You have heard me say many times that it is not the Dealerships job to tell you what your vehicle can tow. It is their job to sell you an RV, and that is it, plain and simple. However, it is their job to make sure that you understand EVERYTHING about your RV before you leave the lot. Unfortunately, they often fail in this regard – big time. So, let’s talk about all the things you should know before you leave the RV dealership. This is AFTER you have had an independent RV inspection, because let’s face it, if it fails the inspection there is no point moving forward.

So, for the sake of this blog post we will assume the trailer has passed its inspection. Feel free to create your own list using the following as a guide:

  1. Know how to connect and disconnect your travel trailer to your tow vehicle. Do this more than once so you know how to do it effortlessly. This would include hooking up your tow chains, brake-away switch, and power cord from RV to Tow Vehicle.
  2. Know how to level the trailer using leveling blocks, and the front power jack. Not having the trailer level will lead to many problems such as the refrigerator not running correctly, the sink and shower as well as holding tanks not draining correctly.
  3. If you have an auto-leveling system, you will need to know how it operates, and I would suggest using it a few times before leaving the dealership.
  4. Know how to use the stabilizing Jacks. These are only used to keep the trailer from moving as you walk inside. They are not to be used for leveling the trailer. Some are electric, some are manual. understand how to extend and retract them.
  5. Understand how to connect your shore power to the trailer. When you leave the dealership, the first thing you should buy is an EMS (electric management system), sometimes referred to as a Surge Protector, but an EMS is much better than a standard surge protector. They are expensive but may save you hundreds of dollars if something goes wrong with the power supply, or in the case of a close lightning strike.
  6. Understand how to connect your water supply to the trailer. When you leave the dealership, the second thing you should buy is a water pressure regulator. Not having a way to regulate the incoming pressure could lead to burst water pipes.
  7. Understand the difference between the “City Water” connection, and the “Fresh Water” connection. Understand the proper way to switch between the two types. The city water connection uses the campground water pressure to supply you with water. The fresh water (tank) used the water pump to draw water from the tank and supply water. Understand how the freshwater tank gets filled, sometimes there are two different ways to fill it (a lever, and/or an outside connection).
  8. Understand how the water pump works.
  9. Understand where your low point drains are located. This is very important for winterizing your trailer. Know where the fresh water drain valve is located as well.
  10. Understand the other connections that are located outside or in an outside storage location. this might include things like cable and satellite hook ups, outside lighting, 12-volt cut-off switch, etc.
  11. Understand how to hook up your sewer hose (AKA Stinky Slinky). Make sure you know how to make sure it’s fastened correctly, or you will be looking for new shoes, and maybe a new campground! You also need to understand the appropriate procedure for dumping your tanks. The black tank goes first followed by the grey tanks. The tanks need to be at least 3/4 full before you dump.
  12. Understand where all your dump handles are located.
  13. Understand how to use the Black Tank Flush Valve, if you have one, and NEVER walk away when that is being used! I can’t stress that enough.
  14. Understand how to drain your water heater. You should do this after every trip. Some heaters will have a plastic plug that is removed, others will have an anode rod. If you have an anode rod, you should be pulling it to inspect its condition on a regular basis. It prevents your water heater from rusting.
  15. Understand how to access your water heater in order to by-pass it for winterizing. Understand how the bypass valves work.
  16. Understand the Jack Points for your trailer in case of a flat.
  17. Moving inside the trailer, locate the control panel. this panel will have a display for some if not all of the following: battery condition, holding tanks levels, water heater ignition, interior lights, and awnings/awning lights.
  18. Know how to properly operate any slide-outs you have.
  19. Know how to properly open and close any awnings.
  20. Know how to open vents and turn on vent fans.
  21. Understand how to open the emergency egress window to get out in an emergency.
  22. Locate and understand how to operate the fire extinguisher. In fact, you might want to buy a few extra.
  23. Understand where the fire detectors are located. This would include locating the Propane/CO2 detector and understanding how it operates.
  24. Make sure you can operate the furnace and the AC unit. This would include a knowledge of the settings you will need to use on the thermostat. Also understand how to clean your AV filter(s). The furnace will not have a filter.
  25. You may want to try all the appliances that come with the unit. This may include the Fireplace, TV, Microwave, Fridge, stovetop, etc.
  26. LASTLY – understand all the things that don’t come with your trailer. This would include the sewer hose, tank chemicals, water hoses, leveling blocks, TV cable, etc.

So, I hope this list help with conversations you may have with your dealership! Take your time going through your new or used trailer. This is your time to make sure everything is correct; the dealership owes this to you!

Happy Camping!