The 10-Minute Pre-Trip Walk-Around

Ten minutes before every trip. The walk-around. Catches ninety percent of road-trip disasters. Here's the checklist.

One — hitch ball, weight distribution, sway bar. Visual check on all three. Bolts tight, ball locked, sway bar engaged.

Two — every tire. PSI, sidewall condition, lug nut visual. Use your gauge. Cold tires. Sidewall numbers.

Three — slide-outs fully retracted, locked, sealed. Walk past every slide on both sides. Visual confirm.

Four — awning fully retracted and clamped. If you have wind-sensor — visual confirm of position.

Five — basement doors latched. All of them. Step ladder stowed. Outside grill stowed. Anything that opens — confirmed closed.

Six — antennas down. Vent fans closed. Solar panels secure.

Seven — fridge latched. Microwave latched. Cabinet doors latched. Bathroom door latched. Walk the interior.

Eight — gauges. Propane on or off as needed. Battery disconnect set. Inverter off. Water pump off.

Nine — slide-out locks engaged. Most rigs have them. Use them.

Ten — final walk. From the truck driver's seat looking back, you should see a fully-buttoned rig. If you don't — finish the walk before pulling out.