leaving and arriving procudures

[waninae39]

Each year we update our process to leave and arrive

this is our 2025 version

NOTE, this is specific to our trailer.
everyone has unique equipment, and items they need to handle.

this is what works for us and hopefully it help the new AS buyers

[islandtrader]

I always like looking at some ones list's.

However after 20k miles and 108 camp sights over 4 years I have found out that I never check the list that I had 4 years ago... and have yet to leave or forget to unplug anything.

[Stefrobrts]

I think checklists are a great idea! I use mine everytime the trailer moves. Our trailer and setup are very simple, but it has caught a few things over the years.

[Mollysdad]

I can't count how many times I almost drove off while my water hose was neatly coiled on the picnic table.
I have to remind myself to "look up", rather than only check the tires and storage, I've caught vents open, antennas up (back when antennas went up) and even an awning over the back still in place.

[PB_NB]

I found this one in an Airstream history book!

The order seems strange but it is fun to look at something from almost 60 years ago!

[SuperTrouper]

Originally Posted by islandtrader

I always like looking at some ones list's.

However after 20k miles and 108 camp sights over 4 years I have found out that I never check the list that I had 4 years ago... and have yet to leave or forget to unplug anything.

Oh dear, now you've done it. You have challenged and angered the Gods of Murphy's Law.

[SailorSam205]

Originally Posted by PB_NB

I found this one in an Airstream history book!

The order seems strange but it is fun to look at something from almost 60 years ago!

I think #28 should be on everyone's checklist. I started doing this early on and have found it VERY valuable...

[Mikechrisman]

Thank you for posting this! It is interesting to see the order others use and although I had lists like this when the kids were around and helping, since we got the AS I have been "winging it."

Years ago I learned the hard way to keep the wheel chocks in place until the TV is hooked up to the TV! Speaking of which, I see the removal of the wheel chocks on your leaving list but not on the arriving list but I may have missed it. I'm curious in what part of the process you put them on? I always debate with myself the best time to do it so there isn't any undue stress on the tires or chocks but maybe I'm overthinking it.

[215Airhaus]

I love that vintage throw away list. I recently read Wally Byum's, "Trailer Travel." If you guys want a great rundown on setting and breaking down, as well as some great stories, look for a copy of this book. Cheers!

[Hans627]

Originally Posted by SailorSam205

I think #28 should be on everyone's checklist. I started doing this early on and have found it VERY valuable...

I agree this is excellent advice! Had I been doing this from day one it would have saved me a few dollars.

[sfranklin]

Should add check the hitch. My friend forgot to install the hitch pin on one trip from Door County back to IL and actually made it home without incident....could have been because his weight distribution was cranked pretty hard and he drives like a senior citizen when towing (not a bad thing in general), but yea, check hitch pin.

[Oleflyfisher]

On the leaving and arriving procedures, thorough lists are helpful. But one more thing - our friend with a driving RV left his wife behind at a rest stop. So check that all are present when departing!

[Wayne&Sam]

Originally Posted by SailorSam205

I think #28 should be on everyone's checklist. I started doing this early on and have found it VERY valuable...

After driving 100 yards or so, I always stop and do a walk around the trailer- making sure no hatches or windows opened, the tires are good and the hitch is secure.

[Bearstream01]

Originally Posted by sfranklin

Should add check the hitch. My friend forgot to install the hitch pin on one trip from Door County back to IL and actually made it home without incident....could have been because his weight distribution was cranked pretty hard and he drives like a senior citizen when towing (not a bad thing in general), but yea, check hitch pin.

Good one. Expanding on that, if you are travelling with a companion, let one person do the hitching "unassisted" and let the second set of eyes come around and cross check it. Its amazing what gets missed when someone is "helping" and sometimes the brain just doesnt catch its own mistakes.

And I concur with #28 as well!

[Wanderings]

I always stop and look back at the campsite after I've pulled out. I started the habit when I was backpacking and it's amazing how many things I have avoided leaving behind. Plus, I can easily make sure the site is clean and ready for the next camper.


And I'm one who can't just do one quick walk-around the trailer. I make at least 3 trips around the trailer and tow vehicle before pulling out. Then I'll pull over a little ways down the road and do another. Paranoid? Maybe, but it's better than causing damage or an accident.

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by Wanderings

I always stop and look back at the campsite after I've pulled out. I started the habit when I was backpacking and it's amazing how many things I have avoided leaving behind. Plus, I can easily make sure the site is clean and ready for the next camper.


And I'm one who can't just do one quick walk-around the trailer. I make at least 3 trips around the trailer and tow vehicle before pulling out. Then I'll pull over a little ways down the road and do another. Paranoid? Maybe, but it's better than causing damage or an accident.

Being paranoid doesn't prove nobody is out to get you, it might keep them from getting you though.

[richard5933]

Originally Posted by Wazbro

Being paranoid doesn't prove nobody is out to get you, it might keep them from getting you though.

The walkaround is vital - it was driven into us in CDL training and we were required to do this every time we lost contact with the truck. If we went inside the truck stop, or even slept through the night in the sleeper, a walkaround was done to make sure that nothing was amiss with the rig. It is not unheard of for another truck driver to pull the hitch release pin on a semi as a 'joke', or for people to do any number of things for unknown reasons.

On my list for the walkaround is checking all four tires/wheels on both the TV and trailer, inspecting the coupler/hitch to make sure everything is still where it should be, a light check (at night), and a visual inspection for other problems.

It's not paranoid - it's safety. Unfortunately there are people out to get us, and there are things which just break on their own during travel.

[kb0zke]

We've reached the age where visits to "the necessary" happen while traveling. I take the opportunity to walk all the way around the truck and trailer, checking things as I go. Depending on how urgent the visit is, I may take an IR thermometer with me and check tire temps as I go.

[richard5933]

Originally Posted by kb0zke

We've reached the age where visits to "the necessary" happen while traveling. I take the opportunity to walk all the way around the truck and trailer, checking things as I go. Depending on how urgent the visit is, I may take an IR thermometer with me and check tire temps as I go.

While you've got that IR thermometer out, check the hubs themselves. This will give you an idea of how the brakes/bearings are doing. The tires are more susceptible to sun heating them, but the hubs are usually dependent on how well they're operating. If one is higher than the rest there's something to check out.