1. Confirm identity, size, and weight
- Record the VIN, year, make, model, and license plate information.
- Confirm overall length, width, travel height, dry weight, and gross vehicle weight rating.
- Measure added roof equipment and note rear racks, spare tires, ladders, or accessories.
2. Inspect tires and wheels
- Check tire age, size, load rating, pressure, tread, cracking, bulges, and damage.
- Confirm lug nuts are present and torqued to the manufacturer’s specification.
- Verify the spare tire is serviceable and securely mounted.
- Look for signs of bearing heat, play, grease leakage, or neglected service.
3. Test hitch and safety equipment
- Verify the coupler or kingpin type, size, operation, and visible condition.
- Inspect safety chains and attachment points for damage or heavy corrosion.
- Confirm the breakaway switch, cable, and battery are present and functional.
- Check the tongue jack, landing gear, and stabilizers; all must fully retract and secure.
4. Check brakes, lights, and wiring
- Confirm electric or hydraulic brakes operate correctly.
- Test running lights, brake lights, turn signals, markers, and license-plate light.
- Inspect the electrical plug, cord, junction box, and visible wiring.
5. Secure the exterior
- Retract and lock slide-outs, steps, awnings, antennas, and outdoor kitchens.
- Close and latch entry doors, baggage doors, windows, vents, and emergency exits.
- Secure propane cylinders, battery boxes, covers, spare tires, ladders, and racks.
- Remove temporary decorations, loose covers, flags, or accessories that can catch wind.
6. Prepare the interior
- Remove valuables, perishables, and loose or fragile items.
- Latch cabinets, drawers, refrigerator doors, shower doors, and room dividers.
- Secure televisions, tables, chairs, appliances, and movable furniture.
- Turn off propane appliances and follow the trailer manufacturer’s travel instructions.
7. Prepare pickup and delivery access
- Provide working contact numbers and agreed access times at both locations.
- Clear low branches, parked vehicles, gates, and tight turns where practical.
- Make sure keys, ownership or release documents, and gate instructions are available.
- Complete a walk-around and note the trailer’s condition for your own records before pickup.
When to call an RV technician
If you see damaged tires, wheel play, brake faults, frame cracks, hitch damage, severe corrosion, loose body panels, electrical problems, water-damaged structure, or other safety concerns, arrange a qualified inspection before transport. Tell us about known concerns when requesting a quote so the trailer’s condition can be evaluated.