Fifth Wheel Pre-Departure Checklist

By: Jason Noel
Difficulty: Beginner

Complete pre-departure checklist for fifth wheel owners. Covers king pin connection, landing gear retraction, turning clearance verification, and the critical tug test. Designed for both new and experienced fifth wheel towers.

Checklist

Interior Prep (6)

1. Secure all cabinet doors and drawers

Check bathroom cabinet especially

2. Lock fridge door and switch to 12V or propane

Verify fridge is cold before departure

3. Stow loose items on counters and tables

Anything unsecured becomes a projectile

4. Close all windows and roof vents

Including bathroom vent fan

5. Verify smoke/CO/LP detectors are on

Test button if unsure

6. Secure TV and mounted electronics

Swivel mounts should be locked

Systems Check (5)

7. Note fresh water tank level

Fill before leaving or when we get there

8. Empty or note holding tank levels

Gray and black — don't travel with full tanks

9. Set water heater to OFF

Never travel with water heater on

10. Turn off water pump

Prevents pump cycling while driving

11. Close propane tanks

Unless running fridge on LP

King Pin Connection (4)

12. Verify jaw is locked — visual check

Look under pin box to confirm jaw closed

13. Perform tug test

Pull forward gently — trailer should not release

14. Engage safety pin or locking mechanism

Secondary lock on hitch handle

15. Fully retract landing gear

Front jacks completely up — verify pin secured

Exterior Walkaround (6)

16. Check tire pressure on trailer and tow vehicle

Visual tire inspection

17. Retract and secure awning

Verify awning strap or lock is engaged

18. Retract all stabilizer jacks

All four corners plus any center jacks

19. Retract entry steps

Manual or electric — verify fully up

20. Check all exterior compartment doors

Push each one to confirm latched

21. Clear roof of any items

Check for forgotten items, branches, debris

Final Safety Check (4)

22. Check turning radius clearance

Make a test turn — verify cab-to-cap gap

23. Test trailer brakes with brake controller

Verify brake controller gain setting

24. Test all lights

Running, brake, turn signals, reverse

25. Remove wheel chocks

Both sides — stow in truck or storage

Notes

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