First Trip Tips

2 things to be sure you have

1- sense of humor

2- credit card

All good ideas. I might add....
1. Check power and water before disconnecting at camp site.
2. Leave room on the side for slide outs and awnings. I carry a stick to use to assure I have room to operate slide out.
3. Carry a 50 to 30 amp connector plug.
4. Carry an extra power extension cord.
5. Carry an extra water hose.
6. I started out carrying stuff I never used. To solve the issue, I placed a piece of masking tape on the items I carried and when I used an item I took the tape off. After a year, any thing that still had tape on, I left home. Only take what you need.

1. Walk the site before backing in. In the process of backing, if you are unsure, stop, and walk around the rig. Remember to look up as well as around the rig.

2. You level the trailer side to side while the rig and tow vehicle are connected. You can use boards or lynx level blocks under the wheels on the low side. You level the trailer back to front after you disconnect, by using the tongue jack. Don't forget to bring a level with you.

3. Make sure you use a pressure regulator on your fresh water hose. I shut the water off at the spigot when leaving the trailer for sightseeing. You don't want to come back to find a leak has been filling your trailer with water.

4. Make a small toolkit for the trailer. Start with teflon plumbing tape, and slip pliers. Also the right wrench to fit your water heater plug, and other fittings on your trailer. This is a work in progress. zip ties are always a good idea.

5. Before you leave from home or camp, and you think you are ready, walk completely around the rig and give it a critical look anyway. I also do this when I stop for rest or gas.

6. Most of all, enjoy!

When get ready to leave the campground my DH tells me wave to J. meaning check windows, antenna, vents, electric and to check the Jacks..

pira114 wrote:
The 4 things I never leave home without:

4. Pen and paper

I use a notepad app on my phone. When I think of something the pen and paper are never nearby. I always have my phone with me.

My notepad app also has all the quick reference numbers I need, like the dimensions of my rig, membership numbers, checklists, reservation confirmations, et Al. All backed up to the cloud, of course.

Good one. Safety chains/cables left attached until you know it is secure.

I started to disconnect the Equinox Toad when we came back home last weekend and as soon as I disconnected one tow bar arm it very slowly started backing away. Wasn't enough pressure on the tow bar pin to bind it in place, yet just enough incline that the car started to roll just a little bit. Good thing the rest of the tow bar was still connected.

The only thing I like to add is to leave the safety chains connected until the tires are blocked, the hitch is disconnected and you a sure the trailer is not going to roll away.

Breathe and relax before you do anything - the best possible advice

Something I guarantee you will only neglect/forget once!
Lower the cotton pickin' TV antenna!

Yep. Been there. Done That. Had to make the repairs myself.

Last thing I do before I saddle up and put on that seat belt is to walk around the entire rig. Just look at it in detail, like doing a walk around preflight inspection on an airplane. Does anything look out of place. Any tools left on the hitch or step. Is the step retracted. Wheel chocks. etc. And I'll be honest with you. I am a man of faith. I'll be saying a little prayer for safe and enjoyable travels and PLEASE God, let me remain patient.

I really do think we hit the local Walmarts about 95% of the time. It's always something.

A lot of very good advice on here so far for the first trip. I have always used a check list and make sure that everything is checked off before pulling out. The best thing to do for a first shake down trip is to find a park close to you and go there and make a list of things you need. Best thing is to enjoy your camping and remember that there is always a store somewhere close by if you forget something. When sitting up and breaking down before leaving do it in the order you want and become comfortable with