A pre-departure from your pitch checklist for motorhomers

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About to do your first night away in your new motorhome? Then read this post to get some simple tips and checks to help your first night go smoothly: https://wherenexthun.blogspot.com/2026/03/beginners-guide-to-your-first-night.html

Leaving the Pitch Routine

A simple, confidence‑boosting guide for new motorhome owners

The Ultimate Motorhome Pre‑Departure Checklist: Everything to Do Before Leaving a Camping Pitch

Leaving a campsite should feel calm, organised, and stress‑free - not a frantic scramble to remember what you’ve forgotten. A solid pre‑departure routine protects your motorhome, prevents costly mistakes, and helps you travel with confidence.

This motorhome pre‑departure checklist gives you a reliable, repeatable process for every journey. After a few trips it becomes a habit!

 

In today’s post, we look at pre-departure checks you need to do before leaving your site, including:

·       Getting the inside of your motorhome ready for travel

·       Disconnecting your motorhome from electrical hook up and packing up the exterior area

·       Identifying the mechanical and safety checks to complete before starting your next journey

At the end of the post you will also find some images you can print off as check lists.

Let’s then jump into the world of safe pre-departure checks

 

1. Inside the Motorhome: Get Ready to Travel

Tidy and Secure the Interior

• Close and lock all cupboards and drawers
• Secure the fridge and oven doors
• Put away loose items (kettle, mugs, toiletries, remote controls)
• Stow the TV aerial booster and TV if you used them
• Close roof vents and windows
• Return seats and tables to travel positions
• Close all taps and pack away kitchen sink area
• Put back any ‘packing’ materials you use to reduce rattles (e.g. we put a T towel between the cooker top and the glass lid; we put foam between the plates)

Toilet & Water

• Empty and rinse the toilet cassette at the site disposal point
• Empty grey waste if the site allows it (quite often this may be the last thing you do as you drive out over the grey waste grate area)
• Top up fresh water only if you need it for the journey
• Top up the flush tank if need be so there is sufficient for the journey
• Do a quick check for leaks around taps, pipes, and the water heater

Switch Off Internal Systems

• Turn off the water pump
• Turn off heating/hot water
• Switch fridge to 12V (travel mode) or off if you prefer
• Check battery levels

 

2. Outside the Motorhome: Disconnect and Pack Up

⚡1. Disconnect the Electrical Hook‑Up, water services and gas

• Turn off appliances inside the van
• Switch off your RCD/MCB units
• Switch off the bollard (if it has a switch)
• Unplug from the bollard first
• Then unplug from the motorhome
• Fully uncoil the cable and check it’s dry
• Coil it loosely and store it in its bag or locker
• Switch back on your RCD/MCB units
• Disconnect the fresh water hose and drain it
• Disconnect any grey‑waste hose (on serviced pitches)
• (optional - Turn off gas bottles and secure the locker)
• Cap external gas or BBQ points

2.  Pack Away Outdoor Gear

• Fold and store chairs, tables, mats, steps
• Remove windscreens, privacy screens, and mats
• Shake off grass or mud before stowing
• Check under the van for forgotten items
• Do a quick litter check across your pitch

     3. Prepare the Exterior

• Retract and lock the awning
• Raise stabiliser legs
• Remove levelling ramps
• Retract the step
• Lock all external lockers
• Check bike racks and straps
• Remove wheel chocks
• Check tyres visually for bulges or low pressure
• Nothing left on the pitch

 

🚐 3. Mechanical and Safety Checks

A few minutes here can prevent breakdowns and keep you safe on the road.

• Check tyre pressure and tyre condition
• Check engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid
• Test lights, indicators, and brake lights
• Clean mirrors and adjust them
• Ensure number plate is visible
• Confirm payload is within limits

 

4. Final Walk‑Around Checks

🔍 Exterior Safety Check - Do a Slow 360° Walk  - slowly around the entire motorhome and check:

• All windows closed
• All rooflights closed
• Awning fully retracted and locked
• Levelling ramps packed away
• Locker doors closed and locked
• Step retracted
• Mirrors adjusted
• External security habitation door locks – locked in position to allow exit via the habitation door
• Remove wheel clamps or security posts
• Nothing left on pitch
• No cables or hoses still attached

·       No obstacles around the vehicle

• Adequate clearance for manoeuvring off pitch

Interior cab check

·       Set your sat nav

·       Charging cables for phones and sat nav

·       Dashcam set ready

·       Maps and atlases accessible

·       Drinks and snacks secured

·       Passports and/or documentation to hand

·       Glasses easy to hand

 

🛣️ 5. Departure

• Start the engine and let it settle for a moment
• Check dashboard for warning lights
• Slowly pull off the pitch
• Give a friendly wave to your temporary neighbours