PitchChecklist
RV and caravan checklist before leaving
Before you drive off in a motorhome, or tow a caravan or travel trailer, walk around it once with a checklist. It's the small things that get missed in a hurry: a step left out, a hookup still connected, a cupboard unlatched. Here are the checks to run every time; your vehicle's manual covers the details.
Hitch and coupling
The hitch locked onto the ball, with the safety chains or breakaway cable attached.
How to do it: Follow your hitch's manual, and stop after the first short stretch to check it again.
Lights and turn signals
Brake lights, turn signals and tail lights on the trailer or motorhome all work.
How to do it: Have someone stand behind while you test each one.
Tires and wheels
Tire pressure and tread on the tow vehicle and the trailer, or on the motorhome.
How to do it: Check pressures cold, before driving, using the figures in your manual or on the tire placard.
Steps, jacks and awning up
Entry step retracted, stabilizer jacks raised and the awning stowed.
How to do it: Make these the last three things you check on your walk-around.
Hookups disconnected
Electric cable, water hose and drain hose unplugged and packed away.
How to do it: Look under and around the vehicle before you pull away.
Inside secured
Cupboards, the fridge door, drawers and roof vents closed, and loose items packed away.
How to do it: Walk through the inside slowly and latch everything on your way to the door.
Gas and appliances
Appliances off, and gas set the way your manual says for driving.
How to do it: Follow the manufacturer's guidance for your vehicle.
Mirrors and load
Towing mirrors set, and the load within your vehicle's limits.
How to do it: Know your height and weight before you plan the route.
Height and weight on the route
Low bridges and weight limits matter for tall or heavy vehicles.
How to do it: For caravans and motorhomes over 3.5 m or 3.5 t, Pitch reminds you to check low bridges and weight limits, and gives you 10 checks before leaving. It's a reminder, not a route check. Plan your trip with Pitch
A final walk-around
One last lap around the vehicle before you drive.
How to do it: Look at the hitch, steps, doors, windows and anything left on the ground.
Plan your next camping trip in one minute. Answer six quick questions and get your stops, nights, campsite filters and packing checklist.
Plan my tripAvailability: Pitch is an iPhone app on pre-order. Plans start on launch day, with a full refund any time before launch.
Questions
What should I check before towing a caravan or trailer?
The hitch and safety chains or breakaway cable, lights and turn signals, tire pressure, mirrors, the step and jacks, hookups and anything loose inside.
What is an RV departure checklist?
A short list of checks you run every time before driving off: hookups, steps, jacks, awning, doors, vents, tires, lights and the hitch if you're towing.
Does this replace my vehicle's manual?
No. Use your vehicle's and hitch's manuals for the exact steps and limits.
More from Pitch
Updated October 12, 2026