16 things to verify before you turn the key. Walk through it the same way every time and you will not leave a slide out again.
Refrigerator latched and powered
Switch fridge from AC shore power to propane or 12V. Latch the door (or stick a magnet on the gasket to remind you). Loose food in the freezer becomes a missile at the first turn.
All cabinets, drawers, and bathroom door latched
Walk every drawer and cabinet. A single open drawer is the most common rookie mistake. Latch the bathroom door so the toilet does not flap and break.
Loose items secured
TV remote, coffee maker, plates, books on counters and tables go in a drawer or non-skid shelf. Slick countertops launch everything.
Windows and vents closed
Roof vents down (not up). Side windows latched. The wind force on a raised vent at highway speed will rip it off.
Slides retracted and locked
Every slide in, locked, with the slide topper rolled in. Walk around the rig to verify each slide is FULLY in.
Awnings retracted, locked, and travel-pinned
Awning fully rolled in. Travel locks engaged. Many awnings need a manual pin or strap when traveling.
Hitch and safety chains inspected (if towable)
Coupler latched and locked. Safety chains crossed under the tongue. Breakaway cable attached to a non-detachable part of the tow vehicle. Brake controller set to your usual gain.
Tires checked - cold pressure and visual
All tires at door-jamb sticker pressure (cold). Walk around for sidewall bulges, missing valve caps, or low spots. Tire blowout is the #1 RV roadside event.
Power cord disconnected and stowed
Unplug from shore power, coil the cord, store in compartment. Cap the pedestal if it has one. Inspector tip: dropped power cords are the most-forgotten item.
Water hose disconnected, drained, stowed
Disconnect from spigot, drain hose, coil, store. Close the city-water inlet on the rig. Forgetting this rips off your hose AND the spigot.
Sewer hose disconnected, rinsed, stowed
Dump black tank FIRST, then gray tank to rinse the hose. Cap both rig and dump-station outlets. Sanitize hands when done.
Propane valve - off for travel through tunnels
For most travel, propane can stay on. EXCEPTION: most tunnels and ferries require propane off. Know your route.
Mirror, seat, and steering check
Adjust mirrors for the rig length. Seat at proper height. Both feet can reach pedals comfortably. Steering wheel within normal reach.
GPS set to RV-safe routing
Use an RV-specific GPS (Garmin RV, RV Trip Wizard) or RV Life Pro app. Plug in your rig height, length, and weight to avoid low bridges, weight limits, and tight curves.
Fuel and propane levels
Top off diesel/gas at the start of the day, not the end. Aim to refuel at 1/4 tank — most truck stops are easy in and out at that point. Check propane level if it has been a while.
Emergency kit and roadside contacts
Reflective triangles in driver-side easy reach. Good Sam Roadside or Coach-Net membership card. Your insurance card. Spare key duplicated and stashed (not on a magnet under the bumper).
Pro pattern: Do this same checklist the same way every time, even when you only moved 50 feet. Muscle memory protects you when you are tired, distracted, or rushed. Many RVers run the list out loud with their spouse confirming each item.