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Time to tear down and go! Although there’s much to do, don’t fret.

Follow the tear-down and departure checklist below for an easy takeoff!

 

Departure Checklist 600 x 100

Campsite

  1. Clean the campsite. Gather all of the trash and take to the dumpster.
  2. Make sure the campfire is completely out.
  3. Move the picnic table back to how you found it.
  4. Pack up all of your belongings outside: welcome mat, camp chairs, grill, picnic table cloth, children’s toys, etc.
  5. Secure the bikes on the bike rack.

 

Interior

  1. Secure items in the cabinets, cupboards, and drawers and close tightly.  
  2. Secure items in the refrigerator and freezer then securely close and lock.
  3. Select auto on RV refrigerator. For residential refrigerators, make sure the inverter is on. 
  4. Secure items in the medicine cabinet and shower. Close and lock. 
  5. Secure bedroom/bunkhouse items. Make sure drawers and closets are shut.
  6. Stow all appliances and gadgets: coffee maker, toaster, cutting board, dish rack, remotes, etc.
  7. Make sure the countertops, table top, and dressers are completely clear of any items that could rattle off during travel.
  8. Place the sink cover and stove cover on.
  9. Strap down the TV.
  10. Strap down the dinette chairs. 
  11. Lower antenna or satellite.
  12. Confirm exhaust fans and roof vents are closed.
  13. Latch and secure any sliding or pocket doors
  14. Close and lock all windows. Shut the shades for sun exposure and heat.
  15. Turn the water pump off.
  16. Turn the fireplace off.
  17. Turn the furnace or AC off.
  18. Turn the hot water heater off.
  19. Roll up and stow area rugs. 
  20. Turn the lights off.  
  21. Check for slide clearance and retract slides.
  22. Lock entry door.

Exterior 

  1. Empty the black tank first and then the gray tank to help flush out the hose. 
  2. Make sure the gray and black valves are securely closed.
  3. Unhook the sewer, store the hose, place the sewer cap back on the campsite sewer connection. Also, cap the sewer valve on your RV. (Wash your hands!)
  4. Fill the fresh water tank if needed. (Some campers empty this for weight reasons, however, we’ve ran into bumps in the road where we’ve had to boondock for the night. Having water on board in similar situations is very beneficial!) 
  5. Unhook the water and pack the water hose. (Don’t forget your water pressure regulator!)
  6. Unhook the electric cord and stow. 
  7. Unhook the coaxial cable and stow.
  8. Turn off the propane. 
  9. Retract the awning.
  10. Remove and stow extra support/stabilizers.
  11. Hook up the trailer to the tow vehicle. 
  12. Raise jacks. (These steps will vary for some. If manual jacks, raise your jacks/stabilizers, then hook-up to the truck. For auto levelers, hook the truck on and auto retract all.)
  13. Remove wheel chocks and stow.
  14. Connect sway bars and safety chains (if applicable).
  15. Connect the 7-way RV trailer connector (controls lights and brakes).
  16. Connect the emergency brake rip cord.
  17. Do a light check: headlights, turn signals, brakes.
  18. Adjust the trailer brake controller.
  19. Check tire pressure.
  20. Lock outside compartments.
  21. Stow entry steps.

 

Tow Vehicle/Motorhome

  1. Check that children and pets are secure.
  2. Pack a travel caddy to have close by. (Snacks, drinks, phone chargers, hand sanitizer, trash bag, wallet, sunglasses, napkins, pet water dish, dog bags, leash, etc.)
  3. Program directions in the GPS.
  4. Adjust mirrors.
  5. Check fuel and DEF levels.
  6. Clean windshield. 

 

Departure Checklist

 

 

 

RVING IS BEING ready for the road ahead.