RV Departure Checklist Before Towing
The essential step-by-step pre-drive checklist covering hitching, tire pressure, interior latches, and walkaround inspections.
Never drive off without performing a structured two-stage inspection: Interior lockdown (vents, fridge, cabinet latches, loose items) followed by an Exterior 360-degree walkaround (hitch coupler locked with pin, crossed safety chains, breakaway cable attached, jacks raised, wheel chocks stowed, cold tire PSI verified, and all trailer lights tested).
#1Phase 1: Interior Preparation & Securing
Everything inside an RV moves while in transit. Before rolling, ensure:
• Refrigerator doors are latched with their travel lock.
• All roof vents and windows are completely closed and locked (high winds rip vent covers off at highway speeds).
• Cabinet doors and drawers are secured so contents cannot burst open during hard braking.
• Slide-outs (if equipped) are fully retracted and locked.
• Water pump switch is turned OFF so an open faucet cannot flood the trailer while moving.
#2Phase 2: Exterior Hitch & Safety Walkaround
Work in a circle around the trailer without interruptions:
1. Coupler & Pin: Verify the ball is seated properly inside the coupler, the latch is down, and the safety pin or lock is inserted.
2. Safety Chains: Crossed underneath the coupler in an "X" pattern to catch the tongue if disconnected. Ensure chains do not drag on asphalt.
3. Breakaway Cable: Clipped directly to the tow vehicle frame/receiver (never looped around the safety chains or hitch ball).
4. 7-Pin Plug: Firmly inserted; test running lights, left/right turn signals, hazard lights, and brake lights with your co-pilot.
5. Running Gear: Stabilizer jacks fully raised; awning arms locked; shore power, water, and sewer disconnected and stowed; wheel chocks loaded.
6. Cold Tire Pressure: Verify PSI with a digital gauge on all trailer and tow vehicle tires before driving.
- Driving away with the trailer power cord still plugged into the campground pedestal.
- Leaving wheel chocks behind on the campsite ground.
- Forgetting to insert the coupler locking pin (a bump on the road can bounce the latch open).
- Neglecting trailer tire pressure, leading to highway blowouts in hot weather.
Before departing Silver Springs State Park, the driver performs a "pull test": with the trailer hitched and trailer brake controller manually engaged, the driver gently shifts into gear. The rig resists forward motion, confirming the ball is mechanically locked in the coupler.
- •Never rely on memory: use our interactive digital pre-departure checklist every single trip.
- •Perform a two-person light and turn-signal test before pulling onto the street.
- •Do a final 360-degree ground sweep around the campsite to ensure nothing was left behind.
- •Retorque trailer wheel lug nuts after the first 50 miles of travel.
Use our free interactive pre-departure checklist with progress tracking and screen wake lock right at your rig.
NHTSA Pre-Trip Towing Checklist • RV Safety & Education Foundation (RVSEF)