1. Always have wheel chocks, or blocks of wood or something
to keep your rig from rolling on its own.
2. Always be SURE that the hose is SECURELY
attached to the sewer outlet and EASE the valve open. Don't get excited and pull
the valve full open, be sure that someone's foot, or a heavy rock is holding
down the other end.
3. Make it her job to ask you
"Did you close both valves before you put the cap back on? Why don't you check."
If you are doing this by yourself, someday you'll suddenly become aware why this
is an important step.
4. When she says "are you sure the ______ was fastened, connected
or whatever?" the correct answer is "I will go check and see".
5. Check the age/condition of tires and air
pressure before each drive. Do a walk around check of rig every couple-few
hours, when you’re traveling.
6. Ensure a safe water supply with filtration.
( we use bottled water for drinking. )
7. Use a water pressure reducer.
8. Make sure the circuit breaker is off before
plugging/unplugging.
9. Start a library of RV maintenance books such as
The RV Handbook
by Bill Estes,
RV Electrical Systems by Bill & Jan
Moeller,
The RVer's Bible
by Kim & Sunny Baker and
Managing 12 Volts by Harold Barre
10. Pay close attention to well meaning but
uninformed
folks when it comes to solving problems. - If you don't recognize it this is
sarcasm.
11. Install fresh batteries in all detectors
and ensure they are working.
12. Check all chassis and house batteries and
know how to properly maintain them.
13. Prepare to experience an entirely new life
style and the freedom to make a change of plans.
14. Have multiple fire extinguishers on board.
15. Don't take anything along that does not
have at least two uses.
16. Always check the hose clamp that attaches
your sewer hose to the rig's sewer outlet.
17. Have a "check out list" with everything
you need to do BEFORE pulling out.
18. Always use your checklist.
19. Label some clothes pins - Antenna, ALP, Chocks, Sat.
Dish, etc. As you deploy each of these, clip the pin to your
steering wheel. Makes a GREAT checklist.
20. Store your medicine cabinet contents in small plastic
bins (like those made for organizing drawers). That way if it spills, you
won't have a big mess to clean up. Liquids oozes out due to
expansion/contraction from altitude changes.
21. Buy two 25' fresh
water hoses and cut one at 10', finishing each end with the proper connection.
That gives you a lot of flexibility from 10 to 50 feet.
22. Never put grease, coffee grounds or food
down the drain to avoid a smelly tank and
potential problems.
23. Keep a flashlight, screwdriver, work gloves, and adjustable wrench on board
where its handy.
24. Turn on your LP water heater about 30
minutes before you need hot water. Turn it off when your done.
25. Always chock your wheels.
26. Learn to back into sites using visual
signals from your ground guide. We use hand-held radios also.
27. The ground guide is in charge. The driver
should only do what the guide tells him/her (back, turn, stop, etc.)
28. If you loose sight of your ground guide -
STOP!
29. Ground guides should use clear and exaggerated signals.
Be seen and understood!
30. Many parks provide someone to help you get
into your site. They may not be as good ground guides as your partner.
31. Only take directions from one ground guide
at a time. Trust your partner!
32. We guys like our tools, but they are
heavy. Carry only the minimum and borrow the heavy ones from someone who doesn't
know any better.
33. Use a clear elbow sewer connection. It
will let you see just how well you are dumping.
34. Use side clamps and tie-downs on your main
awning. If it gets too windy, or you leave for a while, stow it away. The wind
WILL come up.
35. Do not use standard extension cords for
shore power. Buy a 30A (minimum) RV extension cord
36. Exercise your generator once a month. (Onan recommends
two hours per month, under a load.)
37. Measure and know the height of your RV.
38. When you've stopped for the day, carefully
open each cabinet and catch the things that have shifted...as they fall out.
39. Always let your black-water tank get at
least half-full before dumping. It needs the liquid to keep the solid waste in
suspension.
40. Dump the gray after the black to flush the
hose.
41. Remember to enjoy the journey "It's not a
contest to see how much you can see before you die."
42. Always check your lights and signals
before starting out.
43. Keep a spare key outside your rig
(magnetic Hide-a-Key) in case of a lock-out.
44. Always check to be sure that your
refrigerator, water heater and stove are off before refueling.
45. Get a copy of
The Rver's Friend ; a guide to RV
friendly truck stops.
46. Don't leave storage bays open and
unattended when there are small animals (mice/chipmunks, etc.) around.
47. Don't leave your food/trash outside where
critters (mice/bears) might be attracted.
48. Don't leave pets outside unattended.
That's where coyotes and eagles look for lunch!
49. Be sure to make reservations, or go somewhere remote, for
Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends.
50. Don't forget to add miles towed, when
scheduling chassis lubes and wheel bearing services, and tire rotations, for
your towed vehicle.
51. Before driving off, do a last walk-around
and check all connections, lights, and safety chains.
52. Before leaving your campsite, walk your
exit route. Check for clearances and a convenient place to attach your tow.
53. Know your turning radius. Cut too sharply
and take out a stop sign...and side panel!!
54. Place rubber non-skid matting on all
shelves.
55. Keep a jacket or sweater in your Toad. The
weather will change.
56. Remember - its your life - live it!
