Comprehensive Pre-Travel Checklist for Your RV Adventure

Embarking on a caravan or RV adventure is an exciting experience, but ensuring a smooth journey requires meticulous preparation. Here's a detailed pre-travel checklist to help you cover all bases before hitting the road.

General Tips

Have a Physical Checklist: Keep a printed copy of this checklist and involve a second person to double-check everything.

Know Your RV’s Dimensions: Be aware of the height and weight of your RV to avoid clearance issues.

RV Pre-Trip Interior Check

• Secure Loose Items: Ensure all internal loads, including luggage, bags, the TV, and microwave plate, are secured.
• Close and Secure Doors: Check all internal doors, cupboards, and the refrigerator door.
• Set Fridge to 12V Mode: This keeps the fridge cool during travel.
• Disconnect and Secure Electronics: Disconnect the TV, wind down the antenna, and secure it in the travel position.
• Secure Vents and Windows: Lock all vents, hatches, skylights, and window mechanisms, but leave window shades open.
• Exit and Lock: Lock the caravan door after exiting.

RV Pre-Trip Exterior Check

• Pack Away External Items: Store all power cords, water hoses, and other external items.
• Lock External Doors and Turn Off Gas: Ensure all external storage doors are locked, and gas taps and cylinders are turned off.
• Drain Water Systems: Drain the water system before disconnecting it and empty all waste tanks.
• Secure Awnings and Retract Steps: Tighten all awning straps and handles, retract the entrance step and stabiliser legs.

Caravan Hitching

• Couple the Caravan: Ensure the caravan is properly coupled to the tow vehicle.
• Check Tow Ball and Nose Weight: Verify that fixing nuts on tow balls are tight and the nose weight is correct.
• Attach Safety Cables: Attach breakaway and secondary cables correctly, crisscrossing two chains with ‘D’ shackles.
• Check Lights and Electronics: Connect the caravan’s electronics to the car and check brake lights, taillights, indicators, reverse lights, and clearance lights.
• Raise and Secure Jockey Wheel: Ensure the jockey wheel is raised and securely stored.
• Fit and Adjust Towing Mirrors: Adjust mirrors to see clearly down both sides and behind the caravan.

Wheels

• Tighten Wheel Bolts: Use a torque wrench to tighten bolts to 90 ft-lb or 125 nm. Re-tighten after 100 km for the first 400 km and every 1000 km subsequently.
• Check Tyre Pressure and Condition: Verify tyre pressure, ensure no cuts or cracks, and check tread depth.

Final Checks

• Perform a Walkaround: Ensure no items are left unattended and all checks are completed.
• Allow Adequate Time: Allocate enough time for thorough checks to avoid roadside issues.

Before Leaving Home

• Vehicle Inspection: Check the RV’s exterior and interior, ensuring all compartments are locked and steps and antennas are retracted.
• Route Planning: Plan your route considering your RV’s size and weight.
• Gather Documents: Collect all necessary travel documents.

Stocking Up the Pantry

• Meal Planning: Plan meals for the first few days to create an accurate shopping list.
• Grocery Shopping: Purchase groceries with a longer shelf life, considering storage limitations.
• Pack Essentials: Include cooking utensils, cleaning supplies, and other kitchen essentials.

Arriving at Your Destination

• Level Your RV: This is essential for the proper functioning of appliances.
• Connect Utilities: Hook up to available electricity, water, and other utilities.
• Set Up Campsite: Arrange outdoor furniture and accessories.

Packing Away for Your Next Stop

• Clean Up: Tidy your campsite and RV before leaving.
• Disconnect Utilities: Ensure all utilities are disconnected.
• Quick Vehicle Check: Verify that compartments are closed and nothing is left behind.

Arriving Home

• Unpack Promptly: This helps avoid attracting pests and removes lingering smells.
• Deep Cleaning: Clean the RV thoroughly and identify any wear and tear.
• Maintenance Check: Schedule a maintenance check-up to keep your RV in top shape for future trips.

Additional Tips for Safety and Maintenance

• Mechanical Maintenance: Regularly service your vehicle and check tyre pressures.
• Safety Chains and Hitching: Ensure all hitching components are secure and correctly installed.
• Lighting: Verify all lights and carry spare bulbs.
• Emergency Supplies: Include batteries, jumper cables, fuses, and a tool kit in your packing list.

By following this comprehensive pre-travel checklist, you can ensure your RV adventure is safe, smooth, and enjoyable. Happy travels!