If you’re new to RVing, you’re smart to wonder about how to drive and operate your RV properly. It’s your home away from home, and should be treated as such. And RVing with Rex has you covered with answers, tips, ideas, and more, so you can hit the road with confidence.
From inspecting and maintaining your RV to knowing how to depart from a campsite and set up procedure upon arrival at a new campground or RV park, having a plan helps everything run more smoothly and ensures you’re informed and in control every step of the way.
Below is a Departure and Setup checklist to help get you started. It is meant to be a starting point for your own list.
Departure Checklist
Lower antenna and satellite dish
Retract awnings
Return slide-outs to their travel position
Secure loose items inside cabinets
Close and latch shower and closet doors
Close and latch oven, stovetop, and refrigerator doors
Close and latch all internal doors (bathroom, bedroom, etc.)
Close roof vents and windows
Turn off propane-powered appliances
Close propane tank valve
Clear the RV of trash
Stow steps, hand rails, etc.
Close and latch external door(s)
Check tire pressure on all tires
Disconnect all hookups (electricity, sewer, water, cable, satellite)
Remove stabilizing jacks, raise leveling jacks, and store leveling blocks (as applicable)
Hitch trailer to tow vehicle or dinghy/toad to motorized RV
Test hitch connection by driving forward
Check signal lights, 4-way lights, brake lights, headlights, and fog lights
Do a final walk-around
Check mirrors
Arrival and Setup Checklist
Once you’ve arrived at your campground, RV resort, or final destination, it’s time to park, set up, and relax. Here are some basic pointers.
Check in with campground office/park ranger station
Obtain directions to campsite
Upon arrival at your site, do a walk-through, and determine best location for RV and toad/tow vehicle
Drive into campsite (pull through or back in)
Check parking job (space, alignment with hookups, clearance for slide-outs and basement bins)
Level RV
Lower leveling jacks until RV is supported
Unhitch RV and park toad/tow vehicle
Extend steps and restore hand rails and slide-outs to their parked position
Open propane tank valve
Connect to hookups (electricity, water, sewer, cable, satellite)
Extend slide-outs
Raise antenna and satellite dish
Set up outdoor gear and awnings
Return items to their parked storage positions
Worth Pondering…
I find that a great part of the information I have was acquired by looking up something and finding something else on the way.
—Franklin P. Adams