The following are generalized checklists for packing up after your RV trip. Since there are so many different types of RVs with different options on each one, it's nearly impossible to put together a checklist for each one. So keep in mind the following notes when using these lists:
- These are general checklists you can use for packing up. Modify them any way you wish for your particular setup. Some items may not apply while other items for your rig and setup might be missing. But these checklists contain most of what needs to be done in every situation, regardless of whether you have a motorhome, travel trailer or tent camper.
- The checklists are not necessarily in the order that things must be done. Rather, as long as you have everything checked off before you leave, you should be in good shape.
Packing Up: Inside
- Close and secure all cabinets, doors and drawers
- Close and/or secure all other doors (pass-thru, bathroom and bedroom closet doors)
- Close windows and secure blinds/drapes
- Disconnect and stow any electrical cords
- Double check items in cabinets to make sure they won't fall over
- Lower range top cover
- Lower roof satellite dish
- Lower roof TV antenna
- Lower roof vents
- Make sure the weight inside is as evenly distributed as possible
- Put cutting board in sink or stow in cabinet
- Put in the slide-outs
- Put travel bars in refrigerator
- Secure bathroom shower door
- Secure refrigerator door
- Shut off all gas pilot lights
- Shut off all lights, radios and electrical items
- Stow and secure all bathroom items
- Stow and secure any stand-alone tables, chairs and other objects
- Stow everything loose; coffee maker, toaster, dishes, cups, etc.
- Take down all portable clocks that could fall
- Turn off air conditioner or furnace
- Turn off electric water heater
- Turn off refrigerator
- Turn off water pump
- Wrap TV in a blanket and place on the floor
Packing Up: Outside
- Cap the RV sewer drain outlet
- Check lugs on wheels
- Check tire pressure
- Close front (and rear) window shutters
- Close/lock outside range hood vent
- Cover the outside water connection
- Disconnect shore power electrical cord and stow; close and secure the hatch
- Double check that sewer drain valves on RV are closed and remove the sewer hose
- Drain and flush black water holding tank
- Drain gray water tank
- Drain sewer hose, clean and stow
- If not operating the refrigerator, shut off the LP gas bottles
- Make sure all exterior storage items are secure; close and lock all compartments
- Put in 2-3 gallons of water and appropriate amount of holding tank chemical into the black water tank
- Put stabilizer jacks up and secure -or- Stow portable jacks
- Put steps up
- Put up all awnings
- Remove and stow any outside electrical connectors
- Remove and stow TV cable and/or phone cords
- Remove fresh water hose, drain and stow
- Stow all outside items: carpets, chairs, grill, etc.
- Stow satellite dish and stand
- Stow wheel chocks
- Take down and stow awning lights
- Turn off gas water heater
