First RV Trip Checklist

A short checklist for booking, packing, arriving and leaving. Keep it beside the instructions for your own rig and add anything specific to your equipment.

Before you book

• Measure your loaded rig: height, length and width, including accessories.
• Check the specific campsite and approach road for vehicle and trailer limits.
• Confirm hookups, arrival hours, reservation terms and a backup place to stop.
• Plan manageable driving days, fuel stops and rest breaks.
• Save reservation details, campground directions and offline route notes.
• Check weather, closures and any restrictions along the route.

Before you leave

• Review the RV, tow-vehicle and equipment manuals for your setup.
• Check tires cold using the pressure appropriate to your load and tire guidance.
• Check lights, mirrors, brakes and required service; resolve warning signs.
• For towables, check rated weights and all hitch, chain, cable and brake connections.
• Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms; check fire extinguishers and exits.
• Secure loose items, doors, slides, awnings, jacks and steps for travel.
• Check water, battery charge and appliance travel settings against the manuals.
• Pack medications, first aid, essential tools and roadside-assistance details.

When you arrive

• Walk the site first. Check ground, clearance, obstacles and hookup reach.
• Use a spotter where helpful; stop if either person loses sight or communication.
• Park, chock, level and stabilize in the order specified for your rig.
• Check shore-power compatibility before connection; adapters do not add capacity.
• Use drinking-water equipment for fresh water; keep waste equipment separate.
• Follow your manuals and campground rules for sewer, propane and appliance use.

Before the drive home

• Stow awnings, slides, steps and equipment in the manufacturer-required order.
• Disconnect and store power, fresh-water and sewer equipment safely.
• Check storage latches, tires, lights and towing connections again.
• Walk around the entire rig; look above, below and behind it.
• Confirm everyone and pets are seated or secured for travel.
• Note problems and supplies to replace before the next trip.

For more detail, read setup and hookups, trip planning and maintenance.

Check the specific campground listing and road restrictions before booking. See the National Park Service campsite guidance and Go RVing safety overview. This checklist is a planning aid, not a systems repair procedure.