[GET] RV Checklist

After almost 6 years of fulltiming, I am often asked for tips to help the newbie hit the road. I believe following a checklist is an important part of the process. It’s always a good idea to review safety steps no matter how many times you’ve performed them. I share things learned from my own experience (sometimes found out the "hard way"). I also had lots of good expert input from those more experienced in areas less familiar to me. An RV salesman with over 20 years experience helped with the PDI process, a long-time trailer and 5th wheel tower overlooked that section. These lists were designed to be easy to use, broken down into four stages so you can print out just exactly what you need along the way. Below is a recap of the kind of checklists included and the type of information provided.

Separate detailed lists for interior and exterior elements to check out. Drive Test – how’s it handle? What to watch for. Helps keep track of different ones you’ve seen and how to inspect them.


What to look for on your maiden voyage. Notifications, things to consider, safety checks. One forum contributor solution: "Just stock it with money and it will turn into anything you need." You get 3 pages of more specific things to consider. You might as well do this now while you’re stocking it – hopefully it will never come in handy.

Site inspection, setting up procedures, safety checks. Don’t forget anything (including your spouse!) Basics on how to be a good neighbor

General instructions for basic hitch setups are provided. Manufacturers have specific instructions to their brands, so be sure you understand their recommendations and procedures.

Steps to take to assure your rolling home is safely tucked away and then ready to hit the road again safely.

A resource of more info related to checklist items. "Ooops" that could have been prevented by using checklists.

Below is a sample page showing the basic format used for the checklists.

This book is available as an E-Book in pdf format that lets you download it onto your computer. That way you can print out just what you need.

"Nice JOB! ….We’re getting a 5th wheel and…there’s so much to prepare for, especially selling everything we own. Thank you for a great check list. I put it in a plastic folder. DM

Because I am prior Air Force (31 years), I LOVE working off of checklists – and I really like yours and your website! CS

I am in the process of shopping for a used RV, so my focus right now is on your comparison checklist for buying pre-owned. I appreciate the format and your experience; you saved me from making my own table or Excel checklist. PB

Your list was great. While the dealer did a great job in covering everything, having your checklist to review was perfect. MJ

"Everyone who owns a motorhome or RV knows the value of checklists. Without checklists, there is going to be such a higher chance of you losing something, forgetting something at your last campsite, or worse- causing damage to your RV or Motorhome from forgetting some simple maintenance before hitting the road. Now, not only are checklists important, but for you to get the most out of those checklists, you need to be able to print them in bulk and on demand.

With regular printed books, you just can only write on the checklist so many times. Maybe 2 or 3 times at best before you’re asking yourself, “Why did I get this book?“. But, and this is where eBooks are actually superior to older bound books, with ebooks you can print out any page hundreds- even thousands- of times. So if you are the type of RVer who just loves to have that checklist on how to Flush the Septic System but you don’t need the checklist for Pre-Planning Your Used RV Purchase, then forget the latter and print 10 of the first one. It’s a custom ebook, built for you.

Now the best ebook I’ve come across for RV, Motorhomes, Travel Trailers, Class A B and C’s, Camper Vans, and 5th Wheels is hands down Malia’s RV Checklists. She’s got all the checklists, updated, and it’s CHEAP too. It’s only $11.95, and you’ll get paid for that ebook purchase hundreds of times over in return."

RV Checklist