RV Departure Checklist

A step-by-step routine for breaking camp and leaving safely — disconnecting hookups, securing the interior, retracting, hitching and a final walk-around.

Published July 14, 2026

Inside Prep

Wash up and stow loose dishes and items
Latch the refrigerator and freezer doors
Close and secure all cabinets and drawers
Secure heavy or fragile items so they cannot shift
Close roof vents and windows
Turn off interior fans, lights and water pump as needed

Dump & Disconnect Hookups

Empty and flush the black tank, then the gray tank
Disconnect, rinse and stow the sewer hose with gloves
Disconnect and drain the fresh water hose
Switch off and unplug shore power last
Keep power while you work, then disconnect at the end
Coil and store all cords and hoses securely
Turn off propane at the tank if required for travel

Retract & Stow Outside

Retract the awning and lock it for travel
Bring in all slide-outs and confirm they are seated
Raise stabilizer jacks and leveling jacks
Retract the entry steps
Lower and stow the TV antenna and satellite dish
Collect chocks, leveling blocks and outdoor gear

Hitch & Tow Setup

Couple the trailer and lock the hitch
Cross and connect the safety chains
Attach the breakaway cable and the wiring harness
Raise and stow the tongue jack or landing gear
Set the weight distribution and sway control if used
Confirm the tow vehicle is in tow mode if equipped

Final Walk-Around

Walk the whole rig to confirm everything is retracted
Check all hookups are disconnected and stored
Verify the hitch, chains and breakaway are secured
Test running, brake and turn signal lights
Check tire pressure and look for any leaks or damage
Confirm the site is clean and nothing is left behind

Before Pulling Out

Adjust mirrors and cameras for the loaded rig
Check fuel level and plan stops
Confirm everyone is buckled and pets are secured
Release the parking brake and chocks last
Do a slow first roll to feel for anything dragging

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An RV departure checklist is a step-by-step routine for breaking camp and leaving a campsite safely — disconnecting hookups, securing the interior, retracting slides and steps, hitching up and doing a final walk-around. It prevents the costly, common mistakes of driving off with something still connected or extended.

Leaving is when many RV accidents and damage happen, because it is easy to forget a step in the rush to go. Working through the same sequence every time turns departure into a reliable habit rather than a scramble.

This list suits motorhomes, travel trailers and fifth wheels, with hitching steps applying to towables. Always follow your RV and tow-vehicle manuals, and treat it as a supplement to, not a replacement for, careful checks and good judgment.

Print it or download the PDF and keep it by the door so you can tick off each step before you pull out of any site.

FAQ

What is the most common departure mistake?

Driving off with something still connected or extended, such as the shore power cord, water hose, awning, steps or TV antenna. Working through a fixed departure sequence and a final walk-around is the best way to catch these before you move.

In what order should I disconnect hookups?

A common order is to empty and flush the black tank first, then gray, disconnect and stow the sewer hose, then water, then electricity last so you keep power while you work. Follow your own setup and manuals, and store each item as you go.

Why is securing the interior so important?

Items left loose can fly around and break or injure someone when the RV moves, brakes or corners. Latch cabinets and the fridge, stow loose objects, secure heavy items and confirm nothing can shift before you retract slides and drive.

What should the final walk-around cover?

Walk the whole rig to confirm slides, steps, awning, antenna and jacks are retracted, hookups are disconnected and stored, the hitch is locked with chains and breakaway connected, and lights work. A slow lap catches anything the earlier steps missed.

Can I print this RV departure checklist?

Yes. Print it or download the PDF so you can keep it by the door and tick off disconnecting, securing, retracting, hitching and the walk-around before every departure.