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[kjohn]

Originally Posted by CrazyCain

Swim noodles on the arms of the awning so you don't knock yourself out when you slam into them, like I do...

Great idea! After clonking my head a couple of times, I tied a ribbon of marking tape to each arm. I'll add the pool noodle to my list.

[flybouy]

1. Before hitting the road remove wallet and insert (charge) with as much cash as it will hold.
2. Upon returning "recharge" again.
3. If you find that the wallet isn't holding a "charge" there are many "recharging" stations available. Look for the ATM sign. They used to be called cash machines, I called it a Crash machine, before the proliferation of electronic payment methods people would line up to withdraw money. This always reminded me of seeing movies of people making a "run on the bank" after the 1929 stock market crash.

[LuvsPalmTrees]

Always have one person in charge of lowering the antenna. Seen too many people pulling out with them up and the entire campground yelling at them.

[Owl]

Make sure the awning is retracted before leaving the camping spot. Thankfully I caught it before I hit a tree.

[FlyingAroundRV]

Print out a pre-departure checklist, laminate it and stick it on the inside of the entry door. Make the last item, close and lock the door.

[Lariatbob]

Originally Posted by Alpine

I changed out the frosted glass in the door with matching tinted glass. Love being able to see out.....

We did the same thing. It's nice to be able to see before opening the door. Had to make a window blind so no one could see in at night.

[Kzneft]

Check your lug nuts on your RV before leaving. Read a few posts where some have lost their wheels.

[roadglide]

I have been useing my secondary valve to back flush the black water. For around 15 dollar's you can have Leakey valve insurance that I don't have but it makes for a good black water back flush .

[Carvendive]

1. Re torque your lugnuts. I've found that after running on uneven pavement (Birmingham comes to mind) that the nuts on my leading axle are around 90#. Spec on my Cougar says 110#.

2. At each stop I put my hand on each wheel near the hub to see if I'm getting any bearing heat.

3. I FINALLY found a cleaner for the shower. Works great on both glass and shower base/surround. Dawn dishwashing liquid and a Lovebug cleaning pad. (I also use the pad on the RV exterior and on the truck).

[Dorrie]

Originally Posted by Carvendive

1. Re torque your lugnuts. I've found that after running on uneven pavement (Birmingham comes to mind) that the nuts on my leading axle are around 90#. Spec on my Cougar says 110#.

2. At each stop I put my hand on each wheel near the hub to see if I'm getting any bearing heat.

3. I FINALLY found a cleaner for the shower. Works great on both glass and shower base/surround. Dawn dishwashing liquid and a Lovebug cleaning pad. (I also use the pad on the RV exterior and on the truck).

To skip cleaning the glass I put up a shower curtain.

[TLB]

remove your trash bags to the campground trash dumpsters so the little critters that come out while you are sleeping don't make a mess.

Darn raccoons,,,,

[flybouy]

Originally Posted by Carvendive

1. Re torque your lugnuts. I've found that after running on uneven pavement (Birmingham comes to mind) that the nuts on my leading axle are around 90#. Spec on my Cougar says 110#.

2. At each stop I put my hand on each wheel near the hub to see if I'm getting any bearing heat.

3. I FINALLY found a cleaner for the shower. Works great on both glass and shower base/surround. Dawn dishwashing liquid and a Lovebug cleaning pad. (I also use the pad on the RV exterior and on the truck).

If you are using Dawn on the exterior of the rv and truck be aware that it will remove any wax or other protectant coating.

[Chief Mole]

Mesh bags for hoses and cables: Available in most camping sections, the old fashioned "stuff bag" are made out of nylon and the mesh is small enough to keep most bugs out. Makes it easy for quick movement of those items.

Spigot Wye Gate: A wye gate for the spigot to give you two connections in case there is only one at the campsite. I keep a check valve on one valve to hook the rinsing hose to.

Pre Departure and Post Arrival Check Off Lists: I use a clear plastic document holder and a China Marker (wax pencil) to mark off completed items which is wiped off after all items are marked as complete. The lists themselves are in order from the first thing to do to the end, keeps my world in check and I got used to doing this while onboard ships.

[Chief Mole]

Old Car Antenna Aerial: Available in most scrap yards or along the side of the road for even less, the old (without wrapping of additional wire) stainless steel car aerial can be cut and bent into a reasonable spring clip or retention pin in an emergency to replace whatever just flew a few feet from the rig and into the grass to disappear forever!

Paracord, 550 Line, Small Stuff: Whatever you call it, the day you leave home without it is the day that you need it. Best stored in it's own small bag! Learn how to properly seize the ends while you're at it!

Grill, Charcoal and Chimney Starter: For S'mores, steaks and general cooking on the day that BOTH the LP tanks are empty because you forgot to remember to fill the empty one up.

Hydraulic Bottle Jack: For assisting with changing tires, leveling and stabilizing after you clip off one of the mounted stabilizers on that rock next to the road on the way to the primitive site and for assisting the other person who now needs to borrow a jack.

Hose clamps, various sizes: Sewage hoses aren't the only things that break!

Two Part Epoxy: While I prefer the ribbon type, the mixable can type works and stores well too. For those days that you find that there's a leak that can't be fixed with the hose clamps.

[EagleandFox]

Originally Posted by Owl

Make sure the awning is retracted before leaving the camping spot. Thankfully I caught it before I hit a tree.

Someone didn't notice their awning still out at a campground we were at...did extensive damage to the side of their RV as a result. Glad you were able to catch it before it was too late!

[EagleandFox]

Don't let someone else take over your responsibilities when backing in/setting up. Stick to your routine. My brother-in-law thought he was being "helpful" when he decided to take over my duties in helping me with directing my hubby on backing in and taking over setting up - because he was "a truck driver" he said, and knows "how this is done". Well, as a result, we ended up with 2 bent front stabilizer jacks that resulted in the trailer hitch being lower than the truck ball and had to have a few heavy guys jump on the back of the truck to get it lower than the trailer (before our 5th wheel days). (Not bashing truck drivers...that was just his reasoning.)

[notanlines]

"Don't let someone else take over your responsibilities when backing in/setting up. Stick to your routine" I could not agree more! And you old farts with nothing else to do, stay away from people when they come into the park and let them get setup WITHOUT your "help." Don't be one of THOSE GUYS!

[Chief Mole]

Measure and know the distance that the slide outs travel and check for obstructions before moving it out. Yes, tape measure is part of the tool kit.

[LuvsPalmTrees]

Carvendive - you made me think of it with your shower cleaner. I use this at home and it works great - vinegar/dawn (blue) dish washing soap and warm water. Spray - let it sit for a few minutes and wipe and rinse. Works great and helps clean the soap buildup out of your shower drains. It also is not really harsh like some chemicals can be so it does not hurt anything and you can still breath when you are done.

[pikespeakviewer]

Originally Posted by Tinner12002

I always test my brakes while hooking up and unhooking. I use the RV brakes to hold the RV while backing in and when pulling out.

I know that this is an old thread, but how do you use the RV brakes to hold while backing in? Do you mean test them?