Travel Trailer Pre-Departure Checklist — Before You Tow

By: Jason Noel
Difficulty: Beginner

Complete safety and connection checklist for travel trailer owners before hitting the road. Covers hitch connection, weight distribution setup, brake controller testing, and the full exterior walkaround. Never forget a critical step again.

Checklist

Interior Prep (6)

1. Secure all cabinet doors and drawers

Check bathroom cabinet especially

2. Lock fridge door and switch to 12V or propane

Verify fridge is cold before departure

3. Stow loose items on counters and tables

Anything unsecured becomes a projectile

4. Close all windows and roof vents

Including bathroom vent fan

5. Verify smoke/CO/LP detectors are on

Test button if unsure

6. Secure TV and mounted electronics

Swivel mounts should be locked

Systems Check (5)

7. Note fresh water tank level

Know how much you're carrying (adds weight)

8. Empty or note holding tank levels

Gray and black — don't travel with full tanks

9. Set water heater to OFF

Never travel with water heater on

10. Turn off water pump

Prevents pump cycling while driving

11. Close propane tanks

Unless running fridge on LP

Hitch Connection (5)

12. Verify coupler is seated on ball and locked

Tug test — trailer should not lift off ball

13. Cross safety chains under tongue

Hook to frame, never to bumper

14. Plug in 7-pin electrical connector

Verify Lights

15. Install and tension weight distribution bars

If equipped — follow torque specs

16. Raise tongue jack fully and secure pin

Jack should be completely retracted

Exterior Walkaround (7)

17. Check tire pressure on trailer and tow vehicle

Include spare tire

18. Visual tire inspection

Look for cracks, bulges, uneven wear

19. Retract and secure awning

Verify awning strap or lock is engaged

20. Retract all stabilizer jacks

All four corners plus any center jacks

21. Retract entry steps

Manual or electric — verify fully up

22. Check all exterior compartment doors

Push each one to confirm latched

23. Clear roof of any items

Check for forgotten items, branches, debris

Notes

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