We are new to RV ing as we have been boaters for many decades and are making the transition. We maintained a good log on the boats, every time the boat moved was logged. I am a firm believer in KISS.
Each page had these columns: Date ; Eng Hours; GPS odometer reading; Event (this was where we were and what we did, people met and the like. All was kept in an inexpensive hard bound book of blank pages purchased at any large discount or book store.
I maintained a separate book of the same type for the engine room and all maintenance. It was just as simple.
So, that being said, what do you experienced RVers do?
Thanks,
Counting the days until delivery of our unit.
CCC
Luvglass said
07:40 PM Apr 24, 2010
I have been using a computer program that's quite complete
http://www.rvnotebook.com/
It's reasonable at about $40
Old Snipe said
08:41 PM Apr 24, 2010
I have two logs, both paper. In one I document every long trip we take, date, time start, mileage, etc as well as every fuel stop, gallons purchased, price, miles driven.
The other log is all maintenance I perform on my MH, other than a minor top off of the coolant, etc.
Both logs are kept in the MH and are a great reference.
Best Regards!
sonicsix said
06:48 AM Apr 26, 2010
We use the RVer's Notebook as well. For us, it is better than using pen and paper.
Bill and Linda said
08:12 AM Apr 26, 2010
Yes, I keep a reasonably detailed log and big “maintenance book” with records, instruction manuals and receipts.
Being a former aircraft pilot and engineer I have found that good records have a habit of forestalling problems and thus saving money; memory, not so much.
I highly recommend a trip log with mileage recorded, along with repairs and maintenance completed tied to those mileage points.
As you can see from my sig, I do this for a 5th wheel as well as the “tractor.”
It will pay off in the long run.
Bill
phyllen said
08:20 AM Apr 26, 2010
another YES to rvers notebook.
MrPiper said
03:52 PM Apr 26, 2010
A Log is a family must
We have documented every day of every trip we have made. We are around 160 nights in the last 4 years. It's AMAZING how much detail I can remember about a day several years ago with just a few notes.
We use simple, inexpensive, plastic cover, spiral notebooks. We have filled up 2. We usually have the kids journal the trip at the end and add their perspectives. What a great opportunity to build and keep "RV-Dreams" of you and your family as you explore creation!
I have actually never kept a maintenence log, but am shocked that it never occurred to me. I am beginning one immediately so it's off to the "Dollar" store to buy another notebook.
charles said
04:04 PM Apr 26, 2010
Mr. Piper,
YOu will not be disappointed in maintaining a Maintenance Log. I kept one on all of my boats and the current boat of 25 yrs has not only a maintenance log but a compilation of ALL EQUIPTMENT AND SYSTEMS on the boat which are in thirteen looseleaf binders. These have, not only all manuals that came with the equipment but the phone numbers and address of the manufacturer and or retailer. Also all systems on the boat have separate listings along with the eqpt in the system. Such as diagram of the fresh water system, sewer, 12volt and 120volt systems. Diagrams of all electrical wire added and where it was run. Unbeleivably helpful several yrs later when your are trying to recall. "How did I do that?"
CC p.s. A big THANKS to all who have contributed such good info to this query, duly noted and action taken.
We are new to RV ing as we have been boaters for many decades and are making the transition. We maintained a good log on the boats, every time the boat moved was logged. I am a firm believer in KISS.
Each page had these columns: Date ; Eng Hours; GPS odometer reading; Event (this was where we were and what we did, people met and the like. All was kept in an inexpensive hard bound book of blank pages purchased at any large discount or book store.
I maintained a separate book of the same type for the engine room and all maintenance. It was just as simple.
So, that being said, what do you experienced RVers do?
Thanks,
Counting the days until delivery of our unit.
CCC
The other log is all maintenance I perform on my MH, other than a minor top off of the coolant, etc.
Both logs are kept in the MH and are a great reference.
Best Regards!
Yes, I keep a reasonably detailed log and big “maintenance book” with records, instruction manuals and receipts.
Being a former aircraft pilot and engineer I have found that good records have a habit of forestalling problems and thus saving money; memory, not so much.
I highly recommend a trip log with mileage recorded, along with repairs and maintenance completed tied to those mileage points.
As you can see from my sig, I do this for a 5th wheel as well as the “tractor.”
It will pay off in the long run.
Bill
We have documented every day of every trip we have made. We are around 160 nights in the last 4 years. It's AMAZING how much detail I can remember about a day several years ago with just a few notes.
We use simple, inexpensive, plastic cover, spiral notebooks. We have filled up 2. We usually have the kids journal the trip at the end and add their perspectives. What a great opportunity to build and keep "RV-Dreams" of you and your family as you explore creation!
I have actually never kept a maintenence log, but am shocked that it never occurred to me. I am beginning one immediately so it's off to the "Dollar" store to buy another notebook.
YOu will not be disappointed in maintaining a Maintenance Log.
I kept one on all of my boats and the current boat of 25 yrs has not only a maintenance log but a compilation of ALL EQUIPTMENT AND SYSTEMS on the boat which are in thirteen looseleaf binders. These have, not only all manuals that came with the equipment but the phone numbers and address of the manufacturer and or retailer.
Also all systems on the boat have separate listings along with the eqpt in the system. Such as diagram of the fresh water system, sewer, 12volt and 120volt systems. Diagrams of all electrical wire added and where it was run. Unbeleivably helpful several yrs later when your are trying to recall. "How did I do that?"
CC
p.s.
A big THANKS to all who have contributed such good info to this query, duly noted and action taken.