Eager to get on the road but worried you might leave something at home? Here are comprehensive checklists to ensure your motorhome travels go smoothly!

Before You Leave Your Home

• Membership cards (Good Sam, Camping World, Pilot, Flying J, National Park Pass, Costco, Sam's Club, etc.)
• Motorhome insurance and extended warranty service documents
• Car keys
• Arrange for pickup of mail and flyers; cancel or have newspapers picked up
• Leave phone number or itinerary with a trusted friend/neighbor
• Arrange security watch for home (neighbor, friend, police)
• Turn off water heater, air conditioners, and water to the house
• Set alarm and remove and stow TV cable and/or phone cords
• Check lugs on wheels, tire pressure, engine oil, transmission oil, coolant level, hydraulic fluid level, and diesel/water filter
• Make sure all exterior storage items are secure; close and lock all compartments
• Personal items (clothes, phone charger, food, toiletry items, shoes, etc.)

Packing Up: Outside

• Take down and stow awning lights
• Stow all outside items: carpets, chairs, grill, etc.
• Put up awnings and lock arms
• If not operating the refrigerator, shut off the LP gas bottles
• Turn off gas water heater
• Shore power disconnected and stow any outside electrical connectors
• Drain and flush black water holding tank; put in 2-3 gallons of water and appropriate holding tank chemical
• Drain grey water tank
• Double check that sewer drain valve is closed and remove/cap the sewer drain outlet
• Remove fresh water hose, drain, and stow; cover the outside water connection
• Stow satellite dish and stand
• Put steps up

Packing Up: Inside

• Stow everything loose: coffee maker, toaster, dishes, cups, etc.
• Put in the slide outs and lock (travel bars and/or lock pins)
• Lower roof TV antenna, satellite dish, and roof vents
• Put travel bars in refrigerator and lock refrigerator door
• Turn off refrigerator or switch to gas operation
• Turn off air conditioner or furnace, water pump, electric water heater
• Turn off all gas pilot lights, lights, radios, and electrical items
• Close windows and secure blinds/drapes, bathroom shower door, all other doors and cabinets
• Secure all bathroom items; put cutting board in sink or stow in cabinet
• Make sure the weight inside is as evenly distributed as possible

Unhitch Procedures

• Situate in site, level side to side
• Unlock hitch, remove breakaway, move truck
• Connect hookups: electric, water, sewer, propane
• Slide out
• Ensure all compartments and doors are closed and locked (when going into dead storage)
• Battery disconnect (when going into dead storage)

Hitching Up and Pulling Out

• Check that hitch is secure
• Pull out of the site slowly to the road; get out and check: site is clean, no items forgotten, all looks secure
• Check the lights (stop lights, turn signals and running lights)
• Check your electric brakes
• Pull out of the park slowly

Tow Vehicle Checklist

• Tow bar properly connected with all pins and clips properly secured
• Check for any indications of damage to the bar or bracket
• Check all nuts and bolts tightness
• Safety cables hooked up and crossed under the coupler
• Transmission in the proper gear for towing
• Turn on brake switch in RV
• Braking system for towed vehicle properly connected and tested (if equipped)
• Towed vehicle's parking brake released
• Ignition in the first ON position allowing the steering wheel to freely turn
• Towed vehicle locked for towing with spare key available
• Follow vehicle manufacturer's instructions for towing
• Hitch car to motorhome and lock on with breakaway switch
• Check lights; are windows closed?

Congratulations — you now have a checklist to help make your travels as smooth and easy as possible! As always, share your adventures with us on social media using #OnTheMoveWithMOT. Enjoy the cooler temperatures and happy travels!