Let’s be honest—RV travel days can feel a little chaotic, but they’re also part of the adventure! With so much to think about, having a solid checklist is like having a trusty co-pilot to keep you on track. Following this checklist won’t just make your travel day smoother; it could also save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in potential repairs. So, grab your coffee, get your crew on board, and let’s hit the road the right way!

DEPARTURE FROM YOUR CAMPSITE

1. Call your next destination to confirm your reservation and details. It’s always good to double-check to avoid surprises.

2. Inside Prep

• Pack away loose items to keep everything secure during travel.
• Secure RV furniture and the TV—you don’t want anything flying around!
• Lock cabinet doors and drawers.
• Make sure shower doors and windows are secure.
• Lock the fridge and freezer, and use tension rods to keep items from shifting.
• Give the floors a quick vacuum—it’s nice to start fresh at your next stop.
• Close and secure all roof vents.
• Turn off the refrigerator ice maker and dump the ice to avoid leaks.

3. Slide-Out Prep

• Clear off any debris from the top of slide-outs and make sure nothing is in the way inside.
• Put up all shades and blinds to protect them during travel.
• Move Olivia’s storage cubes to the back bathroom—everyone’s got their system, right?

4. Appliance & System Checks

• Turn off the A/C, heat, and floor heat.
• Turn off the diesel burner.
• Rotate the front chairs around.
• Take the trash to the dumpster—always a good idea to leave the site clean.
• Check engine coolant and oil levels—your RV will thank you.
• Store security cameras for travel.

5. Slide-In Sequence

• Retract and secure the bedroom slide.
• Retract and secure the kitchen slide.
• Retract and secure the full-wall slide.

6. Exterior Prep

• Put away camping furniture.
• Retract and secure the RV awning.
• Dump black and grey tanks—better now than later!
• Disconnect, drain, rinse, and store all water hoses.

7. Final Steps Before Departure

• Retract leveling jacks and store Ox Blocks.
• Hitch up the Jeep.
• Start the bus.
• Walk around the campsite to ensure cleanliness and confirm nothing is left behind.
• Perform a final walk-around to check all bay doors, slide-outs, and towing systems are locked and secure.
• Check tire pressure.
• Test brake lights, turn signals, and four-way flashers.
• Check headlights.
• Perform a roll test to confirm the Blue Ox clicks and Jeep tires roll freely.
• Confirm your route and any needed stops along the way.
• Set your GPS.
• Check the weather along your planned route—better safe than sorry!

ARRIVAL AT CAMPGROUND

1. Check In

• Confirm with campground office personnel that your site has all the amenities you requested.
• Grab a map and a copy of the campground rules.
• Note the address and phone number of the closest hospital—just in case.

ARRIVAL AT YOUR CAMPSITE

1. Initial Setup

• Put the bus in neutral and set the parking brake.
• Walk around the campsite to check for hazards or obstructions.
• Ensure slide-outs and the awning will clear any obstacles.
• Verify you can reach water, electrical and sewer connections.
• Disconnect the Jeep.

2. Hookups

• Connect shore power.
• Turn off the bus engine.
• Turn on A/C or heat—comfort is key!
• Place Ox Blocks under leveling jacks.
• Level the bus.
• Pull out the propane tank.

3. Interior Prep

• Lower entry steps.
• Ensure slide-outs are clear of obstacles or trash.
• Extend the full-wall slide.
• Connect water lines and test the pressure.
• Connect the sewer hose and run a little grey water.
• Extend the kitchen slide.
• Move cubes from the bathroom to the living room.
• Turn on bathroom fans.
• Turn on the ice maker—ready for those cold drinks.
• Rotate front chairs back into position.
• Extend the bedroom slide.
• Vacuum the RV—because clean spaces just feel better.
• Remove and store tension rods.

4. Exterior Setup

• Attach the MagneShade.
• Extend the awning (if desired).
• Start a wash if water is connected.
• Set up Starlink/Internet—stay connected wherever you are.
• Set up security cameras.
• Arrange camping furniture and accessories.
• Take a photo of your campsite to document your setup—it’s great for memories!

Following this checklist might seem like a lot at first, but trust me, it’s worth it. Not only will you ensure a safe and smooth travel day, but you’ll also avoid costly mistakes that could turn into unexpected repairs. Here’s to stress-free adventures and more time enjoying the journey!