The Ultimate RV Trip Planning Checklist: Everything You Need Before You Hit the Road (2025)

Introduction

You've got your RV. You've chosen your destination. You're excited to hit the road.

But wait—did you remember to check your tire pressure? Book that popular campground? Pack the sewer hose? Print your reservation confirmations?

Planning an RV trip involves juggling dozens of tasks across multiple categories: vehicle preparation, route planning, campground booking, packing, safety checks, and more. Miss just one critical item and your dream trip can turn into a stressful nightmare.

That's why we created this ultimate RV trip planning checklist.

What's Inside:

6-12 week advance planning checklist
Route planning and campground booking timeline
Pre-departure vehicle safety checks
Complete packing list (so you don't forget anything)
Day-of-departure final checklist
Emergency preparedness essentials

Whether you're a first-time RVer or a seasoned road warrior, this checklist will help you stay organized and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

Let's dive in!

📅 Timeline: When to Do What

6-12 Weeks Before Departure (Long Trips Only)

For 2+ week trips or peak season travel:

Choose your destination and dates
- Research weather patterns for your travel dates
- Check for special events or festivals (affects campground availability)
- Consider shoulder season travel for better availability and lower prices
Book popular campgrounds
- National parks: Book 6+ months in advance
- State parks: Book 2-6 months ahead
- Private campgrounds: Book 4-8 weeks ahead during peak season
- Pro Tip: Use PinePoint's AI assistant to find available spots even when popular sites are full
Make any necessary RV maintenance appointments
- Annual inspections
- AC servicing (book early—RV shops get busy in spring)
- Appliance repairs
- Awning maintenance
Plan your route
- Choose RV-safe highways (avoid low bridges, narrow mountain roads)
- Identify overnight stopping points
- Calculate realistic daily mileage (250-300 miles max for comfort)

2-4 Weeks Before Departure

For weekend trips and week-long adventures:

Book remaining campgrounds
- Confirm all reservations via email
- Save confirmation numbers in a spreadsheet or app
- Note check-in times and campground rules
Plan daily activities
- Research hiking trails, restaurants, attractions
- Check for reservation requirements (some national park trails now require permits)
- Download offline maps for areas with poor cell service
Vehicle preparation
- Schedule oil change if needed (check service intervals)
- Top off propane tanks
- Test all appliances (fridge, stove, AC, heater, water heater)
- Check battery charge (house batteries and chassis battery)
Grocery planning
- Make meal plan for trip
- List perishables to buy day-before
- Stock non-perishables now (canned goods, pasta, snacks)

1 Week Before Departure

Final campground confirmations
- Call or email to confirm your reservations still exist
- Verify check-in times and any special instructions
- Ask about WiFi, laundry, dump station locations
Check weather forecast
- Look at 10-day forecasts for all destinations
- Adjust packing list based on weather (extra layers? Rain gear?)
- Consider route changes if severe weather expected
Start packing
- Use packing list (see below)
- Wash all linens, towels, clothes
- Charge all electronics
Vehicle deep dive
- Complete safety inspection (detailed list below)
- Fill fresh water tank and test all faucets
- Dump holding tanks if needed
- Check tire pressure (including spare)

Day Before Departure

Final grocery shop
- Buy perishables (milk, eggs, fresh produce, meat)
- Stock ice or freeze ice packs for cooler
- Fill any prescriptions you'll need
Load the RV
- Heavy items low and centered
- Secure all loose items (they WILL shift during travel)
- Close and latch all cabinets
Outdoor gear check
- Load camping chairs, folding table, outdoor mat
- Pack bikes, kayaks, paddleboards
- Don't forget bike rack, roof carriers
Final tech prep
- Charge phones, tablets, cameras
- Download offline maps (Google Maps, OnX Offroad)
- Download movies/shows for kids or rainy days
- Print backup paper maps (yes, really!)

Departure Day: Final Checks

30 Minutes Before Leaving:

Walk through RV interior
- Close all windows and roof vents
- Secure cabinet doors and drawers
- Turn off AC/heat
- Close and lock refrigerator (if absorption fridge)
- Retract or secure TV, computer monitors
- Put away all loose items
Disconnect from campsite (if applicable)
- Disconnect shore power and stow cord
- Disconnect water hose, drain, and stow
- Disconnect sewer hose, rinse, store properly
- Retract stabilizer jacks
- Retract awning completely
Exterior checks
- Close all exterior compartments and locks
- Retract steps (automatic or manual)
- Secure entry door
- Turn off propane at tank (required for highway travel)
- Check trailer hitch connection and safety chains (if towing)
- Verify brake lights and turn signals work
Final walk-around
- Look for anything left outside (chairs, hoses, leveling blocks)
- Check tire condition visually
- Ensure nothing is leaking (water, propane, oil)
- Double-check trailer hitch ball lock

You're ready to roll! 🚐

🔧 Pre-Trip Vehicle Safety Inspection

Use this checklist 1 week before every trip:

Tires

Check pressure on all tires (including spare) when cold
Look for cracks, bulges, or excessive wear
Verify tread depth (use penny test: Lincoln's head should be partially covered)
Check valve stem caps are present and tight

Fluids

Check engine oil level (add if low)
Check coolant level (never open when hot!)
Check transmission fluid
Check brake fluid
Check windshield washer fluid
Check power steering fluid (if applicable)

Lights & Electrical

Propane System

Check propane tank levels
Inspect hoses for cracks or damage
Test for leaks using soapy water method
Ensure tanks are secured properly
Verify expiration dates on tanks (must recertify every 12 years)

Brakes

Test brake pedal feel (should be firm, not spongy)
Listen for grinding or squealing noises
Test trailer brakes (if towing) using brake controller
Check emergency breakaway cable connection

Roof & Exterior

Inspect roof for damage, cracks, or worn sealant
Check seams around windows, doors, vents
Test all exterior lights and compartment lights
Ensure all compartment doors close and lock properly
Check awning mechanism (extend and retract once)

Interior Appliances

Test refrigerator on both electric and propane
Test stove burners and oven
Test microwave
Run water heater and verify hot water
Test AC (should cool air within 10 minutes)
Test furnace (should ignite and blow warm air)
Flush toilet and check for leaks

Slide-Outs (if applicable)

Extend and retract all slide-outs
Listen for unusual noises
Check seals for wear or damage
Lubricate slide mechanisms

If you find any issues, address them BEFORE leaving. Don't risk breaking down 500 miles from home!

🎒 Complete RV Packing List

Kitchen Essentials

Bathroom Essentials

Bedroom/Living Area

Outdoor Gear

RV-Specific Gear

Clothing

Tech & Entertainment

Documents & Money

Emergency & Safety

First aid kit (well-stocked)
Fire extinguisher (check expiration date)
Smoke detector and CO detector (test batteries)
Emergency roadside kit (jumper cables, flares, etc.)
Tire pressure gauge
Spare fuses for RV
Extra propane (if boondocking)
Water purification tablets (just in case)

🗺️ Route Planning Checklist

Map your route with RV-safe roads
- Use RV-specific GPS or apps that account for height, weight, length
- Avoid parkways with low bridge clearances
- Research mountain pass restrictions (some prohibit large RVs)
Plan realistic daily mileage
- 250-300 miles per day is comfortable
- Less if route includes mountains or lots of stops
- Account for bathroom breaks, fuel stops, meal breaks
Identify overnight stops
- Book all campgrounds in advance if possible
- Have backup options if plans change
- Note Walmart/Cracker Barrel locations for emergency overnights (always call ahead!)
Locate fuel stops along route
- Plan fuel stops every 200-250 miles
- Use GasBuddy to find cheapest prices
- Avoid tight urban gas stations (look for truck stops)
Download offline maps
- Cell service can be spotty in rural areas
- Download Google Maps offline areas
- Have paper maps as ultimate backup
Research road conditions
- Check for construction, closures, detours
- In winter, check mountain pass conditions
- Sign up for road alerts on your route

Pro Tip: Tools like PinePoint can plan entire multi-stop routes automatically, factoring in your RV size, preferences, and campground availability. Save hours of manual planning!

🏕️ Campground Booking Checklist

Research campground reviews
- Read recent reviews (within last year)
- Look for mentions of your RV size (will you fit?)
- Check for noise complaints (near highway? Train tracks?)
- Verify amenities match your needs
Confirm site accommodates your RV
- Length of site (add 10 feet to your RV length for margin)
- Type of hookups (full, partial, none)
- Pull-through vs. back-in (pull-throughs are easier)
- Level site or will you need blocks?
Ask key questions before booking:
- What is check-in and check-out time?
- Is there a dump station? (if no sewer hookup)
- What is the WiFi situation? (if you work remotely)
- Are pets allowed? Any breed restrictions?
- Are campfires permitted?
- Is firewood available or should we bring our own?
- What is your cancellation policy?
Save all confirmation details
- Confirmation numbers
- Campground phone number
- GPS coordinates (not all campgrounds have addresses)
- Gate codes or after-hours check-in instructions

✅ Day-of-Departure Final Checklist

Print this and hang it on your RV door. Check off each item before pulling out:

Interior:

Exterior:

Awning fully retracted and secured
Steps retracted
All compartment doors closed and locked
Propane turned OFF at tank
Electrical cord disconnected and stowed
Water hose disconnected and stowed
Sewer hose disconnected, rinsed, and stowed
Stabilizer jacks fully retracted
Slide-outs fully retracted (if applicable)

Towing (if applicable):

Trailer hitch locked onto ball
Safety chains crossed and connected
Breakaway cable connected
7-pin electrical connection secure
Trailer brakes tested
Weight distribution bars in place (if used)

Final Walk-Around:

Nothing left outside (chairs, hoses, mats)
Tires look good (no visible deflation)
No leaks underneath
Clear area around RV (kids, pets, obstacles)

Inside Tow Vehicle:

Brake controller set correctly
Mirrors adjusted for trailer
GPS programmed with RV-safe route
Snacks and drinks for the road
Kids/pets secured safely

✅ You're clear for takeoff!

🚨 Emergency Preparedness Checklist

Hope for the best, prepare for the worst:

Roadside Assistance Membership
- Good Sam, AAA RV, or Coach-Net
- Save phone number in your contacts
- Know your RV dimensions (they'll ask)
Emergency Contact List
- RV insurance company
- Vehicle insurance company
- Roadside assistance
- Family emergency contact
- Campground phone numbers
- RV repair shops along your route
Basic Tools & Supplies
- Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
- Adjustable wrench
- Pliers
- Tire pressure gauge
- Tire inflator (portable air compressor)
- Electrical tape and duct tape
- Fuses (various sizes for your RV)
- Light bulbs (RV-specific)
Medical Preparedness
- Well-stocked first aid kit
- Any prescription medications (bring extras)
- Over-the-counter meds (pain relief, antacids, allergy meds)
- Copies of prescriptions (in case you need refills)
- Medical insurance cards
- List of medical conditions and allergies
Communication Plan
- Phone chargers (12V car chargers)
- Portable power bank
- Paper map (for when phones die)
- Offline maps downloaded
- WeBoost cell signal booster (if you camp remotely)

🤖 Make Planning Easier with AI

Let's be honest: this checklist is comprehensive, but it's also a LOT.

The reality is that trip planning can take 10+ hours if you do everything manually:

Researching campgrounds across multiple websites
Cross-referencing availability calendars
Planning RV-safe routes in Google Maps
Reading hundreds of reviews
Making spreadsheets to track it all

There's a better way.

Modern AI tools can handle the heavy lifting for you. Instead of juggling 10 browser tabs, simply tell an AI assistant what you want:

"Plan a 5-day trip from Denver to Moab with boondocking spots and one full-hookup night to recharge"

"Find dog-friendly campgrounds along I-90 between Seattle and Yellowstone under $60/night"

"I need overnight stops between San Francisco and Portland with full hookups and WiFi"

Tools like PinePoint understand these natural language requests and can plan entire multi-stop trips in minutes, not hours. The AI considers:

Your RV size and restrictions
Your budget preferences
Your desired amenities (hookups, WiFi, pet-friendly, etc.)
Real-time campground availability
RV-safe routing between stops

The result? You spend less time planning and more time enjoying your adventure.

Try PinePoint's AI trip planner free →

Final Thoughts: Don't Let Planning Overwhelm You

This checklist might seem overwhelming, but remember: you don't have to do everything perfectly.

RVing is about adventure, flexibility, and making memories—not about executing a flawless plan. If you forget the s'mores ingredients, you'll buy them at the campground store. If you miss a campground reservation, you'll find a Walmart parking lot. If your route takes longer than expected, you'll arrive after dark and laugh about it later.

Use this checklist as a guide, not a source of stress.

The essentials:

Make sure your RV is safe to drive (brakes, tires, lights)
Have reservations for most nights (especially peak season)
Pack clothes, food, and toiletries
Bring your sense of adventure

Everything else? You'll figure it out on the road. That's the beauty of RVing.

Safe travels, and happy camping! 🏕️

Downloadable Checklist

Want a printable version of this checklist to hang in your RV?

👉 Download the free PDF checklist here (Coming soon!)

Or save this page and check off items digitally as you prepare for each trip.

About the Author: Ross Shamelashvili is a weekend RV warrior and the founder of PinePoint, an AI-powered trip planning tool for RVers. After years of juggling spreadsheets and browser tabs to plan trips, he built PinePoint to make the process faster, easier, and actually enjoyable.