Departure and arrival procedure to follow

[micalo]

Being new to camping, i realize that before getting going and upon arriving there are a lot to do thus a lot to forget. As anyone ever took time to write a procedure to follow in order not to forget anything. Dont want to make a mistake that could leed to a mishap like on the other thread, you know dropping fifht wheel on truck and these things that can happen and than become the laught of the town, would not want to have my feelings hurt....., you know...

[vasnipe]

Micalo,
Welcome aboard.
Questions are good, they mean you are thinking and using your noggin', not afraid to ask if you don't know... I ask things just about every day, still learning things.

Check out this thread where Herk aka Lou posted his list
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...nts-22211.html

Chris in Virginia

[Terier]

Checklists are really helpful. Ditto on what vasnipe said about Herk's list.

Herk really put some work into his lists so there's no chance of missing anything. I'm a bit more simple & RVing solo so my lists were edited down a bit.

Please do check out Herk's list in the link in the post above that vasnipe provided. It worth the time.

[Malco]

If you are going to read Herk's list make sure you allow yourself 2 or 3 hours of reading time.

[campnqueen]

uh-oh! Y'all gunna make Herk mad!! ( yeah...but it IS funny

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by campnqueen

uh-oh! Y'all gunna make Herk mad!! ( yeah...but it IS funny

No worries, it is very hard to make me mad.
Not impossible; just very very hard.
Only happened 3 times in my life and the last time it took 3 months of constant harrasment to push me over the top.
Said my peace (choice words at volume) and was 120 over 80 in about 10 minutes.

[micalo]

OK i'm with Herk's list. I've got to read it all. Was going to download it but not sure if i should not get an extra hard disk LOL. Man this is so complete, Thanks for sharing it. Down to my 2nd coffe cup while reading.

[Triguy]

That's a good list to begin with. You'll get an idea for what to do and a good order.

After you review and camp once or twice, I suggest that you modify it for your 5er and your style. Making one up for yourself is the best way to learn.

[Len & Cheri]

Originally Posted by herk7769

No worries, it is very hard to make me mad.
Not impossible; just very very hard.
Only happened 3 times in my life and the last time it took 3 months of constant harrasment to push me over the top.
Said my peace (choice words at volume) and was 120 over 80 in about 10 minutes.

So do you make your DW read the checklist while you say "Check"? (just 89 more days of this and Lou is going to lose it )

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by LFugate

So do you make your DW read the checklist while you say "Check"? (just 89 more days of this and Lou is going to lose it )

Naw, it was "in your face" finger pointing stuff.
Nothing said with electrons will even ripple my coffee.

[cootr68]

There is an RV Checklist app for smart phones, its pretty detailed. You can edit it and you can check things off as you go.

[annamarie]

Originally Posted by cootr68

There is an RV Checklist app for smart phones, its pretty detailed. You can edit it and you can check things off as you go.

Now your gonna hurt Herks feelings, lol.

[cootr68]

Originally Posted by annamarie

Now your gonna hurt Herks feelings, lol.

I think Herk is a big boy and can handle it!!! Lol

[Nomoretents4me]

Thanks to Herk for this detailed and comprehensive list, Just bought our first TT and just started my own list and this will make it so much easier. There are many things on this list that I know I will need but probably would never have thought of being a "newbie". Thanks again Herk! And if I had to guess I would say Herk is either Military or an Engineer or maybe even a Military Engineer! lol

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by Nomoretents4me

Thanks to Herk for this detailed and comprehensive list, Just bought our first TT and just started my own list and this will make it so much easier. There are many things on this list that I know I will need but probably would never have thought of being a "newbie". Thanks again Herk! And if I had to guess I would say Herk is either Military or an Engineer or maybe even a Military Engineer! lol

How about a retired C130 pilot?

[Nomoretents4me]

Originally Posted by dunnnc

How about a retired C130 pilot?

Yep that works too! Checklists are second nature to him then. Flying C-130's he may have touched down at Dover AFB which is not far from me.

[Pawpod]

Thought pilots had just 2 items on their checklist
1 - take off (optional)
2 - landing ( mandatory)

[jar3316]

We have a few simple rules in our house.

1.Everything in the trailer must have at least 2 uses
2.If the trailer needs it take it from the house and buy another one at the store later.
3.If you don't have it when your out ask your self a simple question will you live with out it, if so wait, if not then go to the store and buy it, dummy.
4.Nothing leaves the trailer.
5.Sheets, Towels, and clothing are not subject to rule 4.
6.Trailer can not go back to storage (leave driveway) until sheets and towels are washed and back in trailer. This one only works because it blocks almost the whole driveway entrance.

Those rules coupled with the fact that we started with just a truck and tent and moved to small (18') RV then to Pop up (10') and mini van made sure all the essentials have a very small foot print.

All my friends wonder how I have all this stuff and it all fits in about 1/2 the space they have

[J_KHawthorne]

Lou is in the process of making up a comprehensive checklist. In the meantime, if you do a search for "checklist" (^^^ up there under the banner), you will find a lot of good ideas and suggestions. Remember that nobody can possibly create a "one-size-fits-all" checklist that covers all models of RV's and all situations!!!
We are all totally responsible for our own rigs and knowing ALL about them and their eccentricities. We also have to come up with a "do-able" checklist or at least a set of procedures that result in more than just good intentions! It has to be something we (and our partners/ children, &etc.) can actually accomplish.... here's ours:
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. Ensure hitch safety latch is engaged and secured.
• Remove wheel chocks and stow.
• Secure brake breakaway cable.
• Retract landing gear just free of ground and pull ahead a foot or two to ensure the jaws on the 5th wheel hitch have locked.
• Retract front landing gear and secure.
• 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.

I know that it's long, but I'm an old aircraft pilot... and am still alive due to checklists! Take your time and come up with your own that you can live and work with! That's the main thing!
Keep safe and happy trails to all!

[Terier]

For the most part I have two basic rules: Keep it simple and use it or lose it.

If something is removed from the trailer I will write it down on the whiteboard. If the item is not going directly back to the trailer it is placed inside a plastic container that used as a holding bin for trailer items.

The whiteboard is also used for dotting down tasks that need to be done like stock AA batteries, buy shampoo, etc.

Like most RV owners I tried to leave the trailer ready for the next trip before dropping it off at storage. However, sometimes life happens...