There’s a lot to know about your RV, and it’s essential to stay on top of your vehicle’s condition with regular pre-trip inspections. You want to catch any safety defects or potential mechanical problems before they impact you and your family on the highway.
Ensure the motorhome and all of its components, devices, systems and subsystems are serviced and ready for travel.
Inspect wheel lugs for tightness. Examine tires for signs of damage and wear. Ensure that all tires are properly inflated.
Check All Fluids:
• Engine/crankcase oil
• Power steering fluid
• Radiator recovery system
• Battery electrolyte level
• Windshield washer reservoir
• Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF)Check the oil level in the generator power plant (if installed). Refer to the generator instruction and maintenance manual located in the Motorhome Information Kit for details on pre-use requirements.
Consult the chassis manual in the Motorhome Information Kit for a list of pre-trip inspection requirements.
Verify that all lights are in working order.
Check the engine compartment for wildlife.
Sanitize and fill the fresh water tank if required. Turn off the water pump unless using water. Turn off the water pump if leaving the unit unattended for an extended period of time. (Refer to System Monitor section in “Electrical System Operation” chapter for details.)
Start the refrigerator a day ahead of time so it will be cold for your trip.
Fill the LP gas tank to a maximum of 80% of its capacity. Be careful not to overfill the LP gas tank. An overfilled LP gas tank will cause the gas regulator to fail, and may result in problems with LP gas components. Turn off the LP gas valve control located in the utility center. Make sure all LP gas controls are turned off (furnace, stove top and refrigerator). Check for LP gas leaks regularly using soapy water.
DANGER: Turn off all appliances while refueling any motorhome or LP gas tanks. Do NOT smoke while refueling.
Check that sewer connections are properly stored and all external compartments and filler openings are closed and/or locked.
Ensure the roof vent opens and closes.
Be sure that all doors are closed and latched with travel locks in place, and ensure all loose objects are secured including cabinet and refrigerator contents.
Deodorize the waste holding tank. (See details in “Black Water - Waste Holding Tank” in “Water / Plumbing” Section).
Check that all blocks and chocks are removed and stowed.
Check that there are no obstructions in the motorhome’s pathway before moving.
Ensure there is proper clearance between adjacent and overhead objects to prevent making contact.
Disconnect and stow the shoreline power cord (Refer to details in this section).
Lock exterior compartment doors.
Check that the fire extinguisher is in good condition and fully charged (Refer to details in Safety section).