RV Checklists: 9 Most Essential Camping Lists (Download & Print for FREE)

When you’re camping in or inspecting an RV, there can be so many things you have to check and keep on top of, it’s easy to become overwhelmed.

That’s why I’ve put together these essential RV checklists, so you can fast track and simplify your next trip or inspection.

All free to download in printable PDF format from this page.

Whether you’re a beginner setting off on your first ever RV trip, or you’re a seasoned veteran of the lifestyle, these checklists for RVers will help you out.

Table of Contents

Printable RV Departure Checklist

Use this checklist before leaving home, and before you leave the campsite each time.

Inside

☐ Verify Reservations
☐ Set GPS Destination
☐ Secure Loose Items
☐ Secure Cabinets & Drawers
☐ Secure Appliances
☐ Secure TV
☐ Secure Computers
☐ Secure Doors
☐ Secure Windows
☐ Refrigerator Power
☐ Anchor Blinds
☐ Table In
☐ Sink Tops
☐ Ceiling Vents
☐ TV Antenna
☐ Lower Satellite
☐ AC Off
☐ Hot Water Off
☐ Water Pump Off
☐ Empty Trash
☐ Cell Phone / Maps
☐ Glasses / Sunglasses
☐ Tissues
☐ Drinks / Snacks for Journey

Outside General

☐ Awnings / Toppers Cleared
☐ Stow Outside Items
☐ Store Rugs / Mats
☐ Store Ladder
☐ Add Fresh Water
☐ Empty Holding Tanks
☐ Add Tank Chemicals
☐ Shut Holding Tank Valves
☐ Disconnect Sewer
☐ Disconnect Water
☐ Disconnect TV Cable
☐ Disconnect Power Cable
☐ Propane Off
☐ Storeage Bays Locked
☐ Check Fluid Levels
☐ Check Tire Pressure
☐ Clean Windshield

Outside – Motorhome

☐ Slides In & Secure
☐ Check Engine Gauges
☐ Air Bags Inflated
☐ Jacks Up
☐ Wheel Chocks Off
☐ Outside Lights
☐ Check Brakes
☐ Check Fuel
☐ Check Mirrors
☐ Stow Entry Steps
☐ Note Mileage
☐ Final Walk Around

Outside – Trailer / 5th Wheel

☐ Slides In & Secure
☐ Store / Retract Levellers
☐ Retract Rear Stabilizers
☐ Back Into Hitch / Receiver
☐ Secure / Lock Receiver
☐ Attach Chains
☐ Attach Sway Bars
☐ Attach Electric
☐ Attach Breakaway
☐ Remove Whee Chocks
☐ Entry Steps Stowed
☐ Adjust Mirrors
☐ Note Mileage
☐ Final Walk Around

Tow Vehicle

☐ Attach Tow Bar
☐ Attach Safety Cables
☐ Connect Wiring
☐ Set Car in Neutral
☐ Connect Aux Brake
☐ Turn Engine Off
☐ Remove Fuses
☐ Check Aux Brake System
☐ Move Forward for Check

Download the full departure checklist

Printable RV Setup Checklist

Use this checklist when you arrive to get setup at the campsite.

Setup

☐ Check In
☐ Access & WiFi Codes
☐ Check Site Clearances
☐ Park & Set Brake

Outside – General

☐ Entry Steps Set
☐ Connect Water
☐ Connect Power Cable
☐ Connect Surge Protector
☐ Connect TV Cable
☐ Connect Sewer
☐ Propane On
☐ Unlock Storage Bays
☐ Setup Outdoor Furniture
☐ Mats Out
☐ Awnings Out
☐ Clean Windshield

Outside – Motorhome

☐ Set Wheel Blocks
☐ Jacks Down
☐ Check Leveler
☐ Slides Out
☐ Note Mileage
☐ Note Fuel Level

Outside – Trailer / 5th Wheel

☐ Levelling Blocks
☐ Wheel Chocks
☐ Release Receiver
☐ Remove Safety Chains
☐ Remove Sway Bars
☐ Disconnect Electric
☐ Disconnect Breakaway
☐ Raise Tongue / Kingpin
☐ Pull Away from Trailer
☐ Secure Receiver
☐ Extend Rear Stabilizers
☐ Slides Out

Inside

☐ Water Pump On
☐ Ceiling Vents Open
☐ AC / Heat
☐ Sink Tops Off
☐ Unlock Doors
☐ TV Antenna Up
☐ TV Setup Channels
☐ Raise Satellite
☐ Put Out Stored Items

Tow Vehicle

☐ Disconnect Brake System
☐ Set Car in Park
☐ Unhook Safety Cables
☐ Unhook Tow Bar
☐ Disconnect Wiring

Download the full setup checklist

Winterizing an RV Checklist

Winterization Steps

☐ Turn Off Water Heater
☐ Turn Off Appliances
☐ Remove Inline Water Filter
☐ Drain Fresh Water Tanks
☐ Drain Water Lines
☐ Empty Water Heater
☐ Close WH Bypass Valve
☐ Blow Out Water Lines
☐ Drain / Flush Holding Tanks
☐ Pump in RV Antifreeze
☐ Pour Antifreeze in P Traps
☐ Turn Off Refrigerator
☐ Clean / Dry / Leave Frig Open
☐ Winterize Refrigerator
☐ Winterize Washer / Dryer
☐ Turn Off Propane
☐ Add Fuel Stabilizer
☐ Check Tires
☐ Check Electrolyte Level
☐ Disconnect Batteries
☐ Set Rodent Control
☐ Perform Engine Procedure

Download winterization checklist

Dewinterizing an RV Checklist

Dewinterization Steps

☐ Check Battery Electrolyte Level
☐ Connect Batteries
☐ Drain RV Antifreeze
☐ Install Inline Water Filter
☐ Sanitize Fresh Water Tank
☐ Run Fresh Water All Faucets
☐ Cycle Water Through Washer
☐ Water Heater Anode Rod
☐ Install Water Heater Plug
☐ Open WH Bypass Valve
☐ Check Tires
☐ Check Generator
☐ Perform Engine Procedure
☐ Lubricate as Required
☐ Propane Tank
☐ Check Alarms
☐ Clean / Replace AC Filters
☐ Start Engine / Check Gauges
☐ Check Lights

Download dewinterizing checklist

Inspection Checklist for Buying a Used RV

Outside Condition

☐ AC
☐ Antennas
☐ Batteries
☐ Storage Bays
☐ Engine Compartment
☐ Frame / Suspension
☐ Generator & Fluids
☐ Hitch
☐ Ladder
☐ Mud Flaps
☐ Roof
☐ Satellite Dish
☐ Skylights
☐ Slide Seals / Toppers
☐ Walls
☐ Water Heater / Drain Valve
☐ Wheels
☐ Windshield

Outside Operation

☐ Awning – Patio
☐ Awning – Windows
☐ Bay Doors / Locks
☐ Bay Slide Outs
☐ Bay Lights
☐ Cable TV
☐ Doore / Screen
☐ Engine Fluids
☐ Faucet
☐ Fuel Doors
☐ Holding Tanks
☐ Leveling / Stabilizing Jacks
☐ Lights
☐ Mirrors
☐ Power Connector / Cord
☐ Slides
☐ Slide Locks
☐ Soar Panels
☐ Stairs
☐ Tow Lighting

Inside Condition

☐ Bed
☐ Cabinets
☐ Ceiling
☐ Counter Tops
☐ Dinette
☐ Fooring
☐ Plumbing Connections
☐ Seat Belts
☐ Sofas / Chairs
☐ Storage Compartments
☐ Trim
☐ Walls
☐ Water Lines

Inside Operation

☐ Circuit Breakers
☐ Cabinet Doors
☐ Detectors Smoke / CO2
☐ Doors
☐ Drawers
☐ Fans
☐ Faucets
☐ Lights
☐ Outlets AC / DC
☐ Shades
☐ Switches AC / DC
☐ Toilet
☐ Vents / Fans
☐ Windows

System Operations

☐ Air Conditioners
☐ Burners
☐ Coffee Maker
☐ Dishwasher
☐ Freezer
☐ Generator
☐ Heaters
☐ Holding Tank Monitor
☐ Hot Water
☐ Inverter
☐ Microwave
☐ Oven
☐ Propane
☐ Refrigerator
☐ Satellite
☐ Stereo / DVD
☐ Thermostats
☐ TV Antenna
☐ TVs
☐ Vacuum
☐ Washer / Dryer
☐ Water Heater
☐ Water Pump

Cab Area

☐ Backup Camera
☐ CB
☐ Engine Start
☐ Gauges
☐ GPS
☐ Mirrors
☐ Horn
☐ Night / Sun Shades
☐ Outside Lights / Signals
☐ Parking Brakes
☐ Pedals
☐ Radio
☐ Seat Belts
☐ Seat Operation
☐ Steering Wheel Adjustments
☐ Switches
☐ Temperature Controls
☐ Windshield Wipers

Download checklist for buying a used RV

RV Inspection Checklist for Buying a Used RV

RV Maintenance Checklist

Engine / Chassis

☐ Alternator / Starter
☐ Air Bags
☐ Belts
☐ Brakes
☐ Coolant
☐ Emergency Brake
☐ Exhaust System
☐ Fuel System
☐ Frame
☐ Grease / Lubricant
☐ Hoses
☐ Leveling Jacks
☐ Oil
☐ Radiator
☐ Spark Plugs
☐ Steering
☐ Suspension
☐ Tires
☐ Transmission Fluid
☐ Wheel Bearings
☐ Wiper Blades

Electrical Systems

☐ Batteries
☐ Bulbs
☐ Cameras
☐ Circuit Breakers
☐ Generator
☐ GPS
☐ Grounds
☐ Instruments
☐ Inverter
☐ Lights Exterior
☐ Lights Interior
☐ Monitor Tanks / Battery
☐ Outlets
☐ Power Surge Protector
☐ Radios / Antenna
☐ Satellite
☐ Solar Panels
☐ Switches
☐ Turn Signals
☐ TVs / DVD

Water Systems

☐ Aqua Hot System
☐ Heater
☐ Leaks
☐ Lines
☐ Sinks / Shower
☐ Toilet
☐ Water Filter
☐ Water
☐ Water Black
☐ Water Grey
☐ Water Pump
☐ Water Heater Anode

Additional Systems

☐ AC Units
☐ Ceiling Fans
☐ Furnaces
☐ Propane System
☐ Vacuum Central

Inside Misc.

☐ Blinds
☐ Cabinets Hinges
☐ Carpeting
☐ Couches
☐ CO Detectors
☐ Cushions
☐ Filters Ductwork
☐ Fire Extinguisher
☐ Flooring
☐ Freezer
☐ Mattresses
☐ Microwave
☐ Refrigerator
☐ Refrigerator Filter
☐ Smoke Detectors
☐ Stove
☐ Table / Chairs
☐ Washer / Dryer
☐ Windows

Outside Misc.

☐ Awnings
☐ Basement Doors / Latches
☐ Hitch / Tow Bar
☐ Hitch 5th Wheel
☐ Locks
☐ Power Cord
☐ Roof Inspection
☐ Rust Repair
☐ Seals
☐ Side Walls
☐ Slides
☐ Stairs
☐ Toppers
☐ Under Coach
☐ Vents

Download RV Maintenance checklist PDF

Trip Planning Checklist

Essentials

☐ $$ / Checks / Credit Cards
☐ Address Book
☐ Drivers License
☐ Handbag
☐ Make Reservations
☐ Maps / Guides
☐ Member Cards (RV Clubs)
☐ Plan Itinerary
☐ Set Heat / AC
☐ Set Light Timer
☐ Set Up Trip Routing
☐ Wallet
☐ Water Plants

Bed & Bath

☐ Feminine Products
☐ Hair Dryer
☐ Makeup
☐ Medical Kit
☐ Sheets / Blankets / Pillows
☐ Soap / Shampoo
☐ Toiletries
☐ Towels / Wash Clothes

Clothing & Personal Items

☐ Belts
☐ Hats / Gloves
☐ Jackets / Sweat Shirts
☐ Pills / Medication
☐ Rain gear
☐ Shirts / Pants etc
☐ Shoes
☐ Sleep Wear
☐ Socks / underwear
☐ Sun Screen
☐ Sunglasses
☐ Swimsuit

Electronics

☐ Alarm Clock
☐ Batteries
☐ Cell Phone / Charger
☐ Camera / Charger
☐ Extension Cords
☐ Flashlights
☐ GPS / Charger
☐ Laptop / Charger

Entertainment

☐ Books / Magazines
☐ Games / Puzzles
☐ Videos / CD’s

Kitchen

☐ Beer / Wine
☐ Bottled Water
☐ Coffee / Filters
☐ Condiments
☐ Dishes / Glasses
☐ Food / Drinks
☐ Paper Goods
☐ Plastic Bags / Foil etc
☐ Pots / Pans
☐ Silverware
☐ Snacks
☐ Soda / Milk / Cream etc
☐ Sugar
☐ Trash Bags
☐ Wet Wipes

Misc. Supplies

☐ Cleaning Products
☐ Holding Tank Treatments
☐ Paper Towels
☐ Pet Stuff
☐ Stationary / Stamps

Download Trip Planning Checklist PDF

First Aid Kit Checklist

Bandages & Dressings

☐ Ace Wrap
☐ Adhesive Bandages
☐ Adhesive Tape
☐ Antiseptic Wipes
☐ Butterfly Closure Strips
☐ Compress Dressing
☐ Cotton Swabs
☐ Ice Pack
☐ Roller Bandages
☐ Sterile Gauze Pad
☐ Trama Pad
☐ Triangular Bandage

Personal Protection

☐ Disposable Gloves
☐ CPR Shield
☐ Hand Sanitizer
☐ Goggles
☐ Mask

Instruments & Equipment

☐ Irrigation Syringe
☐ Nail Clippers
☐ Penlight
☐ Scissors
☐ Safety Pins
☐ Splint Materials
☐ Thermometer
☐ Tweezers

Medicines

☐ Antibiotic Ointment
☐ Anti-inflammatory
☐ Aspirin
☐ Burn Ointment
☐ Cold & Flu Relief
☐ Cough Medicine
☐ Eye Drops
☐ Hydrocortisone Ointment
☐ Insect Relief
☐ Pain Killers
☐ Personal Medication
☐ Poison Ivy Cream
☐ Saline Solution
☐ Sinus Medication
☐ Stomach Relief
☐ Sunburn Relief
☐ Toothache Medication

Misc. Supplies

☐ Cold Compress
☐ Emergency Phone Numbers
☐ First Aid Manual
☐ Plastic Bags
☐ Snake Bite kit
☐ Space Blanket

Download First Aid Checklist PDF

Make Custom RV Checklists

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Gary Michaels

After traveling Europe for a year in a self-built van conversion, Gary took his adventures through Asia to experience new cultures and the 'digital nomad' lifestyle. With 10 years experience of full-time off-grid living and camping, Gary started OffGridSpot to inspire other RV and off-beat adventurers.