Before you depart on a trip with your travel trailer, it is important that you have everything you need to allow for relaxation and fun upon arrival. Place all food, cooking utensils and supplies in their proper storage compartments for travel and turn on the refrigerator and freezer if necessary. Clothes, linens and toiletries should be stored in their designated places. Check to see if any inside cargo will be damaged from bumps and turning forces while driving.
When hooking up a travel trailer, make sure the trailer's hitch size matches the tow vehicle's receiver and that the hitch is in the locked position. The trailer's lights should be checked before departing, especially if you will be traveling at night. Check all windows, steps, awnings and vents to ensure that they are in their towing position to prevent damage. Inspect your tires and your spare for proper inflation and that your have all necessary tools to change a flat.
When arriving at your camping destination, pick an area with hard dry ground to ensure a stable base to level your trailer. There should be a few feet of buffer area around the trailer, especially if it is equipped with slide-out rooms. Use wheel chucks to prevent the trailer from moving and then level the trailer with attached leveling pads or with a floor jack and jack stands. It is best to refrain from entering the trailer until is properly secured and leveled. After the trailer is leveled, you can open the step, raise awnings and antennae and remove items from their traveling storage areas.
Performing maintenance on your trailer will prevent breakdowns and prolong its life. Lubricating and greasing necessary fittings, hinges and parts will prevent damaging rust. Winterizing is an essential part of storing a trailer to prevent cracks in the plumbing and heating systems. Annual brake and tire inspections along with lubing the wheel bearings will help prevent blowouts or bearing malfunctions while traveling.
