Umbilical cord markers/reminders

[4x4van]

I've been RVing for about 35 years now, and like most of us, I have a routine for packing up. Usually it works well, but as most of you can relate to, if something happens that disrupts that routine, things can get overlooked. Last year, I was nearly done packing up when my son-in-law asked me to help him with his WDH. That's all it took to disrupt me, and I hopped in my RV (after helping him) and pulled out...still plugged in to the power pedestal.

But I've come up with a great backup that has been working well for me. I purchased a package of "Slap Bracelets" on Amazon for about $7. I then used a P-Touch label machine to label them; Water, Sewer, Elec, TV Ant. These are stored on their respective units (i.e. the ELEC is attached to the cord end, the WATER attached to the city water inlet, etc). When I hook anything up, I take that slap bracelet and put it on my wrist. Once fully set up, I take them all off my wrist and put them on my steering wheel.

Now, when packing up, I move all of the bracelets from the steering wheel to my wrist, and then put each of them back on their respective units as I disconnect each. If any are still left on the steering wheel or wrist when I get ready to leave...I know that I am still attached to something.

Just thought I'd share.

[Grit_dog]

Maybe they needed blow dried!

[dedmiston]

Is there a marker band for underpants?

[rhagfo]

azdryheat wrote:
No matter how distracted I get I ALWAYS do a walk-around before I get behind the wheel. Perhaps a simple, "did you do a walkaround?" on the steering wheel will suffice.

X2!
Last step before pulling out is one SLOW walk around!!
Double check storage doors, entrance door, stairs, lights, hitch, and landing gear.

[DavidandDayle]

I use those plastic clamps that are like spring clothespins. And a key tag label. I put it on the driver's visor when stopped and clamp it to the hose or power cord or whatever when I store it.
I also have tags for propane, refrigerator, furnace, TV aerial, cable TV, water heater, and back door.

[cummins2014]

azdryheat wrote:
No matter how distracted I get I ALWAYS do a walk-around before I get behind the wheel. Perhaps a simple, "did you do a walkaround?" on the steering wheel will suffice.

Same here , actually more then once . Then I stand back and just look from all four sides .

[Sandia_Man]

We have been RVing for over 3 decades as well and with every rig we have developed a system for set up and breakdown, our kids all had their responsibilities when arriving or leaving our site. Thanks for posting your solution, it certainly will assist others to develop a system that works well for their particular situation. We don't utilize a physical list and will do a final walkaround, but that is still no guarantee you won't forget or overlook something, no matter the system we all can make mistakes from time to time.

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

I used velcro "cable ties" (especially on the crank handle of the antenna) If something was used or put up - the tie went on the steering wheel.

[valhalla360]

azdryheat wrote:
No matter how distracted I get I ALWAYS do a walk-around before I get behind the wheel. Perhaps a simple, "did you do a walkaround?" on the steering wheel will suffice.

This.

I do a walk around, Tammy does a walk around locking the door & hatches and then she directs me out of the site (even if it's a wide open site). She then follows up by looking for any misc stuff left on the site.

[CavemanCharlie]

Good idea ! I use a different method. The one you use works for you and that's great. Maybe someone else can use it or get inspiration from it.

Thanks for posting it.

[Beverley_Ken]

After I think that everything put away and or secured, toad hooked up and lights checked. I will do 2 walk arounds, the first looking up awnings, antennae nothing loose. The second walk around from the drivers door is looking down, wheel chocks, leveling blocks, all connections toad, hookup all disconnected and compartment doors locked. I then get in and pull off site (or driveway at home) and park on road with 4 way flashers on. I then walk back to the campsite and make sure that nothing is left, chairs etc and that the site is clean. Then back to the MH and on the way. Has worked for me for 10 years.

Ken

[Lwiddis]

Good idea! I’ve been using a 3x5 card with tasks in order for departure. I go through it twice.

[Tiger4x4RV]

I never use any hookups except the occasional electricity. In the cubby with the cord, I keep an old yellow plastic margarine cup. That cup goes onto the driver's seat when I plug in to the pedestal and gets put away when I unplug. Free, lightweight, and foolproof.

[rk911]

similar to what we used to do as a visual reminder to lower the TV antenna. what we've been doing is a written checklist. my wife reads the checklist and I respond. i know what you mean about being interrupted but so far our 2-person checklist works well.

[azdryheat]

No matter how distracted I get I ALWAYS do a walk-around before I get behind the wheel. Perhaps a simple, "did you do a walkaround?" on the steering wheel will suffice.