Camping RV Control Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Checklists are essential to ensuring a stress-free RV camping trip. Here is a list to help you prepare for your next adventure with your trailer. Remember, these lists are flexible and can be tailored to your specific needs.

Before leaving

• Equipment and More: Make sure you have all the essentials in your RV before you leave, including cash, cards, medications, first aid kit, and more.

A few days before leaving

• Planning: Let friends or family know your route and keep their contact information in case of an emergency.

General camping supplies

• Cell phone with charger and spare battery
• Geographic map
• Whistle for each person in case of emergency
• Medicines and prescriptions
• First aid kit
• Extinguisher
• Solar cream
• Rope strong enough to hold a person
• Folding chairs
• Sunglasses
• Camp knife
• Camera and accessories
• Flashlight and spare batteries
• Mosquito repellent lotion
• Bedding (pillows, blankets and sheets)
• Sleeping bag
• Electric extension cord
• Ax and/or saw
• Paper and pencil
• Small box of basic tools

Clothing

• Warm Weather Clothing
• Cold Weather Clothing
• Underwear
• Pajamas
• Hat or cap
• Gloves
• Rain set
• Shoes and stockings
• Hiking shoes and warm socks

Hygiene products

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Soap
• Towel
• Shaving kit
• Hair products (comb, brush, dryer, etc.)
• Toilet paper
• Prescription glasses, contact lenses
• Bag for soiled laundry
• Small mirror

Kitchen

• Groceries
• Spices and seasonings
• Drinking water and containers
• Utensils, cups and tableware
• Can opener
• Bowls
• Oven Mitts
• Containers with tight-fitting lids (to keep animals away)
• Lighter or matches
• Resealable bags (Ziploc type)
• Aluminium foil
• Garbage bags

Inside the RV

• Inspection: Make sure everything is tidy and secure inside your RV, including cabinets, air vents and doors.

• Stored items
• Closed cabinet doors
• Air hatches closed
• Windows closed
• Antenna down
• Select the right power for the refrigerator
• Water pump closed
• Well-tucked extensions
• Interior doors closed
• Furnace, water heater and air conditioning closed

Outside the RV

• Inspection: Do an exterior check to make sure everything is in order, including water tanks, propane tanks and tires.

• Gray and black water tank hatches closed
• Check the drinking water level if necessary
• All connections must be removed (electricity, cable, pipe, etc.)
• Propane tanks closed and secured
• Storage compartment doors closed and barred
• Raise the supports
• Remove the blocks for the wheels
• Check tire pressure
• Fold the steps
• Do a quick inspection of signal lights, brakes and lights
• Take a tour of your towing vehicle, towing system, etc.

At the Campsite – Upon Arrival

• Installation : Mettez votre VR de niveau, connectez l’électricité, l’eau et le propane, et ouvrez les extensions pour profiter pleinement de votre séjour.

• Utilisez les stabilisateurs pour mettre votre véhicule de niveau
• Connectez l’électricité, les connections d’égouts et d’eau
• Ouvrez les bonbonnes de propane
• Ouvrez les extensions
• Changer l’alimentation du réfrigérateur si nécessaire
• Ouvrez la pompe à eau si nécessaire
• Ouvrez le chauffe-eau
• Levez les antennes
• Ouvrez les armoires doucement car certains items peuvent avoir bougé durant le transport
• Inspectez le terrain de camping pour en connaitre les emplacements tels les poubelles, toilettes, etc.
• Lisez attentivement les règlements du camping car ils peuvent être différents d’un à l’autre. Évitez les mauvaises surprises
• Amusez-vous!

At the Campsite – At Departure

• Cleanup: Be sure to leave the site as clean as you found it, empty water tanks, close doors and hatches, and prepare your RV for the next trip.

• Inspect the site for forgotten belongings and waste
• Bring your waste and recycling to designated areas
• Make sure the campfire is extinguished
• Empty your gray and black water tanks
• Take a tour of the interior
• Stored items
• Closed cabinet doors
• Air hatches closed
• Windows closed
• Antennae down
• Select the right power for the refrigerator
• Water pump closed
• Well-tucked extensions
• Interior doors closed
• Furnace, water heater and air conditioning closed
• Take a tour of the outside
• Gray and black water tank hatches closed
• Check the drinking water level if necessary
• All connections must be removed (electricity, cable, pipe, etc.)
• Propane tanks closed and secured
• Storage compartment doors closed and barred
• Raise the supports
• Remove the blocks for the wheels
• Check tire pressure
• Fold the steps
• Do a quick inspection of signal lights, brakes and lights
• Take a tour of your towing vehicle, towing system, etc.
• Empty your RV (especially food)
• Empty your drinking water tank and clean it
• Open your air vents or a window to ensure air circulation
• Clean your RV so it’s ready for the next trip
• If you have a tent trailer or hybrid, open the canvases and make sure they are dry and clean before closing them
• Make a list of things you forgot that weren’t on our departure checklists

It’s Not Over…

• Additional Checklist: Make a list of items you forgot that were not on our initial checklists for future planning.

By following this complete checklist, you will be better prepared to fully enjoy your RV camping experience. Have a good trip and enjoy your adventure with complete peace of mind!