.
- Pack Items on Dresser & Nightstand: Pack away any loose items from the dresser and nightstand to prevent them from falling or being damaged.
- Secure Items in Vanity & Latch: Secure all items in the bathroom vanity, then latch the vanity door.
- Pack Items on Bathroom Counter: Pack away all loose items on the bathroom counter.
- Secure Items in Shower & Latch Door: Make sure all items in the shower are secured and won’t move around during travel, and then latch the shower door.
- Latch Bathroom Door: Lastly, ensure the bathroom door itself is securely closed and latched.
- Check in Front of Slides for Any Items: Before closing your slides, check in front of them for any items that could be crushed or damaged. Don't close the slide yet, though.
- Check for Additional Loose Items: Do a final sweep for any additional loose items throughout the RV.
- Close Roof Vents and Windows: Ensure all your roof vents and windows are closed to prevent rain or bugs from entering your RV while on the road.
- Turn Off A/C or Heater: Make sure to turn off all heating or cooling systems.
- Turn Off Water Heater: Ensure that your water heater is switched off.
- Turn Pilot Lights Off: Make sure any gas-powered appliances with pilot lights are turned off.
- Turn Off All Lights: Switch off all interior and exterior lights to conserve battery power.
- Empty Trash: Empty all garbage bins in your RV to keep it clean and free from unpleasant odors.
- Close All Interior Doors: Ensure all interior doors are closed to prevent them from swinging open during travel.
- Clean Slide Outs: Wipe down and clean the slide outs before retracting them to prevent dirt and debris from entering your RV.
- Close Slide-Outs and Lock: Close all slide-outs and ensure they’re locked in place. This prevents them from extending while driving.
- Lower Satellite Dish & Antennas: If you have a satellite dish or antennas raised, lower and secure them to avoid any damage from low-hanging branches or structures.
- Close Awning: Fully retract your awning and lock in place.
- Put Away Furniture & Accessories: If you’ve used any outdoor furniture or accessories, ensure they’re clean and dry before packing them away securely.
- Dump & Flush Holding Tanks: Empty your gray and black water holding tanks at a designated RV dump station.
- Clean and Store Sewer Connection: After dumping, clean the sewer hose and connections properly to prevent any unpleasant smells or bacteria buildup. Store it securely in an appropriate carrier or compartment.
- Turn Off the Water Pump: Switch off your water pump.
- Disconnect Water and Store Hose: Disconnect your water supply and properly store the hose. Make sure it’s dry to avoid potential mold or mildew.
- Disconnect Electrical and Store Cord: Disconnect your RV from the campground’s electrical hookup and securely store the power cord.
- Turn Off All Propane Valves: To ensure safety while driving, turn off all propane gas valves.
- Turn Off All Exterior Lights: Save your RV battery by ensuring all exterior lights are switched off.
- Lock All Exterior Storage Doors: Ensure all exterior storage compartments are closed and locked securely.
- Do One Last Walkaround: Finally, do a thorough walkaround of your RV to double-check everything. Look for anything that seems out of place, like a flat tire or a loose part.
- Fold Stairs, Close and Lock Door: Final step before hitching.
- Raise Stabilizer Jacks: Raise them off the ground before hitching.
- Hitch RV to the Tow Vehicle: If you have a towable RV, secure the hitch connection between your RV and tow vehicle. Check that hitch pin is attached!
- Connect the Breakaway Cable: The breakaway cable is a safety feature that activates your RV’s brakes if it ever detaches from the tow vehicle. Make sure this cable is properly connected.
- Connect the Power Cord: Ensure that the electrical cord from your RV to your tow vehicle is connected. This typically powers the RV’s brake lights and turn signals.
- Store Leveling Blocks: If you used leveling blocks during your stay, make sure to collect them and store them in their designated location.
- Remove Wheel Chocks & Store: Remove any wheel chocks you used to prevent the RV from moving at the campsite, and store them properly.
- Check Lights on RV & Tow Vehicle: Perform a final check of all lights on both your RV and tow vehicle to ensure they’re functioning properly.
- Double Check Breakaway Cord: Recheck the connection of your breakaway cord for safety measures. A firm connection can prevent accidents in case of a hitch failure.
- Double Check RV’s Been Hitched: Lastly, double-check that your RV has been securely hitched to your towing vehicle.