One of the things we are often asked for by customers is a checklist. We even went as far as making helpful checklists many years ago in the parts department to help those people just getting started. Many of us develop our own checklists over time, based on how we camp. Forest River has taken it upon themselves to create a few checklists, everything from arrival and departure checklists to suggested tools. This blog begins a series with all of these checklists. You are encouraged to use them and modify them to your needs. We appreciate Forest River proactively staying involved and going that extra mile to provide more for their customers!

Before You Leave Home

BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME

Before you leave home, there will be many important items to check and verify. See the Owner’s Manual for detailed instructions but the following is an abbreviated overview of these requirements:

• Loaded weight is within specifications.
• Cargo is evenly distributed.
• Store heavy items in lower cabinets.
• Verify awning operation.
• Verify leveling operation.
• Close and latch refrigerator door.
• Check drain systems for leaks or damage.
• Check GFCI circuits for operation.
• Inspect 120VAC breakers and 12VDC fuses.
• Verify all appliance operation.
• Test safety alarms for operation.
• Check fire extinguisher operation.
• Check motorhome chassis oil level.
• Verify Suspension Air Bags are inflated.
• Verify motorhome is level.
• Check Diesel Exhaust Fluid level (Diesels)
• Check operation of lights and signals.
• Check tire pressure including spare.
• Inspect tires for dry rot and tread depth.
• Inspect slide out wipe and bulb seals.
• Inspect slide out movement and operation.
• Inspect and clean appliance exterior vents.
• Inspect and test generator (if applicable).
• Inspect battery, clean and verify fluid levels.
• Inspect seat belts and fastening buckles.
• Adjust mirrors, inside and outside. 
• Adjust window coverings for visibility.
• Turn LPG controls on appliances OFF. 
• Check that internal stowage is secure. 

After you have loaded your RV for your trip, weighed it, and made sure you are within the specified weight limits, there’s one final check you need to perform before leaving. Starting on the outside of the vehicle, perform a visual, walk-around check. 

Here are some things to look for: 

• Close exterior baggage doors.
• The awning is closed and secured.
• Power cord is disconnected and stored.
• Windows are closed.
• TV/satellite antenna is lowered.
• All jacks are fully retracted for travel.
• Roof vents are closed.
• Entrance door is closed and locked.
• Entry step is retracted.

Once all passengers are on-board, secure children in a federally approved child restraint and verify that all passengers have seat belts on properly. 

Adjust the driver’s seat so that you can easily reach and operate all controls. Make sure the seat is locked in position. Do not adjust the driver’s seat swivel or recline mechanisms while the vehicle is moving. The seat could move unexpectedly causing loss of control. 

The freedom of movement of the brake and accelerator pedals must not be impaired in any way.

Here’s the link to the checklist on Forest River’s website: Forest River RV Owner’s Kit (forestriverinc.help)

Check back for more!

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Byerly RV, in Eureka, Missouri is the Priority RV Network dealer for the St. Louis, MO market. Byerly is a family owned company which was founded in 1948. Byerly RV is St. Louis’s only Top 50 rated RV dealer from 2017-2022!  Byerly is truly the Center of the RV World.
CONTACT US:
833-210-7565
295 East 5th St
Eureka MO, 63025