RV Exterior Inspection Checklist

Start the engine and run it at normal idle speed for approximately three minutes until the air system is fully charged and air is exhausted from the air dryer. This can be heard as a brief release of air, at the rear of the motorhome. Shut off the engine and perform the following checks:

Caution: The maintenance recommendations on this page are meant as general guidelines only. Always consult with a professional RV mechanic, your owner's manual, and/or your authorized RV dealer BEFORE performing any maintenance procedures or safety inspections. See 'Legal Disclaimer' below.

1. Open the engine compartment and visually inspect for the following:

• Fluid Leaks - Look in engine compartments and on ground for any puddles

• Hoses - Inspect for condition and leaks

• Fluid Levels - Check engine oil and transmission fluid dipsticks

• Hydraulic Fluid - Check hydraulic fluid and micron filter restriction indicator

• Engine Components - Check for any damaged or loose components and wiring

• Air Filter Indicator - Check to make sure air filter gauge indicates clean air filter

• Drive Belts, Alternator & Water Pump Serpentine Belt - Check for any loose, missing or damaged belts

• Drive Belt Play - Check that there is no more than 3/4 of an inch of play at center of any belt

• Coolant Level - Observe Coolant level in reservoir sight glass

• Leveling System - Check leveling system reservoir

2. Open side engine compartments and visually inspect the following:

• Radiator - Check for damage to radiator fins

• Filters - Inspect all visible filters for leaks

• Components - Check for any damaged or loose components

• Wiring - Check for any damaged or loose wiring

3. Check all tires when they are cold (3 hours without use) for the following:

• Rims - Check for damage or bent rims

• Lug Nuts - Check that all lug nuts are present, free of cracks, distortions, rust trails or shiny threads

• Tire Condition - Check that tread is evenly worn and look for cuts or other damage to tread or side-walls

• Valve Caps - Make sure that valve caps and stems are not missing, broken or damaged

• Tread Depth - Check for minimum tread depth: 4/32nd on the steering axle tires and 2/32 on all other tires

• Tire Inflation - Check for proper inflation by using a tire gauge. Note - an improperly inflated tire will not be evident from a visual inspection

4. Check that all external Lights and Reflective equipment are clean and functional. Light and Reflector checks include:

• Clearance Lights (red on rear, amber elsewhere)

• Headlights (low and high beams)

• Fog Lights (if equipped)

• Parking Lights

• Docking Lights

• Taillights

• Turn Signals - on rear, sides, front and on mirrors (if equipped)

• Four-way flashers - on rear, sides, front and on mirrors (if equipped)

• Brake Lights

• Reflectors - Red on rear, amber elsewhere

5. Check manual/automatic Air Tank drain valves:

• Air tank petcocks should be drained daily by pulling color coded lanyards to release any air or moisture

• Lanyards are to be pulled manually and are color coded to identify each tank for a specific system

  • Silver/Clear - Wet Tank

  • Green - Rear (primary) brake system

  • Red - Front (secondary) brake system

6. Complete a walk-around of the entire outside of the vehicle and check for the following:

• Slides - Check that all slides are fully retracted and locked (if equipped with locking mechanisms)

• Awnings - Check that all awnings are fully retracted and locked

• Jacks - Check underneath coach to make sure jacks are fully retracted and locked in place

• Fluid Leaks - Leaks on chassis components, wheels or ground. Note - water dripping during and following A/C use is normal

• Under Coach - Check for any damaged or loose components under coach

• Sides of Coach - Check up & down sides of coach and roof for any damaged or loose components

• Noises - Listen for unusual noises such as air leaks

• Vehicle Height - Check for proper height of vehicle to ensure air bags are inflated and vehicle is not leaning

• Mirrors - Check that they are secure, not damaged and operate smoothly

• Windshield Wipers & Blades - Check that that they are secure, not damaged and operate smoothly

• Windshield Washers - Check

• Bay Stowage - Make sure all items are secure in each compartment bay

• Bay Doors - Make sure all compartment bay doors are securely closed and locked

• Generator Compartment - Open and check compartment for damaged or loose components. Close and securely latch compartment

• Loose Components - Check for any damaged or loose components or wiring

• LP Gas Compartment - Check for LP gas smell and loose connections

• Refrigeration - Check refrigerator/freezer compartment bay for loose items

• Battery Compartment - Check batteries and Inverter for loose connections

• Utility Compartment - Check forward utility compartment for loose or damaged items

• Hot Water Heater Door - Check to make sure door is latched securely

• Electric Step - Check to make sure it is retracting completely and free from debris

• Hook-Ups - Check to make sure that power, water and sewer lines are disconnected and securely stowed

• Step Ladder - If ladder extension is attached to ladder, make sure it is securely fastened

7. If pulling a tow car check the following:

• Tow Bar - Check to see that tow bar is connected properly

• Electrical Connections - Check to see if connections between coach and tow car are connected properly

• Tow Car Brake Lights - Check that brake lights and turn signals are operating

• Tow Car Tire Pressure - Check that tow vehicle tires are properly inflated

• Tow Car Mirrors - Check that mirrors are retracted

• Tow Car Transmission - Check to make sure that tow car transmission is in Neutral (free wheeling) position

• Tow Car Emergency Brake - Check to make sure that tow car emergency brake is OFF

• Auxiliary Braking System - Check to make sure that auxiliary braking system is connected and operating properly

• Turn key off, remove and lock all tow car doors

Continue To: Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist - Coach Interior

Download Printable Checklist PDFs:

Pre-Trip Check List - Page 1

Pre-Trip Check List - Page 2

Pre-Trip Check List - Page 3

Legal Disclaimer & Caution: Before using any advice, and/or performing any maintenance procedures recommended on this website you should consult with your RV dealer, and/or a professional Motorhome or RV mechanic. The recommendations and advice given on this website are intended as general guidelines ONLY, and may not pertain to your particular make and/or model of RV or Motorhome. Use these suggestions, repair tips, and/or maintenance advice AT YOUR OWN RISK. Under no circumstances will this website, or any of its officers or employees be liable for any consequential, incidental, special or exemplary damages even if appraised of the likelihood of such damages occurring. The owners of this website do not warrant the information against errors, omissions or deficiencies of any kind.

Back To: RV Tech Tips