Setting and leaving camp is a whole science. If you are worried about it, we are here to debunk it! It should not stop you from trying out camping. It is a beautiful lifestyle and the more you practice it, the better you will get at it. We have broken camp over 150 times, and you will do just fine, following the check list below.
We are breaking it down between trailer/fifth wheel, and Class A/ Class C motorhomes. We have traveled in a van, Class C, 40-ft Fifth Wheel, and a 41-ft Class A motorhome. Many of the steps are similar, while some are unique to each set up.
Feel free to print this list out, laminate it, and use an erase marker to check things off of your list as you go. Reminders also sells slap wristbands that you slap onto your steering wheel to ensure you don't forget any important step as you break camp - you might find them helpful.
Guest Post and Photos by Laura Georgieff
Trailer / Fifth Wheel
- If leaving early morning, brush and pack outdoor mat
- Put away outdoor chairs / grill / table cloth
- Retract awnings
- Pack up bikes
- Clear counters
- Lock away any blankets / books that could fall to the ground during travel
- Pick up rugs and secure away
- Lock TV screens
- Organize loose fridge items in boxes or fridge drawers
- Lock fridge doors
- Check all drawers are latched
- Secure shampoo and soap bottles in bathroom sink
- Lock shower doors
- Lock sliding doors and closet doors
- Close hinged doors
- Secure kitchen soap bottles under sink or in the sink
- Turn off water heater
- Turn off propane tank
- Close vents
- Broom floors
- Check under slide out flooring for loose items
- Slide in
- Empty grey and black tanks
- Unplug power / water / sewer
- Hook rig to tow vehicle
- Lift hydraulic or manual jacks / remove auto-level
- Plug trailer or fifth wheel to tow vehicle
- Pack up chocks
- Fold stairs up
- Lock front door
- Flip any door handle
- Check site
Class A and Class C Motorhomes/RVs
- If leaving early morning, brush and pack outdoor mat
- Put away outdoor chairs / grill / table cloth
- Retract awnings
- Pack up bikes
- Clear counters
- Lock away any blankets / books that could fall to the ground during travel
- Pick up rugs and secure away
- Lock TV screens
- Organize loose fridge items in boxes or fridge drawers
- Lock fridge doors
- Check all drawers are latched
- Secure shampoo and soap bottles in bathroom sink
- Close vents
- Lock shower doors
- Lock sliding doors and closet doors
- Close hinged doors
- Secure kitchen soap bottles under sink or in the sink
- Turn off water heater
- Turn off propane tank
- Broom floors
- Check under slide out flooring for loose items
- Slide in
- Empty grey and black tanks
- Add a little fresh water to use during drive
- Unplug power / water / sewer
- Lift hydraulic or manual jacks
- Pack up chocks
- Attach tow vehicle to motorhome (follow all steps, incl. putting in neutral, turning on breaking system, disconnecting the battery) or dolly to motorhome
- Check turning signals, breaking lights, and emergency signals work well
- Check site
How Long Does It Take To Break Camp
This really depends on how much you took out, how many people travel, whether kids are able to help out, how quick you are in general, and the kind of rig you travel with.
Typically, we notice that travel trailers take the longest. They seem to require more manual adjusting and people seem to have more things outdoors (i.e., kitchen items, chairs, etc.) than other RV types.
Toy haulers are a close second if its owners put the garage down. If you have a toy hauler, you will have added steps consisting of dismantling a tent (if you have one), bringing things in, breaking down railings, and securing your drop down doors.
We had our fifth wheel ready to go in about 60 minutes, with two adults working on it. I feel like my husband spent most of that time outdoors, and I handled the inside.
It can take us as little as 15 minutes - typically 30 minutes - to be ready to go in the Class A, and most of it happens inside. All of the controls are inside the rig, and my husband will only need to be outdoors to unplug our hookups and attach our tow vehicle.
Can Children Help With Setting Up And Leaving Camp?
Yes, in most families, children have their own checklist. We see some kids involved with guiding the car to the hitch, others will be in charge of chocks or autoleveling, etc.
If you are traveling with kids, it is always a good idea to start them early with little chores they are responsible for. Our kids are in charge of picking up chocks, cleaning up all toys off of the floor, checking doors are latched, etc. We, as adults, double-check everything, but everyone having a routine and small to-do list, keep all focused on the task at hand and feeling involved.
Check List Before Leaving Camp
You will soon get into your own routine when it comes to leaving camp. Feel free to add your own items as you see fit!
