new grandmother Posted February 17, 2015 Report Share Posted February 17, 2015 We just bought our first motorhome and would like a basic check-list for both setting up and breaking down so that we are sure not to forget anything! Please share if you have one. Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chalkie Posted February 17, 2015 Report Share Posted February 17, 2015 I have used this list. It is very flexible and while it looks huge, it only prints off the items you want, but you can use it to create different lists for different things as well. I think you are going to have to decide what specifics may apply unless you post what make/model you have so that others that may have the same can help you with that. http://www.rvcampingchecklist.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kathydavidb Posted February 17, 2015 Report Share Posted February 17, 2015 Besides all the regular stuff that you can think of yourself, I always think of the TV antenna. I put a reminder note on the steering wheel so I don't drive off with the antenna in the "up" position. That one seems to catch a lot of people. Dave 2006 Coachmen Aurora 36ft. Class A motor home. 2009 Honda CRV toad. "Snowbirds" apprx. 6 mos. each year. Travelling to the SW each winter than returning to Wi. each summer. Retired and enjoying our travels along with Buddy the cat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbaraok Posted February 17, 2015 Report Share Posted February 17, 2015 Here is the routine we use - generally Dave does outside/I do inside. Set-Up Once in site and satisfied with our position: Shut off engine Dump air Hook up electricity - check to make sure batteries are being charged, refrigerator is on Hook up water Hook up sewer (if staying more than a couple of days) Put pads under neath jacks Level coach Put out slides Set up satellite dish, align, verify signal put out awning if Sun is a problem Cover wheels, front and side windows if staying for a few days Unhook and drop down blinds in the front section of the coach Put out a couple of chairs, grab a cold one and sit down to watch later arrivals in the park. Getting ready to leave Night before: Dump tanks and put away sewer hose Take down window coverings and wheel coverings Put away all outside chairs/grill/tables, etc. Morning of leaving Pull up blinds and secure for traveling Pull in slides take down satellite dish, put away and secure for traveling Secure shower door and other drawers/cabinets. Fill travel mugs and secure in holders. Pour out any left over coffee Disconnect water & put hose away Disconnect electric & put cord away Start coach, hit retract for levelers Remove pads from underneath jacks and store Pull coach forward to place to hook up car Hookup car, do light checks and pull forward to make sure car moves easily Head down the road. Most important thing is not to let others interrupt you once you start on your routine. Barb Barb & Dave O'Keeffe 2002 Alpine 36 MDDS (Figment II), 2018 Ford C-Max HYBRID Blog: http://www.barbanddave.net SPK# 90761 FMCA #F337834 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimalberta Posted February 17, 2015 Report Share Posted February 17, 2015 I dont use a checklist. Instead I try to stick to my routine. When done before I leave I do a walk around and inspect the MH and the site to see if everything is as it should be. <p>....JIM and LINDA......2001 American Eagle 40 '.towing a GMC Sierra 1500 4X4 with RZR in the rear. 1999 JEEP Cherokee that we tow as well. IT IS A CONTENTED MAN WHO CAN APPRECIATE THE SCENERY ALONG A DETOUR. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris-n-Dennis Posted February 17, 2015 Report Share Posted February 17, 2015 Okay, I've seen lots of posts where folks say on setting up that they dump air. As a new DP owner I can't find anything in the manuals so is this something learned over the course of years or model specific? (thanks Barbara for reminding me to post this one up, I keep forgetting) Berkshire XL 40QL Camphosting and touring Our blog: cndtravels.blogspot.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skp51443 Posted February 17, 2015 Report Share Posted February 17, 2015 We had an inside and outside checklist on a spreadsheet, printed copies and ticked things off for each move. We had so many things to check and do that it was hard to not miss one working from memory. First rule of computer consulting: Sell a customer a Linux computer and you'll eat for a day. Sell a customer a Windows computer and you'll eat for a lifetime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRP Posted February 17, 2015 Report Share Posted February 17, 2015 RV'ers love checklists, you'll find several versions online with a Google search. Here is one version I kept in my links from my beginner days, after the first few times, you will develop your own routine. http://changingears.com/rv-checklist-setup-motor-home.shtml?sec-checklist http://changingears.com/rv-checklist-departure-motor-home.shtml?sec-checklist I would also highlight Barb's warning in Bold and Underlined... Most important thing is not to let others interrupt you once you start on your routine. a well meaning neighbor who wanted to say goodbye while I was hooking up my toad, resulted in me forgetting to release the emerg brake and burning off an inch of rubber before I noticed the smoke coming from the back of the toad being dragged down the road. Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbaraok Posted February 17, 2015 Report Share Posted February 17, 2015 How do you level? If we use the auto level button the system dumps air then levels . I prefer to level manually. Barb Barb & Dave O'Keeffe 2002 Alpine 36 MDDS (Figment II), 2018 Ford C-Max HYBRID Blog: http://www.barbanddave.net SPK# 90761 FMCA #F337834 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRP Posted February 17, 2015 Report Share Posted February 17, 2015 its been in all 3 of my various MH owners manuals. why would they go to the expense of installing an air dump switch if they didn't want you to use it? after a few days parked, the air will gradually leak out of the air bags anyhow, why not release it up front and take advantage of lowering the chassis a few inches, before setting up. Lowering the chassis several inches relieves some of the stress off your leveler legs by reducing the height you have to extend them. it allows the chassis to be supported more on the frame instead of raised to the air bag level and it also helps keep your outside step at a more practical height. "Okay, I've seen lots of posts where folks say on setting up that they dump air. As a new DP owner I can't find anything in the manuals so is this something learned over the course of years or model specific? (thanks Barbara for reminding me to post this one up, I keep forgetting)" Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
horizon36 Posted February 17, 2015 Report Share Posted February 17, 2015 Nada - Our coach will automatically dump air when we turn on the HWH leveling system. Then we level the coach and put out the slides. When leaving we put the slides in and retract the jacks. We do have to hit another button on the HWH control pad to air up the suspension. Full time since August 2010 2002 Itasca Horizon One fur kid - a Shih-Tsu rescue Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwp48 Posted February 18, 2015 Report Share Posted February 18, 2015 We developed our own checklist by sitting down and talking through what needed to be done before departure. We read the manuals for the slides and leveling jacks specifically. We then took the coach out and practiced setting up and leaving, reviewing not only what was on the list but also the order in which they were presented. Once we were satisfied we printed a hard copy on card stock and had it laminated at the office supply. Through careful planning we only had to make one or two changes! In a former life I was a pilot. I believe in checklists. My wife...not so much. I run the checklist completely, every item, every time. Put your hands on every switch and drawer and door and lock. I finally got her to believe in the necessity of sticking to the checklist by pointing out things she skipped over. Every item, every time. NEVER fool yourself into believing that you can remember everything on the list by rote. Sooner or later that will bite you in the butt! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWharton Posted February 18, 2015 Report Share Posted February 18, 2015 One last thing to add is that you both walk around the rig, individually, and check everything prior to leaving. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nana25k Posted February 18, 2015 Report Share Posted February 18, 2015 Dumping air is coach specific. It depends on your chassis,leveling system etc. In our case our older Dynasty needs dumped then leveled per Monaco. Slide stays in until this is done. So if possible check with your manufacturer or call upon your leveler maker for advice about YOUR coach. Ron & LindaClass of 20072000 Monaco Diplomat 2005 Honda Element"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are" Theodore Roosevelt"We can't control the wind, but we can adjust our sail""When man gave up his freedom to roam the earth, he gave up his soul for a conditioned ego that is bound by time and the fear of losing its attachments." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted February 18, 2015 Report Share Posted February 18, 2015 We have never been big on check lists so do as another suggested and develop a routine for departure and arrival. We each have our own jobs which we do each time, but occasionally we do exchange just to make sure we both know what to do. When we first began we would each ask the other a series questions just prior to driving out as an extra measure. We also each do a "walk around" and a "walk through" just prior to departure both for travel and at every stop. For the TV antenna, we have a dangle that we keep on the crank when it is stored and on the steering wheel when the antenna is up. Never rush and if you are interrupted when breaking down, stop and talk, then go back to the starting point once the visitor leaves. Most mistakes are made when you are interrupted by someone. Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
new grandmother Posted February 18, 2015 Author Report Share Posted February 18, 2015 rwp48, If you don't mind, please share your check-lists. Thank you!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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