Pre hitch and roll Checklist

[J_KHawthorne]

We are new to the forum and new to trailering. We have just started out on our first major trip in our 2012 Crusader 290RLT-TE. We have had only minor cosmetic flaws which our dealer, Liberty RV, has been quick to remedy.

As my wife and I checked out all systems and practiced hitching and unhitching, it became obvious that we needed a systematic checklist. As an aircraft pilot, I'm used to these!

While this checklist is tailored to our 5th wheel, perhaps other might find this useful! As a "newbie", I would also appreciate all input!!!

Pre-hitch and/or Pre-roll Checklist

• Check weather reports and forecasts covering proposed route of travel, and make final “Go/ NoGo” decision.
• Retract rear leveling-jacks.
• Turn off heat/AC.
• Turn off hot water switches and trip hot water tank breaker to ‘off’.
• Set fridge to “Auto”.
• Retract antenna.
• Secure dinette chairs.
• Secure rocker chair.
• Secure TV.
• Check that all closet doors and drawers are securely closed; check that shower door and bathroom door are secure; check that fridge doors are secure.
• Check that all roof vents are securely closed.
• Turn off all unnecessary interior lights.
• Walk around and check that all slides are unimpeded on the exterior.
• Ensure interior paths of slides are clear of obstructions.
• Retract slides beginning with the heaviest.
• Check that all interior lights are off.
• Disconnect water and sewer connections.
• Disconnect and stow AC power cord.
• Walk around trailer; ensure rear leveling jacks are retracted and that all cargo doors are secure.
• Secure entrance door, handrail and steps.
• Lock slider hitch in desired position.
• Position truck to king pin and adjust landing gear.
• Connect 7-pin connector.
• Set trailer brakes.
• Hitch trailer and lock.
• Secure brake breakaway cable.
• Retract front landing gear and secure.
• Remove wheel chocks and stow. Pull trailer ahead; pick up and stow any leveling boards or blocks.
• Walk around both tow vehicle and trailer checking all lights and turn signals. Check that all baggage doors are secure and locked.
• Check that no items are left in the campsite.
• Move to suitable location (if necessary) prior to main roadway entrance and position and lock slider hitch for travel.
• Check that slider hitch is locked in travel position.

[GlacierGus]

Thanks for the useful checklist. I am not a total "newbie" as I have borrowed a friend's TT in the past. But I finally broke down and have on order a new MiniLite 2109S. Your list is going to the front of the manual that I am putting together. I've got about 5 weeks to go before I pick my TT up. Can't wait for my first trip. Thanks again.

[Oakman]

My only advice is to use that checklist every time. If you do, you'll never have to make a post about an "oops" moment.

My wife and I have been RVing for many years and always use our checklist.

[Earth Station]

I think I am going to steal that checklist. We had one for the TT but need a new one with the FW thank you!!!

[Dave_Monica]

There's a check that you should do to ensure that the king pin is captured in the jaws of the hitch, if you have that style. It's recommended that once hitched that you raise the landing gear just off the ground and pull ahead a foot or so to ensure the the jaws are engaged. If the king pin not properly engaged, the camper will only drop onto the landing gear instead of the bed rails of the truck.

Dave

[Oakman]

Ditto what Dave Monica said about doing a test pull.

[Triguy]

Originally Posted by Oakman

My only advice is to use that checklist every time. If you do, you'll never have to make a post about an "oops" moment.

My wife and I have been RVing for many years and always use our checklist.

x2

We've avoided many oops moments through the years mainly due to the lists. For some reason I can't figure out, our neighbors want to talk to me as I'm getting everything set to leave. The lists make sure I don't get too distracted and forget something.

Our latest is tailored to our Hybrid.

[J_KHawthorne]

Originally Posted by Dave_Monica

There's a check that you should do to ensure that the king pin is captured in the jaws of the hitch, if you have that style. It's recommended that once hitched that you raise the landing gear just off the ground and pull ahead a foot or so to ensure the the jaws are engaged. If the king pin not properly engaged, the camper will only drop onto the landing gear instead of the bed rails of the truck.

Dave

An excellent point! Thanks, Dave & Monica!!! Have added that item!

[imabmwnut]

When we plug in the 7 pin we just turn on the flashers. If the flashers work everything else works.

[Iggy]

You left out the last and most important one.

Take a two deep breaths and just relax and have FUN!

[trudinator]

Originally Posted by Iggy

You left out the last and most important one.

Take a two deep breaths and just relax and have FUN!

X2!! I'm sure we go through all of this when we depart, but I never sat down and wrote it all down. Just the most important things. Antenna, steps, switches, etc. After you do it a couple of times, it all becomes second nature. My DH and I each have our own "chores" and responsibilites when it comes to arrival and departure. Never really sat down and discussed it, but it just became a natural progression. I'm inside and he's outside. When I'm finished in the inside, I help outside. Works out well. We haven't killed each other yet, so we must be doing something right.

[OldCoot]

Another couple you might want to add,
Dump holding tanks.
Drain fresh water tank down to 1/3. (May need water on the road for self or tow vehicle)

[Mountainmanbob]

always before the final takeoff
I get myself a little distance from our trailer
prox 10-15 ft
on each side and in the back
bend down and take a slow look around and under
this way I know that everTHING is up and ready
have noticed over the years
this helps me to know that I (we) are road ready
tow chains too tight or loose ??
then after a short ways down the old dirt road
I get out and do the same one more time
anyTHING shake or fall loose ??

looking at many THING from a distance
shows sometimes
what may not catch the eye up close
low tires, atenna, vents
someTHING not straight etc etc

a blessed travel day wished for all
from
Mountainman

[AeroScout]

My wife will laugh when she reads this........I too made an extensive checklist when we got the 5W and she says............you pilots......always gotta have those checklists! Yep......and after using it, she sees the importance.
Thanks

[B47]

Originally Posted by AeroScout

My wife will laugh when she reads this........I too made an extensive checklist when we got the 5W and she says............you pilots......always gotta have those checklists! Yep......and after using it, she sees the importance.
Thanks

AeroScout - tell your wife that she is oh so correct in saying pilots... "always gotta have those checklists!"

You and I both know the importance of using them in aviation.

[B47]

Originally Posted by J_KHawthorne

We are new to the forum and new to trailering. We have just started out on our first major trip in our 2012 Crusader 290RLT-TE. We have had only minor cosmetic flaws which our dealer, Liberty RV, has been quick to remedy.

As my wife and I checked out all systems and practiced hitching and unhitching, it became obvious that we needed a systematic checklist. As an aircraft pilot, I'm used to these!

While this checklist is tailored to our 5th wheel, perhaps other might find this useful! As a "newbie", I would also appreciate all input!!!

Pre-hitch and/or Pre-roll Checklist

• Check weather reports and forecasts covering proposed route of travel, and make final “Go/ NoGo” decision.
• Retract rear leveling-jacks.
• Turn off heat/AC.
• Turn off hot water switches and trip hot water tank breaker to ‘off’.
• Set fridge to “Auto”.
• Retract antenna.
• Secure dinette chairs.
• Secure rocker chair.
• Secure TV.
• Check that all closet doors and drawers are securely closed; check that shower door and bathroom door are secure; check that fridge doors are secure.
• Check that all roof vents are securely closed.
• Turn off all unnecessary interior lights.
• Walk around and check that all slides are unimpeded on the exterior.
• Ensure interior paths of slides are clear of obstructions.
• Retract slides beginning with the heaviest.
• Check that all interior lights are off.
• Disconnect water and sewer connections.
• Disconnect and stow AC power cord.
• Walk around trailer; ensure rear leveling jacks are retracted and that all cargo doors are secure.
• Secure entrance door, handrail and steps.
• Lock slider hitch in desired position.
• Position truck to king pin and adjust landing gear.
• Connect 7-pin connector.
• Set trailer brakes.
• Hitch trailer and lock.
• Secure brake breakaway cable.
• Retract front landing gear and secure.
• Remove wheel chocks and stow. Pull trailer ahead; pick up and stow any leveling boards or blocks.
• Walk around both tow vehicle and trailer checking all lights and turn signals. Check that all baggage doors are secure and locked.
• Check that no items are left in the campsite.
• Move to suitable location (if necessary) prior to main roadway entrance and position and lock slider hitch for travel.
• Check that slider hitch is locked in travel position.

J - looks good - but I have a couple of suggestions -

1. Divide the checklist items into "Exterior" and "Interior" items. That way when you finisn the Exterior or Interior you won't be going in and out of the unit.

2. I keep a mileage log for the purpose of tracking how many miles the TT tires have on them as well as knowing when the wheel bearings, etc, need lubeing. I simply make an checklist item for entering the TV odemometer (sp) reading before pullout and after returning home and also the dates in and out plus the destinations traveled to that trip.

Keeping records just comes naturally to me considering my aviation background.

[RattVader]

Man!! I would need another vacation after going over that checklist!

[RonLynnJr]

I made a checklist similar to this and snagged my DW's kindle and downloaded a free checklist app. Works great and it doesn't use pen or paper.

[KrouseTheCamper]

I have also made a checklist on my iPhone...never leave home without it!!

[J_KHawthorne]

many fantastic suggestions here! We have made some additions as a result of all your kind help!
Kathy and I have divided the list into interior/exterior and believe me; it is NO chore to zip through it! (We recently talked to a camper who forgot to retract his stabilizer jacks before pulling away and ended up with a $4,300 repair bill in addition to a ruined vacation!)