Labor Day weekend is coming up - are you already daydreaming about hitting the road in your RV for one last summer holiday trip?

Here’s something to think about. While these summer-ending trips are fun, even the best planners manage to miss crucial details when attempting to rush out the door. We're not talking about forgetting some sunscreen or a beloved belonging – we're talking about ensuring your RV is ready to safely hit the road. Just as a friendly reminder, here's a few items you should review before getting underway on Labor Day.

First and foremost, check the tires. Don't just check tire pressures, but inspect the conditions of the sidewalls, confirm the age of the tires, and look out for uneven wear. Don't stop with the tires on the ground – make sure to inspect the spare tire as well. While you're at it, verify the lug nuts are tightened to their proper torque.

For those of you with travel trailers or planning on towing a trailer behind a motorhome, test and verify your trailer lighting is properly connected and working. Given the key link between your trailer and tow vehicle is the hitch, it's not a bad idea to inspect the condition of the hitch pin and lock, along with the safety chains and breakaway cable. If your trailer has brakes, ensure the brake controller is also connected and functioning properly.

It's also important to check to see your RV's electrical systems are also in good working order. After verifying batteries are properly charged, make sure any equipment like interior lighting, refrigerator, microwave, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and other items are able to power up and function. If your RV also includes a generator, now's the time to fire it up and ensure it's also in good working order.

If your RV has a propane tank, check the levels. Propane is often used to fuel the stove, water heater, and furnace – an important feature even in summer, given nights may grow somewhat chilly. Speaking of tanks, inspect some of your key plumbing connections, including the freshwater hose, water pressure regulator, sewer hose and fittings and tank treatment. Make sure you also pack a pair of gloves, and a fresh pack of toilet paper. Know where the nearest dump station is for any excess from your systems.

Lastly, inspect the awnings for condition and operation, the roof and window seals. While you're at it, consider packing some rain jackets, a tray for dirty shoes, additional paper towels, and a small dehumidifier. We'd also suggest ensuring you have wheel chocks, level blocks, flashlights and batteries, a first-aid kit, sunscreen, a set of basic tools, duct tape, an extension cord, and a printout of your campground reservation.

Labor Day weekend in the Pacific Northwest can yield any kind of weather. Being prepared before you go is the smartest thing to do before you leave. If you happen to miss anything, including parts for your RV, Valley RV Superstore in Kent is the place to make sure you are ready to go. Our service department can fix anything on your RV to make sure it is indeed ready for Labor Day weekend. Our parts department stocks anything you might be missing for your RV. Contact us to see what we can do before you go.

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