8 things I recommend checking before every trip.
Nothing ruins a camping trip faster than discovering a problem after you’ve already left home.
A flat tire, a dead battery, an empty propane tank, or an awning that won’t retract can turn a relaxing weekend into an expensive headache.
The good news? Most of these problems are preventable.
Whether you’re heading out for a quick weekend or a cross-country adventure, these are the eight things I recommend checking before every trip.
Let’s get started.
1. Check Your Tire Pressure
Your tires are carrying thousands of pounds down the highway.
Low tire pressure creates heat.
Heat leads to premature wear and increases the risk of a blowout.
Before every trip:
- Check pressure when the tires are cold.
- Inspect tread.
- Look for weather cracking.
- Don’t forget the spare.
💡 Alicia’s Tip: Tire pressure takes five minutes to check. Waiting for a tow truck on the side of the highway takes a lot longer.
2. Make Sure Your Lug Nuts Are Properly Torqued
This is one that many new RV owners overlook.
Lug nuts can loosen after service work or wheel removal.
Using a torque wrench and checking them to the manufacturer’s specification gives you peace of mind before hitting the road.
💡 Alicia’s Tip: If your wheels have recently been removed for brakes, bearings, or tire replacement, it’s especially important to recheck the torque after driving.
3. Test Your Trailer Brakes
Your tow vehicle isn’t designed to stop everything by itself.
Before every trip:
- Test your brake controller.
- Check brake response at low speed.
- Verify your breakaway cable is connected correctly.
A quick parking lot test is much easier than discovering a problem during an emergency stop.
4. Inspect Your Fresh Water Equipment
Fresh water hoses often get tossed into storage bins between trips.
Before filling your tank:
- Inspect the hose.
- Rinse it out.
- Replace worn washers.
- Sanitize if it’s been sitting.
Clean drinking water is something you don’t appreciate until you don’t have it.
5. Check Your Battery Charge
Many RV issues begin with low voltage.
Before leaving:
- Check battery state of charge.
- Verify solar is working (if equipped).
- Make sure terminals are clean.
- Confirm the battery disconnect is in the correct position.
This is especially important if your trailer has been sitting for a while.
6. Give Your Awning a Quick Inspection
Your awning spends its life battling wind, sun, rain, and UV exposure.
Before every trip:
- Extend it fully.
- Look for tears.
- Check the arms.
- Make sure it retracts smoothly.
And remember…
Never leave an awning unattended in windy conditions.
7. Verify Your Propane Supply
Before leaving home:
- Check tank levels.
- Confirm valves operate properly.
- Inspect hoses for damage.
Running out of propane means losing your stove, furnace, water heater, and refrigerator (depending on your setup).
8. Test Your Safety Devices
This one may be the most important.
Push the test button on:
- Smoke detector
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Propane detector (if test function is available)
Replace batteries as recommended.
These are simple checks that protect everyone traveling with you.
Before You Pull Out
Take one slow walk around your RV.
Are the stabilizers up?
Steps in?
Windows closed?
Storage doors latched?
TV antenna down?
Tongue jack raised?
Safety chains crossed?
Breakaway cable attached?
Sometimes the most important inspection is simply slowing down for one last look.
Final Thoughts
Camping should create memories, not roadside surprises.
Spending fifteen minutes checking your RV before each trip can save hours of frustration later.
I tell customers all the time that RV ownership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about building simple habits that keep your adventures safe and enjoyable.
Have a great trip, and I’ll see you down the road.