A thorough pre-trip inspection is the single best thing you can do to prevent breakdowns, accidents, and expensive roadside repairs. It takes 30–45 minutes and can save you days of frustration. Here's the complete checklist.

Exterior Inspection

Tires

• Check pressure in all tires (including the spare) with a quality gauge — don't rely on visual inspection
• Look for sidewall cracks, bulges, or uneven wear
• Check tread depth — minimum 4/32" for safe highway driving
• Inspect valve stems for cracks or damage
• Verify lug nut torque if you've had a tire change recently

Roof

• Walk the roof (if safe to do so) and inspect all seams, vents, and penetrations
• Look for cracks, separations, or missing sealant
• Check that all vent covers are intact and not cracked

Exterior Walls and Slides

• Look for new delamination, cracks, or damage since last trip
• Inspect slide-out seals — they should be soft and make full contact when slides are retracted
• Check all exterior compartment latches

Lights

• Test all running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights
• For tow vehicles: test trailer connector with the trailer plugged in

Hitch and Towing Equipment (trailers)

• Inspect hitch ball and coupler for wear
• Check safety chains — proper length and attachment
• Verify weight distribution bars are properly adjusted (if equipped)
• Test brake controller with a slow stop

Under the Hood (Motorhomes)

• Engine oil level
• Coolant level
• Transmission fluid level
• Power steering fluid
• Brake fluid
• Windshield washer fluid
• Belt condition — look for cracks, fraying, or glazing
• Battery terminals — clean and tight

Interior Inspection

Safety Equipment

• Test smoke detector
• Test CO detector
• Test LP gas detector
• Verify fire extinguisher is charged and accessible

Systems Check

• Run the water pump and check for leaks under sinks
• Test all burners on the stove
• Test the refrigerator — verify it's cooling on the mode you'll use (propane or electric)
• Test the furnace and AC
• Test all slide-out functions
• Test the awning (extend and retract)

Before Departure

• Retract all slides
• Retract the awning
• Disconnect shore power, water, and sewer
• Retract leveling jacks and stabilizers
• Stow all loose items inside
• Close and latch all exterior compartments
• Remove wheel chocks

On the Road

Stop after the first 10–15 miles and do a quick walk-around. Check that everything is secure, no lights are on that shouldn't be, and no unusual sounds or smells are present. This "first stop" check catches issues that only appear once the RV is moving.

Mobile Pre-Trip Inspection Service

If you'd rather have a certified technician do your pre-trip inspection, Done Right RV Repair offers mobile inspection service throughout North Texas. Our RVTI Master Certified technician will go through your entire rig and flag any issues before you hit the road.

Call us or request service online.