Travel Trailer Teardown checklist offered by Randi on Randi’s Adventures on YouTube
Travel Trailer Teardown Checklist
Breaking down camp is just as important as setting up. This printable travel trailer teardown checklist is designed to help you work through the steps in a safe order so you do not forget anything before pulling out of your campsite.
Every camper and tow vehicle setup is a little different, so always follow your owner’s manual and use this checklist as a general guide.
How to Print or Save This Checklist
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- Click Print or Save.
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Travel Trailer Teardown Steps
Before You Hitch Up
1. Turn Everything Off Inside the Camper
Before you start disconnecting outside, go inside and turn off anything that needs to be shut down.
Check items such as:
- Lights
- Water pump
- Furnace or air conditioner
- Water heater
- Appliances
- Fans
- Loose items on counters or tables
This is also a good time to secure anything that could move while towing.
2. Check Tire Pressure
Check your trailer tires before leaving the campsite.
Make sure your tires are inflated to the proper pressure for your trailer. It is best to check tire pressure before you start driving, while the tires are still cold.
3. Disconnect From Hookups
Disconnect your campsite hookups before hitching up.
For electric:
- Turn the breaker off at the power pedestal.
- Unplug your camper’s power cord.
- Put your cord, surge protector, and adapters away.
Then disconnect any other hookups you used, such as:
- Water hose
- Water pressure regulator
- Water filter
- Sewer hose
Make sure all caps and compartments are closed securely.
4. Turn Off Propane
Turn off the propane at the tank before towing.
This helps make sure your propane system is shut down while you are on the road.
5. Raise the Stabilizers
Raise all stabilizer jacks completely before hitching up.
Double-check each stabilizer to make sure it is fully retracted. Driving away with a stabilizer down can cause serious damage.
Hitching Up
6. Unlock the Ball Coupler Latch
Unlock and open the ball coupler latch so the coupler is ready to lower onto the hitch ball.
7. Raise the Tongue Jack
Use the tongue jack to raise the front of the trailer high enough for the tow vehicle hitch ball to back underneath the coupler.
8. Back Up and Align the Tow Vehicle to the Hitch
Slowly back up your tow vehicle until the hitch ball is lined up under the coupler.
Use a backup camera, spotter, or the GOAL method — get out and look — as needed.
9. Put the Tow Vehicle in Park and Set the Parking Brake
Once the tow vehicle is lined up with the trailer, put it in park and set the parking brake before getting out.
10. Connect the Safety Chains First
Before lowering the trailer onto the hitch ball, connect the safety chains to the tow vehicle.
This gives you an added safety connection while you are hitching up.
11. Lower the Coupler Securely Onto the Hitch Ball
Use the tongue jack to slowly lower the trailer coupler onto the hitch ball.
Make sure the coupler is fully seated on the ball before moving to the next step.
12. Latch the Coupler and Insert the Safety Pin
Close the coupler latch and insert the safety pin or coupler lock.
This keeps the coupler from accidentally opening while towing.
13. Install the Weight Distribution or Sway Bars
If you use weight distribution bars or sway control, install them now.
Tip: Raising the tongue jack slightly can make it easier to install the bars because it takes some pressure off the hitch.
14. Connect the Breakaway Cable
Connect the trailer’s breakaway cable to the tow vehicle.
Make sure it is attached to a secure location, not wrapped around the safety chains.
15. Connect the 7-Way Power Cord
Plug the trailer’s 7-way power cord into the tow vehicle.
After connecting it, check that the cord has enough slack for turning but is not dragging on the ground.
16. Raise the Tongue Jack All the Way
Raise the tongue jack completely before towing.
Then put away any blocks, jack pads, or tools you used while hitching up.
Final Campsite Pack-Up
17. Remove Chocks and Put Away Leveling Blocks
Once the trailer is securely hitched to the tow vehicle, remove the wheel chocks and put away your leveling blocks.
Do this only after the trailer is fully connected to the tow vehicle.
18. Empty the Fresh Water Tank, If Needed
If you are carrying fresh water you do not need, empty the fresh water tank before leaving.
This can reduce weight while towing. Be sure to only drain water where it is allowed.
19. Do a Final Walkaround
Before you pull out, walk all the way around your camper and tow vehicle.
Check that:
- Stabilizers are up
- Tongue jack is fully raised
- Chocks and leveling blocks are put away
- Hookups are disconnected and stored
- Storage compartments are closed and locked
- Steps are up
- Door is locked
- Windows and roof vents are closed
- Awning is fully retracted
- Lights are working
- Tires look good
- Safety chains are connected
- Breakaway cable is connected
- 7-way cord is connected
- Coupler is latched and pinned
This final walkaround is one of the best habits you can build before towing.
20. Engage Tow Mode on Your Truck
If your tow vehicle has a tow/haul mode or towing setting, turn it on before pulling out.
Then take one last look around the campsite and slowly pull away.
Final Reminder
Before you leave, glance back at your campsite and make sure you did not leave anything behind.
Look for:
- Chairs
- Rugs
- Hoses
- Cords
- Chocks
- Leveling blocks
- Trash
- Dog gear
- Anything hanging from trees or picnic tables
Once everything is packed, hooked up, and double-checked, you are ready to hit the road.
Want to learn how to set up your travel trailer? Click here.
DISCLAIMER: I am not a travel trailer or a travel trailer hitch expert – this is what works for me and your tow vehicle, trailer, weight distribution system, etc. may be different than mine – you are responsible to do your own research and read your owner manuals!