The RV campsite checklist provides a complete step-by-step guide for RV arrival hookup and departure breakdown. Track your progress with interactive checkboxes and never forget a critical step again.
Arrival Setup Checklist
Departure Breakdown Checklist
RV Campsite Setup Tips
Proper RV hookup order prevents equipment damage and makes your stay comfortable. Always level first before extending slide-outs — running slides on an unlevel surface strains the mechanism. Connect utilities in the correct order to avoid water hammer and electrical issues.
Hookup Order (Arrival)
Level → Stabilizers → Electric → Water (with pressure regulator) → Sewer → Slideouts → Awning. This order ensures you are stable before connecting utilities, and prevents the RV from moving after connections are made.
Breakdown Order (Departure)
Close awning → Retract slideouts → Close gray valve → Disconnect sewer → Disconnect water → Disconnect electric → Raise jacks → Walkaround inspection → Drive off. The walkaround is critical: check TV antenna, entry step, all exterior compartments, and awning arm fully secured before moving.
FAQ
Is this RV campsite checklist free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required.
In what order should I hook up an RV?
Standard hookup order: (1) Level the RV with leveling blocks or auto-levelers, (2) Stabilize with stabilizer jacks, (3) Connect shore power (electric hookup), (4) Connect freshwater hose with pressure regulator, (5) Connect sewer hose and open gray/black valves if doing full hookup, (6) Set up slideouts, awning, and accessories.
In what order should I break down before leaving?
Standard breakdown order is the reverse of setup. Close awnings and retract slide outs first. Disconnect sewer (cap it), then freshwater (drain hose), then electric. Raise stabilizer jacks. Do a full walkaround: check no items left outside, antennas down, steps retracted, all exterior compartments closed. Then hitch up if towing.
What is the most commonly forgotten RV step?
The most commonly forgotten steps are: not retracting the TV antenna before driving (destroys it on low bridges), leaving the entry step extended (damages it on turns and corners), and forgetting to close gray valve before driving (backup into campsite can cause spills). A dedicated checklist prevents these expensive mistakes.
Should I leave the gray tank valve open or closed?
Keep the black tank valve closed unless dumping — black tanks need to accumulate liquid to break down waste. For gray tanks (sinks, shower), you can leave the valve open at full hookups if your sewer connection allows it. Leaving it open prevents gray odors from backing up. Close it 24 hours before leaving to have liquid for flushing the black tank.