Why a Structured Pre-Trip Inspection Matters

Most RV breakdowns are predictable. Tyres driven on marginal pressure, LP connections left slightly loose after a campsite swap, or a slide-out not fully retracted before departure - these are the failures that strand rigs on the shoulder. A methodical pre-trip inspection takes under an hour and addresses the leading causes of on-road trouble before you pull out of the driveway.

This checklist is organised by system so you can work through the rig efficiently rather than backtracking. If you're preparing for a longer season, pair this with the seasonal vehicle maintenance checklist to cover deeper mechanical upkeep that goes beyond trip-by-trip verification.

LP Gas Checks Require Care

Propane connections should be checked carefully and methodically. If you detect any sulphur or rotten-egg odour inside the coach, do not use electrical switches - exit immediately, leave the door open, and contact a certified RV service technician. Never attempt to locate a gas leak using an open flame.

Don't Skip Checks on Short Trips

Systems like tyres and LP connections degrade between uses regardless of how long the rig sat. A two-night trip carries the same pre-departure risk profile as a two-week journey - run the full checklist every time.

For tasks involving LP gas system integrity - particularly checking regulator condition, flexible hose wear, or connection tightness beyond hand-snug - consult a certified RV technician if you have any doubt. Gas leaks in an enclosed coach are a serious safety hazard.

Tools and Resources to Have Ready

You don't need a full shop setup, but having the right tools on hand prevents you from skipping checks because you lack the means to do them properly.

Required

Tyre Pressure Gauge

Accurately measure inflation across all tyres, including the spare, against placard specifications.

Required

Torque Wrench

Verify lug nut torque to spec, especially after any recent tyre or wheel service.

Required

LP Gas Leak Detector Spray or Electronic Sniffer

Identify propane leaks at connections and fittings that might not be detectable by smell alone.

Optional

Multimeter or Battery Monitor

Check house battery state of charge and identify any abnormal voltage readings before departure.

Optional

Portable Step Stool or Ladder

Safely inspect rooftop components and high exterior access points during the walk-around.

Required

Printed or Digital Inspection Checklist

Ensure no step is skipped by working from a physical or app-based list rather than relying on memory.

The Full Pre-Trip Checklist

Work through each group in sequence. The exterior walk-around comes first because it catches obvious deployment issues - jacks, slides, and awnings - before you move into system-level checks.

Exterior Walk-Around

Confirm all slide-outs are fully retracted and latched before moving the vehicle. Must
Verify the entry steps are retracted and the door is securely closed and locked. Must
Check that all levelling jacks and stabilisers are fully raised and stowed. Must
Confirm the awning is rolled up and its travel latch is engaged. Must
Inspect all exterior compartment doors and ensure they are latched closed. Must
Check the roof or rooftop AC units visually for any loose covers or unsecured components if safe to do so. Should

Tyres and Wheels

Check tyre pressure on all tyres - including the spare - against the manufacturer's placard specification, not the tyre sidewall maximum. Must
Inspect each tyre for visible sidewall cracking, bulges, or tread wear below safe limits. Must
Verify lug nuts are properly torqued, particularly if tyres were recently serviced or rotated. Must
Confirm the spare tyre is secured in its carrier and inflated to specification. Should

Lights and Electrical

Test headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals with a second person confirming each function. Must
Verify running lights and clearance lights illuminate correctly along the full roofline and sides. Must
Confirm the battery bank (house batteries) shows an adequate charge level for the planned trip duration. Should
Check the shore power cord is unplugged, stored, and the receptacle cover is secured. Must

LP Gas and Propane System

Inspect LP cylinder(s) for adequate fuel level and confirm the valve is set appropriately for travel - many manufacturers recommend closing tank valves while driving. Must
Check all LP flexible hoses for cracking, abrasion, or kinking; replace any hose showing visible wear. Must
Verify the LP detector inside the coach is operational and not expired - most units have a rated service life of 5-7 years. Must
Ensure all appliance burners (range, oven, water heater pilot) are fully off before departure. Must

Water Systems

Confirm fresh water tank level is appropriate for the trip, or that a full hookup is confirmed at the destination. Should
Verify grey and black tanks have adequate capacity remaining - full tanks cannot always be drained roadside. Must
Check that all water supply hoses are disconnected, the city water inlet cover is closed, and the sewer hose is stored. Must
Inspect the water heater bypass valve position if winterised recently, and confirm it is returned to normal operation mode. Should

Safety Equipment

Test smoke detectors and CO (carbon monoxide) alarms by pressing the test button - do not rely on visual inspection alone. Must
Confirm the fire extinguisher is within its rated service date, fully charged, and accessible from the driver's area. Must
Verify a functioning flashlight, road flares or reflective triangles, and a basic first-aid kit are aboard and accessible. Should
Check that wheel chocks are stored and not left behind at the previous site. Nice to have

Active Warning Lights Are Not Optional

Any dashboard warning light that is illuminated when you start the engine should be understood and resolved before driving. Ignoring a check-engine or brake system warning and planning to investigate later is not an acceptable approach in a vehicle this large and heavy. If the fault cannot be identified, have the rig inspected by a qualified technician before departure.

If any warning light is active when you start the engine, do not dismiss it and plan to investigate later. Resolve or understand the cause before driving. See our guide on reading dashboard warning lights for a breakdown of common symbols and what action each requires.

After the Inspection: Before You Depart

Once you've cleared all checklist groups, do a final seated check inside the cab: mirrors adjusted, seatbelts functional, GPS or route loaded, and fuel level confirmed. If you're towing a vehicle or trailer, verify hitch pin, safety chains, and trailer brake controller response.

When you arrive at your destination, a separate set of setup tasks applies. The RV arrival checklist walks through everything to verify and configure each time you pull into a new campsite. And if something does go wrong en route, it's worth knowing exactly what your roadside assistance plan will and won't cover - our overview of what roadside assistance actually covers explains the typical gaps before you rely on it.

A pre-trip inspection isn't a guarantee of a trouble-free trip, but it meaningfully reduces the probability of avoidable failures. Run it every time - even for short overnight trips - because systems degrade between uses regardless of trip length.