5 Things Every RVer Should Check Before Hitting the Road

5 Things Every RVer Should Check Before Hitting the Road

There’s nothing better than pulling out of the driveway with the RV packed, the destination programmed into the GPS, and a weekend of adventure ahead.

But before you put the truck in gear, take a few minutes to make sure your RV and towing setup are ready to go. A quick pre-trip inspection can help prevent problems on the road—and potentially save you from an expensive roadside headache.

Here are 5 things every RVer should check before hitting the road.

1. Check Your Hitch and Coupler

Your hitch is one of the most important connections between your tow vehicle and trailer, so don't treat it as an afterthought.

Before every trip, inspect the hitch and make sure:

  • The hitch is properly seated in the receiver.
  • The hitch pin and retaining clip are securely installed.
  • The correct ball size is being used for your trailer coupler.
  • The coupler is completely locked onto the ball.
  • Safety chains are properly attached.
  • The trailer wiring connection is secure.

Give the connection a visual inspection from several angles. If something doesn't look right, stop and fix it before you leave.

Your towing setup should never be something you assume is secure. Verify it.

2. Check Your Trailer Tires

Your tires are another critical part of your pre-trip inspection.

Check the tire pressure when the tires are cold and compare it with the pressure recommended for your trailer and tires. Don't simply rely on how the tires look.

While you're there, inspect each tire for:

  • Cracks or dry rot
  • Uneven wear
  • Bulges or damage
  • Objects stuck in the tread
  • Excessive wear

Don't forget the spare tire.

If your RV has been sitting for several weeks—or all winter—give the tires extra attention before heading out.

3. Make Sure Your Lights and Brakes Are Working

You don't want to discover that a brake light or turn signal isn't working after you've already merged onto the highway.

Before leaving, test:

  • Brake lights
  • Left and right turn signals
  • Running lights
  • Hazard lights
  • Trailer brake function
  • Tow vehicle/trailer electrical connection

If you have a brake controller, make sure it is functioning properly before you start your trip.

It's also a good idea to have someone stand behind the trailer while you operate the lights. A second set of eyes makes this check much easier.

4. Secure Everything Inside—and Outside—the RV

RV travel creates a lot of movement.

Cabinet doors can open, drawers can slide, and items that seemed perfectly secure in the driveway can become projectiles once you're traveling down the highway.

Before leaving:

  • Close and latch cabinet doors.
  • Secure drawers.
  • Lock refrigerator and freezer doors.
  • Put loose items away.
  • Secure outdoor chairs and equipment.
  • Retract and secure awnings.
  • Make sure steps are properly stowed.
  • Check storage compartments and exterior doors.

Walk around the entire RV before getting into the truck.

That final walk-around takes only a couple of minutes and can catch something you forgot during the packing process.

5. Do One Final Walk-Around

This may be the most important step of all.

Before pulling away, walk completely around your truck and RV.

Look for anything that could cause a problem once you're moving.

Check:

Front:
Is the coupler properly connected? Is the jack completely raised?

Driver's side:
Are the storage compartments closed? Are the awning and accessories secure?

Rear:
Are the lights working? Is anything hanging or dragging?

Passenger side:
Are all compartments closed? Are the tires properly inflated?

Underneath:
Are there any hoses, cables, chains, or other items hanging down?

Then take one last look at your hitch and connection.

The 60-Second Rule

Here's a simple habit worth developing:

Before every trip, stop for 60 seconds and inspect your entire towing setup.

It doesn't have to be complicated. A consistent pre-trip routine is often more valuable than trying to remember everything at the last minute.

Ready to Hit the Road?

RVing is about getting away, exploring new places, and enjoying the journey. A good pre-trip inspection shouldn't take long, but it can give you much more confidence before you pull onto the highway.

At YakJak, we're building towing products for RVers, boaters, and anyone who takes their adventures seriously. From adjustable hitches to towing accessories, our goal is simple: make the connection between your vehicle and your adventure better.

And because every YakJak product is backed by our lifetime warranty, we're standing behind the gear you depend on.

Check it. Connect it. YakJak it.

Always follow your vehicle, trailer, hitch, tire, and component manufacturers' instructions and rated capacities. Never exceed the rated capacity of any part of your towing system.