Ultimate RV Departure Checklist for Teardrop Trailers
You have had a fantastic time camping with your Teardrop, but now it’s time to leave the campground. Not quite sure about all the steps to cover before departure?
We have been there!
During our first few trips out with our Teardrop, we were new to RVing. So we were pretty nervous that we would do something wrong or forget to do something entirely.
To make sure you don’t forget anything important, it’s helpful to have a checklist.
This guide will help you prepare your teardrop trailer for departure. It covers everything from packing up to safety checks.
Want to learn more? Let’s jump right in!
Why Use an RV Departure Checklist?
A departure checklist is pretty important for any Teardrop trailer owner because it ensures nothing is overlooked before hitting the road.
Forgetting even a small step can lead to significant issues, from unsecured items causing damage to safety hazards like improperly connected hitches.
A checklist helps you address every detail, step by step. This reduces stress and minimizes the risk of problems during your trip.
It also helps to create a consistent routine, making departures smoother and quicker over time.
RV Departure Checklist
If you have already read our post on RV setup procedures, you will notice that this list pretty much does everything in reverse when it comes to leaving your campsite:
Interior
- Turn off the AC/heat.
- Turn off all lights.
- Turn off the Alde system.
- Close any rooftop vents.
- Turn off the water heater and water pump.
- Secure your items inside the refrigerator and make sure that it is locked.
- Secure all cabinet doors and drawers.
- Close and lock windows.
- Put away all items that may shift or fall while in transit.
- Pack up your garbage.
Exterior
- Store away all outside gear including rugs, chairs, tables, rope lights, etc.
- Turn off the propane.
- If you are hooked up to city water and sewer, you can empty and flush your black tank and then your grey tank.
- Disconnect, drain, rinse and store all hoses.
- Turn your battery off.
- Unplug any power cords and adapters from shore power.
- Turn your battery back on.
- Retract the stabilizing jacks.
- Hitch up to the vehicle.
- Attach the breakaway switch and safety chains, and plug in your trailer brake lights.
- Remove blocks and wheel chocks and store them away.
- Check tire pressure.
- Test all brake lights and turn signals.
- Lock the underbelly storage and Nautilus compartment.
- Retract your step.
- Lock your door.
Before Leaving the Campground
Before we leave our campsite, we always do a quick check to make sure that it is clean and that we haven’t forgotten anything.
Always leave your campsite in better shape than when you arrived!
If you are camping at a provincial park without water and sewer hookups, you will then need to head to the dumping station.
- Connect the water hose to the Nautilus for ‘tank flush’ and set it to ‘city water.’
- Connect your sewer hose (we recommend weighing down the end that goes into the drain so that it does not pop off).
- Drain and then flush the black tank.
- Drain your grey tank.
- Disconnect, drain, rinse and store all hoses.
- Open your hot and cold water low-point drains.
- Close and lock your Nautilus compartment.
- Drop off garbage and recycling.
- Check out at the campground office if necessary.
Get a FREE Printable RV Departure Checklist Here!
We always try to do things in the same order all the time. This allows you to develop ‘muscle memory’ and will have less of a chance of forgetting something.
This is where our checklist will come in handy. My best advice is to follow our list until you get into a routine of your own.
Creating Your Own Departure Checklist
Once you have a little bit of experience behind you, we would recommend creating your own departure checklist.
Start by listing all the tasks you need to complete before hitting the road. Include the basic items like securing the hitch, disconnecting utilities, and packing up your campsite.
But then customize the list to fit your specific trailer and travel habits.
A personalized checklist ensures you won’t forget important steps, reducing stress and increasing safety.
We would also recommend that you review and update your list regularly to adapt to new experiences and gear.
RV Departure Checklist – FAQs
Always dispose of trash and recycling in designated bins. If bins are full, take your trash with you.
Take leftover firewood with you, give it to your camping neighbours, or leave it at the campsite for the next camper if allowed.
Inspect tire pressure, fluid levels, brakes, and mirrors. Make sure the vehicle is in good condition.
Visit the campground office if required, inform them of your departure, and settle any outstanding fees.
RV Departure Checklist – Final Thoughts
Preparing to leave the campground with your Teardrop trailer doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Hopefully, this post has shown you just how simple the process actually is.
By following our checklist you can make sure that you have a smooth and stress-free departure.
We find that double-checking every step also helps prevent issues on the road.
And don’t forget, always be sure to leave your campsite in good condition for the next camper.
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