New RV'r Checklists for Setting Up

[kitehillmark]

So excited to be part of the community, I'm in my 60's and am just buying my first dream used 35ft Adventurer. That said, I'm really a little nervous and overwhelmed about the setup and depart procedures.

Is there a model specific checklist for setup and depart procedures on motorhomes??

Thanks so much!!

Mark

[Eagle5]

Well, here is my checklist. You will have to modify your checklist to match your equipment. This is for a Class C with a Black Water flushing connection.

Pitstop Checklist:

• Pick-up dog water
• Close vents and windows
• Secure loose items

Break-camp Checklist; do the above, and also:

• Shut-off A/C or heater
• Switch-on fresh water pump
• Retract awning
• Glove-up
• Stow TV cable, fresh water hose, & power cord
• Close Grey Water tank valve
• Open Black Water tank valve & start flushing
• Check slide-out for debris
• Close Black Water tank valve and back-fill for 60 seconds
• Stow sewer hose & flushing hose
• Toss gloves
• lock outside compartments
• Add deodorizer to toilet
• Lock Shower Door & close bathroom door
• Start Main Motor (be sure parking brake is set)
• Retract slide-out (press button twice)

[homeless]

My Check List is in my Wife's head!!!

[Donstar]

Congratulations on your new RV! I personally don't use a list but will offer a couple of tips. First is to allow yourself ample time for setup and take down. I know first-hand what it is like to be in your 60's and things get forgotten when we rush. My second tip is to take a brief walk away from your site before departure. Then go back and "proofread" your work!

[Meridian42e]

If you want a simple app - for droid I use RV Checklist. You can customize and make multiple types of lists with it. I'm sure there is a version for those fruit users too.

[Eagle5]

In this morning's Winnebago Life E-mail, I found the article RVer Checklist for Packing Up to Leave a Campsite. How's that for timing?
https://winnebagolife.com/2019/03/rv...ist-packing-up

[Eagle5]

Well, SINCE we are on checklists, how about the checklist Spaceball One used when chasing the Eagle5? How can you get any better than a Winnebago in space?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygE01sOhzz0

[BobC]

It's a good idea to set up a signature listing the year, model and length of your rig so we can be of more help (see mine as an example). Also, completing your profile will help as well. Both can be done via the User CP tab.

For example, if your 35' Adventurer is a 35U, I may be in a better position to help you since it's essentially the same as my Itasca Suncruiser 35U. If you had a signature set up with that info, I'd know without having to ask.

Let us know the details on what you have and welcome to Winnieowners.

I don't have a checklist but I probably should, I almost drove off last weekend with my LR slide extended. Fortunately I saw it when I checked my rear view mirror.

[rarebear.nm]

This our 5th wheeler departure checklist. <Many but not all things apply to a MH.



Store Kitchen
Switch Frig to propane (if needed)
Close roof vents
Lower antenna, remove flag
Secure TV
Close windows & draw shades
Clear slider path ways & shelfs near sliders
Empty trash
Restrain paper towel roll with Gear Tie
Latch shower door
Clear all tops
Check Frig contents for things that might spill
Turn-off AC
Turn-off water pump
Turn-off water heater
Turn chimney fans on/off as required
Turn-off furnace/AC
Verify all interior & exterior lights are off
Store table drop leaf
Check all drawers and doors closed and latched
Pre-check Check tire pressure
Check oil & fluids
Check hitch plate, jaws & spring
If parked below trees, check slide roofs for debris
Lower tail gate
Trailer Re-track awnings & latch
Close sliders
Remove X-chocks
Raise rear jacks
Disconnect shore power
Disconnect water line
Store drain hoses
Re-track steps
Turn off basement strobes
Truck Check TPMS
Check Dash-cam
Check rear view cameras
Lock hitch pin
Verify hitch jaws closed
Plug-in trailer cable
Connect break-away cable
Remove chocks
Short crank front jacks
Tug test
Raise front jacks
Close tailgate
Final Checks Verify all cargo bays are closed & locked
Verify truck & trailer lights
360 walk around & under and overhead check
Verify steps and hand rail stored
Double check hitch pins & king pin jaws
Departure Verify trailer brakes working & check mirrors
Revised 1/26/19

[puttin]

Hi Mark,


Welcome to the rv'ing community! I'm a believer in check lists. I have only one and it has roughly 20 items on it. I keep it as simple as possible. It doesn't have things like "check oil, tires", etc- those are maint. items, and frankly you'd want to do those anyway and shouldn't have to remind yourself. If your list is long- it gets daunting to get through. Also, don't use a prepared list from someone else or another source somewhere...use those as a guide to customize one just for you. Don't use your phone to access the list- it's a clumsy way to get the job done, and you'll have to carry it around with you. Finally, there are some who hang their keys from the antenna crank, and other weird stuff. There was another mention somewhere about putting different colored clothes line clips on the steering wheel. Just make a good check list and put it on the driver's seat. I'm sorry if I offended anyone here about this. By the way- my rig is similar to yours so I think you could come up with an equally short but complete list. Have fun out there.

[Reivers]

I just watched Spaceballs last night and was thinking the same thing. One of my favorite movies which will go with us in our Winnie.

[Oldmanlampe]

My wife is my checklist. She double checks everything before we depart either at a pit stop or breaking camp.

[Eagle5]

Because I have a 45 gallon grey water tank, I am finding that I do not overfill it during an overnight stay. I therefore am leaving that valve shut overnight to save its water for more throughout sewer hose flushing. I have modified my checklist to accommodate this:

Pitstop Checklist:

• Pick-up dog water
• Close vents and windows
• Secure loose items

Break-camp Checklist; do the above, and also:

• Shut-off A/C or heater
• Switch-on fresh water pump
• Retract awning
• Stow Welcome Mat
• Glove-up
• Stow TV cable, fresh water hose, & power cord
• Open Black Water tank valve, connect flushing hose & start flushing
• Check slide-out for debris
• Close Black Water tank valve and back-fill for 60 seconds
• Open Grey Water tank valve
• Stow flushing hose
• Close Grey Water tank valve
• Stow sewer hose & sewer hose support
• Toss gloves
• lock outside compartments
• Add deodorizer to toilet
• Lock Shower Door & close bathroom door
• Start Main Motor (be sure parking brake is set)
• Retract slide-out (press button twice)

[Eagle5]

Minor Checklist modifications:

Pitstop Checklist for the 22M:

• Pick-up dog water
• Close vents and windows
• Secure loose items

Break-camp Checklist for the 22M; do the above, and also:

• Shut-off A/C or heater
• Switch-on fresh water pump
• Retract awning
• Stow Welcome Mat
• Glove-up
• Stow TV cable, fresh water hose, & power cord
• Open Black Water tank valve, connect flushing hose & start flushing
• Check slide-out for debris
• Close Black Water tank valve and back-fill for 60 seconds
• Open Grey Water tank valve
• Stow flushing hose
• Close Grey Water tank valve
• Stow sewer hose & sewer hose support
• Toss gloves
• Lock outside compartments
• Add deodorizer to toilet
• Lock Shower Door & close bathroom door
• Assure that the Closet Doors are closed
• Start Main Motor (be sure parking brake is set)
• Retract slide-out (press button twice)

[SCCAFIRE]

This is what I use.

RV Setup Checklist

Set the parking break
Place blocks under leveling jacks (to prevent sinking and marking paved surface)

With engine running, use leveling jacks to level RV laterally and lengthwise
If RV can not be leveled with the leveling jacks alone, place leveling blocks under the appropriate wheels to level
Chock RV wheels
Plug surge protector into the outlet (breaker off,) turn breaker on, check surge protector
Turn breaker off, connect electricity and make sure breaker is turned on
Connect cable TV
Connect water hose, filter, and pressure regulator

Connect sewer hose and make sure both ends are secure
Turn on all propane bottle valves and check for leaks
With engine running, deploy slides (from inside RV, confirm that slides form a seal all around)
Fill water heater tank by opening hot water faucet valve until water comes out
Turn on propane water heater, if needed
Turn on water pump, if no external water source is available
Confirm that refrigerator is turned on and running on AC
Turn on air conditioners or furnace and set thermostat
Remove items from RV which are kept outside (chairs, grills, etc.)
Remove all fasteners used to secure cabinet doors and other items
Return all items to their normal locations
Raise roof-mounted satellite dishes
Disconnect chassis battery, if available (to prevent engine-starting battery from draining)
Lock all external RV panels

[Yoders2Go]

We had a list but we've done it so often it's now in our head. But we follow two rules: one person always does the inside and the other always does the outside, and on the inside, I always start at the back of the coach and work my way forward. I hookup the towed, on the inside, as well. We both know how to do the other's job, but consistency gets the job done right. FMCA has a new app, that had checklists you might want to look at.

[Luv2fishcb]

I might add: Remove and store glass plate and rotisserie from microwave. It makes a lot of noise bouncing down the road and is subject to damage. Easy to wrap in a large towel to protect and silence.

[NXR]

I've also heard of people putting bread in the microwave to protect the glass, or paper towels, whatever.

If you have a Tecma macerating toilet, hold down both flush buttons simultaneously. That dumps all of the water out without refilling it so you don't have any sloshing problems while driving.