An RV Checklist For Your Class C
Motorhome Keeps The Wrong
Things From Happening

Some type of RV checklist should be a must for any serious Class C Motorhome owner. Unfortunately, a lot of us are focused on where we are going next, and not paying enough attention to where we are now. There is an old saying, "Don't let the urgent get in the way of what is important".

For us RV'rs, this simply means that sometimes we have an urgent need to get down the road, and forget the important task of ensuring a safe trip. This can be accomplished through a well thought out RV checklist.

With this in mind, I thought I would put something together to help all of us get down the road safely.

Exterior:


• Pack up and put away your toys. It sounds silly to have this on a list, but I have left things behind because I did not read from my list!
  
  
  • Put away your patio chairs, hammocks, portable grill, lanterns, patio mats etc... is there a dart board on a tree somewhere?
    
    
• Police the area of trash. Nobody likes to clean up a campsite before they set up camp, so pick up your stuff and put it in the trash... do not leave a mess for the next camper. Also... don't forget to dump the trash from your Class C Motorhome.
  
  
• Ensure the awning is closed and locked. Look up to see if your TV antenna and/or your satellite dish is still extended.
  
  
• Make sure that your side entry steps are in.
  
  
• If you are using automatic levelers, visually check that they are up all the way.
  
  How Do You Keep Stuff From Rattling Around
  While You Drive Down The Road?
  
  Interior:
  
  
• Put your pots and pans away. Ensure that the breakable dishes are protected, and all your cupboard doors are close and latched.
  
  
• Put the games and/or knickknacks away.
  
  
• Secure the counter-top appliances.
  
  
  • If your coffee pot is not built in, put it away.
    
    
  • Is there a vase of flowers sitting on the table? It is real easy to overlook stuff.
    
    
• Bring in and lock all slide-outs... be sure to clear the floor and check for obstructions first.
  
  
• Close all overhead vents; close and lock your windows.
  
  
  • Check and secure your window coverings.
    
    
• Make sure your refrigerator door is closed all the way and latched... same for the freezer.
  
  
• Close all the doors... medicine cabinet, shower, lavatory, cupboards, etc.
  
  
• Ensure that all your 12 Volt lights are off... check the porch light. Don't leave your vent fans running before disconnecting power... this is a good way to drain a 12 deep cycle battery!
  
  

Maintenance:


• Your RV checklist should include ensuring that your tires' pressure are properly inflated, and various fluid levels are satisfactory.
  
  
• Look for suspicious and unaccountable fluid leaks on the ground below your rig.
  
  
• Ensure that your side mirrors are adjusted properly.
  
  
• Check to see if both headlights and all the running lights, clearance lights, and brake lights are functioning.
  
  
• Either drain or fill your fresh water.
  
  
  • This depends on where your going, and how much weight you want to carry around.
    
    
• Drain and flush your black and then gray waste tanks.
  
  
  • Make sure your waste sewer hose is disconnect and stored.
    
    
  • Ensure waste valves are closed tightly, and the caps are secure.
    
    
  • Add at least a gallon or two of water to the black tank.
    
    
    • Add appropriate chemical to your black water tank.
      
      
• Disconnect all remaining hookups.
  
  
  • Disconnect electrical power after ensuring that all electronic, and electrical devices like the air conditioner, furnace, and water heater are turned off.
    
    
  • Depending on your rig, you may need to ensure that the electrical supply cord is properly plugged into your gen-set.
    
    
  • If need be, start your motor-generator and allow it to run a couple of minutes before turning on the air conditioner if you want to use it during the next drive period.
    
    
  You Don't Want To Forget About
  Your Faithful Dinghy
  
  Dinghies And Towing Hitches:
  
  
• Ensure that your tow bar hookup and towing hitch are secure and undamaged.
  
  
• Check all towing connections... check the lights, brakes, etc.
  
  
• Make sure you release the parking brake on your dinghy.
  
  
• Check the dinghy's ignition switch selection... make sure your front wheels are free to track behind the motorhome (i.e. turn right or left).
  
  
• If required, perform the appropriate transmission selector procedure required for your specific dinghy.
  
  
• Ensure your dinghy brakes are working properly and that your tow bar is locked in position.
  
  
  • You can do this by pulling your vehicle forward and having someone observe the hitch and dinghy movement.
    
    
  Long Term:
  
  
• Use a motorhome checklist to keep weight issues and weight distribution in check.
  
  
  • Use your RV checklist to keep your motorhome weight down. Stuff accumulates... get rid of the stuff you are not using. You do not want to surpass your GVWR. Keep your rig in balance, and know where your weight is.

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Leave An RV Checklist For Your Class C Motorhome Keeps The Wrong Things From Happening And Return To Being Safe
On The Road Requires A Plan

Leave An RV Checklist For Your Class C Motorhome Keeps The Wrong Things From Happening And Return To Home Page

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