Using a check list

I don't use a list. I try to be focused on any job I am doing. When I am done I use my mental list and the a second or third walk around at the dump station.

One thing my wife and I started doing about 30 years ago was make it all a two person job. We both walk around the rig inside and out checking doors,windows, bin doors, locks ect. I walk the outside while she does inside then we switch. We both do the hookup and unhooking coming and going changing jobs each time. After a while my wife was very comfortable with it and started pulling our trailers and drives our motorhome. She has had to get us home a couple times and helped friends as she now knows how it all works. Sure saves problems. Odds I would catch it all are not getting better with age.. So for us its a team job.

Oh ya.. I am 75

We have a list we print out each time. Put in in the same spot always and cross off things as we go. Has every thing from tire pressures, propane, BBQ and tanks to pills, Kleenex and T paper.. Thing with us is we often pack over 4 or 5 days and two people working on it. Been doing this for many years. Never forget any thing. Our rig is stored in the front yard so easy to load and unload..

Well,I have always been a bit OCD. I have four different checklists: 1) leaving my storage spot to take a trip, 2) setting up at camp, 3) leaving camp, and 4) leaving the camper at my storage spot. I house them all on my kindle in an app called Ultimate Checklist.


You can see my lists in CSV format at my dropbox.Click Here.

Since they are in CSV format, you can copy them to a spreadsheet and make any changes you want. I'm sure some of my items won't apply to you.

When we hit the road for 3-4 months, there is a lot to forget. My checklist is 5 pages, 3 columns per page, small font. Covers RV and home.

My DW has a way of sneaking things off the RV in the non travel months.....this keeps her honest!

It usually takes me a week of casual packing to leave, that way I'm not exhausted after jamming it into 2 days.

Dennis,
I printed yours out. It gives me a good starting point as I have a C with a toad instead of a trailer. I have several plastic covers for 8 1/2 x 11 paper, so I can check things off as I complete them. Thanks.

I have a house closing check list that I use before we leave for the winter. Always use it and check off things as I do them since some can be done ahead of time.

I try to always use my hook-up check list, it's the last thing we do before putting the truck in gear and it is amazing how often one of us has to run back to check something.

Here's Mine:

Hook-Up Checklist

Hitch release handle closed
Breakaway switch connected
Trailer pigtail connected

Inside:
Toilet empty
Cabinet contents secured
Cabinets secured
Vents closed
Windows closed
Rear curtain tie-back
TV stand locked
TV antenna down
Satellite Dish Stowed
Water pump off
Hot water heater off
Main furnace off
Bedroom furnace off
Loose items secured
Recliners locked & turned
Slides closed
Slides locked
Door locked

Steps retracted
Awning secured
Land electrical disconnected
Land water disconnected
Rear cylinders retracted
Front cylinders retracted
Roto-Chock removed
Front cover down
Compartments closed & locked
Check lights
Check Pressure Pro
Check perimeter

I made a check list with the computer, printed it and then phisically whent troug the motions of making camp, braking camp, and added or moved items as needed.

Each task, inside, outside, dinggy has a separate list and each list goes by numbers all separate lists start with number one, so now that I have memorized the lists, I count mentaly the numbers, mind you I do inside, outside, dinggy and final walk arround both inside and out, the last thing that I do is get on all fours and check under the rig, it is amasing how many items can go under undetected, specisally with the grand kids.

If I am interrupted or forget something I start again at number one and go trough the list until all numbers and acttions have been covered, I have a separate list when the grand kids are with us, just for them.

Once in a while I will pull the binder out and re-read it to refresh my memory and to see if I need to add or delite, so far nothing added nothing delited.

Been there done that

navegator

rhagfo wrote:
Well at 62, I still don't use a physical check list.
I do a walk around with all others in the TV, undistributed, no out side influences.
If I get in the TV, and have any second thoughts, I get out and check it again!!

That's the way I've always done it too. Had some last minute distractions when packing up, but I can't blame the distractions. I walked around the TT twice and still missed the door.

I started to use a checklist when we had our Trailmanor. It was to easy to break something if we did not. It was also a little difficult to pack, so we had to make sure we had everything before it was folded. People should share their lists, I will scan mine and upload it later.