Our mission is to make RV trips easier with practical tips, checklists, and lessons learned from RV travel. Use our information as a starting point, then adapt them to your RV, travel style, and needs.
Making RV Life Easier
RV Wisdom from the Road helps you get ready for your next trip with checklists, planning tips, and practical advice. Whether you're new to RV'ing or have years of experience, you'll find ideas to help you stay organized, save time, and spend less of your trip worrying about what you may have forgotten. Every RV and every journey is different...use what works for you and ENJOY THE ROAD.
Our Mission
Campground Departure Checklists
These departure checklists help you leave with the confidence that nothing was left behind.
- ☐ Secure loose items inside the RV
☐ Put away dishes and kitchen items
☐ Turn off and unplug all appliances
☐ Close and latch all cabinets and freezer doors
☐ Close windows and roof vents
☐ Check bathroom and shower area
☐ Retract all antennas and satellite dishes
☐ Close and secure all vents
☐ Make sure nothing can shift during travel
📋 Before Breakdown
🔍 Final Walkaround
- ☐ Walk completely around the RV
☐ Check that all slide-outs are fully retracted
☐ Check that awning is fully retracted
☐ Make sure stabilizers are raised
☐ Make sure all storage areas are closed and locked
☐ Check tires
☐ Check underneath and around RV
☐ Make sure nothing was left at the campsite
☐ Check lights, mirrors, hitch, or tow equipment
🔌 Utility Disconnections
- ☐ Turn off water heater, air conditioner, or heater
☐ Empty black and gray sewer tanks
☐ Rinse and store sewer hose
☐ Store water hose
☐ Turn off propane
☐ Check utility area for anything left behind
🏁 Ready to Go
- ☐ Make sure everyone is safely inside
☐ Fasten seatbelts
☐ Check mirrors
☐ Check fuel level
☐ Check dashboard for warning lights
☐ Confirm GPS and route
☐ Check that parking brake is released
☐ Stop and make one last visual check
🚐 Exterior Breakdown
- ☐ Retract awning
☐ Put away chairs and table
☐ Sweep and store outdoor mat
☐ Put away grill and outdoor cooking equipment
☐ Store pet gear and other outdoor items
☐ Make sure area is clear for retracting slides
☐ Retract slides
☐ Disconnect power cord
☐ Disconnect and store surge protector
These departure checklists help you leave with the confidence that nothing was left behind.