How long should an RV departure checklist take?

A practiced couple can break camp in 20–30 minutes; solo travelers or new RVers should budget 45–60 minutes. Rushing departure is exactly when awnings, antennas and steps get destroyed, so build the time into your travel day.

Should I turn off propane while driving?

Many RVers travel with the tank valve closed, and closed propane is legally required in most tunnels, on ferries and while refueling. Some travelers run the fridge on propane between stops instead; if you do, know your route’s rules and turn it off at every fuel stop. Modern 12V compressor fridges make this debate moot.

What is the most commonly forgotten departure step?

The classics are the TV antenna, the entry step, the awning latch, and chocks or stabilizers left down. All four are caught by a slow final walk-around — which is why the last section of this list exists.

Should I travel with water in my fresh tank?

Carry what the trip requires. Water weighs about 8.3 pounds per gallon, so a full 80-gallon tank adds roughly 660 pounds and hurts fuel economy and handling. Boondockers fill up near the destination; full-hookup travelers often carry a third of a tank for rest stops.

Can I save my progress on this checklist?

Yes — checked boxes are stored in your browser on this device, so you can start inside, walk outside, and pick up where you left off. Use the reset button to clear it for the next trip, or print a blank copy to laminate.

RV Departure Checklist — Interactive & Printable Pre-Trip List

Interior: secure the cabin

Close and latch all windows and roof vents A vent left open can rip off in highway wind or let rain soak the interior while you drive.
Lower and secure the TV antenna or satellite dish The classic departure mistake. Some RVers hang their keys on the antenna crank so they physically cannot leave with it up.
Turn off the water pump If a line works loose in transit, a running pump will happily empty the fresh tank into your walls.
Switch the water heater off Electric elements burn out fast if the tank drains or sloshes below the element while driving.
Set the refrigerator for travel and latch the doors Follow your model’s travel guidance (12V/auto mode where available). Load it so jars cannot shift and burst the door open on a curve.
Stow or secure all loose items — counters, tables, shower Anything loose becomes a projectile under hard braking. Coffee pots and cast iron are the usual offenders.
Latch cabinet doors, drawers and the shower door One unlatched drawer will open, empty itself and slam for the entire drive.
Retract slide-outs and confirm nothing is in their path Check both inside (cushions, rugs) and outside (chairs, cords) before pressing the switch. Retract with the engine running or on shore power if your manual asks for it.
Turn off interior lights, fans and small appliances
Confirm cab access is clear and mirrors/backup camera work For motorhomes: nothing should be able to roll into the pedal area.

Utilities: disconnect and stow

Dump and rinse black tank, then gray tank, if leaving a full-hookup site Always black first, then gray — the gray water rinses your hose. See our tank-dumping guide for the full routine.
Close both tank valves and cap the sewer outlet Leaving the black valve open at a site lets liquids drain and solids pile up ("poop pyramid"). Confirm both valves are shut before pulling the cap.
Stow the sewer hose and wear gloves you keep only for this job
Turn off the city water tap and disconnect the fresh hose Drain the hose, coil it, and stow it separately from the sewer gear.
Add fresh water for travel if you’ll need it (partial tank) Water weighs 8.3 lb per gallon; carry what you need, not 100 gallons of dead weight.
Switch off the breaker, then unplug and stow shore power Unplugging under load pits the plug contacts. Breaker first at the pedestal, then pull the plug.
Disconnect cable/satellite lines and stow them
Turn propane off at the tank valve for travel Many RVers travel with propane off; it is required in tunnels, on ferries and at fuel stops. Know the rules on your route and your own comfort level.

Exterior: button up the rig

Hitching & lights (towables and toads)

Verify coupler is fully seated and latched on the ball, then locked Do the "tug test": pull forward gently with the trailer brakes engaged, or lift with the tongue jack — the ball should carry the trailer, not pop out.
Cross and attach safety chains with enough slack to turn Crossed chains form a cradle that can catch a dropped tongue.
Connect the breakaway cable to the tow vehicle (not the hitch) It must trigger the trailer brakes if the trailer separates — attach it to the frame or a dedicated loop, never to the removable ball mount.
Plug in the 7-pin connector and seat it fully
Set weight-distribution bars / sway control per your setup
Raise the tongue jack fully and remove the wheel dock
Test running lights, both turn signals, brake lights Have a helper stand behind, or use a reflective surface at night.
Test the brake controller and trailer brakes at low speed Manually sweep the controller at 5 mph on the way out — you should feel the trailer grab.
For a towed car (toad): transmission/ignition set per the flat-tow procedure

Final walk-around

Walk one slow full loop around the rig, looking high and low Antenna, awning, steps, cords, hoses, chocks, jacks, bay doors, tires — in one deliberate pass. This loop catches whatever the checklist missed.
Look under the rig for drips, dangling cables or forgotten gear
Sweep the site: fire ring out cold, nothing left behind Drown the fire until it is cold to the touch. Check the picnic table, clothesline and power pedestal shelf.
Confirm every person and pet is on board Count heads. It happens more than anyone admits.
Driver check: mirrors set, route reviewed for low clearances Know your rig’s height and use an RV-safe GPS route — bridge strikes are not covered by "I forgot."

RV Departure Checklist

Interior: secure the cabin

Utilities: disconnect and stow

Exterior: button up the rig

Hitching & lights (towables and toads)

Final walk-around

Frequently asked questions

Sources & further reading

Interior: secure the cabin

Utilities: disconnect and stow

Exterior: button up the rig

Hitching & lights (towables and toads)

Final walk-around

Frequently asked questions

Sources & further reading

Keep the routine going