Why a Pre-Trip Inspection Is Non-Negotiable

An RV carries far more complexity than a standard passenger vehicle - propane systems, fresh and grey water tanks, 120-volt shore power hookups, slide-out mechanisms, and roof-mounted equipment all need to be in a known-good state before you leave your driveway. Skipping a structured walkthrough doesn't just risk a breakdown; it can create safety hazards for you and other road users.

This checklist is designed to be run the morning of every departure, whether you're heading out for a weekend or embarking on a cross-country leg of full-time travel. Think of it as your pre-flight routine - systematic, unhurried, and repeatable. For a complementary look at what to do once you arrive, see the RV arrival checklist every full-timer should run through.

The tools and supplies below are what you'll want on hand before you begin.

Required

Calibrated Tyre Pressure Gauge

Accurately measure cold tyre pressure across all tyres, including the spare.

Required

Torque Wrench

Verify lug nuts are tightened to the manufacturer's specified torque after any tyre service.

Optional

Multimeter or Circuit Tester

Diagnose lighting or electrical faults quickly without relying on visual inspection alone.

Required

Printed or Digital Checklist

Provides a consistent, step-by-step reference so no inspection group is accidentally skipped.

Required

Flashlight or Headlamp

Inspect undercarriage, compartments, and wheel wells in low-light conditions.

The Full Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist

Work through these groups in order. Safety-critical items come first so that any show-stopping issue surfaces before you invest time on cosmetic or comfort checks.

Life Safety Systems

Test the LP gas (propane) detector by pressing the test button and confirm it sounds an alert within a few seconds. Must
Test the carbon monoxide detector and smoke alarm; replace batteries if either fails to respond. Must
Inspect the fire extinguisher - confirm it is fully charged, accessible, and within its service date. Must
Check all propane connections and the regulator for signs of corrosion, cracking, or odour; close the tank valve if you detect any leak. Must

Tyres and Wheels

Check tyre pressure on all tyres - including the spare - using a calibrated gauge, inflating to the manufacturer's specified cold-inflation PSI. Must
Inspect tread depth and sidewalls for cracking, bulging, or embedded objects; replace any tyre showing visible structural damage. Must
Verify lug nuts are torqued to spec, particularly after any recent tyre service. Must
Confirm wheel chocks and levelling blocks are stowed in their storage compartment before departure. Should

Exterior and Slide-Outs

Walk the full perimeter and confirm all slide-outs are fully retracted and locked. Must
Verify the awning is rolled up and the retention strap or latch is secured. Must
Check that all exterior storage compartment doors are latched shut. Must
Inspect roof vents and skylight covers - confirm they are closed and free of debris. Should

Chassis and Engine (Motorhomes)

Check engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid levels and top off as needed. Must
Inspect beneath the coach for fresh fluid puddles indicating a leak that needs investigation before travel. Must
Confirm the air brake system (if equipped) reaches operating pressure before releasing the parking brake. Must
Test the horn, wipers, and defroster to confirm basic driver-visibility systems are functional. Should

Lights and Electrical

Walk around and verify all exterior lights - headlights, brake lights, turn signals, running lights, and reverse lights - are working. Must
If towing a vehicle or trailer, confirm tow-vehicle or dinghy lighting is correctly connected and operational. Must
Disconnect and stow shore power cord; inspect the cord for cuts or melted insulation before coiling. Must
Verify the generator starts and runs for at least two minutes without fault codes or unusual noise. Should

Water and Waste Systems

Confirm the city water connection is disconnected and the hose is stowed; verify the water pump is in the desired mode. Must
Check that grey and black tank dump valves are fully closed and the sewer hose is stowed. Must
Note fresh water tank level so you know what's available en route. Nice to have
Inspect the water heater bypass valve position to match your operational mode (bypass vs. in-service). Should

Slide-Outs Left Extended Have Caused Fatalities

Departing with a slide-out even partially extended can shear the mechanism, damage the coach structure, and create a road hazard for other drivers. Before moving the vehicle, physically confirm each slide from outside - a visual check from the driver's seat is not sufficient. Build this habit into your muscle memory.

Once you've cleared all groups, do a final slow walk around the exterior - full circle, eyes high and low. It takes ninety seconds and has caught forgotten wheel chocks, disconnected umbilicals, and open basement compartment doors that every other step missed.

If your RV has a tow vehicle or is itself a motorhome towing a dinghy, also run through the seasonal vehicle maintenance checklist periodically to stay ahead of wear items that don't surface on a single pre-trip pass.

What to Do When You Find a Problem

Not every issue you discover is a trip-stopper, but some are. Use this simple triage framework:

  • Safety systems failure (propane leak, inoperative CO or smoke detector, brake fault, tyre damage): Do not depart. Address the issue or have the unit inspected by a qualified technician before travel.
  • Mechanical concern (fluid leak, unusual engine noise, check-engine light): Understand what the warning indicates before deciding. Reading dashboard warning lights before they become bigger problems explains the most common symbols and appropriate responses.
  • Minor comfort or convenience issue (awning motor slow, levelling jack noisy): Log it, monitor it, and schedule service at your destination or on return.

Don't Defer Safety System Faults

A malfunctioning LP gas detector or inoperative smoke alarm is not a minor inconvenience - it is a departure-blocking issue. Propane leaks and carbon monoxide exposure are leading causes of serious RV incidents. Do not travel until life-safety devices are confirmed operational or replaced.

It also pays to know the limits of your roadside assistance plan before you need it. What roadside assistance actually covers - and where it falls short outlines typical coverage gaps that catch RV owners off guard, and pairs well with carrying a properly stocked emergency roadside kit.

This article provides general educational information for RV owners and is not a substitute for inspection by a qualified RV technician. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for your specific unit.