🚛Safety & Towing
⏱️~15 minutes•📋27 steps

RV Pre-Departure & Towing Safety Checklist

The essential step-by-step inspection before hitting the road. Covers hitch connection, safety chains, 7-pin lighting, cold tire pressures, interior lockdown, and final 360° walkaround.

📊Inspection Progress0 / 27 (0%)
Ball fully seated in trailer coupler⚠️ Critical Safety

Lower the coupler onto the hitch ball. Verify the ball clamp is underneath the ball and fully closed.

Coupler latch locked with safety pin / padlock⚠️ Critical Safety

Push latch down into locked position and insert steel safety pin or coupler lock to prevent latch release.

Safety chains crossed in an "X" underneath tongue⚠️ Critical Safety

Crossing creates a cradle if coupler disconnects. Ensure chains do not drag on asphalt but allow sharp turns.

Breakaway cable attached to tow vehicle frame⚠️ Critical Safety

Clip cable directly to hitch receiver/frame, never wrapped around safety chains or removable ball mount.

7-pin electrical plug seated firmly and locked

Push plug completely into vehicle receptacle until lid latch locks over plug tab.

Weight distribution bars & sway control engaged (if equipped)

Snap spring bars into brackets with lift tool, insert retaining pins, and verify sway control friction.

Trailer tire pressure checked cold with digital gauge⚠️ High Priority

Inflate to Cold PSI specified on the trailer federal tire placard (typically maximum sidewall PSI for ST tires).

Tow vehicle rear tires inflated to loaded spec

Check tow vehicle driver-door B-pillar sticker and adjust rear tire PSI for payload/tongue load.

Tongue jack fully raised & footpad / wheel stowed

Raise jack to top limit. Remove drop leg pin, slide inner tube up, and store wooden pads in cargo bay.

All 4 corner stabilizer jacks completely retracted

Confirm all stabilizers are tucked tightly against trailer frame to prevent bottoming out.

Wheel chocks removed & stowed (only after hitching)

Never pull chocks until the trailer coupler is locked onto the ball and safety chains are on.

Roof vents & skylights fully closed and locked⚠️ Critical

Highway speeds will rip open covers right off the roof. Turn vent cranks until tight.

All windows latched in closed travel position

Check kitchen, dinette, and bedroom slider/crank windows.

Refrigerator and freezer doors locked with travel latches

Ensure heavy food and drinks cannot burst doors open on sharp turns.

Cabinet doors, bathroom medicine chest, and drawers latched

Push drawers fully until positive push-catch snaps into place.

12V Water Pump switch turned OFF⚠️ Flood Prevention

If a water pipe or faucet vibrates open during driving, an active pump will flood the trailer interior.

Water heater switches (Gas and Electric) turned OFF

Do not tow with active water heater ignition.

Countertops clear & loose items stored in bins/floor

Coffee maker, dish rack, and pantry items must be low and secured.

Shore power cord unplugged from pedestal and stowed

Double check campground pedestal is empty and cord is wound in trailer storage.

Fresh water hose and sewer hose disconnected & capped

Sewer hose rinsed and locked into bumper/tube; water hose coiled separately.

Propane tanks secured and valves closed (per travel plan)

Ensure bottle wingnuts are tight. Keep valves closed unless operating RV-approved absorption fridge in transit.

Patio awning fully retracted and travel locks engaged⚠️ Critical

Ensure fabric is tightly rolled and awning arms are flush with side wall.

Entrance steps folded up and main door locked & deadbolted

Fold solid steps into doorway, latch screen door, close outer door, and throw travel deadbolt.

Full light check: Running lights, Brake lights & Turn signals⚠️ Mandatory

Have co-pilot verify left turn, right turn, hazards, and brake lights at the rear of trailer.

Perform "Tug Test" before raising jack completely off ground⚠️ Critical

With jack slightly elevated, manually squeeze brake controller and shift into drive to confirm ball engagement.

Trailer brake controller gain test at 5–10 mph

Roll forward slowly, squeeze manual controller lever: trailer brakes should smoothly stop the combination without locking.

Final campsite ground sweep (Leave No Trace)

Look for forgotten leveling blocks, dog leashes, sewer donuts, water pressure regulators, or trash.

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RV Pre-Departure & Towing Safety Checklist | TravelWithTOW | TravelWithTOW