RV Pre-Trip Checklist: What Every New Owner Should Check Before Hitting the Road
- Joe Stanford
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
If you're a newer RV owner, the moment right before you pull out of the driveway can feel a little nerve-wracking. Did I forget something? Is everything hooked up right? Is that thing supposed to be making that noise? Take a breath — that's exactly what a good pre-trip routine is for. Run the same checklist every time and that nervous feeling turns into quiet confidence.
I'm Joe — Squatch to most folks — and today on Camping with Squatch I've put together a real, practical RV pre-trip checklist built specifically for newer owners. I'm not just going to list things; I'll tell you why each one matters, so it sticks. Get this routine down and you'll catch the little problems in your driveway instead of on the side of the interstate. Let's walk around the rig together.
Why an RV Pre-Trip Checklist Is Worth Your Five Minutes
Here's the honest truth: the vast majority of RV roadside disasters and embarrassing moments are completely preventable. A blowout from a low tire. An awning that unrolls at 60 mph. Driving off with the TV antenna up or the power cord still plugged into the post. Stuff falling out of an unlatched bay door across three lanes of traffic. None of that happens to the person who does a consistent walk-around.
The goal isn't to be paranoid — it's to build a habit so reliable you don't even have to think hard about it. Do it the same way, in the same order, every single time. New owners especially: this is the routine that earns you confidence fastest. Let's break it down by zone.
1. Tires and Wheels (Check These First, Every Time)
Tire failure is the number one RV roadside problem, so this is where we start.
Check tire pressure on ALL tires — including the spare — when they're cold, and inflate to the pressure listed on your rig's sticker (RV tires often run at higher PSI than you'd expect). A properly inflated tire is your best blowout insurance.
Look over the condition — tread, and especially cracks or dry rot. Here's a new-owner gotcha: RV tires often age out before they wear out. Check the date code; many should be replaced around 5–7 years regardless of tread. Look for bulges too.
Confirm lug nuts are tight (especially important after any recent tire work).
Make sure your spare is there and inflated, and you've got the jack and tools to use it.
2. The Hitch and Connection
A trailer coming unhitched is a nightmare scenario, so verify every connection. (For the full breakdown of how all this works, see my [RV hitches] post — but here's the pre-trip version.)
Coupler or kingpin fully locked — do a tug test by trying to pull away gently.
Locking pins and clips in place.
Weight distribution and sway bars set (if your setup uses them).
Safety chains crossed under the coupler.
Breakaway cable attached.
Trailer riding level, with tongue/pin weight within your limits.
3. Lights and Brakes (Grab a Helper)
You're sharing the road, so others need to see what you're doing.
Test every light with someone watching the back: running lights, brake lights, left and right turn signals, and hazards.
Confirm the 7-pin connector is fully seated.
Check your trailer brake controller is working, and give the trailer brakes a quick test as you pull away slowly.
4. The Full Exterior Walk-Around (Where Rookies Get Burned)
This is the big one for new owners — the "departure killers." Walk all the way around the rig and confirm:
TV antenna is cranked DOWN. (The classic. Ask any RVer.)
Awning fully retracted and locked.
All slide-outs fully brought in.
Every storage/bay door closed and latched/locked.
Entry steps retracted.
Stabilizer and leveling jacks fully up.
Wheel chocks removed (do not drive off with these — surprisingly common).
Power cord unplugged and stowed.
Water hose disconnected and stowed; sewer hose stowed.
Satellite/TV dish taken down and stowed.
Roof vents and windows closed (as desired).
Nothing left sitting on the roof or bumper.
Hitch/wheel lock removed.
If you only rush one section, do NOT let it be this one. This walk-around prevents the most expensive and embarrassing mistakes there are.
5. Propane
Decide on your propane-for-travel plan. Many RVers turn the propane OFF while driving (and especially when refueling) for safety, since the fridge will hold cold for hours or run on 12V. Know your rig and pick your routine.
Confirm tanks are secured and valves are set the way you want them.
6. Secure the Inside
Everything inside becomes a projectile when you hit the brakes, so before you roll:
Latch all cabinets, drawers, and the refrigerator door.
Stow loose items — counters and tables should be clear.
Secure the TV and electronics.
Set the fridge to travel mode as needed.
Close roof vents, put away bathroom items, and lower the toilet lid.
Store heavy stuff low and toward the center.
Latch interior doors so they're not swinging.
7. Tow Vehicle / Engine and Fluids
For motorhomes: check engine oil, coolant, washer fluid, belts, hoses, and fuel.
For towables: check your tow vehicle's fluids and fuel too — it's doing the hard work.
8. Tanks and Water
Empty your gray and black tanks before a travel day if you can — no sense hauling that weight, and it follows good tank habits.
Carry the fresh water you need for the trip (but remember water is heavy — don't haul a full fresh tank you won't use).
Disconnect city water; water pump and water heater off for travel as you prefer.
9. Safety Gear and Documents
Fire extinguisher present and charged.
Smoke, CO, and propane detectors working (test them).
First-aid kit stocked.
Insurance, registration, and roadside assistance info on hand.
Basic emergency kit — reflectors/triangles, basic tools, gloves.
10. One Final Lap
Before you climb in: take one slow walk all the way around the rig with fresh eyes, looking for anything out of place. Glance underneath. Check your mirrors are set. Confirm your route and the weather. Then you roll. This final lap has saved more trips than any single item on the list.
Squatch Tips: Making the Pre-Trip Check a Habit
Here's what I tell every new owner to make this second nature:
Same order, every time. Whether you start at the tires and go clockwise or front-to-back, pick a pattern and never break it. Routine is what keeps you from skipping a step.
Use the printed checklist for real — especially your first season. Don't trust your memory while you're still learning. Tick the boxes. Pros use lists; that's why they're pros.
The walk-around is non-negotiable. If you're ever rushed, the exterior walk-around is the one that prevents the costly stuff. Do it no matter what.
Make it a two-person job when you can. One person inside testing lights and brakes, one outside watching, makes it faster and more reliable.
Don't trust your memory after a long, fun weekend. Tired brain forgets the antenna. That's exactly when the list saves you.
That's the heart of Camping with Squatch — a few good habits up front mean smoother, safer trips and a lot less stress, so you can actually enjoy the drive instead of white-knuckling it.
Print This: New Owner's Pre-Trip Checklist
Print it, laminate it if you're fancy, and run it before every departure.
Tires & Wheels
[ ] All tires (+ spare) at proper cold pressure
[ ] Tread good; no cracks, dry rot, or bulges (mind the age/date code)
[ ] Lug nuts tight
[ ] Spare, jack & tools on board
Hitch & Connection
[ ] Coupler/kingpin locked (tug test)
[ ] Pins/clips in; weight distribution & sway bars set
[ ] Safety chains crossed
[ ] Breakaway cable attached; trailer level
Lights & Brakes
[ ] Running lights, brakes, turn signals, hazards all tested
[ ] 7-pin connector seated
[ ] Brake controller working; test brakes pulling away
Exterior Walk-Around (the big one!)
[ ] TV antenna DOWN
[ ] Awning retracted & locked
[ ] Slide-outs in
[ ] All bay doors closed & latched
[ ] Steps in; stabilizer/leveling jacks up
[ ] Wheel chocks removed
[ ] Power cord, water hose, sewer hose stowed
[ ] Satellite dish down; vents & windows closed
[ ] Nothing left on roof; hitch lock removed
Propane
[ ] Propane set per your travel plan; tanks secured
Interior
[ ] Cabinets, drawers, fridge latched
[ ] Loose items stowed; TV secured
[ ] Roof vents closed; heavy items low & centered
[ ] Interior doors secured
Vehicle & Fluids
[ ] Engine/tow vehicle fluids & fuel checked
Tanks & Water
[ ] Gray/black emptied for travel; city water disconnected
[ ] Right amount of fresh water; pump/heater off as desired
Safety & Docs
[ ] Fire extinguisher charged; detectors working
[ ] First-aid + emergency kit; insurance/registration/roadside info
Final
[ ] One slow lap around the rig
[ ] Mirrors set; route & weather checked
Hit the Road With Confidence
A pre-trip inspection isn't about being nervous — it's about being ready. Run your list, trust your routine, and that anxious "did I forget something?" feeling fades into the rearview right along with your driveway. Before long you'll be doing this in your sleep, and you'll be the seasoned one helping the next new owner.
And if you're shopping for your first rig and want somebody to actually walk you through how everything works — not just hand you the keys and wave — come find me at A&L RV Sales in Christiana, just outside Murfreesboro. Give me a call or text at 615-653-7561, or follow along with Camping with Squatch for more straight talk made for new owners. No pressure, ever — I just want you rolling out safe and camping happy.
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