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xrvr · 04-13-2011, 04:53 AM

Am I the only one that gets the jitters just before heading out on a trip?Even though I am not new to camping and towing I seem to regress back to my first times out when preparing to set sail again.zz

noreen&sal · 04-13-2011, 06:04 AM

No, You are not alone. 35 yrs over the road truck driver and it still happens. Sal.

RickDavis · 04-13-2011, 06:20 AM

I don't think it ever goes away but for me it has moderated over time. Now it is more trying to anticipate what parts could drop off the trailer and truck and fix it first.

We have a pretty good checklist and figure if we forget it Wal-mart probably has it

xrvr · 04-13-2011, 06:33 AM

It really is strange that I put over 300,000 miles on motorcycles crossing the country and only had one breakdown and I nrver gave a thought to getting on and riding anywhere. I just did normal maintenance and took off. Now, I worry about everything on the AS and tow vehicle Do you think I am jusy gettingOLD? zz

Mr & Mrs S · 04-13-2011, 06:48 AM

I've towed trailers ever since I was old enough to drive and always worry did I remember that or did I lock down this ect. ect.....
When I bought our AS the PO had a check list they made and installed on the inside of one of the cabinets. It's very detailed and I can tell it was all personal experiences which they added to over the years. It even includes setup and things to put up before moving the trailer. It's a great idea that encourage people to do. Start a check list and add to it as needed. Then after a couple trips you'll have everything you need with fewer worries.

Boondocker · 04-13-2011, 06:57 AM

Sounds healthy to me.

DanB · 04-13-2011, 07:08 AM

Man, I thought it was just me.....

I don't worry about what I packed or what I'm going to do when I get there. I'm terrified about mechanical breakdown. Driving, possible accidents, traffic, and other things don't bother me. I worry that my truck will blow up (again) or a catastrophic failure will occur with the Safari.

It all starts when I have to make a hard left out of my driveway to not hit a tree in my treelawn. It doesn't end until I arrive and unhook.

Is admitting I have a problem the first step in recovery?

crispyboy · 04-13-2011, 09:10 AM

The only thing I get jittery about is driving through urban areas - interstate or side streets. The remainder doesn't bother me.

Silver Otter · 04-13-2011, 09:55 AM

WOW, it's nice to hear we're not alone. We've only had the AS for a month now. Preparing for our first "real" trip just after Easter. Checklists? Yes, we have list to tell us to look at other lists. Sure glad to have knowledge friends, both locally and here on the forums! It's reassuring to learn from this most caring community. Thanks for all you all do for us newbies.

COUNTRYSONG · 04-13-2011, 11:19 AM

Nope you are not the only one -- I used to think I was the only person who ever got "Stagefright".. Then I started working with major country music artists and found that they ALL to one degree or another get nervous before going on stage...Usually if you don't have that little edge you won't be any good... I do the same thing with the airstream -- have and check a list and still worry that I took care of everything....guess I'll never get over it -

Bluto · 04-13-2011, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zigzagguzzi

Am I the only one that gets the jitters just before heading out on a trip?Even though I am not new to camping and towing I seem to regress back to my first times out when preparing to set sail again.zz

Lay down on the couch and tell Dr. Bluto all your fears. I'm listening!

Michigander · 04-13-2011, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zigzagguzzi

Am I the only one that gets the jitters just before heading out on a trip?Even though I am not new to camping and towing I seem to regress back to my first times out when preparing to set sail again.zz

So far, we have done pretty well in avoiding the jitters. However, all our trips in the MH have thus far been within the state of Michigan (including the UP).

After the kids are off to college is when we expect the real fun to start. Then I expect the trips to be more cross country, and probably there will be more jitters.

GREENovaters · 04-13-2011, 02:47 PM

I'm getting the jitters right now reading this and my moho is in the shop getting fully serviced!

masseyfarm · 04-13-2011, 02:59 PM

The jitters come from the excitment of starting a new adventure. A bit like that first date!

If you have prepared for the adventure then that all you can do.
A short overnight test trip the week before will help refresh what you need to do. Shi* happens. You can't always avoid it so you have to take it as it passes by.
See you on the road
Dave

DanB · 04-13-2011, 04:15 PM

The last time Sh*t happened, it cost me a couple grand.

I'm getting jitters now

noreen&sal · 04-13-2011, 04:34 PM

I like that first date analogy. But that was a real lo0ng time ago. Sal.

Reganzo · 04-13-2011, 05:43 PM

The first week of full time travel, towing my 34 footer I had a bad case of the jitters. However the fun and thrill of travelling this great country we have, allowed me to relax and enjoy every minute on the road. I had brake issues on the trailer in New Mexico, air conditioning problems in Sedona, a blow out in Las Vegas, a water line break in San Francisco. So whenever I hook up to go somewhere I expect the possibility of any number of issues to happen and I look forward to solving them, as that is what makes Airstreaming as much fun as it is....

Bring it on as long as I am on the road...

Regards,

Reganzo

Trex · 04-13-2011, 08:15 PM

When I had my 2007 Toy Hauler, I didn't think about breaking down and/or problems. Now that I own a 39 year old Airstream, I do much more planning, and bring many more tools with me, when I take the "Old Girl" out on the road.

TBRich · 04-13-2011, 08:25 PM

If I have pre-trip jitters I don't realize it...they must be overshadowed by the excitement of hitting the road again! I'm always ready to go...the more often the better.

4RXLA · 04-13-2011, 08:26 PM

I'm with you Sal on the jitters. I'm heading out in a week and am already getting nervous. With an old trailer one wonders when key systems will fail? Will the fridge, furnace, w/h and a/c survive the trip? Will the copper pipes hold or start leaking? Will the holding tanks hold or will I have sewage dripping from the trailer? If I let my fear take over, I would never go anywhere. All we can do is take preventive measures but something will happen sooner or later. Reading posts on these forums of all the things that have happened to others adds to the jitters. I never would have thought a newer axle would have sheared off...I guess it is part of the adventure.