Road Trip Checklist: Prep Right, Travel Easy
The Real Reason You Need a Road Trip Checklist
RV and van life look carefree on social medias. But seasoned road dogs know that forgetting just one critical item can blow up your whole trip. A road trip checklist isn't just helpful—it's your insurance against chaos. Whether you're a weekend warrior or crossing countries, prepping your rig and gear the right way matters.
RV Systems Check: Start Here
For Motorhomes (Class A, B, C)
Check engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer
Top up battery water (use reverse osmosis)
Clean terminals on house and chassis batteries
Check tire pressure, tread, and sidewall cracks
Test all brake lights, turn signals, and headlights
For Towable Trailers (Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels)
Inspect tow vehicle's fluids and tire pressure
Test trailer brake controller and connection
Check wheel bearings, hitch pins, and safety chains
Ensure trailer lights sync with vehicle signals
Sewer and Water for All Rigs
Drain and rinse black and grey tanks
Unhook and empty hoses (cap the ends to keep clean)
Leveling and Slides
Always consult your RV manual first—some rigs require slides before jacks, others the reverse. Every system has a unique relay order.
Retract slides (confirm nothing's in the way)
Lift jacks, remove blocks, tire covers, and chocks
Bonus Tip: For those facing winter conditions, check out this guide on how to winterize your RV.
Must-Have Gear and Tools
Tools & Emergency Essentials
Duct tape, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches
Jumper cables, tire repair kit, roadside triangles
Flashlights and extra batteries
Power and Connectivity
GPS or offline maps
Portable solar generator or power bank (check out the Anker SOLIX F2000 review)
Wi-Fi hotspot or signal booster if you're remote
Creature Comforts
Fan for summer heat
Bug screens, folding chairs, and blackout shades
Kitchen and Food Prep
Alt text: Small RV kitchen with organized shelves and dry goods.
Essentials
Non-perishables: rice, pasta, canned goods
Snacks: trail mix, granola, jerky
Cooking tools: lighter, can opener, knives
Refillable water jugs and a decent coffee setup
Re-Up Stops
Mark restock points on your route—local farmers markets and small-town grocers often beat big box stores for freshness and charm.
First Aid, Docs, and Entertainment
Alt text: First aid kit next to travel documents on RV counter.
Health & Safety
First aid kit: bandages, antihistamines, meds
Pet meds and vaccination records
Important Documents
Driver’s license, insurance, vehicle registration
Park or campground passes, border paperwork
Entertainment
Pre-download podcasts, audiobooks, playlists
Road trip games (grab a printable 3-page game set to fight boredom on long hauls)
Towing: Know Before You Go
Tow Setup
Double-check hitch and sway bar setup
Ensure safety chains cross under the hitch
Confirm electrical connections and brake controller function
Towing Limits and Weight
Know your tow vehicle's GVWR and towing capacity
Weigh your rig if possible—overloading is dangerous
Distribute weight evenly to avoid sway
Driving and Safety
Practice wide turns and extended braking distance
Use extended side mirrors
Take breaks often to reduce fatigue
Driving a rig with a toad? See this guide on how to tow a car behind an RV.
Final Pre-Departure Checklist
Before pulling out of the driveway:
Sweep floors and secure loose items
Confirm all slides are in and locked
Verify hookups are disconnected
Do one last walkaround
Engine check and lights test
Traveling with pets? Make sure your rig's ready by reading this pet-friendly road trip guide.
Pro Tip: Get a mechanic inspection before big mileage. Commercial Tire in Ontario, Oregon has huge RV bays and fast service—they saved my brake job in under 2 hours.
Wrap-Up: Smart Prep = More Fun
A road trip checklist isn’t about control freak energy—it’s about peace of mind. With your systems checked and your gear locked in, the road stops being stressful and starts being wide open.
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