RV Travel Day Checklist - Breakdown and Setup

https://youtu.be/uPXNmS0IBRQ

Checklists here:

https://changinglanesrv.com/pre-travel-rv-checklists/

And the tools you'll need:

https://youtu.be/cjD8fhm4gJ0

✅ Dump / Flush REAR black tank

✅ Secure REAR Dump Hose (less stuff to stow on departure day)

✅ TREAT REAR Black Tank

✅ Dump / Flush FRONT black tank (we leave this hooked up as it's also the dump for Grey 1 and Grey 2, the hose is under the slide anyway)

✅ TREAT FRONT black tank.

✅ Fuel Truck (much simpler to fuel without the rig attached, and usually cheaper)

✅ Inspect HITCH bolts and connectors, including hitch head retaining pins

✅ Inspect Rig wheels and suspension (torque lug nuts once a month) (visual inspection of the leaf springs, attachment points, etc. looking for anything amiss)

✅ Sweep slide toppers and inspect roof. (while slide toppers really eliminate this need, I still like to get stuff off them that may have accumulated during our stay)

✅ Fill fresh tank (% based on next location) (usually just 1/3 tank unless we'll be boondocking)

✅ Check Rig tires (inflation, general inspection) (a TPMS / Tire Pressure Monitoring System makes this a simple task. I always make sure the tires are +/- 3psi of target of 110psi)

✅ Check Truck tires (inflation, general inspection) (truck TPMS also greatly simplifies this)

✅ Check Pin Box Airbag pressure (100psi) (our FlexAir pin box has a shock and airbag. I've found that 100psi cold with no load puts it right about where it's supposed to ride when loaded)

✅ Check walkie-talkie Radios / charge if needed

T-12 (night before departure, usually just before bed)

✅ Stow outside items. (rug, chairs, etc)

✅ Plan route and fuel (get a feel on gas station locations, rest stops, etc) (while this is usually already mostly done, I still text the next address to myself so I have it in the truck for the GPS in the morning) Note: we use RV Trip Wizard.

✅ Garage: rear bathroom vent closed and lights off

✅ Garage: rear bathroom secure and door closed

✅ Garage: roll up carpet (this does require some juggling of the furniture)

✅ Garage: desk in stow position (up against the bathroom door but not tied down yet as I'll likely still need it)

✅ Garage: motorcycle wheel-dock in place and tie downs in place on floor

✅ Garage: Happpijack fully stowed / confirm items strapped to bunk are secure.

✅ Load motorbike and strap down loosely (no sense compressing the shocks longer than necessary)

✅ Secure patio (collapse patio rails and close rear door)

✅ Dump grey tanks and geo-treat (AFTER showers, dishes, etc) (I like to put about 5 gallons of water in both grey tanks along with a cup of water softener and bit of dawn dish soap. This concoction will splash around in there while we drive and clean the tanks and sensors)

 

T-0 (morning of departure)

✅ Run generator (exercise) while prepping to leave (if etiquette allows, we switch over to genny power to run the A/C, etc for the last 30 mins to hour to exercise it)

✅ Bedroom secure and carpet stowed (closet door latched, laundry door closed)

✅ Bedroom windows closed

✅ Bedroom slide in

✅ Bedroom A/C and lights off

✅ Bathroom shower secure (everything off shelves, shower door locked open)

✅ Bathroom secure (vent closed, counter items stowed, bathroom door latched open)

✅ Hall window blind up.

✅ Garage: Desk secured (computer disconnected, stowed, monitor in travel mode, desk and chair strapped down)

✅ Garage: secure (blinds up, patio doors latched, garage door locked, rolled rug on floor, tv locked in, happi-jack all the way up)

✅ Garage: Motorcycle straps tightened down

✅ Garage: Rear A/C and lights off

✅ Living room secure (refrigerator doors shut and latched, carpets stowed, chairs secured with padding, all drawers and cabinets closed)

✅ Pantry door closed

✅ Windows closed / blinds up

✅ Middle A/C off

✅ One-Control Items off (water pump, water heater, ALL Lights)

✅ Generator off

✅ Inverter ON

✅ Refrigerator – Verify using electric (not propane)

✅ Slides: one last check for obstacles inside and out

✅ Slides: Retract with door, vent, or window open for air flow

✅ Put Spare key in truck (we don't like our home's keys in the truck when camped)

✅ Secure main entrance (stow steps, lock door, secure hand hold)

✅ Propane – shut off both valves

✅ Secure Electrical and plumbing (water hose, power cord, poop hose)

✅ Nautilus in dry camp mode (relieve system pressure before switching)

 

HITCHING Checklist (time to roll!)

This is BY FAR the most important checklist. Missing steps here can cause severe damage to the rig and / or truck, and possibly even injuries. There are some redundancies on this list, but it's good to double check some things from the outside.

✅ Above Checklists Complete

✅ RIG – Slides and awnings IN

✅ RIG – Stairs and hand rail STOWED.

✅ RIG – Forward Bay Closed and Latched

✅ RIG – Pin Lock Removed (we use this pin lock – yes we're paranoid)

✅ RIG – Jacks / Stabilizers to TOW HEIGHT (Middle and Rear Retracted)

✅ TRUCK – TPMS ON

✅ TRUCK – Tailgate DOWN

✅ TRUCK – Back ALMOST to pin-box

✅ RIG – Adjust Kingpin height to proper hitch height of truck.

✅ TRUCK – OPEN Hitch Latch

✅ TRUCK – Back truck into Kingpin

✅ TRUCK – Visually check KINGPIN LOCK BAR IS LOCKED

✅ TRUCK – Connect Electrical cord and Breakaway cable.

✅ RIG – Lower Rig with Front landing gear to pull test height (front jacks 1″ off the ground)

✅ TRUCK – Tow/Haul Mode

✅ TRUCK – Mirrors EXTENDED

✅ TRUCK – PULL TEST (manually engage trailer brakes and try to pull away SLOW)

✅ TRUCK – Check that trailer brakes are adjusted and trailer is connected in truck system.

✅ TRUCK – Set parking brake.

✅ RIG – Retract ALL on landing gear

✅ TRUCK – CLOSE TAILGATE

✅ RIG – Remove and stow wheel chocks and landing gear blocks.

✅ RIG – Check and close all storage doors and lock.

✅ TRUCK – Lights on / Rear Camera working

✅ TRUCK – Validate TPMS reads all truck tires and validate pressure / temperature

✅ TRUCK / RIG – Verify all lights are operable (signals, brake, reverse)

✅ TRUCK / RIG – Full Walkaround

✅ TRUCK – Rest Trip Meter

✅ TRUCK – Set Airbags to 65PSI

✅ViAir Compressor! (https://changinglanesrv.com/viair​) – An absolute must, to maintain your tires!

✅ Craftsman Mechanics Tool Set, SAE / Metric, 135-Piece (https://amzn.to/2z4r5NS​)

✅ Gorilla Duct Tape (https://amzn.to/2z8K5ec​) – A million uses!

✅ Rechargeable Headlamp (https://amzn.to/2WAXLqr​) – Hands-free lighting!

✅ Kobalt 6x-Speed Double Drive Screwdriver Set (https://amzn.to/3b3f0FQ​) –ratcheting screwdriver!

✅ Kobalt Folding Lockback Utility Knife (https://amzn.to/35qLSqZ​)  

✅ WD40 Specialist White Lithium Grease Spray (https://amzn.to/2z3cp1m​) – Hitch, etc.

✅ BOESHIELD T-9 Rust & Corrosion Protection and Waterproof Lubrication (https://amzn.to/2z6Yase​) – Great stuff! --- Essential for Full Timers---

✅ DeWALT 20V 0.25″ 3-Speed Impact Driver : https://amzn.to/2z1JHhx​

✅ Craftsman Driver Biit Set: https://amzn.to/2yoCV5d​

✅ Craftsman Impact Bit Set: https://amzn.to/3dgbbyJ​

✅ Craftsman Drill Bits: https://amzn.to/2KSg059​

✅ Luisladders 16.5 Feet A-Frame Telescopic Ladder: https://amzn.to/2z8jptH​

✅ Alpha Systems 1021 Self-Leveling RV Sealant (https://amzn.to/3c34M9G​) – Check with your RV Manufacturer to get the right kind.

✅ TEKTON 3/4 Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench (50-300 ft.-lb.) – https://amzn.to/2KXlwU8​

✅ AirTec Lube Shuttle No Mess Grease Gun Kit (https://amzn.to/2SymhHc​)

✅ Klein Tools MM700 Multimeter (https://amzn.to/3b07lbo​)

✅ Portable Work Bench (https://amzn.to/2zVsQ0f​)

✅ Gaffer Tape (https://amzn.to/35twjyU​) – Less sticky for temporary taping tasks.

✅ Estwing Sure Split Wedge (https://amzn.to/2W04Z8f​) – For splitting wood.

✅ Estwing Sure Strike 3-Pound Sledge Hammer (https://amzn.to/35rUBcf​) – Bam!

✅ Orange Screw: The Ultimate Ground Anchor (https://amzn.to/3c33goi​) – Great in soft ground

✅ Heavy Duty Tent Stakes (https://amzn.to/2yoCV5d​) – Great in hard ground.

✅ Black Bungee Cords (https://amzn.to/2YrNMpE​) – we use these to tie down our awning shade.

✅ Milwaukee Step Drill Bit Kit for metal (https://amzn.to/2KYav50​) – For drilling into frame etc.

✅ Hex Key Wrench Set (https://amzn.to/2xuMJKJ​)

✅ 600-Lumen Led Rechargeable Work Lamp (https://amzn.to/3fhnkoD​)

✅ Fiskars Steel Bypass Pruning Shears (https://amzn.to/3b5Lu2s​) – For those pesky branches!

✅ Digital Laser Infrared Thermometer (https://amzn.to/2WAY4l5​) – For the griddle, bearings, etc.

✅ Plastic Telescoping Inspection Mirror (https://amzn.to/2ydRjxq​) – Great for inspecting suspension.

✅ Waterless RV Wash Wax Mop Kit (Wash-Wax-All) (https://amzn.to/3d9bs6o​) – Rv Dry Wash

✅ Bernzomatic Multi-Purpose Trigger-Start Torch (https://amzn.to/2VYyPKh​) – Burn stuff with style!

✅ Mini D Handle Shovel (https://amzn.to/2SwbBJs​) – For when you run over that mailbox!

✅ EZ Out Screw Extractor Kit (https://amzn.to/2WnvTWr​) – Remove stripped screw heads.

✅ Universal Lug Wrench, 4-Way Cross Wrench (https://amzn.to/2YB5Hu2​)

✅ 1/2 Inch Drive Premium Breaker Bar (https://amzn.to/2WqyMGd​)

✅ Heavy Duty Tire Repair Kit (https://amzn.to/2WnTV3K​)

✅ Dremel 3000 (https://amzn.to/3dfotLV​) – Such an awesome multi-purpose tool!

✅ PEX Cinch Clamp/Ear Hose Clamps Tool (https://amzn.to/35tByyA​) – Plumbing repairs and mods.

✅ Milwaukee 48-22-4200 Pex/Tubing Cutter (https://amzn.to/3b07b3M​)

 

--- Related Videos ---

 Travel Day Checklists – https://youtu.be/uPXNmS0IBRQ​ —- Downloadable Checklists – https://changinglanesrv.com/pre-trave...​

 Easy RV Dry Wash (and Blue Beacon) – https://youtu.be/P_7zoBI3PG4​

 RV Geeks Get Your RV's Basement Under Control – https://youtu.be/081T4ZPQtK8​

 RV Keyless Entry by RV Lock: https://youtu.be/cdsojQxggYY