Our First Trip - RV-Dreams Community Forum

DeeJee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Our First Trip

GENECOP · RV-Dreams Family Member

Any loose items exposed in the open should be stowed for travel....cabinets are usually ok for the most part, just be careful opening things up when you stop, things shift around during travel....if you are in a Fifth or TT, after the first few minutes pull over, take a peak in the back, see if anything is shifting around....in our MH after we are in camp for awhile when we first start out something always falls over, after that, we are good to go...have fun...

SnowGypsy · RV-Dreams Family Member

I googled "rv pre-trip checklist" and it brought up a mountain of links so you might try that. Once we hit a lot of roadwork so I always over did after that. The one thing people forget the most is to put the steps in and the antenna down. I always cleared my counters and would put things in the sink with dish towels. Same with bathroom. I had sticky taped things to the wall and used a lot of sticky so never had issues with that. It just depends on what kind of things you have in there. Make sure everything is tight in the refrigerator because it always appeared to get a lot of action. Plastic wrap doesn't cut it. I did bungee my upper cupboard handles together because I had Corelle dishes fall out of a top cupboard where the latch either wasn't closed or failed. As the years went by, we still found pieces of the Corelle in the camper! If you travel for awhile and make a rest stop, that will be helpful so you can see what might be trying to escape from where it is. Hope all goes well and that the baby can wait those extra 9 days.

DeeJee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks guys! Great ideas about the sink and tub/shower. I'll try google:)

DeeJee · RV-Dreams Family Member

I downloaded this list. I'm posting in for others that search this topic:)

changingears.com/rv-checklist-departure-trailer.shtml

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

After hitching up, even if the handle "snaps in" on the fifth wheel, at least get a flashlight and verify that the fifth wheel latch has actually latched. If a flashlight doesn't help, crawl in the back and check with your hand. Do a walk around and verify that all jacks are raised and stowed/locked properly. Check for the antenna being down and that all your lights are working properly. Having been an operator of 18-wheelers, I tend to hook up, verify the hitch is closed and then get into the truck and with the trailer brakes only applied (using the brake controller controls), I pull forward slightly to make sure that it is fully hitched and doesn't come apart when I pull forward. When doing that, make sure your front jack stands are NOT retracted fully, but are just raised enough to clear the ground so as not to drag them along the ground.

Terry

DeeJee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Terry! Sounds very practical!!

Neil and Connie · RV-Dreams Family Member

i have an iPhone app (Android available as well I think) and have some personalized checklists. The lists are text files so you can use them without the app if you want. DM me your email and I will shoot you a copy of the lists.

WestWardHo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Use refrigerator bars on all refrigerator shelves or you'll have things dump out when you open the doors. Put a sofa or other pillow in front of any cabinets that have breakable things. Velcro or bungee cabinet doors and any drawers where you can. Check turn signals and lights before departing. If you have a "tow" option on your truck, activate that.

Signed,
She who is speaking from experience.