RV Newbie Tear Down Checklist
If you haven’t seen our RV newbie setup video and checklist, check it out now. In that video, we cover all the necessary steps to safely setup your towable RV in a new site. It wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t do the same thing for the tear down process. One would think it’s just a matter of reversing the steps, however, you might be surprised to learn that there are far more steps when tearing down than setting up.
To download the checklist, click the checklist below and it will open as a PDF for you to save. Don’t stop there! Make changes to the checklist and customize to your RV and process. Chances are good your RV has it’s own unique steps to ensure the safety of you and your equipment.
What we learn from the comments ????
In every video, there is always something missing, incorrect or something overlooked. The video has just been released and there are already trending comments. Below are the updates so far.
- Add checking our lights to your checklist. The checklist below will be updated in the next day or two.
- Lots of people mentioned bringing the antenna down. We don’t have one, which is why it wasn’t on our list, but be sure to update you list with that if you do!
Download the RV Tear Down Checklist
RV Newbie Essential Gear List
If you’re an RV Newbie, the amount of gear needed to get started can feel overwhelming. We’ve added all the essential gear to help you get started and a few non-essential items that will help make RV Life a little easier.
It’s best to first get everything you need for water, electrical and sewer hook-ups (those are truly the essentials) and then take a look at some of the items such as chairs and wagons that are “nice to have”.
When you shop and check-out (within 24 hrs of adding something to your cart) using KYD’s Amazon page, we do get some credit, but it doesn’t cost you anything more and everything is private. We use our Amazon earnings to reinvest in more gear that we can share on the channel.
I like you guys have done this I forget after 15 years of doing setup and tear down
Didn’t see anything about Propane (leave open or close?)
Love the idea of a smaller checklist
Checking the trailer lights is also a wise thing to do.
Hi guys. I enjoy watching your videos. I like your RV tear down checklist. I expect you have a propane tank. I have heard that you should shut off the propane tank during traveling. What are your thoughts and should it be added to your checklist.
You mention making sure you latch doors. This one is a big thing for us. I have lost an entire tool box of tools along side the road and another time a stabilizer jack because I forgot to latch the doors. Now the last thing I check before I take off is to not only check that they are latched, I make sure each on is locked and check the latch handle as I do the final walk around. I then report to my wife that I have completed that final check of the latches.. If I don’t she reminds me.
Thanks again. I think I learn something every time we go out. I appreciate your sharing your ideas. We can all learn from each other.
Thanks a lot… Dan
I was getting ready to take our TT out and for a refresher went back and watched this video again and noticed something about the breakaway cable. Isn’t it recommended to have the breakaway cable slack slightly less than the safety chain slack? I believe the reasoning behind this is that if the TT was to disconnect and only the chains were maintaining the connection to the vehicle that the TT brakes would engage (more so than with just the brake controller, at max???) and allow you so slow in a more controlled manner and without the TT potential running into the back of the truck.
Also lights not on checklist yet (just a nudge).
Awesome as always!
Thank you for the checklists!
Lots to remember…lots to forget!
I just watched the video and thought you did a nice job with it. Thanks.
One thing I’d like to point out. You had mentioned that you like to make sure that your fresh water tank is about 1/3 full because you don’t always have a city water hook up at the next stop. Having a liquid tank partially full can create a dynamic load while towing. If the trailer starts to sway, the liquid will slosh from side to side and accentuate the sway making it worse.
I was always told to have the tanks either empty of full. That prevents the liquid from sloshing and making a sway situation worse while towing.
We are new to RVing. We have a 33ft 5th wheel. We were so thankful and informed by your videos. Now we’re determined to watch them all.
Just wondering if your site will be a secured site, eventually. Love your videos and they have inspired me. I bought a small trailer, 14 feet, just for me. It has everything in it. This is my starter RV. I love it. I live in upstate NY, and have traveled to both Florida and South Carolina along with many trips more localized. I have only had it for 11 months and was sad when I had it winterized a couple of weeks ago.
I am a teacher and love that you are showing your kids the world. They are very respectful kids, and you have done a great job with them! They are learning so much more being able to touch history and geography, along with all the other life lessons. Keep your daydream, and know that we love you guys. (We, being your audience.)
I plan on downsizing eventually, and can’t wait until I’m on the road full time.
Enjoy !
Yes, just add the s after http. I don’t know why it’s not automatically transferring it to the secure side. Thanks for the comment.
How about TV ant and booster
That’s a good one. We don’t have one, so it slipped my mind!
Do you switch anything over with your refrigerator on the teardown or set-up? Example: Do you switch it over to gas or do you switch it to 12 volts when in teardown mode…etc?
Never transport with any gas appliances running. The pilot light will blow out, and you run the risk of dispensing your entire lp tank contents along your route (not to mention the fire hazard). My old camper had a super small battery, so I always plugged it in to a running tow rig before switching to DC. Our new camper has a much larger battery, so I have a lot more leeway on when I switch to DC (Auto setting on mine) but I always switch before towing.
And yes, always shut off the propane tanks before hitting the road!
I was wondering about what to do with the Refrigerator during set up and tear down?
When do I turn on and off the Propane?
Also, in your tear down, you didn’t insert the part about the Anderson Levelers.. you need to pull forward and stow those, right?
Great videos, thanks for the education.
This is mostly an ‘external’ or ‘outside’ checklist. You go over some of the teardown, stow and pack on the inside, I think it would be a cool idea to have an inside list. I know there is likely some variance but I think a list of how to ‘batten down the hatches’ would be awesome. Make sure your doors are shut, or latched. How to prep your bathroom for travel. Clear countertops. Etc… Just a thought!
Otherwise, these lists are awesome. Immediately printed, laminated, and we use on a clipboard with a dry erase marker so we can literally check them off. Plus it gives our 4-yo son a job while we setup and breakdown.
Hey Guys! Me and my husband love watching you guys. We just bought our first Travel Trailer to start our adventures with. Your videos are so informational and you explain everything in detail.Thank you guys for all that you do.
Sincerely
Lee & Alicia Whitehead