RV Road Trip Planning Checklist: Complete Pre-Departure Guide

A well-planned RV road trip is the difference between smooth sailing and constant scrambling to fix problems you could have avoided. The RVers who arrive at their destination relaxed and happy are the ones who spent an hour before departure working through a systematic checklist — route planning, maintenance verification, supply stocking, and contingency planning. Here's the comprehensive pre-departure checklist that experienced RVers use before every major trip.

Route Planning (1-2 Weeks Before Departure)

Map Your Route

• Use RV-specific GPS or route planning apps: Standard GPS doesn't account for RV height, length, or weight restrictions. Use RV LIFE Trip Wizard, Good Sam Trip Planner, or similar tools that route you around low bridges and restricted roads. For more on essential apps, see our RV apps guide.
• Identify overnight stops: Plan where you'll camp each night and make reservations if needed. Popular campgrounds in national parks and coastal areas book months in advance.
• Note fuel stops: Identify gas stations with RV-friendly access (truck lanes, high canopy clearance) along your route. Use GasBuddy to find the best fuel prices.
• Mark dump stations: Use our dump station search tool to locate dump access along your route. Plan to dump every 3 to 5 days, or align dump stops with campground check-ins/check-outs to save time.
• Check road conditions and weather: Look for construction, seasonal closures (mountain passes in winter), and weather forecasts that might affect travel.

Research Your Destinations

• Read campground reviews on Campendium, The Dyrt, or Google to confirm sites are RV-friendly and have the amenities you need
• Check national park entry requirements, timed-entry reservations, and RV size restrictions
• Identify grocery stores, propane refill stations, and RV service centers near your planned stops in case you need supplies or repairs
• Download offline maps for areas with poor cell coverage

Vehicle and Tow Setup (3-5 Days Before Departure)

Inspect Your RV

• Tires: Check tire pressure (including spare) and tread depth. Look for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear. RV tires degrade with age even if tread looks good — replace tires older than 6 years regardless of mileage.
• Brakes: Test brake function on a short test drive. Listen for grinding or squealing. If you tow a trailer, verify trailer brakes are functioning properly.
• Lights: Test all running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and trailer lights. Replace any burned-out bulbs.
• Hitch and connections: Inspect hitch, ball mount, safety chains, and electrical connections. Grease the hitch ball if needed.
• Leveling jacks and stabilizers: Test all jacks and stabilizers to confirm they extend and retract smoothly. Lubricate if needed.
• Slide-outs: Extend and retract all slide-outs to ensure smooth operation. Check seals for cracks or gaps.

Fluid and Mechanical Checks

• Check engine oil level and condition (change if due)
• Check transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid
• Inspect belts and hoses for cracks or wear
• Test battery charge and clean terminals if corroded
• Run generator under load for 15 minutes to confirm operation

Roof and Exterior

• Inspect roof for cracks, soft spots, or damaged sealant around vents and skylights
• Check all exterior seams and seals (windows, doors, compartments) for cracks or separation
• Verify awning extends and retracts properly
• Confirm all exterior compartment doors latch securely

Interior Systems (2-3 Days Before Departure)

Plumbing and Holding Tanks

• Dump and flush black and gray tanks completely. For dumping instructions, see our dump station guide.
• Add fresh holding tank treatment to the black tank after dumping
• Fill the fresh water tank and test all faucets, shower, and toilet for leaks
• Test the water heater (gas and electric if applicable)
• Verify water pump operates properly and builds pressure
• Check for leaks under sinks and around water heater connections

Appliances

• Test refrigerator on both propane and electric to confirm cooling
• Run furnace to verify ignition and heat output
• Test air conditioner if you'll be camping in warm weather
• Verify stove and oven ignite properly and hold a steady flame
• Check smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, and LP gas detector batteries

Electrical Systems

• Verify shore power works on both 30-amp and 50-amp connections (if applicable)
• Test all interior lights and outlets
• Confirm inverter switches between shore/battery power correctly
• Check battery charge level (house batteries and chassis battery)
• Test solar panels if equipped

Supplies and Provisions (1-2 Days Before Departure)

RV-Specific Supplies

• Sewer hose, caps, adapters, and donut gasket
• Fresh water hose (dedicated potable water use only)
• 30-amp and/or 50-amp shore power adapter and extension cord
• Leveling blocks or ramps
• Wheel chocks
• Water pressure regulator
• Holding tank treatment (enzyme or bacteria-based)
• Heavy-duty gloves for dumping
• Tire pressure gauge
• Basic tool kit (screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, duct tape, zip ties)

Camping Gear

• Outdoor chairs and table
• Outdoor mat or rug
• Grill and propane/charcoal
• Flashlights, headlamps, and batteries
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher (check expiration date)
• Bug spray and sunscreen

Groceries and Kitchen Supplies

• Non-perishable foods for the first few days
• Water bottles and beverages
• Dish soap, sponges, trash bags
• Paper towels and napkins
• Cooking utensils, pots, pans, and dinnerware (if not permanently stored in RV)

Personal Items

• Clothing appropriate for destination weather
• Toiletries and medications
• Bedding and towels
• Pet supplies (food, leash, bowls, waste bags) if traveling with animals

Documentation and Financial (Before Departure)

• RV registration and proof of insurance
• Driver's license
• Campground reservation confirmations
• Roadside assistance membership cards (Good Sam, AAA, etc.)
• Credit cards and cash for campgrounds, fuel, and dump fees
• Emergency contact list

Pre-Departure Safety Check (Morning of Departure)

• Walk around the RV and verify all compartment doors are closed and latched
• Retract awning completely and secure
• Retract and stow TV antenna or satellite dish
• Disconnect and stow shore power, water, and sewer connections
• Retract leveling jacks and stabilizers
• Retract steps (if electric)
• Secure all loose items inside the RV (close and latch cabinets, refrigerator, drawers)
• Turn off propane at the tank (re-open when parked if you need to run the refrigerator or stove while traveling)
• Verify tow vehicle and trailer are properly connected (if towing)
• Do a final walk-around to confirm nothing is left outside and no obstructions are behind the RV

On the Road

• Plan fuel stops before you reach a quarter tank — RVs consume fuel quickly and rural gas stations may have limited RV access
• Stop every 2 to 3 hours to stretch, check tire pressure and temperature, and inspect connections
• Monitor gauges (engine temp, oil pressure, transmission temp) regularly
• Avoid sudden lane changes and aggressive braking — RVs have longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles
• Re-check all systems (propane, connections, compartments) when you stop for the night

Resources for Trip Planning

• Dump stations: Search our directory or browse by state to plan dump stops along your route
• Campgrounds: Use Campendium, The Dyrt, or ReserveAmerica to find and book campsites
• Navigation: Download RV LIFE or Good Sam Trip Planner for RV-safe routing
• Weather and road conditions: Check Weather Underground and state DOT websites before departure

The time you invest in pre-trip planning pays off in stress-free travel and fewer surprises on the road. Print this checklist, work through it systematically before every major trip, and you'll arrive at your destination ready to enjoy the experience rather than fixing problems.