Leaving a campground should be simple. However, it’s easy to forget something when you pack up your RV. A loose cabinet, forgotten hose, or open storage door can cause trouble on the road. Fortunately, this RV Departure Checklist helps you avoid common mistakes and leave your campsite with confidence. 🚐✅
Before your next trip, follow these seven easy steps.
1. 🚐 Start Your RV Departure Checklist With the Awning
First, retract your RV awning and make sure it locks into place.
Strong winds can damage an awning that isn’t fully closed. Therefore, take a moment to check it before leaving.
Next, secure antennas, outdoor decorations, and other removable accessories.
Finally, inspect the roofline from the ground. Look for anything loose or out of place.
2. 🔌 Disconnect Your RV Hookups
Next, turn your attention to the campground hookups.
Turn off the proper electrical breaker before unplugging your shore power cord. Then, store the cord safely.
After that, disconnect your freshwater hose, drain it, and put it away.
If you need to empty your holding tanks, our RV Sewer Hookup Gear Guide offers helpful tips.
Before moving your RV:
- Close your holding tank valves.
- Secure the sewer outlet cap.
- Drain and store your sewer hose.
- Remove your water pressure regulator and filter.
Never drive away with a utility connection attached.
3. 🛞 Check Tires and Chocks Before Departure
Your RV Departure Checklist should always include a tire inspection.
First, look for visible damage, low pressure, or objects in the tire tread.
Next, check tire pressure while your tires are cold. Use the correct pressure for your RV and load.
If you tow a trailer, connect it securely to your tow vehicle before removing the wheel chocks.
Then, collect your leveling blocks and other equipment.
These quick checks help you avoid problems before you hit the road.
4. 🏠 Secure Everything Inside Your RV
Before leaving, walk through your RV and look for loose items.
Even small objects can slide or fall while driving. Therefore, take a few minutes to secure your belongings.
Check these areas:
- Lock cabinets and drawers.
- Secure refrigerator doors.
- Put away dishes, electronics, and loose items.
- Secure televisions and movable furniture.
- Close windows and roof vents.
Also, check your kitchen and bathroom for forgotten items.
For more packing ideas, explore our RV Essentials Checklist.
5. 🔒 Add Security Checks to Your RV Departure Checklist
Now, head outside and check your RV doors and storage compartments.
First, close and latch the main entrance door.
Next, inspect each exterior storage bay. Make sure the doors close properly and the locks work.
Additionally, secure your bikes, tools, and other valuable gear before traveling.
Our RV Campsite Security Guide shares more ways to protect your equipment.
A quick security check can prevent lost or damaged belongings.
6. 👀 Complete Your Final RV Walkaround
Before driving away, walk around your entire RV.
This is one of the most important steps in your RV Departure Checklist.
Check the following:
- Raise all stabilizers and leveling jacks.
- Retract or secure the entry steps.
- Inspect the hitch, safety chains, and breakaway cable.
- Test your trailer lights and brakes.
- Check your tires and wheels.
- Secure loose outdoor equipment.
If you drive a motorhome, retract the slide-outs and follow your owner’s manual.
Finally, look beneath and behind your RV for forgotten equipment.
Never rush your final walkaround. It only takes a few minutes to spot a costly mistake.
7. 🏕️ Leave Your Campsite Clean
Finally, take one last look around your campsite.
Check beneath picnic tables, around the fire pit, and behind your RV. Small items can easily hide in the grass.
Next, collect trash and place it in the proper containers.
If you used a campfire, make sure you extinguish it completely before leaving.
Also, check that you haven’t left behind chairs, toys, hoses, or other camping gear.
Leave your campsite clean and ready for the next visitor. 🌲
✅ Make Your RV Departure Checklist a Habit
A smooth departure starts with a simple routine.
By checking your hookups, tires, storage compartments, and interior equipment, you can avoid many common RV mistakes.
Most importantly, use your RV Departure Checklist before every trip. Even experienced RVers forget things when they feel rushed.
Once you reach your next campground, follow our WireRV Setup Guide to make arrival easier.
With a little preparation, you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the road ahead. 🚐✨
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