The Night-Before RV Checklist: Don't Leave Without Doing These 10 Things
The morning of a trip is the wrong time to discover a problem. The night before is when you catch it.
This is the checklist we give every Scamper renter at pickup. Run through it the evening before you leave, and your departure will be smooth.
1. Check Your Campsite Reservation
Confirm the reservation. Check the check-in time. Make sure you have the confirmation number and the park's phone number saved offline — cell service at the campsite may be limited.
2. Fill the Fresh Water Tank
If you're not connecting to campsite water hookups immediately, fill your fresh water tank before you leave. You'll want water for the drive and for the first few hours at camp.
3. Check Propane
Open the propane compartment and check the gauge on each tank. A full tank is 20 lbs. If you're under half, consider filling before you leave — propane is available at most hardware stores and many gas stations.
4. Test the Generator
Start it. Let it run for 5 minutes. If it doesn't start or runs rough, that's a problem to solve before you're on the road, not after.
5. Check Tire Pressure
RV tires should be inflated to the PSI listed on the sidewall or in the owner's manual — not the same as a car tire. Under-inflated tires are a leading cause of blowouts. Check all tires, including the spare if you have one.
6. Verify All Slide-Outs Are Fully Retracted
This one matters. A slide-out that's even partially extended will be damaged the moment you pull out of your spot. Walk around the exterior and visually confirm every slide is fully in before you move.
7. Disconnect Shore Power, Water, and Sewer
If you're coming from a campsite with hookups:
- Disconnect shore power and stow the cord
- Disconnect the water hose and drain it
- Disconnect the sewer hose, cap the outlet, and stow the hose
Driving away with a sewer hose still connected is a memorable experience for all the wrong reasons.
8. Secure Everything Inside
Open cabinets and drawers shift when you drive. Anything on a counter will end up on the floor. Before you move, walk through the interior and:
- Close and latch all cabinet doors
- Stow anything on counters
- Make sure the refrigerator door is latched (use the travel latch if there is one)
- Secure any loose items in the bathroom
9. Check Lights and Signals
Turn on the headlights and walk around. Check the brake lights (have someone step on the brake while you look). Check the turn signals. If you're towing a trailer, check the trailer lights too.
10. Know Your Route
Enter your destination in your GPS before you leave. Make sure you're using an RV-specific routing app (CoPilot, RV Trip Wizard, or Google Maps with the truck routing option) that accounts for height, weight, and bridge clearances. Standard GPS apps will sometimes route you under a bridge you can't fit under.
One More Thing
Know where the nearest dump station is relative to your campsite. If you're not at a full-hookup site, you'll need to dump before you leave. Sanidumps.com is the most reliable resource for finding dump stations.
Running this list takes 20 minutes. Skipping it can cost you hours. Do it the night before and your trip starts right.
Questions before your rental? Call us at 833-SCAMPER [blocked] — we're here to help you have a good trip.