Pre-trip checklist

[John Rousch]

Greetings all,

I'm new to the forum and just acquired a vintage project 1969 Overlander. It will take some time to get the unit ready to roll down the road, repacking the bearings, checking the axels, sorting out the trailer lights.

My question is does anyone have a "checklist" they use prior to leaving to tow the trailer?

I'm a pilot and use checklists all the time and do a pre-flight before each flight so I'm used to looking after things.

The thing is, I don't know what I don't know, regarding AS and towing them. I've towed lots of trailers of the years, so that is not an issue, but what is specific to an AS is what I would need some help with.

Another thought is that it would also give my wife something to help with as we prepare and use the AS.

Thanks in advance,

John

[NoResults]

My flying experience is only with small single engine aircraft and I have only recently acquired my Airstream.

I find that a walk around to make sure the jacks are up and all connections are made, ie chains, plug in to tow vehicle and check to make sure the lights are working and have you checked the air pressure lately?

Don't have to yell clear as no prop on my Airsteam.

Dave

[dprvashon]

Hi.... this is an excellent question and there have been a few threads on this in the past. I also need a checklist for no other reason than to communicate between my darling co-pilot and myself that all is ready. She does some prep work and I do some but we don't want to overlook an unlocked window, an open vent or, heaven forbid, the step still down. We walk through this list together so we can be sure not to miss a thing..So here is the list we find useful....
maxwells-departure-checklist.pdf

It includes the following:
Up
1. Turn off awning lights
2. Stow awnings and lock down
3. Close ceiling vents
4. Look for branch overhangs
Down
1. Raise stabilizer jacks
2. Stow chocks
3. Connect tow vehicle
4. Raise hitch jack
5. Raise steps
6. Check hitch is locked
7. Check chains secured
8. Check breakaway line
9. Stow leveling blocks
10. Tighten sewer discharge cap
11. Lock sewer valves
12. Check tire pressure
Around
1. Stow power cord
2. Stow hoses
3. Turn off storage locker lights
4. Lock storage doors
5. Lock stove vent cover
6. Close and lock windows
7. Lock front window rock screen
8. Turn off gas
9. Lock door

Inside
1. Check battery and water levels
2. Turn on battery switch
3. Secure folding doors
4. Secure shower door
5. Turn off cabinet lights
6. Close windows and vents
7. Secure window blinds
8. Drain toilet
9. Stow chairs, carpets
10. Lock TV
11. Close skylight/clearstory blinds
12. Close stove top
13. Stow loose items
14. Stow lamps
15. Turn off water pump switch
16. Turn off refrigerator (inside door)
17. Turn off lights
18. Turn off heater
19. Turn off water heater
20. Check campsite for left items
Leaving
1. Check all lights
2. Ensure wheels roll and brake
3. Check for low-hanging branches
4. Check exit for obstacles
5. GPS next stop
6. Identify next gas
7. Dump holding tank (as needed)
8. Don’t forget the dog

[John Rousch]

Thanks, that is just a great list!

John

[Len n Jeanne]

We found an old check list in the Airstream coffee table book. It was pretty basic. DPR's list is comprehensive and pretty well sums it up.

In our camping partnership, "he" does the outside stuff like hitching and raising the stabilizers, while "she" does the inside stuff like making sure nothing is going to fall off the counter, and that the water is drained out of the toilet bowel. It's best to have a system, whatever it is, so that the procedures eventually become automatic.

Another way to consider your question is to ask what mistakes people have made or forgotten. In our case, once we didn't count to four, and started to drive off with one of the stabilizers still down. It popped off and dented our friends' parking area. Needless to say, that's one that we now always double-check. He always drives for a short distance while she checks for such things, or any items inadvertently left around the campsite.

WW III has broken out on this forum as to whether people drive with their propane on or off, to keep the fridge running while they drive. We always turn the propane off before driving for safety reasons, but ours is apparently a minority view.

[Boxite]

Always...ALWAYS... pull out of your campsite about a vehicle-length...then get out and walk around the trailer and tow vehicle for one last look before getting on the road.
It's also a good idea to do another walk-around when disconnecting the trailer at the campsite as well. (Helps prevent pulling away to go to dinner with the safety-chains still attached...) :