RV pre-trip checklist

A few days before

• Weather and road conditions checked (511 Alberta, weather.gc.ca)
• Campground reservations and passes (Parks Canada, Kananaskis Conservation Pass, Public Lands Camping Pass)
• Fire ban status checked (albertafirebans.ca)
• Propane tanks filled and within requalification date
• Batteries fully charged
• Fresh water sanitized and filled to your planned level; holding tanks empty
• Medications, first aid kit, bear spray, offline maps

Tires & wheels

• Tire pressures set cold, all positions including spare
• Sidewalls and tread inspected; no bulges or cuts
• Lug nuts torqued to spec
• TPMS on and reading all sensors

Hitch & trailer connection

• Coupler latched and pinned, or fifth-wheel jaws locked (visual + pull test)
• Weight-distribution bars and sway control installed and secured
• Safety chains crossed, hooks closed
• Breakaway cable attached to the vehicle (not to the chains)
• 7-way plug connected; cord not dragging
• Brake controller shows connection; gain set; trailer brakes tested at low speed
• Tongue/landing jack fully raised; foot or pad stowed
• Wheel chocks removed and stowed

Lights

• Running lights, clearance lights
• Brake lights
• Left and right signals
• Reverse lights / backup camera

Exterior walk-around

• Slides fully in and locked (if required)
• Awning fully retracted and locked
• Stabilizers / leveling jacks fully up
• Steps retracted
• TV antenna or satellite dish down
• Roof vents closed (or covered) for travel
• Compartment doors closed and locked
• Shore power cord, water hose and sewer hose disconnected and stowed
• Sewer cap and city water cap on
• Propane: off at the tank for travel or per your appliance manuals and local rules; tank covers on
• Mirrors adjusted (extended mirrors fitted if needed)
• Walk the site: nothing left behind, nothing under or behind the RV

Interior lock-down

• Loose items stowed; heavy items low
• Fridge doors latched; travel bars in
• Cabinet and drawer latches secured
• Shower door and bathroom door secured
• Windows closed
• TVs and electronics secured
• Water pump off
• Water heater and furnace off (or per your travel practice)
• Stove and oven off; covers latched
• Entry door locked; screen door latched

First 10 minutes on the road

• Test brakes at low speed
• Watch mirrors for anything loose or dragging
• Pull over after a short distance to re-check hitch and hubs (an infrared thermometer helps)