Motorhome Travel Day: Taking Down and Setting Up at a Campsite

RV Travel Day: How We Take Down and Set Up at a Campsite

What does it take to prepare our motorhome for travel and is it difficult to set up when we arrive at a new campsite? This week, we're sharing the steps we take to pack up and set up our motorhome on a travel day.

Watch How We Take Down and Set Up Our Campsite on a Travel Day

Mentioned In This Video

As we mentioned in this video, new RVers and folks who don't travel in their RV often should consider creating a checklist of steps to remember when you are setting up or taking down camp. Your checklist will be unique to you and your RV, but here are some things to definitely include:

Planning your route before your travel day will save you time and potential stress when it's time to hit the road.
Check around the floors, at the bottom of cabinets and near the slides to make sure nothing is on the floor that might damage the slide mechanisms.
Carry a vacuum or broom to sweep the inside of the RV before you bring in the slides to minimize dust, pet hair and other debris from entering the slide mechanisms.
Before you travel, be sure to safely and securely store anything that might move, open or fall as you are traveling.
Check all doors, cabinets, fridge, washer/dryer and shower doors to be sure they are latched and secured before you travel.
Secure all pets before your slides come in or out to prevent your furbabies from getting hurt.
Always check your tire pressures before you leave and while your tires are cold. This is also the time to visually inspect your tires to check for any damage or wear.
Don't get in a rush and don't let anyone distract you while you are packing up or setting up. It's easy to make mistakes if you're not focused.
Check the power at the pole before plugging your RV into it.
Always use a surge protector and a water pressure regulator (and make sure you pack them up before you leave).
If you're traveling in a diesel motorhome, make sure you give your motorhome time to raise completely to ride height.
Before you move your RV, inspect the area under around it. Be sure to check to make sure your jacks are completely raised and don't leave your jack pads behind.
If you are connecting a tow vehicle, be sure that your vehicle is properly set to tow, check your towbar connections, brakes and lights before you leave.