1 month before leaving on an extended trip
| Renew registration, state inspection and be sure insurance is up to date |
| Change/replenish engine fluids and filters |
| Inspect tires for wear, weather checking, and proper pressure replace if necessary |
| Test exterior and interior lights |
| Lubricate entry step according to the owner’s manual |
| Treat hydraulic levelers with silicone retract and extend twice |
| Inspect freshwater hoses and sewer hose for wear replace/repair |
| Inspect extension cords for wear and cracks replace/repair |
| Verify that the holding tanks are actually holding fill the fresh water tank at least 1/4 full. Check for leaks. Check the gray and black water tanks while you test the appliances. Check for leaks. |
| Sanitize freshwater holding tank with bleach |
| Empty all holding tanks |
| Test ALL appliances: |
| Stove |
| Refrigerator (including icemaker) |
| Coffee maker (run a pot of vinegar and water through it, then a pot of water |
| Microwave |
| Stove burners and oven |
| Kitchen sink replace water filter if you have one |
| Hot water heater |
| Shower |
| Toilet (does it hold water?) |
| Television(s), VCR, Stereo |
| Backup Camera (check the alignment) |
| It is very important to know the exact height of your RV. If you have never measured your RV from the highest object on the roof, use a level and a tape measure. Add 6 inches to that number and write it down. Memorize it as well. That is your necessary clearance. Do not assume the manufacturer’s dimensions are correct. You may have added something to the roof, or it may have been |
Before leaving home:
| All items on the previous list packed in coach |
| Membership cards |
| Good Sam – Camping World – Pilot – Flying J – National Park Pass – Costco – Sams Club |
| MH Insurance |
| Extended Warranty Service |
| Car keys |
| Arrange for pickup of mail and flyers |
| Newspapers – cancel or have picked up |
| Phone number or itinerary with a trusted friend/neighbor |
| Security watch for home (neighbor, friend, police) |
| Turn off Water Heater |
| Turn off Air Conditioners |
| Turn off Water to House |
| Set Alarm |
| Remove and stow TV cable and/or phone cords |
| Check lugs on wheels |
| Check tire pressure |
| Check Engine Oil |
| Check Transmission Oil |
| Check Coolant Level |
| Check Hydraulic Fluid Level |
| Check Diesel / Water Filter |
| Make sure all exterior storage items are secure; close and lock all compartments |
| All Compartment Doors Closed and Locked |
| Shaver – Charger – Blades – Toothbrush – Personal Items |
Packing Up: Outside
| Takedown and stow awning lights |
| Stow all outside items: carpets, chairs, grills, etc. |
| Put up all awnings and Lock arms |
| Turn off the gas water heater |
| Shore Power Disconnected and stow any outside electrical connectors |
| Drain and flush black water holding tank |
| Put in 2-3 gallons of water and the appropriate amount of holding tank chemical into the black water tank |
| Drain gray water tank |
| Double-check that sewer drain valves on RV are closed and remove the sewer hose |
| Cap the RV sewer drain outlet |
| Drain sewer hose, clean and stow |
| Disconnect shore power electrical cord and stow; close and secure the hatch |
| Remove fresh water hose, drain, and stow |
| Cover the outside water connection |
| Remove and stow TV cable and/or phone cords |
| Check lugs on wheels |
| Check tire pressure |
| Check Engine Oil |
| Check Transmission Oil |
| Check Coolant Level |
| Check Hydraulic Fluid Level |
| Stow satellite dish and stand |
| Make sure all exterior storage items are secure; close and lock all compartments |
| Put steps up |
Packing Up: Inside
| Stow everything loose; coffee maker, toaster, dishes, cups, etc. |
| Put in the slide-outs |
| Lock in the slide-out (travel bars and/or lock pins) |
| Lower roof TV antenna |
| Lower roof satellite dish |
| Lower roof vents |
| Put travel bars in the refrigerator |
| Lock refrigerator door (safety pin or latch) |
| Turn off refrigerator -or- switch to gas operation |
| Turn off the air conditioner or furnace |
| Turn off the water pump |
| Turn off the electric water heater |
| Turn off all lights, radios and electrical items |
| Lower range top cover |
| Lower toilet seat cover |
| Close windows and secure blinds/drapes |
| Secure bathroom shower door |
| Secure all other doors (pass-thru, bathroom and bedroom closet doors) |
| Secure all cabinets and drawers |
| Secure any stand-alone tables, chairs and other objects |
| Secure all bathroom items |
| Put the cutting board in sink or stow in cabinet |
Unhitch procedures:
| Situate in the site, level side to side |
| Unlock hitch, remove breakaway, move the truck |
| Hookups: electric, water, sewer, propane |
| Slide-out |
| Ensure that all compartments and doors are closed and locked (when going into dead storage) |
| Battery disconnect (when going into dead storage) |
Hitching Up and Pulling Out
| Check that hitch is secure |
| Pull out of the site slowly to the road; get out and check the following: |
| Take one last look around the site; Did you forget anything? Is the site clean? |
| Throw out your last bag of trash |
| Take one last look around the tow and towed vehicles; everything looks secure? |
| Check the lights (stoplights, turn signals, and running lights) |
| Check your brakes |
| Pull out of the park slowly |
TOW Vehicle Checklist
| Is the tow bar properly connected? All pins and clips properly secured? |
| Checked for any indications of damage to the bar or bracket? |
| Checked all nuts and bolts tightness? |
| Are safety cables hooked up and crossed under the coupler and attached to the towed vehicle and motorhome? |
| Is the wiring connected? Are all of the lights functioning properly on both vehicles? |
| Is the transmission in the proper gear for towing? |
| Turn ON Brake Switch in RV |
| If equipped, has a braking system for towed vehicle been properly connected and tested? |
| Is the towed vehicle’s parking brake released? |
| Is ignition in the first ON position allowing the steering wheel to freely turn? |
| Is the towed vehicle locked for towing? Do you have a spare key? |
| Have you followed your vehicle manufacturer’s instructions for towing? |
| Hitch car to MH and lock on, breakaway switch |
| Check lights |
| Are windows closed |