Checklists
Checklists are extremely important for safety when hooking up or when breaking down the RV. It is so easy to miss a step when you're tired or in a hurry. Everyone I talk to at campgrounds tell me they have several checklists. Some tell me they put plastic clothespins on their steering wheel with tasks written on them to be sure they complete everything. I prefer my written checklists and keep them all in Evernote.
Don't forget about the pets. Never leave them in the hot car while you're busy setting-up or breaking down. Put them in the cool or warm RV as soon as possible.
Don't forget about the pets. Never leave them in the hot car while you're busy setting-up or breaking down. Put them in the cool or warm RV as soon as possible.
Arrival Checklist
OUTSIDE
- Check in, get a map and always ask for any discount available. If arriving after hours then check in with camp host
- Drive around campground to find your site if it has been designated or to look for a good site if "first come-first serve."
- Walk around the site to decide how you are going to back in. Look up for low branches etc. Remember you will need room for slides and the awning. Always use a spotter if backing into your site.
- Display your site ticket on the camp post
- Unhitch - see hitching/unhitching a travel trailer or 5th wheel.
- Level RV and chock wheels.
- Let down outside steps and handrails.
- If towing a trailer or vehicle, unhitch it from the motor home. If carrying a heavy load on hitch platform, unload it (motorcycle, golf cart, etc.)
- Connect electricity and be sure breaker is on.
- Connect water hose and water pressure regulator and filter.
- Connect TV cable or antenna
- Open gray valves if site has sewer. Keep black closed until ready to dump.
- Turn on propane and check for leaks.
- Confirm refrigerator is turned on and running.
- Confirm AC or furnace is working.
- Remove outside rug from storage and place outside.
- Remove items from RV for outside use such as chairs, grills etc.
- Let awning out and hang lights (see Awning Care and Set-Up under info)
- Disconnect chassis battery to prevent draining or turn off
- Lock external RV storage doors.
INSIDE
- Check refrigerator for spilled items etc
- Check cabinets for food items or dishes displaced
- Raise roof mounted TV antenna or satellite dish.
- Open vent in bathroom
- Check bathroom cabinet for items displaced
- Give pets fresh water after traveling
- Make a pot of coffee
- Ready to relax and have fun
Departure Checklist
NSIDE
- All loose items stowed properly
- Cabinet doors closed securely
- Ceiling vents closed
- Items in shower and bathroom sink secured
- TV/Satellite dish taken down
- TV antenna down
- TV secured for traveling
- Refrigerator items secured properly
- Refrigerator on correct power mode
- A/C or furnace turned off
- Windows closed and locked
- All interior doors are closed
- Slides are moved in and secured
- Trash taken out to be discarded
OUTSIDE
- Drain holding tanks if needed
- Unplug power from RV
- Disconnect water from RV
- Disconnect sewer (dump if necessary)
- Disconnect TV cable from RV
- Secure range vent
- Clean and roll up outdoor rug for storage
- Remove lights from awning then clean, retract and lock awning (see Awning Care and Set-Up under info)
- Secure chairs, grills, bikes, etc and store properly
- Lock and secure outside storage doors
- Secure entry steps and hand railing
- Use a spotter and inspect all vehicle/RV lights
- Walk around RV for a final inspection and remember to look underneath the RV
- Hitch properly - see Hitching a Travel Trailer or 5th Wheel under instructions menu for step by step
- Inspect site to be sure you are leaving a clean site for the next camper
- Dump on the way out (see how to Dump Tanks under info)
- Discard trash on the way out
- Drive safely
“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”
― Ernest Hemingway
HTML Comment Box is loading comments...
