FOR BEGINNERS: RV Trip Checklist!

Some ideas about what to check before a big trip.

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[susanburg]

I really enjoyed Kristy calling the sewer hose the stinky slinky on one of your previous videos. Now that’s all I call it.

[millhouse]

How about leveling blocks for the wheels and under the tongue/stabilizer jack's. Wheel chocks. Check the smoke & CO detectors batteries, fire extinguisher isn't out of date or discharged. Check that the house batteries are charged & connection isn't corroded. Pack a toolbox with the things you use (contents vary).

[danstatler]

Great information. While checking you’re tires make sure you check you’re spare. Nothing worse than having a flat tire and finding out your spare is also flat or has aged out.

[grey]

I've made similar comments before.

My buddy has a three ring binder, similar to a preflight checklist imho. Laminated paper suitable for a grease pencil. Each component/mission has it own page. Easily modified and replaced when things change.

He recently upgraded his unit and sold the older one. When the perspective buyer showed up to view it, my buddy demonstrated all the features while going down the checklist. When it came to discussing price, the perspective buyer mentioned the book and if it came with the unit. My buddy expressed that the unit costs "x" the book costs "10x", and the deal was done.

There is money in this. Loloho should make a similar thing.

[deniseinight]

I want to tell you that your videos are helping this solo newbie with my new to me 18 yr old 21ft class C. I'm getting ready for my 4th trip and each time I go out I learn something valuable. Like waking up when it's only 39' in Taos, NM I learned how to turn on my furnace and was over joyed that it self ignites and I didn't have to light the pilot. It helped to have the gas turned ON! My 3rd trip I learned how to level. I'm still re-arranging the tiny galley kitchen and figured out a way that works best for me to climb up into the over cab "loft" bed. I found 'wheat fiber' plates that are nice and light AND can go into the microwave. I look for your videos to keep learning, thank you from this newbie in NM!

[judystreich]

Always, always do the tire check, don’t overload, and secure the awning for sure if you have a manual awning. After going through a terrible wind on I-80 we had to duck tape the awning arms and the vent lid in the bath. Saw rv’s with their awnings laying on the ground along side of the freeway, From then on, I used Velcro to secure the awning arms, worked great. But that wind also worked to back the main screw that held the awning bracket on the trailer. Thank goodness my mechanic husband always took his tool box along. And lastly, two things. Never leave home without the tv remote, can make for a long vaca when the hubs keeps rubbing it in how he wishes he could watch tv. Two, folks, what’s your hurry, slow that rig down. Hey, My diesel will go faster than I need too, but just try and stop if something happens. It’s called a vacation for a reason. Be smart and drive safe 🙋🏼‍♀️🇺🇸👍🚗

[neilevenden]

After camping last summer I watched an episode regarding Surge Protectors. During the winter a purchased one and the very first time I plugged it in I had an Open Ground! Fortunately there was a second 30 amp plug which worked just fine!

I hadn't been on our site an hour when I stopped a Park Warden and informed him of the problem. 10 minutes later a Park Maintenance Worker arrived at our site. 10 minutes after that the Electrician showed up and within 10 minutes a new plug was installed and the problem was fixed! Great service Algonquin Park Staff!!

[robertward]

Hello there, I really appreciate all of the information that you shared. One thing that I noticed was, you didn’t include anything about the 30 or 50 amp surge protector. I wouldn’t take our travel trailer anywhere without ours. Thanks again. Bob Ward. Speedway, Indiana

[loseerich]

For long trips (we’re usually weekenders) in addition to much of your items: Spare tire & inflated right; Floor jack; Laundry supplies; Battery fluid level & distilled water on hand; Stop home mail delivery; copies of dog vet records; firearm laws in states visiting....

[KBYAF]

YES! The best thing you offered is your downloadable list. I used a custom list I had created when we owned our Airstream Classic trailer. I even went so far as to laminate it. We kept it under the fold down armrest in our pickup so we always knew where it was. Our list was divided into EXTERIOR and INTERIOR items. Before we moved the trailer, I grabbed the list and scanned through every item. Occasionally that list saved our 'bacon' because I had forgot to check the overhead TV antenna, or the shower door being locked. It only took a few seconds to do. Thanks again Sean and Kristy for another great video. I always mention your videos when people ask me about RV things. You're the best! D. from Olympia, WA

[joed]

Always check torque on lug nuts along with tire pressure checks.

[rickhoughtellingjr]

Just started the rv life 2 months ago...your videos have made our experience enjoyable because you have shown me so many mistakes you've made and warned me about all the mistakes others have and so far "knock on wood" we have had zero issues...

[hammerful]

Safety equipment in case you have a breakdown, vest and flashlights. We carry all the information on the trailer and truck on a printed page for when we register at a site.

[greghanson]

Double check that hitch. All the pins in the proper place? All good!

[robertd]

I made a departure and arrival spreadsheet and printed several copies that I carry in my closable clipboard. Yeah I look like a nerdy newbie but I don't forget anything. Example, if you forget to close the vent hood fan exhaust port on the outside, the wind will rip it completely off.

[haroldingmire]

Now retired for 4 months we are camping about every thee weeks, and I am developing my checklist . I would recommend a torque wrench for lug nuts. Read this on Jayco website, and sure enough 25% needed some tightening. Used the old grunt method for 35 years torque wrench better. Also check all pins on sway cars, hitch pin, and other places in need of a pin. It is easy to miss items! Also, don’t forget pelletsfor your Traeger- we love our Tailgater! Thanks again for your videos, be Safe!

[davidpontzer]

Good idea to check wheel lug nut torque.

[apriltatum]

When we bought our first rig my sister had to drive behind us to pick up all the things that came off the fifth wheel (Windows, a/c cover), out of the back of our truck (ice chest lid, toys) or out of the boat (Big Bertha towable, and beach bag). We got better as time went on but do, occasionally, lose a few things. My tip is have someone in a truck behind you! Love all your videos 😘

[bradwilliams]

I enjoyed the video. I just need a camper. 😁

[bay]

A downloadable check list for printer might be a good idea. Extra entry cells just for what only you have would be nice. Give dates and locations in case things go missing and repair or replacement record. Thanks for the prepare info