Want a check list for hitching up

[tomkaren13]

We have had TT for a few years ----But now find we need a check list. Must be our age or just the fact we fall into bad habits.

Have had a list that I thought I got from RV.Net Faqs but found none.

I am now making a new one, somehow so far it seems incomplete.

[MontanaCamper]

^^ yeah, stairs ^^

Velcro straps around the awning poles. Have lost an awning on the road....will never happen again..

[Wishbone51]

Don't forget to put the stairs up... I've done this once, and someone flagged me down just as I was leaving the CG.

[69_Avion]

That is becoming a very good list. Most folks don't realize how many things there are to check. That is why it is easy to forget without a check list.

[Dave_Pete]

path1 wrote:
Last thing on our check list, learned the hard way. Wife double checks me(outside stuff)and I double check her(inside stuff) before RV moves an inch.

Very smart move.

Also - too short a list, things get overlooked, too long a list (or slightly out of order) things get glossed over.

Maybe main items in correct order on a list, with thorough visual check (using a separate visual checklist) as a follow up?

[the_happiestcam]

boosTT wrote:
I think the main thing is to walk around the trailer at least once.

TV antenna down, all storage bins latched, roof vents closed are things that are easily missed.

Twice I've chased fifth wheels down because they left tv antenna up.

[path1]

Last thing on our check list, learned the hard way. Wife double checks me(outside stuff)and I double check her(inside stuff) before RV moves an inch.

[ChiefUSN]

Remove and store wheel chocks, water supply hose(s), electrical power cords, etc.
Check slide-outs, windows, vents, doors, hatches.

[boosTT]

I think the main thing is to walk around the trailer at least once.

TV antenna down, all storage bins latched, roof vents closed are things that are easily missed.

[tomkaren13]

skipnchar wrote:
If you are using a check list than at least make it apply to YOUR RV and tow vehicle. In other words, make your own and add to it any time you find something you're overlooking. It's been my experience that without the MOST strict discipline, it will be no time until you're skipping over the check list and will overlook something even with it. Watched a guy with a fairly lengthy check list on his motor home and he had a spare tire that swung out to the side to access a rear compartment. Watched him walk all around the vehicle being careful not to run into the spare tire carrier, get in the motor home and drive off. He DID notice it before the spare carrier took out a parked car a few sites down but.....well you get my point.

So true. OP here I'm trying to get that list going. The one I had before was so good,even looked good. Have no idea what I did with it. Realized we needed a list again when we drove off with out the lights plugged in!!! (Thanks for the above list)

[Bonefish]

19. Truck and trailer tires aired up to correct pressures.

20. Check lights--turn signals work, break lights work, clearance lights work, break controller working correctly.

[skipnchar]

If you are using a check list than at least make it apply to YOUR RV and tow vehicle. In other words, make your own and add to it any time you find something you're overlooking. It's been my experience that without the MOST strict discipline, it will be no time until you're skipping over the check list and will overlook something even with it. Watched a guy with a fairly lengthy check list on his motor home and he had a spare tire that swung out to the side to access a rear compartment. Watched him walk all around the vehicle being careful not to run into the spare tire carrier, get in the motor home and drive off. He DID notice it before the spare carrier took out a parked car a few sites down but.....well you get my point.

[DanAndJamie]

Jbechtoldt wrote:

jerem0621 wrote:
1) install hitch head into receiver hitch
2) secure hitch head with receiver pin and clip
3) clean hitch head sockets, ball, and WD bars of old grease
4) put new grease on contact points. (Ball, WD bar sockets..etc)
5) raise trailer tongue up above ball
6) remove tongue lock and undo tongue latch.
7) back truck up until the ball is under the coupler, put truck in park, e-brake on.
😎 Lowe coupler onto ball... Ensure that the ball is in the coupler socket
9) latch tongue latch
10) visually verify ball is captured by the tongue latch
11) lock tongue latch
12) raise tongue of TT again as far as needed to latch WD bars
13) attach WD bars, snap up brackets, secure snap up brackets with pins
14) lower tongue jack all the way and put all the weight on the truck
15) plug in RV 7 blade pigtail
16) securely attach brake away cable to something other than the hitch (I prefer bumper)

17) attach safety chains to hitch
18) Remove wheel chocks
That's about all I for for hitching up.

[Jbechtoldt]

jerem0621 wrote:
1) install hitch head into receiver hitch
2) secure hitch head with receiver pin and clip
3) clean hitch head sockets, ball, and WD bars of old grease
4) put new grease on contact points. (Ball, WD bar sockets..etc)
5) raise trailer tongue up above ball
6) remove tongue lock and undo tongue latch.
7) back truck up until the ball is under the coupler, put truck in park, e-brake on.
😎 Lowe coupler onto ball... Ensure that the ball is in the coupler socket
9) latch tongue latch
10) visually verify ball is captured by the tongue latch
11) lock tongue latch
12) raise tongue of TT again as far as needed to latch WD bars
13) attach WD bars, snap up brackets, secure snap up brackets with pins
14) lower tongue jack all the way and put all the weight on the truck
15) plug in RV 7 blade pigtail
16) securely attach brake away cable to something other than the hitch (I prefer bumper)

17) attach safety chains to hitch
That's about all I for for hitching up.

[Wishbone51]

I also visually check everything, and tug on things whenever I stop for gas, etc. A complete walkaround, and check the hitch.