Leaving the Campground? Check These 11 Things Before Towing Your RV Home

After a spring and summer spent at your favorite campground, it can be tempting to hitch up your RV and head home. But a travel trailer or fifth wheel that has been sitting in one location for several months deserves a careful inspection before it gets back on the highway.

Weather, sun exposure, tire pressure changes, animals, moisture and months of normal campsite use can all affect your RV. Taking a little extra time before departure can help identify potential problems before they become roadside problems.

1. Inspect Your Tires Carefully

Your RV's tires have been supporting the trailer in essentially the same position for months. Before moving, inspect every tire for cracks, dry rot, bulges, unusual wear or visible damage.

Check tire pressure when the tires are cold and inflate them according to the RV and tire manufacturer's specifications. Don't forget the spare tire.

2. Check the Wheels, Lug Nuts and Bearings

Take a close look at the wheels before traveling. Check lug nuts for proper torque according to the manufacturer's specifications and look for anything unusual around the hubs.

Wheel bearings and brakes are particularly important on an RV that is returning to highway travel. If you aren't sure when the bearings were last inspected or serviced, this is a good time to have them checked by an experienced RV technician.

3. Inspect the Roof and Exterior

Months of exposure to sun, rain, wind and tree debris can take a toll.

Walk around the RV and inspect the roof, seams, sealants, windows, doors, vents and exterior penetrations for cracking, separation or signs of water intrusion.

If safely accessible and permitted by the RV manufacturer, inspect the roof closely. Never climb onto an RV roof unless it is designed to support you and you can do so safely.

4. Look Underneath the RV

Before hitching up, look underneath your camper.

Check for anything that appears loose, damaged or out of place. Inspect visible suspension components, wiring, plumbing, tanks and underbelly material. Also look for evidence that animals may have made themselves at home underneath or inside the RV during the season.

5. Test Your Trailer Brakes and Lights

Make sure your brake lights, turn signals, running lights and trailer brakes are functioning properly.

Once connected to your tow vehicle, test the trailer brake controller and breakaway system according to the manufacturer's instructions before entering normal traffic.

6. Check Your Hitch and Connections

Inspect your hitch equipment carefully before connecting.

Check the coupler or fifth wheel connection, safety chains, breakaway cable, electrical connector, weight distribution equipment and related hardware. Make sure everything is properly connected and secured before moving the RV.

7. Secure Everything Inside

A camper that hasn't moved for several months can accumulate plenty of items that won't stay put once you hit the first corner.

Secure cabinets, drawers, televisions and loose belongings. Make sure the refrigerator is secured, countertops are clear and nothing can fall or shift during travel.

8. Prepare All Exterior Equipment for Travel

Make sure awnings are completely retracted and secured, steps are up, stabilizers and leveling equipment are retracted, antennas are lowered and exterior storage compartments are closed and latched.

If your RV has slide outs, visually confirm that each one is completely retracted and ready for travel.

9. Check Your Battery and Propane System

Inspect your RV battery and connections and make sure the battery is adequately charged.

Check propane cylinders and mounting hardware and make sure everything is properly secured for transportation. If you smell propane or suspect a leak, do not travel until the system has been professionally inspected.

10. Check Your Tow Vehicle and RV Together

Don't evaluate the camper by itself.

Verify the tow vehicle's tires, mirrors, hitch equipment and towing connections. Make sure the RV is properly loaded and that your tow vehicle and hitch remain within their respective manufacturer ratings.

11. Do One Final Walk Around

Before pulling out of the campsite, walk completely around the RV one last time.

Slides in. Awning secured. Steps up. Stabilizers up. Compartments locked. Utilities disconnected. Hitch secured. Safety chains connected. Breakaway cable attached. Lights working. Tires checked.

Then pull forward slowly and stop somewhere safe after a short distance to perform another quick visual check before beginning the trip home.

Not Sure Your RV Is Ready for the Trip Home?

Outpost Outfitters can help.

If you discover a problem while preparing your RV for the trip home, or simply want an experienced set of eyes on your camper, call the Outpost Outfitters Service Department at (207) 383-7893.

Our experienced RV service technicians bring more than 10 years of RV experience each and can help with maintenance, repairs and inspections to keep your RV ready for the road.

Need to handle the work yourself? We can help with parts, too. Call our Service Department, tell us what you need, and we can help you identify and arrange the RV parts you need for pickup and deleivery.

📍 Outpost Outfitters
45 Portland Road, Gray, Maine
🔧 Service: (207) 383-7893
🌐 www.outpostoutfitters.me