Mission Ready: The RV Checklist
With keys in hand, the open road is calling—but before we peel out of the driveway and realize we forgot the sewer hose (rookie mistake), let’s talk preparation. An RV trip is part adventure, part logistics, and having the right checklist can mean the difference between smooth sailing and a roadside meltdown. Whether you’re a first-timer (like us) still figuring out where the propane switch is, or a seasoned traveler who just likes the reassurance of ticking boxes, this all-inclusive RV checklist will help you roll out with confidence, coffee, and everything in between!
Please Note: This list may have more or less than you need depending on your trip, part-time/full-time, and how many people/pets you are bringing. Use this only as a guideline!
Please Note: This list may have more or less than you need depending on your trip, part-time/full-time, and how many people/pets you are bringing. Use this only as a guideline!
Pre-Trip Essentials
- Driver’s license(s) & ID
- RV registration & insurance
- Roadside assistance card/app
- Campground reservations & maps
- Emergency contacts & medical info
- Credit cards/cash/tolls
Safety & Tools
- First-aid kit & medications
- Fire extinguisher (charged)
- Flares/reflective triangles
- Tire gauge & inflator/air compressor
- Torque wrench & socket for lugs
- Toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches)
- Duct tape, zip ties, electrical tape
- Spare fuses & bulbs
- Work gloves & headlamp
Hookups & Camp Setup
- Fresh-water hose (drinking-safe)
- Water pressure regulator
- Inline water filter
- 30A/50A power cord
- Surge protector/EMS
- Sewer hose + clear elbow
- Sewer hose support & caps
- Black-tank treatment
- Leveling blocks & wheel chocks
- Stabilizer pads
Interior & Kitchen
- Pots/pans, cooking utensils
- Plates/bowls/cups, mugs
- Cutlery & knives
- Cutting board & colander
- Dish soap, sponge, drying towel
- Trash bags & food storage
- Coffee/tea kit & kettle
- Paper towels & napkins
- Basic pantry & seasonings
- Lighter/matches
Bedroom & Bath
- Sheets, blankets, pillows
- Towels & washcloths
- Toiletries & TP (RV-safe)
- Shower caddy & mat
- Laundry bag & detergent
- Fan or space heater (as allowed)
Tech & Navigation
- Phone mounts & chargers
- GPS/RV routing app
- Starlink/Hotspot & router
- Walkie-talkies (spotter comms)
- Extension cords & power strip
- Flash drives/backups
Outdoor & Comfort
- Camp chairs & table
- Mat/rug for entry
- Grill/stove & fuel
- Lantern/flashlights
- Cooler/ice packs
- Insect repellent & sunscreen
- Hammock/awning lights
Misc & Nice-to-Haves
- Binoculars & maps
- Board/card games
- Spare keys (hidden)
- Bungees/straps & small totes
- Spare house batteries (if needed)
- Water jugs/extra fuel (where legal)
- Pet gear & paperwork (if applicable)
Departure / Arrival Quick-Checks
- Stablizing Jacks down/up
- Slides in/out as needed
- Antenna/Starlink down & secured
- Steps & awning retracted
- Cabinets/doors latched, loose items stowed
- Tanks: fresh filled, black/gray handled
- Electric/water/sewer disconnected (depart) or connected (arrive)
- Lights, brakes, tire PSI verified
- Mirrors/cameras set & spotter ready
🏕 Arrival at Site
- Position & Park
- Walk site, check clearance/level
- Back in, set parking brake
- Wheel chocks in place
- Level & Stabilize
- Deploy leveling jacks on pads/blocks
- Hookups
- Power: Breaker OFF → surge protector → power cord → breaker ON
- Water: Regulator → hose → spigot ON
- Sewer: Connect hose → secure slope → black CLOSED, gray CLOSED
- Inside Setup
- Extend slides (check clearance)
- Fridge on, AC/heat set, water heater on
- Open vents/windows
- Outside Setup
- Awning out (weather check)
- Rug, chairs, lights, grill
🚦 Before Leaving Site
- Interior
- Secure cabinets & loose items, secure fridge
- Appliances OFF
- Windows/vents closed
- Pump OFF, thermostat OFF
- Exterior
- Awning in, dry if possible
- Store mat, chairs, grill
- Retract slides
- Disconnect water (drain hose)
- Dump tanks: Black → rinse → gray → rinse hose → store
- Disconnect power (breaker OFF first)
- Retract jacks, remove chocks
- Final Walkaround
- Roof/vents/antenna down
- Compartments latched
- Steps retracted, door locked
- Departure
- Engine check (gauges, lights, blinkers, brakes)
- Mirrors adjusted
- Partner walk-around check
- Route reviewed (clearances checked)