Tips for hitting the road and an Indoor RV Checklist
What do you need to do when you're finished with your camping trip in your RV? If you're a seasoned camper, I'm sure you have it down. However, for those of you who are new to the RV circuit it can be a disaster waiting to happen should you forget an important stowing task. When camping with a partner, the work is typically divided. However, when camping solo like I do, it all lands on my list of things to do. I have a great RV Departure Outdoor Checklist you may want to check out. But for now, let's see what indoor departure tasks need to be checked off your list before you leave the campground.
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Departure Indoor Checklist
- Confirm all cupboard doors are shut. There are a few hacks for making sure they don't open up. Some people use bungees, or child proof locks, or some other item such as a spatula. 🙂 In any case, you don't want a cabinet door to pop open while you're traveling down the road.
- Place fans, tables etc on the bed. Most people I know load up their bed while they are traveling. It is a nice flat surface, and generally things don't slide round too much.
- Turn off all lights.
- Store appliances. I sometimes keep a storage tub under the dinette. If it's a quick trip to your next destination, you could place them on the dinette seat.
- Store bathroom items. I keep my non-slid bath mat in the shower, and place things there to keep them safe.
- Look UP. I utilize all space, especially for dish cloths and dish towels. I once forgot to stow them and they were scattered all over the floor when I arrived.
- Close roof vents. Because I have Maxxair vent covers I usually leave mine cracked open to let the hot air out when I travel.
- Gather and take out garbage. I'm sure I don't really need this item on my indoor RV checklist, but it's a must do on your way out. Chances are you will be driving right by the dumpster on your way out of the campground.
- Gather dirty laundry. If I'm headed home, I prefer to put my dirty laundry in my tow vehicle, so it's easy to grab when I get home.
- Strip bedding. When you get home, you will be hot and tired.
- Unplug chargers. Stow any small cords where you will easily find them on your next trip.
- Snap fridge door shut. It is your decision whether or not to leave the propane on while your driving. I don't know of any refrigerator that will run off of your tow vehicle power while driving.
- Close shower door.
- Close interior doors As you stop and go, you don't want your door swinging around.
- Stow and unplug your TV's When you arrive and set up service (shore power) you don't want to take a chance of having a surge.
- Wipe down kitchen and bathroom Your future self will thank you when you get your camper out for the next trip.
- Sweep & shake rugs No need to take part of TN home to KY, right?
- Clear path for slides This is for inside and out. You don't want to bring in a slide if there is something in the way. You will also want to make sure there is no debris or standing on the outside. If you have a class A, make sure your captain's chair (driver seat) is free and clear.
- Slides in
Hopefully you have a traveling partner that can help share the load on this indoor RV checklist. If you're camping solo like me, you may want to perform some of these indoor RV checklist items the night before you leave.
Below is an Indoor RV Checklist to download or print.
Do you have anything to add to the Indoor RV checklist? Perhaps something you or your partner does that I should be doing?
Do you do any camping with dogs? I have lots of tips for you.
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