Hitting the road for a big RV road trip always comes with a rush of excitement. But let’s be honest: It can also come with a bit of angst. And truthfully, it doesn’t even matter whether you’re a newbie setting out on your first trip or just getting back on the road after a break. Everyone feels it. Because no one wants to face-palm 200 mile. The fact is that a road trip checklist isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.
After nearly seven years on the road, living full-time in various RVs (everything from a fifth wheel to a Class B van and now a Class C motorhome), we’ve learned this lesson more than once. It usually goes something like this. We’re setting up at a remote boondocking spot, proud of how smoothly things are going, and then we open a drawer and realize … we forgot something basic. The towels. The dog food. Replacing the sewage hose that started leaking last trip and you put off replacing. Yeah, not ideal.
But happily, it is preventable. So, if you’re getting ready for that weekend getaway or planning your summer RV adventure, I highly recommend preparing a go-to road trip checklist — or even having more than one road trip checklist. (We’ll talk about that in a minute.) Quite simply, it’s one of the easiest ways to make your trip safer, smoother, and way more enjoyable.
Let’s break down why a road trip checklist matters — and what should be on yours.
A Road Trip Checklist … Because We’re All Human
There are two kinds of people in the RV world: Those who swear by their checklist, and those who eventually become those people. (Usually after a painfully memorable oversight.) RVing isn’t like tossing a duffel into the backseat and grabbing drive-thru on the way. Your rig is your transportation, lodging, kitchen, and bathroom all in one. If something goes wrong (or gets left behind), it can affect multiple parts of your trip.
Here’s what a solid checklist helps you do:
- Avoid forgetting essentials (like a new black tank hose).
- Prevent costly damage (did you check your tire pressure before pulling out?)
- Improve safety (because double-checking your hitch setup is never overkill)
- Reduce departure-day stress (which is a real gift to your future self)
Plus, when you’re on the road often, it’s surprisingly easy to get overconfident. A checklist keeps even experienced RVers in check.
The Pretrip Essentials: Before You Hit the Road
A road trip checklist starts before your tires even leave the driveway. This is the time to focus on prep, packing, and rig readiness.
Mechanical Musts
- Check tire pressure and tread (including your spare).
- Test brake lights, turn signals, and headlights.
- Inspect propane tanks for leaks and ensure they’re filled.
- Verify fluid levels (oil, coolant, windshield washer).
- Confirm tow connections and weight distribution (if towing).
If you’ve ever had a sway issue on the freeway or struggled with uneven weight distribution, you know how important it is to dial this in. Safety and comfort depend on it.
Interior Readiness
- Secure loose items (inside cabinets, fridge, countertops).
- Stock toilet paper (RV-safe only!), soap, and cleaning supplies.
- Ensure batteries are charged (house and engine).
- Fill freshwater tank and sanitize if needed.
- Double-check fridge and pantry stock.
And please, do yourself a favor: Make sure you’re stocked on coffee or whatever your go-to morning ritual requires. We’ve definitely had to make an emergency grocery detour for that morning coffee.
Your Never-Leave-Behind List: A Supply Check
There are some RV items that aren’t just nice to have — they’re vital. If they’re not already part of your road trip checklist, add them now.
Gear You’ll Actually Use
- Water pressure regulator
- Sewer hose and elbow adapter (bonus: sewer hose support)
- Leveling blocks or auto-leveler tools
- Surge protector or EMS (electrical management system)
- Freshwater hose (bonus if it’s heated for winter travel)
- Extension cords and adapters (30/50 amp depending on your rig)
- Wheel chocks and jack pads
Forget one of these, and you might find yourself MacGyvering a setup with duct tape and prayers, which is never fun. (If this reference doesn’t make sense, feel free to Google it and send me a message here so I can feel that much older … lol.)
Your Road-Ready List: Ensuring Safety and Comfort
Once you’re rolling, you’ll want to make sure you have everything to stay safe and comfortable on the road.
Safety First
- Roadside emergency kit (reflectors, jumper cables, tools)
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher (up to date!)
- Extra fuses and bulbs
- Emergency contact info in an easy-to-find spot
Comfort Boosters
- Cozy bedding, blackout shades, and good pillows
- Battery-powered fans or portable heater depending on weather
- Outdoor rug and camp chairs
- Headlamps, lanterns, and flashlights
- Travel-friendly entertainment (books, games, downloaded shows)
Pro tip: If you travel with pets like we do, remember to pack their essentials too. Wilson (our mellow Cairn terrier) and Journey (our high-energy staffy mix) each have their own checklist — food, leashes, meds, and favorite toys. Because you don’t want to be the human who forgot the chew bone.
Departure Checklist: Before You Break Camp
The departure checklist is crucial and often overlooked — especially when you’re ready to get going and skip the whole pack-up process. Your already out on the road or off-grid. Surely, you can now kick checklists to the curb. Wrong. You need a campsite checklist to consult any time you depart. (But trust us, this is the moment when something always tries to go sideways.)
The Ready-to-Roll List
- Retract slides and awnings
- Disconnect utilities (water, electric, sewer)
- Secure all cabinets and doors
- Close roof vents and windows
- Lock external compartments
- Store outdoor gear and trash
- Check tire pressure one more time
Bonus: Your RV Travel Day Checklist
Even once you’re rolling, having a travel-day checklist helps things go smoothly.
Don’t Forget
- Maps and/or GPS app is set up (and offline backups downloaded)
- Know your route (and low clearance warnings!)
- Snacks and water within reach
- Entertainment for passengers
- Fuel level and next planned gas stop
And yes, bathroom breaks. Map them out. Not every gas station has an RV-friendly setup — or a working bathroom. Plan accordingly.
Make It Personal: Customize for Your RV Life
Every RVer’s checklist is a little different — and that’s how it should be. Your rig type, travel style, pets, kids, and destination all affect what you’ll need.
Here are a few custom additions you might consider:
- For boondockers: solar panel setup, portable power station, gray tank monitoring
- For full-timers: mail forwarding setup, mobile internet gear, spare parts
- For cold-weather campers: heated hoses, window insulation, space heaters
Over time, your checklist becomes like a pretrip ritual. You can even laminate it and keep it by the door — or go digital with checklist apps or RV-specific tools. If you go through the checklist in the same order enough times, the process becomes second nature and the stress levels lower.
Preserving Peace of Mind
RV life is full of incredible moments — sunsets at the coast, spontaneous roadside attractions, cozy evenings around a fire. But those moments are a lot easier to enjoy when you’re not scrambling to fix something you forgot.
A road trip checklist might not sound glamorous, but it’s one of the most powerful tools you can have in your RV toolkit. It helps you stay ready, feel confident, and (hopefully) avoid that awkward moment when you roll into a campsite only to realize you forgot something.
So, whether you’re a full-timer, a weekend warrior, or just hitting the road for the first time—make the checklist. Use it. Love it. Because nothing says “I’m ready for adventure” like knowing your sewer hose is exactly where it should be.
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