What To Do Before You Head Off On Your Next RV Adventure
We are in the middle of summer vacation season, and you’re likely ready to get your RV out on the open road. We don’t blame you one bit – but before you do, there are some important checks and tasks you should perform before leaving your driveway, helping ensure you’ll arrive safely at your campsite and be prepared once you’re there.
The first thing you want to do is to visually inspect your RV. This “walk around” should be start with both the hitch and the electrical connection between your tow vehicle and the trailer. Double check to make sure that the coupler is locked and fully seated onto the hitch ball, and securing the latch to the hitch with a safety pin or a padlock.
Also, check whether the safety chains are crossed and connected. You do so by crossing them underneath the coupler in an “X” formation and hook them securely to the tow vehicle. Make sure that the breakaway cable, which applies trailer brakes in case the trailer pops off the hitch, is attached to the secure part of your tow vehicle but is also away from the safety chains.
More importantly, check to see that all lights, turn signals, and brakes are functioning properly. Before you do, insert the 7-pin or 4-pin trailer cord onto the receptacle on the tow vehicle. Give it some slack to allow for some movement when doing turns, but not a lot to let it drag on the ground.
After you are connected, you may want to get someone in the towing vehicle to operate the turn signals, lights and put on the brakes for you, verifying everything is up to snuff.
Next, check the tires and wheels on your trailer. That includes checking the tire pressures, as well as your tow vehicle. Make sure that all lug nuts are tightened to the proper torque specifications. Make sure your spare tire is mounted and accessible when needed. Of course, don’t forget to remove the wheel chocks to be stowed away. Also check your tires for signs of dry rot or cracking in the sidewall – if you see this, it’s beyond time for a new tire.
An inspection of the exterior of the trailer should be done before you go. That includes retracting the tongue jack and all stabilizing jacks around the trailer. The doors should be operative, locked, and latched securely. Disconnect your shore power cord, fresh water hose, and sewer lines. Make sure that everything is stowed away properly.
Up on the roof, all roof vents, antennas and satellite dishes are lowered. The awning should be fully retracted and locked. The steps should also be retracted.
Inside your RV trailer, all windows, vents, and pop-up canvas should be closed, locked, and sealed. If your trailer has a slide-out panel, they should be completely retracted and sealed. That also includes the cabinets and the refrigerator, as they should also be latched and locked. If there are any loose items, secure them on the floor or on the countertops to prevent shifting or damage while you are on the road.
Apart from the trailer hitch and wiring, these same tips also apply to Class A, B, and C RVs, too.
If find any trouble with your trailer, bring it into Valley RV Supercenter’s service department and we can assist you in getting it back into shape. You can always schedule an appointment before you set off on your mid-to-late summer vacation in your RV or trailer.
