RV Owners Prep Checklist for Safer Travel
- Glamping Like A Pro
- Jan 30
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 13
Getting started with an RV can seem daunting, but using checklists makes it simpler. Checklists help new glampers and RV owners prep for safer travel, avoid mistakes like leaving stabilizers down or antennas up, and reduce stress.
These guides make setting up and packing up much easier. For example, a basic RV Owner's departure checklist might include: 'Check awnings, retract steps, secure doors.' Here’s a more detailed sample checklist to help you begin:
1. Retract and secure all awnings
2. Retract all steps
3. Secure all doors and windows
4. Disconnect and stow the hoses
5. Turn off the propane
6. Close all exterior compartments
7. Ensure stabilizers are raised
8. Check tire pressure and lights
By experience, we have learned that a checklist like this helps you handle new tasks and ensure everything is secure before you leave.
For extra convenience, keep a laminated copy in your RV so you can check off each step as you go. Keep a copy by the door for quick access before you head out.
Another useful idea is to use a dry-erase board in your RV. This way, you can easily note updates or change steps as needed, making the checklist a natural part of your routine.
Why Checklists Are Important for Glampers:
Preventing Damage and Safety Hazards: The main reason to use checklists is to avoid common, expensive mistakes, such as leaving steps down, forgetting to retract awnings, or failing to raise the stabilizers. We made this mistake once, and it was costly!
Managing all the steps in an RV can be tricky, especially with things like water, electrical, and sewage systems. Writing down each step makes it easier and less stressful, especially for new glampers. You can also change your checklist to fit your RV or your routine. For example, if your RV has a solar panel system, add a step to check the connections. If you have an outdoor kitchen, include securing those items. Think about your routine—do you have pets that need care before traveling, or a hobby like biking that means storing equipment? Adding your own steps helps make sure you don’t forget anything and lets you create a checklist that works for you.
Reducing Stress: Checklists help you switch easily from traveling to glamping. They help new RV owners feel more confident and organized, as Roadtrippers demonstrate in the video here.
Ensuring Consistency: Checklists provide a consistent routine for getting ready, setting up at your campsite, and packing up to leave, as Willis RV Resort notes in this attached article below.
Maintenance Assurance: Checklists help you stay on top of routine maintenance, such as checking roof seals to prevent leaks and damage. Other important tasks include checking tire pressure, ensuring the battery is in good condition, and confirming that the brake lights and signals work. Doing these checks keeps you safe and helps avoid surprises on the road.
Experienced travelers might rely on habit, but checklists are a great safety net for beginners, especially in the first year.
Everyone starts out as a beginner, and using checklists is a smart and common practice for RV owners at any level.
For example, our friends Rick and Janie have been RVing for over ten years. Rick says, "I still use checklists every time I hit the road. Even after all these years, it's comforting to know that I haven't missed any critical steps because I get distracted often throughout the process." Hearing this can help new owners feel less anxious as they build confidence and routines. Reminding new owners that checklists are normal helps them feel supported.
For your convenience, download our FREE, printable, Pre- and Post-Trip RV Maintenance Checklist at this link. It includes essential RV maintenance tasks, as well as seasonal and periodic items, so you can feel confident your RV is ready for any trip, even last-minute adventures.
Happy Glamping!
Comments