Many accidents are caused by simple forgetfulness or inattention to detail: Leaving cabinet or cargo doors unlatched, TV antenna up or steps extended. A pre-trip safety check and inspection is an essential step in preventing these mishaps before leaving your camping site.
Create a step-by-step, pre-trip safety checklist, and like a pilot on a jet, conduct a final walk-around visual inspection before driving away from your camping site.
If you fail to perform a pre-trip safety check, you will have a problem—not today or tomorrow, but at some time in the future.
Pre-Drive Safety Checklist: Interior
• Secure all loose items: Toaster/toaster oven/coffee maker/dishes
• Ensure stove burners and oven are in off position
• Securely latch cabinet and closet doors
• Close roof vents and windows
• Turn OFF air conditioner/heat pump/furnace
• Turn OFF refrigerator and securely latch doors
• Turn OFF water pump
• Turn OFF interior RV lights
• Fully retract slides and secure
• Fully retract TV antenna/roof-top satellite dish/exterior steps
Never assume that everything is OK—do that safety check. Above Photo: Las Vegas RV Resort, Las Vegas, Nevada. © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved
Pre-Drive Safety Checklist: Exterior Check
• Oil/transmission/coolant levels and condition of belts/hoses
• Check under the rig for signs of fluid leaks
• Check tire inflation pressure and adjust as required; inspect tires for cracks/uneven tread wear
• Retract and secure patio and window awnings
• Empty black/gray tanks and close valves
• Disconnect and store power cord/cable TV cord/Satellite TV cord/water hose/sewer hose
• Turn OFF propane at tank
• Retract/remove stabilizer jacks
• Store leveling blocks/boards
• Close/latch/lock all doors/exterior bins
• Tow bar and safety cables in place
• Check head lights/fog lights/signal lights/4-way hazard lights/clearance lights/brake lights
• Check surroundings for hazards before departure: Low branches/ground obstacles
• Check campsite to ensure it’s clean and no items are left behind
• Final 360-degree RV walk-around
• NEVER assume that everything is OK: ALWAYS do your SAFETY CHECKS to make sure that everything REALLY is OK!
Remember, Safety First, and Happy RVing!
Dan Johnson
Why in the world would I turn off the refrigerator before I leave. The whole point of having a motorhome is for conveniences like that. There are other ways of running the fridge without having to use propane. It isn’t always possible to travel with the AC off and there is no harm in running with it on, so why is it so important to turn it off.
Rex Vogel
Driving with propane on can add to the danger if you are involved in an accident or have a fire.
That is why we shut off the propane at the tank and turn off all propane-powered appliances while driving. Most refrigerators will keep food cold or frozen for a day of travel, even when turned off. But, we don’t travel across the Sonoran Desert during the summer months. As with many decisions, you need to weigh the risks/rewards. The majority of RVers conclude it is a very small risk and drive with the propane on. But we’re not willing to take the risk. It’s a personal decision.