Tips & Tricks

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 washerTop up battery water (use reverse osmosis)Clean terminals on house and chassis batteriesCheck tire pressure, tread, and sidewall cracksTest all brake lights, turn signals, and headlights

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 pressureTest trailer brake controller and connectionCheck wheel bearings, hitch pins, and safety chainsEnsure trailer lights sync with vehicle signals

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 tanksUnhook and empty hoses (cap the ends to keep clean)

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

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 thisguide on how to winterize your RV.

Must-Have Gear and Tools

Tools & Emergency Essentials

Duct tape, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenchesJumper cables, tire repair kit, roadside trianglesFlashlights and extra batteries

Duct tape, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches

Jumper cables, tire repair kit, roadside triangles

Flashlights and extra batteries

Power and Connectivity

GPS or offline mapsPortable solar generator or power bank (check out theAnker SOLIX F2000 review)Wi-Fi hotspot or signal booster if you're remote

GPS or offline maps

Portable solar generator or power bank (check out theAnker SOLIX F2000 review)

Wi-Fi hotspot or signal booster if you're remote

Creature Comforts

Fan for summer heatBug screens, folding chairs, and blackout shades

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 goodsSnacks: trail mix, granola, jerkyCooking tools: lighter, can opener, knivesRefillable water jugs and a decent coffee setup

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, medsPet meds and vaccination records

First aid kit: bandages, antihistamines, meds

Pet meds and vaccination records

Important Documents

Driver’s license, insurance, vehicle registrationPark or campground passes, border paperwork

Driver’s license, insurance, vehicle registration

Park or campground passes, border paperwork

Entertainment

Pre-download podcasts, audiobooks, playlistsRoad trip games (grab a printable 3-page game set to fight boredom on long hauls)

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 setupEnsure safety chains cross under the hitchConfirm electrical connections and brake controller function

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 capacityWeigh your rig if possible—overloading is dangerousDistribute weight evenly to avoid sway

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 distanceUse extended side mirrorsTake breaks often to reduce fatigue

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 onhow to tow a car behind an RV.

Final Pre-Departure Checklist

Before pulling out of the driveway:

Sweep floors and secure loose itemsConfirm all slides are in and lockedVerify hookups are disconnectedDo one last walkaroundEngine check and lights test

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 readingthis 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.

Want more survival tips from a solo female traveler? Grab my eBookRolling Solofor just $5 CAD.

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Written by a solo woman who has been living full-time on the road since 2009. No spam, just the real stuff.