Whether you are just arriving at a campsite or about to leave one, there are a lot of steps to setting up and tearing down an RV - it can be easy to forget something.
Many seasoned RV-ers can set up or tear down a 5th wheel caravan in their sleep, while those with less experience often prefer a checklist to ensure that they are doing things properly. We’ve found that many people, experienced and inexperienced alike, are simply looking for an RV setup checklist and an RV teardown checklist to make sure they don’t miss any important details.
No matter how much you use your RV, it’s still easy to make mistakes and let things slip, which is why a checklist for your RV can be so helpful.
Beyond the fact that an RV checklist will help you properly set up and tear down your RV, there are many perks to using a checklist to set up and tear down your RV, such as safety, preparedness, and ability to pack up at a moment’s notice. Also, the more set up you do, the more easily you’ll be able to identify and detect issues, protecting your investment before problems get worse. And for newbies, it’s a great way to get acquainted with your new RV so you know when and how to make repairs.
To save you from tearing your hair out later, we’ve created an RV setup checklist and an RV teardown checklist so you can relax and make the most of your weekend getaway, (remember to take your time).
RV set up checklist
Before you chock your tires, there are three things you should check:
Closeness to the water and electrical connections
Proximity of obstacles
Level of the RV side to side
Once you ensure that the connections are close enough, you can slide out without hitting anything, and the RV is level, then you can chock the tyres and move on:
Chock your tyres - we mentioned this again, because you can do serious damage if you don’t. Extend the stabilizing jacks to prevent bounce or sway - found on the front and the rear of the unit. Each jack should be touching the ground. If they aren’t touching, supporting blocks should be put in place
Unhook RV from the tow vehicle
Manually level RV from front to back - you may also engage any levelling system
Connect to the electrical hook-up using a surge protector and power cord
Connect to the water hook-up using a water regulator and hose.
Connect to the sewer hook-up with a sewer hose
Deploy the safety step and slide out
Pull out the awning and outdoor furniture
Once these steps are complete, you can set up the interior of your RV:
Switch power source.
Turn on the refrigerator.
Turn on heat or air conditioning
Open the oven vent and light the oven pilot light
Unpack items that were secured for transport
After you complete this checklist, go ahead and grab yourself a tasty beverage. You’ve earned it.
RV teardown checklist
Beginning with the interior and working our way out:
A day or two before departure, close the grey tank valve
Turn off air conditioning (or heat), water heater, and pump
Empty black tank and Sani-flush several times
Clean and deodorise black tank using geo method (½ cup of dish soap, ½ cup of water softener, eg. Calgon, and 2 gallons of water)
Empty grey tank
Clean grey tank using geo method
Leave a small amount of water in the toilet (not enough to splash) in order to create a seal between your tank and your RV
Turn off the refrigerator or switch the power source to in-transit
Secure fridge bars
Close propane tanks
Close roof vents
Lower antenna
Lock windows
Pack and secure items
Lock drawers and cabinets
Turn off oven pilot light
Retract slide outs and awning
Turn off electronics and lights
Latch and lock door
Now we move onto the exterior:
Disconnect, clean, and pack hoses
Unplug power cords and adapters
Raise the safety step
Retract stabilizers and store blocks if used
Connect to the tow vehicle
Remove and store chocks from tires
Ensure RV lights work.
Check tyre pressure and wear
Do a final walkaround, making sure everything is disconnected, stored, and locked
Clean up the campsite and dispose of rubbish responsibly
Ensure any fires in the firepit have been completely doused
Pack any remaining items in the tow vehicle
Get in the vehicle and go!
This checklist will vary depending on your particular 5th wheel / RV. When you buy from CCRV one of the team will give you instruction on how to use your unit, along with advise on driving, siting, reversing and setting up and tearing down.
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