An RV checklist is a simple way to ensure you have a successful road trip. In fact, a list is crucial if you want to be prepared for the unknown and uncontrollable. Leaving everything to memory can lead to disaster, whether you’re an RV veteran or a newbie. Plus, you don’t want to have to make any unnecessary stops to pick up forgotten items that you left at home. Therefore, it’s always best to have an RV checklist with everything you know you’ll need (and some extras, too). It doesn’t hurt to double and triple check it, either. If you’re unsure where to start, or if you don’t want to create your own RV checklist from scratch, feel free to use ours below.
The following RV checklist is a nice round-up of all the essentials you should never forget:
Before the Trip
- Call the campsite ahead of time to confirm your booking
- Check weather reports for your destination
- Figure out how much cash you need
- Secure any loose items in your RV
Secure items in the refrigerator- Make sure your generator works
- Anchor the blinds
- Close the sink drain
- Make sure the sink tops are on
- Put the TV antenna down
- Close the windows
- Drain the holding tanks
Essential Items
- Warranty documents
- Insurance/registration for RV and towed vehicle
- Relevant membership cards
- Cell phone with charger
- Strong rope
- Duct tape
- Extra fuses in varying sizes
- Fuse puller
- Black water chemicals
- Electrical hookups
- Sewer hookups
- Drinking water hose
- Leveling blocks
Fire wood/fire wood cutting tools- Lighter fluid for charcoal
- Glue, superglue, epoxy
- WD-40
- Sunscreen
- Umbrella
- Toiletries
- Towels, hand towels and washcloths
- Bedding
- Clothing (Have a separate RV checklist based on weather and activities)
- Detergent, sponges and rags
- Tissues
- Bug spray
- Folding chairs and tables
Kitchen Items
- Food (Have a separate RV checklist based on the number of people)
- Drinks/snacks for the drive
- Cups and mugs
- Can openers, bottle openers, knives
- Paper plates, bowls, plastic cups
- Pots and pans
- Tablecloth for campground benches
- Cooler(s)
Emergency Items
- Maps and GPS
- RV owner’s manual
- Extra vehicle keys
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Disposable rubber gloves
- Basic RV toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, tire gauge etc.)
- Fire extinguisher
- Lighter/matches
- Flares/emergency markers
- Walkie-Talkies
- Medication
Tow Vehicle Checklist
- Check lights
Check fluids- Attach safety cable, tow wires
- Check gauge
- Adjust mirrors
- Secure hitch
- Secure everything inside tow vehicle
- Check fuel level
- Check tire pressure
Before Leaving
- Retract all awnings
- Stow all your things from the ‘patio’
- Store mats and rugs
- Secure bicycles, ATVs, etc.
- Drain holding tanks
- Add fresh water
- Disconnect sewer
- Disconnect water
- Secure all loose items, including refrigerated items
- Disengage parking brake
- Close ceiling vents
- Disconnect TV cable
- Disconnect power cable
- Turn off propane
- Remove wheel chocks
- Shut off gas pilot lights on stove/oven
- Shut off furnace and A/C
- Stow TV and TV shelf
- Check tire pressures
- Stow entry steps
- Check brakes, lights and signals
- Do a final walk around
- Check hitch and tow vehicle again
RV Insurance
Only Specialty RV Insurance provides the specific coverage necessary to protect a vehicle that’s also a home. Contact QRV Insurance at (866) 501-7335 for a free quote and to learn about the options that fit your lifestyle. There’s no reason to overpay for RV Insurance. Our Insurance Specialists find you the coverage you need at a rate that fits your budget.
The information in this article is obtained from various sources. This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements, nor is it intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. The definitions, terms and coverage in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.