Hitch like a boss with our ultimate hitching checklist that covers everything from prep work to getting hitched, final safety checks, and more.
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Supplies
- Shovel
- Lubricants
- Fuses
- Wheel chocks
- Leveling boards/blocks
- Rubber blocks
- RV power cord adapter
- Extra potable water hose
- Black and gray flush hoses
- Tank deodorizer
- Velcro strips, rope or tie-downs
- Rags for your hands
- Generator fuel
- Flashlight with a full battery
Pre-hitching
- Check that RV battery is fully charged.
- Fill the propane bottle.
- Review proper lifting and loading techniques.
Hitch and vehicle readiness
- Ensure there’s nothing in the RV you’re going to need during the haul.
- Make sure the space around your RV is clear of debris.
- Position chocks against the wheels to keep the RV still.
- Inspect your hitch to ensure that it’s secure.
- Close all windows, awnings, vents, blinds and slideouts.
- Turn everything off. Shut down all your appliances and disconnect utilities like your A/C.
Nothing should remain in the “on” position. - Secure loose items. If anything looks like it could fall or shift during your haul, lay it down
and consider padding sharp edges. - Lock the door behind you.
- Stow the steps and anything else that can be folded, such as stabilizers.
- Latch and secure sliding trays.
- Take down any antennas or satellite dishes.
- Empty water tanks and close tank valves.
- Add necessary chemicals and a small amount of water to black tanks.
- Ensure your tow vehicle has a full gas tank.
- Check all other tow vehicle fluid levels.
- Check your RV’s fill levels and make sure all tanks are empty. You should never tow with filled tanks.
- Tighten the bolts on the hitch of your tow vehicle.
- Unlock the hitch and open the receiver latch.
- Lower the jacks on the front of the trailer so the ball can be guided onto the receiver.
- Fifth wheel only: Remove the king pin lock. Lower the towing vehicle tailgate and close the door to the front storage compartment. Grease the hitch mechanism.
Pro Tip: Now that you’ve addressed all your levels, you’ll likely want to weigh in again. Don’t hitch up until you know you’re within the acceptable weight range.
Getting hitched
- Hitch your RV to the tow vehicle.
- Hook up your RV’s breakaway cable.
- String any needed electrical wiring between the RV and the tow vehicle.
- Connect sway bars if you have them.
- Attach safety chains in a crisscross (X) formation.
- Raise up your jacks.
- Remove blocks from under the jacks if you have them.
Final safety checks
- Walk around your rig to ensure everything is safe.
- Ensure there are no loose items.
- Ensure there are no unlocked doors.
- Ensure there are no unlocked windows.
- Check the RV brakes via the indicator light on the brake controller.
- Check the brake lights of tow vehicle.
- Check the brake lights of trailer.
- Check the headlights.
- Check that turn signals illuminate on the tow vehicle.
- Check that turn signals illuminate on the trailer.
- Check visibility from the driver’s seat.
- Adjust mirrors.
