Whether you’re staying one night or more, taking a few extra minutes before pulling away can prevent accidents, forgotten items, and unnecessary repairs.
Inside the Vehicle
☐ Secure loose items that could shift while driving.
☐ Close and latch cabinets, drawers, and refrigerator doors.
☐ Turn off propane appliances if appropriate for your setup.
☐ Stow coffee makers, fans, and countertop items.
☐ Verify pets are safely secured.
☐ Double-check medications, wallets, phones, and keys.
Outside the Vehicle
☐ Retract steps, awnings, and slide-outs.
☐ Disconnect and store electrical cords.
☐ Disconnect water hoses and drain if necessary.
☐ Stow Starlink, antennas, flags, and outdoor gear.
☐ Secure solar panels and anything that could blow away.
☐ Store chairs, tables, mats, grills and dog chains.
☐ Check that outside compartment doors are closed and locked.
☐ Close propane valve to turn it off. (important because a tire blow out can hit that line and cause an explosion)
Tow Vehicle and Trailer
☐ Verify hitch connection.
☐ Confirm safety chains are attached correctly.
☐ Check breakaway cable.
☐ Raise stabilizer jacks.
☐ Remove wheel chocks.
☐ Confirm lights and turn signals are working.
☐ Look at all tires for obvious problems.
One Final Walk Around
☐ Walk completely around your rig one last time.
☐ Look underneath for forgotten items.
☐ Check for children, pets, or wildlife nearby.
☐ Make sure nothing is hanging, dragging, or left behind.
☐ Verify your path out is clear.
Leave No Trace
☐ Pick up any trash, even if it isn’t yours.
☐ Check the fire ring and ensure fires are completely out.
☐ Leave the area cleaner than you found it.
☐ Respect the land so others may enjoy it after you.
Many experienced travelers have one simple rule: Never drive away without doing one last walk around. That one habit has prevented countless mistakes.
Brought to you by Hope Haven Ministries Foundation. Please share it. www.hopehavenaz.org
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” — Colossians 3:23