My self designed 12 step program for RVing.

[William42483]

Hi everybody. It’s newbie confessions time… (lol)

Ok, so today I did it. After pulling the RV out of its winter storage yesterday, I set about going through my rig and making sure that she’s ready for the season. All was going well, I checked all the engine fluids and topped off any that were low. I used my grindstone and Dremmel to fix the steps that kept sticking and annoyed me last year.

I did a few other things and then decided to go get the tires aired up. I knew that one of the front ones was low (You could see it in the profile of the tire and no, they aren’t radials.) I made sure that I had my tire gauge, locked up the sticks and bricks, checked the street for parked cars and things that could be obstructions. I figured I was good.

Oops, my mistake!

As I was backing out of the drive, I heard an unusual noise. It was something between a bang and a popping sound. I stopped and looked around. I found the door to my shore power cable storage compartment 15 feet away in the yard. I was dragging my shore power cable. Yep, I forgot to disconnect it and yanked it out of the outlet. It didn’t do much good for the outlet or for my 15 amp adapter either. This wasn’t the first time I’d done that, I’ll admit, but I decided that it was going to be the last.

I was going to stop acting like I was smarter than the next guy (Because I’m not. It just makes me feel good to think I am.) and I was going to start using a checklist. (instead of pretending that I didn’t need one) I would make and use a checklist just like pilots do before they move their aircraft even just to taxi from one part of the airport to another. I’d seen this suggestion in a YouTube video and thought “Yeah, that’s a great idea.” But I hadn’t thought about it again, till today that is.

So, after getting the tire pressure right and coming back to home base, I thought about it and made a “preflight” checklist which I jokingly call my 12 step program. Here are the items on my list. I’d love to gain from your experience so If you have suggestions, please post them here.

My 12 step program…

1. All outdoor gear securely stowed.
2. Awning retracted.
3. Propane valve closed.
4. Antenna retracted.
5. Tires checked for flats or “softees.” Wheel chocks stowed.
6. Electric, water and sewer connections disconnected and stowed as appropriate.
7. All exterior doors and hatches closed and securely latched/locked.
8. Steps retracted.
9. All interior gear properly stowed for travel.
10. Start engine. Check all gauges for proper readings. Check vehicle lights for proper operation.
11. Drive forward slightly. Pick up and stow leveling blocks. Check for any items missed during step 1. Pick up and dispose of any trash left at the site.
12. Engage brain before driving.

There you have it. My 12 step program, version 1.0

Happy and safe travels to you all.

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