Author
Driving away from a campsite without completing your teardown checklist is how most campsite damage happens. Slideouts left partially extended, jacks dragging on the road, power cords still plugged in — these are not rare mistakes made by inexperienced campers. They happen to experienced RVers who skip the checklist because they are tired, in a hurry, or distracted. This is your complete teardown checklist to prevent all of them.
The Pre-Departure Mindset
The number one rule of RV teardown: never pull out until you have completed the full sequence, even when you feel pressed for time. The five minutes you save by rushing will cost you five times as much in repairs. Build your teardown routine so it is automatic — done in the same order every single time, without shortcuts.
RV Teardown Checklist: Interior Steps
- Secure all cabinets and overhead compartments — check every one, not just the ones you opened
- Stow and secure the microwave plate, coffee pot, and any loose items on counters
- Close and latch the refrigerator — verify it is in travel mode if applicable
- Secure TV in its travel position or bracket
- Close and secure all interior windows and rooftop vents
- Turn off all propane appliances — stove burners, water heater, oven
- Close all interior doors and secure with magnets or latches
- Walk through every room to confirm nothing is loose that could shift in transit
RV Teardown Checklist: Exterior Steps
- Retract all slideouts — verify each one is fully retracted, not just partially
- Raise all stabilizer jacks completely — visually confirm each jack is up
- Disconnect shore power — unplug at the pedestal, retract and stow the cord
- Disconnect water hose — turn off the spigot, drain the hose, cap the RV inlet
- Disconnect sewer hose — close black tank valve first if not already, disconnect and cap
- Retract steps
- Retract TV antenna and satellite dish
- Retract or secure awning
- Remove and stow wheel chocks
- Remove and stow leveling blocks
- Disconnect toad vehicle if towing (or verify tow bar, safety chains, and brake-away cable if leaving it attached)
The Pre-Departure Walk-Around: Non-Negotiable
Before every departure, walk completely around your RV — all the way around, not just a glance from the door. You are looking for: anything still connected to the site, any doors or compartments that are unlatched, tires that look low, and anything on the ground that belongs to you or that you might drive over.
Do this every time. Even when you are confident everything is done. The walk-around catches the thing you forgot — every experienced RVer has a story about what their walk-around saved them from.
Final Check Before Moving
Before you put the RV in gear: mirrors adjusted and clear, any slide-out or jack warning lights on the dash confirmed off, and your toad (if applicable) has all lights working. Look both directions before pulling out of your site.
For emergency situations where you need to compress this process significantly, see our Emergency RV Departure Checklist. For your full campsite arrival setup process, see our Ultimate RV Setup Checklist.
Published on January 10, 2026
Michael Carter
Michael Carter is an RV conversion specialist and solar energy advisor with extensive hands-on experience building off-grid power systems for camper vans and motorhomes. He shares step-by-step guides for DIY RV builds and renewable energy upgrades.