Before you begin: Use your RV and component manuals for model-specific procedures. Stop and use a qualified professional for electrical, propane, structural, or other work beyond your training.
Start with tires and loading
Check tire condition and cold inflation against the RV and tire specifications. Look for cuts, bulges, unusual wear, or visible damage. Verify the load and cargo are within the applicable ratings; water, fuel, passengers, and gear all count.
A tire-pressure monitoring system can help during travel but does not replace a hands-on pre-trip check. See a tire professional for a suspect tire.
Walk around the exterior
Check running lights, brake lights, turn signals, mirrors, doors, steps, storage bays, windows, awnings, roof-mounted equipment, and anything carried outside. Confirm jacks and stabilizers are in travel position as the equipment maker directs.
Look beneath the RV for fresh fluid or water leaks. Do not start a trip with a known brake, steering, hitch, or wheel problem.
Verify towing connections if applicable
For a trailer, follow the hitch or pin-box instructions for coupling, latching, safety chains, breakaway cable, electrical connector, and trailer-brake test. For a towed car, use the tow-bar, baseplate, braking, and vehicle manufacturer procedures.
Different coupling systems have different steps. Use a written check for your installed components rather than a generic memory shortcut.
Secure the cabin and confirm safety equipment
Latch cabinets and the refrigerator as directed, secure loose items, close vents and windows for travel, and verify occupants are seated and belted. Test detectors and check fire extinguisher status under their manufacturer instructions.
Make sure shore-power cable, water hose, sewer hose, and chocks are disconnected or stored as appropriate. A final slow walkaround often catches what the first pass missed.
Keep a short personal version
Add steps unique to your RV, such as slide-outs, leveling gear, antenna, satellite dish, or a second fuel or propane system. Put the list where the driver will actually use it. Review it when equipment changes.
Manufacturer manuals & further reading
Use these official resources to find details for your equipment. Match the brand, model, and revision; another RV’s procedure may not apply to yours.
- NHTSA tire safety and maintenance
Understand tire labels, inflation checks, damage, and aging. Your RV and tire specifications determine the appropriate load and inflation requirements.
- Jayco owner support and manuals
A starting point for Jayco owner manuals and product support. Use the manual for your RV and the separate instructions for its installed appliances.
- Winnebago operator manuals
Find Winnebago manuals by model year. Match the model and serial-number range before using a schedule, plumbing layout, or storage procedure.
Keep a record: Use the tire pressure log →
This guide is general educational information, not a substitute for your RV’s manuals or professional inspection.