First-Time RV Owner Checklist: Everything You Need to Know

Congratulations — You're an RV Owner!

Buying your first RV is exciting. But between the dealer's walkthrough and your first trip, there's a gap that catches a lot of new owners off guard. This checklist covers everything you need to know before, during, and after your first adventure.

Before Your First Trip

Know Your Rig

• [ ] Read the owner's manual cover to cover (yes, really)
• [ ] Know your GVWR, GCWR, and tongue weight ratings
• [ ] Locate the Federal Certification Label on your vehicle and trailer
• [ ] Practice backing up and hitching/unhitching in a parking lot
• [ ] Learn how your water, electrical, and propane systems work
• [ ] Test everything at home before you're 200 miles from nowhere

Weigh Your Rig

• [ ] Visit a CAT scale with your trailer fully loaded
• [ ] Verify you're within GVWR on both vehicle and trailer
• [ ] Check tongue weight is 10-15% of loaded trailer weight
• [ ] Confirm total combined weight is under GCWR
• [ ] Document your weights for future reference

Essential Gear

• [ ] Wheel chocks (at least 2 pairs)
• [ ] Leveling blocks or ramps
• [ ] Surge protector (30-amp or 50-amp to match your rig)
• [ ] Water pressure regulator
• [ ] Drinking water safe hose (white or blue, not garden hose)
• [ ] Sewer hose kit with elbow connector
• [ ] Basic tool kit (socket set, screwdrivers, pliers, duct tape, zip ties)
• [ ] Tire pressure gauge and portable air compressor
• [ ] First aid kit
• [ ] Fire extinguisher (check the one that came with your RV — is it charged?)
• [ ] Flashlights and headlamps
• [ ] Jumper cables or a jump starter

Safety Checks

• [ ] Check all tire pressures (including spare) — match the tire sidewall rating
• [ ] Test all lights: headlights, brake lights, turn signals, running lights
• [ ] Verify trailer brakes are working (brake controller connected and adjusted)
• [ ] Check propane connections for leaks (soapy water test)
• [ ] Test smoke detector and CO detector batteries
• [ ] Ensure fire extinguisher is accessible and charged
• [ ] Test your breakaway cable/switch

Hitching Up

• [ ] Ball size matches coupler size
• [ ] Coupler is fully seated and latched
• [ ] Safety chains crossed under the coupler (in an X pattern)
• [ ] Breakaway cable connected
• [ ] 7-pin electrical connector plugged in
• [ ] All lights verified with a helper
• [ ] Trailer brakes tested (manual activation from brake controller)
• [ ] Mirrors adjusted for trailer visibility
• [ ] Tongue jack fully raised and locked

At the Campground

Setting Up

• [ ] Level the trailer (side-to-side first, then front-to-back)
• [ ] Chock the wheels
• [ ] Connect shore power (surge protector first, then power cord)
• [ ] Connect water hose with pressure regulator
• [ ] Connect sewer hose if using full hookups
• [ ] Extend slide-outs (check clearance first)
• [ ] Deploy stabilizer jacks (don't use them for leveling)
• [ ] Turn on water heater and refrigerator

Breaking Down

• [ ] Retract slide-outs
• [ ] Disconnect and stow sewer hose (dump tanks first if needed)
• [ ] Disconnect and drain water hose
• [ ] Disconnect shore power (rig first, then pedestal)
• [ ] Raise stabilizer jacks
• [ ] Walk around the entire rig — check for anything left out
• [ ] Secure all compartment doors and latches
• [ ] Check roof for items left up there

Common First-Timer Mistakes

1. Driving away with things connected — Establish a departure checklist and use it every time
2. Not checking clearances — Know your height and watch for low bridges, branches, and gas station canopies
3. Forgetting to open the roof vent — Running the AC with the vent closed can damage the unit
4. Using the wrong hoses — Never use a garden hose for drinking water
5. Not having a surge protector — Campground power can fry your electronics
6. Overfilling fresh water tank before travel — Water is heavy (8.34 lbs/gallon). Fill up at your destination
7. Pulling into gas stations you can't get out of — Scout your fuel stops in advance or use trucker-friendly stations

Your First Trip

Keep it simple:

• Pick a campground within 2 hours of home
• Book a pull-through site (much easier than backing in for your first time)
• Go for a 2-3 night trip so you can learn without pressure
• Arrive during daylight hours for easier setup
• Don't plan too many activities — give yourself time to figure things out

Track Everything in KamperHub

Set up your vehicle and trailer in KamperHub to track weight compliance, plan routes, build packing lists, and manage your trip from one place. It's free to get started.

Set up your rig for free.

Useful Resources

• RV Industry Association (RVIA)
• Go RVing — RV Lifestyle

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KamperHub Team

Helping travellers tow safely and confidently. KamperHub provides tools for trip planning, weight compliance, and adventure management.