What's Your Best Single Piece of Advice....

[pashooter]

Originally Posted by Old car

Relax, enjoy, and don't sweat the little stuff. Life it too short.

...and never forget: it's all little stuff.

[Harkerr]

Know your stopping distance under all conditions especially downhill. Plan with safety margin

[Triple SS]

No one and nothing is perfect so enjoy the ride and time spent with family and loved ones. Make some memories!

[reddiver]

My slogan that helps a lot is: We're here for a good time, not a long time!! Have fun
11

[mtnlvr]

Originally Posted by Happy Camper 2715

Do not buy a RV, camper, MH, or any other leasure type of vehicle unless you have average to above average DIY skills.

As a solo female traveler, I always thought I was handy but I'm quickly learning- carry plenty of tools, lot's of surprises! Superbowl Sunday I ended up on my roof learning how to manually close a broken satelitte dish.

[mtnlvr]

Make sure you have enough gas. Maps aren't always accurate, what you may think is a town on your map- may not have gas or diesel and you are in the middle of nowhere.

[hankpac]

I agree 100% with the Checklist.
The checklist was invented by pilots after a really great pilot forgot something and it killed him. No one remembers EVERYTHING.
My checklist is a has several versions depending on wether I am going to stop at a water source before I leave town, or after I arrive in camp, and is laminated. I do the same routine every time, (as also mentioned above) and the check list helps me remember to lock bins, put in steps, coil cords, antennas, check tire pressures (different list) etc.
My wife's list is mostly the inventory, and and is dependent on wether we are headed to Elk Camp, or south to Texas for the winter.

My personal addition to this thread is: Slow down. That applies to everything in camp or on the road.

Could also add: 1. Get "Get Gas Buddy" for you smart phone. Can't beat it for fueling on cross country trips.
2. Learn to read a map, and estimate times. Don't rely solely on the GPS.
3. Get Waze, to look for road hazards, and to warn others of hazards. Keeps your navigator in the game.
4. Stop often for a walk around. On cross country trips, I have discovered low tires, flapping doors, loose straps, all of which I KNOW I had tightened.
5. Keep an eye on the gauges.
6. Use ALL your mirrors.
7. Change your engine oil even if you are on the road. Watch the service people like a hawk, while they are doing it.
8. Your co-pilot's job at gas stops is to wash the windows, or pump the fuel, and you do it, but keep that glass sparkling.
9. Stop at the State border Information (if they have one) and pick up fresh maps, ask about local sights, and history.
Well, that's all for now.

[Wobbles]

Keep plenty of room on your credit card.

[PapaE]

Originally Posted by asquared

Make checklists for set up and take down. Use walkie talkies for backing so you don't have to read sign language or shout. Passenger side /driver side is better than right/left. This will save your marriage! Finally, learn to laugh at yourself, chances are the ones watching you have made the same mistakes before.

Agree on the walkie talkies for backing. We have tried for years to use our cell phones but often camp where reception is poor and loose connections. Finally, bought a pair of walkie talkies and have wondered why I didn't do it sooner.

[hotzfamily]

Don't take any shortcuts. You'll regret it. This applies to set-up, parking, driving, take-down, anything.

Know that if something does happen that you probably LOVE the person you're camping with. Try to make sure they know it - even if s**t is hitting the fan.

[Belleville Bob]

Never be in a hurry!

[Old Bill]

Originally Posted by FRRVR

Have hookup/unhook routine and don't deviate from it.

X2

[ChipBruce]

When you leave a campsite, leave it in better condition than you found it in.

When bad things happen, remember, Cheetos don't fix anything, but at least your belly will be full and your fingers will be orange.

[pgandw]

Enjoy your personal camping style - and pick equipment that suits it.


Fred W
2014 Rockwood A122 A-frame
2008 Hyundai Entourage minivan
camping Colorado and adjacent states one weekend at a time

[Handydc]

Use lots of water when you flush...

[mikel68]

Make sure you have ice when you get there...Jack Daniels goes way better if ice is involved.

[pashooter]

Originally Posted by mikel68

Make sure you have ice when you get there...Jack Daniels goes way better if ice is involved.

Rocks are for wimps. I'm kidding mikel68... just remember to bring Jack along and all will be fine. :-)

[raspivey]

Originally Posted by wmtire

ALWAYS chock your travel trailer wheels before disconnecting from tow vehicle........and don't unchock until reconnected to tow vehicle.

Seen a friends trailer roll out in the street, and several others roll off a block placed under the tongue jack. It takes less incline than you think for a trailer to roll.

Happened to me on my third outing. Popup jack was wheeled and as soon as I unhitched it went rolling back about two feet...there was a little pucker action going on. Good thing it was on fairly level dirt/grass. First and last time it's ever happened.

[RedLdr1]

Read the user guides and / or manuals before you try to use a new or unfamiliar device....

[Teamfour]

Don't be afraid to try and fix minor stuff yourself. YouTube is your friend...and this forum.