Show us your CHECKLISTS

[Hittenstiehl]

Since the show me threads are doing so well and we are about to go on our first excursion I would like to see or collect some of your checklists.

Set up, Take down, Exterior, Interior, Preflight, Annual Maintenance, Trip Trackers and on and on. If you've got a list bring it.

We realize all of our trailers are different and some of us need to not forget the kids, the pets, the medication etc.

If you don't mind sharing this might be a good thread to collect them in. So many of you have been there done that and we value your expertise.

Thanks for sharing your list's.
Regards

[SSquared]

We have a two-page two-column checklist (still evolving). The formatting doesn't completely survive the transition to the formum format, but here's the departure checklist, interior first:

Bedroom
Turn off HVAC
Stow loose items
Close windows (3)
Secure blinds (3)
Close roof vent
Close cabinets/drawers (10)
overheads (4)
footlockers (4)
closet
nightstand drawer
Turn off lights
Snap hall dividers

Bathroom
Stow loose items
Close roof vent
Latch upper cabinet
Latch lower cabinets
Lower toilet water
Lower toilet lid
Turn off water heater
Turn off lights
Stow brooms
Close door

Shower
Close roof vent
Secure shower hose
Put away clothes on line
Put away soap, etc.
Latch door
Turn off light







Kitchen
Stow loose items
Close closet/Turn off light
Secure TV
Lower TV antenna
Turn off TV & preamp
Turn off radio
Close Roof Vent
Close windows (3)
Secure window blinds (4 + 3)
Secure items in fridge
Set fridge mode/temp
Close stove lid
Secure range hood filter
Turn off oven
(Secure sink cover)
Close cabinets/drawers (17)
pantry (1)
upper cabinets (4 + 2)
kitchen drawers (3)
sink cabinets (2)
footlockers & drawer (5)
Turn off exterior lights
Turn off interior lights
Turn off monitor, water pump
Set use/store switch

Hitch Up

Checks/Cleanup/Walkaround
Stow thermometer
Stow green mat
Set propane valves
Set Use/Store switch
Stabilizers UP
Stair UP
Latch front window tie down
Close range hood exhaust
Walkaround/Disconnect utilities
Check receiver pin/lock

Hitching
Remove ball cover
Grease if needed
Open hatch
Raise trailer / Open latch
Back car under
Lower trailer onto ball
Turn off car
Latch & lock coupler
Raise front
Insert spring bars / chain up
Lower front all the way
Install & tighten friction bars
Insert pins & clips
Safety chains
Umbilical
Breakaway cable

Completion
Install mirrors
Check lights
Stow chocks & blocks
Lock door & compartments
Check brakes
Plug in TPMS repeater
CLOSE GARAGE


And here is the arrival checklist. Arrival list is shorter because most interior items are left alone until needed.


UnHitch

Level side-to-side
Place chocks
Turn off car
Safety chains
Umbilical
Breakaway cable
Remove Friction bars
Raise front (coupler still closed)
Release chains
Remove & stow bars & lever
Lower front
Unlatch coupler
Raise front
Drive car away
Padlock hitch
Adjust height for level
Cover front jack
Set use/store switch
Set propane valves
Unplug TMPS repeater
Remove & stow mirrors


If camping
Stabilizers down
Connect utilities
Place green mat
Place thermometer
Open range hood exhaust

[RangerJay]

After we purchased our Bambi in 2003 I obsessed over the "perfect" checklist and - after reviewing the checklists of many others - came up with this. We used it faithfully for a couple of years and it has been pretty much collecting dust since - except for the few times we brought it out for a bit of a chuckle .....

In the end I've come to believe the "perfect" checklist is whatever works for you ....


Jay

[Hittenstiehl]

Yea we have the first list and a nice one at that, thanks for the work. Regards

[Hittenstiehl]

Agreed, no perfect list for an imperfect life but very nice and it gives newbies a place to start and others a good comparison and the occasional chuckle. Keep em coming and thanks for the work.

[Hittenstiehl]

Keep sending those lists. Did a search for the some checklists (gosh the search function on forums is not the easiest better to google it then let it lead you back to forums) Found some additional items to add. I like the close vent cover reminder. Coming from a pop up there's nothing like getting it all stuffed in and realizing the roof vent is still open. Thank regards

[PharmGeek]

how often do non-newbies forget an important step?

[PharmGeek]

here is my current list I have adapted so far from the as newbies guide and gleaning from others on here...I still want to make a few changes...I did not get to use it on pickup and used the newbie guide stock checklist:

Campsite Departure Inside:

Secure all lose items
Lower TV antenna/dish
TV set strapped
Refer off (or gas?)
Water Pump Off
Water heater Off
Lights OFF
Gas Pilots Off
Fantastic Fans closed
Toilet bowl water drained
Foot stool stowed
Windows closed
Doors and Drawers closed/secured
Refrigerator door locked
Evenly Distribute Weight
Children, Pet, and Wife in TV


Campsite Departure Outside:

Hitch
Check both pins
7way plugged
Breakaway clip
WD jacks set
Chains hooked up
Raise Jack ALL the way
Dump/Flush holding tanks
Front stne gard locked
Propane off
Light check
Stow all gear
Cargo doors locked
Deadbolt ext. door
Lug torque
Tire pressure & inspect
Truck tires inflation
Steps up
Oven vent closed
Stabil jacks up
Wheel chocks stowed
Level blocks/boards
All Awnings locked/secure
Shore cord
Surge protector
Water hose
Water regulator
Sewer hose
As driving off wheels rolling and brakes working

Campsite Arrival Outside:

Preview for hook-ups, tree limbs, ditches, other obstacles
Position rig within reach of electric, water, sewer
Hookup surge protector and lock up
Level trailer side to side
Set chocks
Unhitch tow vehicle
Level front to rear with jack post
Set stabil jacks
Set awnings (dont forget proper angle)
Turn on propane
Locks on hitch and wheels

Campsite Arrival Inside:

Turn on water heater
Set up interior
Open vents/windows
Set AC/heating

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by PharmGeek

how often do non-newbies forget an important step?

All the time. But never the same important step twice!

The problem with attending the School of Hard Knocks is that first you take the test, and then you get the lesson!

[PharmGeek]

I guess I am wondering if folks really are wise to drop their anal retentive checklists....

I am far too forgetful to ever abandon it...or at least I should not ever do so...

My brain has a rule of sorts...If you ask me to remember 5 things, I remember 4 and cannot remember the one of the 5...if 8 then 7, if 10 then 9....its like a physical constant of my neurobiology...

My brain cannot be trusted.

[Hittenstiehl]

Pet children, children and wife in TV, one of my favorite!! Also like the " pull away then stop get out and re survey ". Have rescued a wood bucket, a poop trowel, that last chalk, and several bungee cords that way.

[Salsa Master]

What are we talking about? CRS? We've camped for many years and the first trip of the year is usually the worse. We keep a pad and pen available to make notes while out camping. The issue after that is remembering not to lose the notes. Then if they make it into the house, either enter it in the master list or set in front of the computer so it can get lost.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by PharmGeek

I guess I am wondering if folks really are wise to drop their anal retentive checklists...

Airplane pilots never abandon their checklists if they want to live through the next flight, so maybe there's an answer. A checklist of safety-related items is essential, but checklists of non-safety-related items are optional.

In my own case, I used the checklists until I learned them by rote, then switched to using my memory only. I couldn't recite the checklist if I tried, but so-called muscle memory allows me to perform the checklist even if I can't recite it.

Usually with no dire consequences over minor lapses. But I still keep the checklists in reserve just in case I get stuck and can't remember. There's a reason for it…

Given a history of Alzheimer's in my family, I am fully cognizant that the mind is a "use it or lose it" resource. So I owe it to myself to rely on my memory as much as I can, for as long as I can. As they say, "Once the memory goes, you can just forget it!"

[m.hony]

I have driven around without the 7-way plugged in- didn't even notice.
Drove home from Yocona Ridge (55-60 miles), left it at the house coupled together, started a trip to Texas and made it to Tchula, MS (30-35 miles) before the couple traveling with us called us to let me know I had no turn signals/brake lights- the umbilical was hanging over the a-frame just like I hang it when setting up camp- meaning I forgot to plug it in when i broke camp 85-95 miles/5 days prior...

[PharmGeek]

I stole the pets idea from gmw photos - I added the wife and kids part

[orcs]

Retired and brand new to this camping thing in a tin box. Picking up our 2014 FC r twin 25 in a few weeks as soon as the snow melts here in central Wa. Compulsive adherence to checklists kept me alive during 25 years of flying everything from single engine fixed wing to jets so I am a strong advocate of this approach. Near the end of my career as a surgeon, the "cockpit crew coordination" concept that was gaining strength in the aviation industry( due to several mishaps because of mis communication) became popular in the operating room. Because of my flying, I had always had checklists in the operating room, to the consternation of some of the nurses, but we never operated on the wrong, patient, wrong hand, or wrong operation and the validity of the concept has been fully proven and formally adapted in hospitals. Because there could be life and death consequences n towing three tons of machine behind a truck, I would strongly encourage not only check lists but " crew coordination" which means that, as it did when my wife( a pilot) and I flew, if anyone said" I don't like the looks of this" or something to that effect, the " captain " not only listened but went with that decision. It kept us out of potential trouble and I look forward to my new checklists and crew concept with the A$ doing the same. LOVE the FORUM! Thanks

[m.hony]

That's it...
A pre-flight check list...
I always make sure there are Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes in there...

[m.hony]

After all, an Airstream trailer is like a fuselage with no wings-
A wingless bird-
A land/ground Cessna-

[GreggH]

We treat the safety check after hook up like a flight safety check also. We walk around in the same direction and look/touch the same thing each time. It won't be long until your check will be etched into your memory. I would caution you to begin your check from the beginning if you are interrupted. Often someone will come up to say goodbye or to chat while you are in the middle of your check. If you're like most campers you will probably converse with that interruption which might break your train of thought so I always start from the beginning again.
As for nonsafety checks, we've narrowed it down to make sure you bring with you things you can't get/buy on your trip; for us that's medicines and when we go to Canada, pork roll. Everything else is mostly obtainable or we can do without.
GreggH

[mayco]

Thank god my wife is a big believer in lists, lists, and more lists. We are fairly new to traveling in our 310 and as our experience increases we are getting better at the "the list". I am learning though, while i continue to renovate our rig, safety first and at some point we have to "work with what you got". We will never remember to bring everything and invariably will bring things we will never need. I guess there is some balance required here, but i know i never want to get so stressed about the list that it gets in the way of having fun.