Checklists are an easy way to make sure nothing is
overlooked or forgotten. RV pre-trip checks are one of the most important
checklists to have on-hand and follow. It happens more often than not that a
damaged RV steps, TV antennas, power cords and awnings are found simply because
an owner forgot to check things prior to leaving.
Here are the top 5 essential RV pre-trip checks to make
prior to driving the RV:
Tires
Two major problems with RV tires are over-inflation and under-inflation and both can result in tire failure. When your RV sits in storage the tires lose air pressure at a rate of 2 to 3 psi per month. It is extremely important you check and inflate the tires to the proper pressure before leaving on a trip. The most accurate method to determine inflation pressure is to have the RV weighed and use the tire manufacturer’s load and inflation tables for inflation pressure based on actual loads. The next best method is to check and inflate the tires according to the pressure listed on the federal certification label posted on the RV. Always check tire inflation when the tires are cold, before traveling more than one mile.
Two major problems with RV tires are over-inflation and under-inflation and both can result in tire failure. When your RV sits in storage the tires lose air pressure at a rate of 2 to 3 psi per month. It is extremely important you check and inflate the tires to the proper pressure before leaving on a trip. The most accurate method to determine inflation pressure is to have the RV weighed and use the tire manufacturer’s load and inflation tables for inflation pressure based on actual loads. The next best method is to check and inflate the tires according to the pressure listed on the federal certification label posted on the RV. Always check tire inflation when the tires are cold, before traveling more than one mile.
Check All Fluid
Levels
This applies to motorized RVs or the tow vehicle if you are towing a trailer. Nothing will leave you stranded on the side of the road faster than a low or empty fluid level in a component like the engine or transmission. Driving a heavy motorhome or towing a heavy trailer places added strain on a vehicle’s drive-train components. The fluids in the engine and transmission are designed to help lubricate and keep these components cool. If a fluid level is low or empty, you might not make it to your destination. Look under the vehicle for signs of leaks. Check the engine oil, transmission fluid, radiator coolant reservoir, power steering fluid and brake fluid levels. Consult your owner’s manual for information on how and where to check these fluid levels. If a fluid level is low, try to determine why and correct the problem before leaving on your trip.
This applies to motorized RVs or the tow vehicle if you are towing a trailer. Nothing will leave you stranded on the side of the road faster than a low or empty fluid level in a component like the engine or transmission. Driving a heavy motorhome or towing a heavy trailer places added strain on a vehicle’s drive-train components. The fluids in the engine and transmission are designed to help lubricate and keep these components cool. If a fluid level is low or empty, you might not make it to your destination. Look under the vehicle for signs of leaks. Check the engine oil, transmission fluid, radiator coolant reservoir, power steering fluid and brake fluid levels. Consult your owner’s manual for information on how and where to check these fluid levels. If a fluid level is low, try to determine why and correct the problem before leaving on your trip.
Hitch-Work, Brakes
& Lights
It doesn’t matter if it’s a motorhome towing a car or a truck towing a trailer; the important thing is to check all of the hitch-work, the brakes and the lights. It’s easy to forget a step when you install hitch components. This is why you should have a checklist, and double check your work prior to leaving. When everything is securely fastened and you’ve checked all the lights, perform a brake test. Pull the vehicle forward slightly and tap the brakes. You should feel the trailer brakes or dinghy brakes engage and slow the vehicle down.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a motorhome towing a car or a truck towing a trailer; the important thing is to check all of the hitch-work, the brakes and the lights. It’s easy to forget a step when you install hitch components. This is why you should have a checklist, and double check your work prior to leaving. When everything is securely fastened and you’ve checked all the lights, perform a brake test. Pull the vehicle forward slightly and tap the brakes. You should feel the trailer brakes or dinghy brakes engage and slow the vehicle down.
Interior of the RV
Prior to leaving, it is quite possible you will find something that wasn’t secured or a latch that isn’t locked. Check all the cabinet doors, the refrigerator, sliding doors, and make sure things like computers and TVs are secured. Check all appliances to make sure they are turned off.
Prior to leaving, it is quite possible you will find something that wasn’t secured or a latch that isn’t locked. Check all the cabinet doors, the refrigerator, sliding doors, and make sure things like computers and TVs are secured. Check all appliances to make sure they are turned off.
Final Walk Around
After everything on the list is completed, and you are ready to leave, walk around the RV one more time. Look on top the RV and under the RV. Physically touch the storage doors to make sure they are secure. Make sure everything is disconnected from the RV and properly stowed. Are the stabilizer jacks stowed? Is the awning in the travel position with all latches secured? Are the steps retracted? Is all the hitch-work properly connected? This final walk-around can be the difference between a trouble-free trip and an accident waiting to happen, so take your time and look closely at everything in, on and around the RV.
After everything on the list is completed, and you are ready to leave, walk around the RV one more time. Look on top the RV and under the RV. Physically touch the storage doors to make sure they are secure. Make sure everything is disconnected from the RV and properly stowed. Are the stabilizer jacks stowed? Is the awning in the travel position with all latches secured? Are the steps retracted? Is all the hitch-work properly connected? This final walk-around can be the difference between a trouble-free trip and an accident waiting to happen, so take your time and look closely at everything in, on and around the RV.