Thanks for “checking out” the Changing Gears family checklists, budgets and forms! Our online RV checklists are provided to you free of charge.
Other Changing Gears Checklists
- RV PDI Inspection Checklist
- Arrival & Setup Checklist – Motorhome
- Arrival & Setup Checklist – Towables
- Departure Checklist – Motorhome
- Departure Checklist – Towables
- RV Must-Have Accessories List
- New to RVing? – Getting Started
- Road Test Checklist – Motorhome
- Road Test Checklist – Towables
- RV Camping Gear List
- RV Types Pros & Cons Chart
- RV Basic Lifestyle Budget
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Download This Checklist!
This checklist assumes that the RV Inspection Checklist has been completed.
A road test can be performed by individuals who feel comfortable driving the vehicle combination being tested, and have a good sense of how a well-functioning tow vehicle and trailer combination feels and sounds. Those individuals not comfortable assessing some of the items on this checklist should take along a qualified technician.
Preparation Steps
- Confirm that trailer weights are within tow vehicle ratings
- Before connecting umbilical cord to tow vehicle, confirm that trailer batteries have a full charge (required for brakes in case trailer separates from tow vehicle)
- Trailer has been prepared for departure and hitched to tow vehicle.
- Tow vehicle suspension does not appear overloaded
- Trailer running lights
- Trailer signal lights
- Trailer brake lights
- Trailer emergency flashers
- Driver seat adjusted
- Tow vehicle mirrors adjusted
- Both sides of trailer are visible in tow vehicle mirrors
- Parking brake released
- Manually engage trailer brakes (via brake controller in tow vehicle) and attempt to drive forward
- Drive forward slowly and manually engage trailer brakes (via brake controller in tow vehicle)
- Drive forward slowly and depress tow vehicle brake pedal
- Pull breakaway switch cable on trailer and attempt to drive forward
- Re-insert breakaway switch cable
- Post a spotter behind the trailer
- Slowly drive in reverse while steering sharply in one direction, keeping a close eye on the trailer’s front corners approaching the tow vehicle. Confirm that a 70° turn does not cause trailer to contact any part of tow vehicle.
- Drive forward to straighten trailer, then repeat above step in other direction.
- Post top clearance in driver’s view, in feet and inches.
- During road test, observe bridge and other structure clearances to ensure that trailer will fit.
Road Test Observations
- Tow vehicle stability:
- Acceleration:
- Braking:
- Steering:
- Cornering:
- Cruising:
- Sway:
- Tracking:
- Effects of large trucks passing:
- Effects of wind gusts:
- Tow vehicle temperature gauges:
