RV Camping Checklist

Once you’re at the campsite and ready to unpack and setup for the next few days, let this RV camping checklist be your guide. These steps will help ensure your rig stays safe in your designated area and through different types of activities and weather.

Courtesy of Camping World

RV Camping Checklist

If you’re new to RVing, setting up camp can feel like a daunting task the first time you do it. The good news is that it’s pretty easy to pick up, and it’ll feel like old hat before long. But to help get you started, here’s a checklist for setting up your RV.

Pull or back into site and locate trailer/motorhome onto site as desired
Put tow vehicle/coach in park and apply parking brake
Chock trailer/motorhome wheels
Disconnect umbilical cord and other connections between tow vehicle and trailer
If trailer is a fifth-wheel, lower the truck tailgate
Raise the trailer to disengage hitch
Disengage parking brake and carefully pull forward until tow vehicle is clear
Extend rear stabilizing jacks as required
Extend trailer steps
Level front to back using landing gear/front jacks and levels
Level side to side using long 2-by-6 boards or specialized levelers under trailer wheels
Check shorepower and polarity using testers
Connect to shorepower, water and sewer (phone, cable TV as required)
If trailer has slides, open a vent, door or window
Remove travel bars from slides
Extend slides
If propane is to be used, turn on gas at both tanks

Be sure to explore our full roundup of necessary checklists to prepare for every adventure. Sure, you might still forget the occasional item or double-check, but these lists will prevent many of the most frustrating post-trip regrets.