I’m sure we’ve all done it at one time or another. You’ve loaded up the RV for what you hope is an unforgettable trip. You get on the road and are heading toward your destination when you and your wife realize that the two of you have forgotten to bring along several important items. These “brain farts” can either be an annoyance, like forgetting to extend the towing mirrors and filling the DEF tank, or can be important, like forgetting to bring along vital medication or in the case of my wife, forgetting to bring along chocolate.
In an effort to prevent brain farts like these from happening again, this RV truck camper checklist has been prepared for your use. In it, you’ll find items and tasks that pertain to all types of RVs though some departure related tasks pertain to truck camper loading and set-up only. This checklist also assumes that standard and basic RV items, like the 110v shore power cord, the sewer hose, and the fresh water filling hose, are always stored in your RV. Note also that these checklist items are presented both in this article and in PDF file form for your use (you’ll first need to open an OpenDrive account to access the PDF version of the checklist). Once downloaded, the PDF version of the form can then be customized and modified for your use. As always, your feedback is welcome and encouraged. If there’s anything I forgot or that you think I should add to this truck camper departure checklist, please let me know.
I. Departure
- Fuel-up Truck
- Fill DEF UREA tank (if applicable)
- Move License Plate from Truck to Camper
- Engage Torklift StableLoads (if applicable)
- Load Camper on Truck
- Connect 6-pin umbilical
- Install Torklift Tie Downs and Torklift FastGun Turnbuckles
- Check Tire Pressures
- Fill Fresh Water Tank
- Fill Propane Tanks
- Turn-on Refrigerator to 110vac Operation (2 days prior)
- Hitch-up Jeep/Boat/Trailer (if applicable)
- Close all windows and vents
- Storage compartments and doors secure for travel
- Bring-in Slideout(s) (if applicable)
- Truck Camper Jacks Retracted
- Extend Towing Mirrors and Remove Truck’s Antenna (for pics)
- Reset Truck’s Trip Odometer
- Adjust Rancho RS9000XL Shock Dampening (if applicable)
- Switch Refrigerator to either Propane or 12 volt Operation
II. Equipment and Tools
- Smartphones and Charger Cords
- Portable Handheld Radios and Charger
- Portable Generator (if applicable)
- Wind Turbine (if applicable)
- Saw Zaw or Chain Saw
- Folding Shovel
- Tool Bag
- Portable Air Compressor
- Winch Bag (if applicable)
- Leveling Blocks
- First Aid Kit
- Emergency Roadside Kit
- Binoculars
- Fan-Tastic Endless Breeze 12v Fan
- His and Her RV Keys
III. Camping Items
- Bug Repellent
- Sunscreen
- Hats
- Hiking Packs
- Bedding (Sheets and Blankets)
- Sleeping Bags and/or Electric Blanket
- Folding Chairs
- Propane Grill
- Folding Table
- Solar Lantern
- Solar Flashlights
- Firewood
- RV Toilet Paper
- RV Holding Tank Treatment
- Games/Cards
- Personal Protection
IV. Clothing
- Cold Weather Clothes
- Warm Weather Clothes
- Pajamas
- Winter Socks
- Undergarments
- Hats
- Shoes/Boots
- Hiking Shoes
- Coats
- Sunglasses
- Slippers
- Swimwear
V. Personal Items and Hygiene
- Medications
- Vitamins
- Feminine Products
- Towels
- Wash Cloths
- Toothpaste and Toothbrushes
- Shaving Kit
- Hair Care Items and Products
- Antiperspirants
- Lip Balm
- Bar Soap
- Shampoo and Conditioner
- Skincare Lotion
- Tissue Paper
VI. Food and Kitchen
- Buy Groceries
- Condiments
- Seasoning
- Drinking Water
- Paper Plates
- Paper Cups
- Paper Bowls
- Eating Utensils
- Cocoa/Coffee Mugs
- Silverware
- Can Opener
- Aluminum Foil
- Garbage Bags
- Paper Towels
- Cooking Pots/Skillet
