Technical Documentation Organization

[campdohbrew]

I am not sure if this is the correct thread for this topic although it does relate to maintenance/repair? I have been trying to organize all the literature/documents/manual that accompanied my TT into a single binder with tabs for easy access and technical reference for maintenance and repair. Has anybody else done this and do you have any suggestions?

It would be nice if manufacturers/dealers supplied this information in an organized and manageable fashion as opposed to just cramming documents into a packet and handing the customer. (I was missing a couple of items - GT-3.0 Manual and Toshiba Television Manual.)

Too, I have been building a spreadsheet for documenting scheduled inspections and maintenance. It is required for some warranty claims, i.e. on the backside of the roofing documentation the purchaser is required to provide scheduled maintenance documentation as proof, including receipts for caulking and roof sealant supplies, when making a warranty claim.

Thanks

[jgmeinen]

Excellent suggestion. I too recently purchased a new 5th wheel and found that not only were some papers missing but the owners manual seemed very out of date and the different manuals were in different drawers and places throughout the trailer instead of being properly organized.

[Shawomet3]

Hi-
I have a 3 ring binder with page protectors that hold all the information cards, papers,books, etc that came with my unit. I wrote down warranty expiration dates and serial number also for quick reference. In the front, I put in a spirol bound book to log repairs, oil changes, problems, etc. as a reference. It's all kept up in my overhead cabinet out of the way. Has saved many hours of searching for stuff. Hope this helps.

[campdohbrew]

Originally Posted by Shawomet3

Hi-
I have a 3 ring binder with page protectors that hold all the information cards, papers,books, etc that came with my unit. I wrote down warranty expiration dates and serial number also for quick reference. In the front, I put in a spirol bound book to log repairs, oil changes, problems, etc. as a reference. It's all kept up in my overhead cabinet out of the way. Has saved many hours of searching for stuff. Hope this helps.

I am using the page protectors. Expiration date inclusion is a great idea.

Thanks.

[mtnguy]

Originally Posted by Shawomet3

Hi-
I have a 3 ring binder with page protectors that hold all the information cards, papers,books, etc that came with my unit.

Ditto.

[Freds342]

Accordian File works for me.

[traveler2955]

While cruising the Pacific Ocean on our boat, and now in the 5w as well as at home, we updated and kept our manuals on DVD--- although we do keep our paper copies at home and even some aboard. Here are 10 reasons why.

1. Photos of the Boat, RV, appliance and stuff is a record of ownership and serves as an inventory.
2. Photos of serial numbers, licenses, certificates, repairs, etc. are sortable.
3. Information is easily retrievable.
4. Updating that information is quick and reliable.
5. Moisture doesn’t affect the DVD, and any can be dried off before using if this occurs. It’s not infallible, however.
6. Space isn’t a consideration.
7. Almost any computer can pull the information when stored in the proper format.
8. Manuals from the company downloaded via the Internet can be easily catalogued or updated and doesn’t need to be printed.
9. Sharing information with others is easy.
10. Videos of “how-too” and techniques can be placed on the DVD.

Caveats:
a. Backup your DVD(s) and store these at your off-site location. A home, safe, etc is important. DVD’s are not forever, they can be damaged.
b. After writing the DVD, check it before you consider it finished.
c. Be aware that if you need a certificate you’ll need to print it.
d. Some certificates are not authentic unless it’s an original.
e. Private information should be left off this DVD and if on any storage device protected from theft.

Resources:
A text program such as Wordpad for the Windows platform can be read by any computer.
A better solution is Excel because one can sort, find, provide a minimum database.
Best might be a database whereby linking can be a great alternative.

I simply use Excel, organize my data into folders for each product along with pictures, documents I’ve scanned or photographed, warranty information, telephone numbers and details of products explained above.

Yes, I do keep necessary copies of paper with us, but these are few. Most manuals are available online from various mfg/companies.

Good luck
Mike

[cfsoistman]

I have mine in 2 binders. One that's strickly the mechanical components and the other the appliances and entertainment items. I have just about everything on a zip drive with multiple pdf files.
When we picked up our coach the sink was full of paperwork. It took a couple days to sort through everything. I did receive 11 copies of the inverter manual though. I gave 10 of them back when I took the coach in for warranty work.

[Malco]

Great ideas.Right now ours are just in the big envelope they were all packed in by our dealer.

[Terier]

I've learned to ask for the paperwork when stuff is installed on my trailer. Since the tech have experience installing they tend to discard it automatically.

I originally used a notebook but found it hard to reach it in the oh cabinet. Now I keep my booklets and papers in a plastic bin. I used a report folder to hold important papers and documents which takes up little room in the bin. I have no problem reaching and removing this bin. Just like in my truck I keep the regristration and insurance information in a zipped pencil pouch for easy access. The pouch is designed for 3-ring binders & has a clear window to view what's inside.

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