New Jayco Owner with a question...

[Smitty003]

My dh and I just purchased a 2007 Jayco Jayflight 31bhs that was a one owner in excellent condition to be 5 years old. We've very excited about using it but I'm a little nervous about the set-up and take down part of it all.

We have decided to take our TT to the beach and store it there, however, my son and I will be using it more than my dh so I'm the one that will be setting it up and taking it down the majority of the time. The CG will pull it to our camp site and will set it up and take it down for an extra charge. I think it's ($40.00 set up fee and $80.00 take down fee)

I was wondering if anyone has ever created a checklist for setting up and taking down your TT? The dealer went over everything but there's so much to remember and taking notes after a while just didn't happen. I know after several trips, everything will become habit, but until then, I really need a checklist. I just want to make sure I do everything in the right order so I don't mess up.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Kimberly

[Rustic Eagle]

Kimberly,

Welcome to the Jayco forums

I guess everyone has their own method and sequence of tasks, but maybe the thread link below will give you a little insight, along with the replies that you will receive here.

http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthrea...t=level&page=2

Hope this helps.

Bob

[dalenoel]

There are going to be many things to do that are particular to what you need while camping. These would include chairs, mats, grills, and other outside and inside items.

Some that we reminded each other of while arriving at a park include:
Fill fresh water on the way in if not water hookups

Look for the best way to back into site if not pull through, for overhanging branches, for best level spot, slide out space, direction of view if changeable, distance to utilities if needed

When leaving there are the normal items you will find in checklists like lower the antenna, unplug the trailer, etc. while many of the things to do are specific to you and the family.

We remind ourselves to slow down and walk around the trailer, both of us, until we are sure we have done all we need to do.

The most important thing, which is forgotten every time there is a problem, is to slow down and relax. No one is in that much of a hurry that they can't double check the important items.

Have fun since you wil learn as you go.

I went and found some checklists and on edit they are here:

Some general checklists
Trailer Life

Good Sam

Simple but great lists

and if you do a google search you will find too too many more.

Again, have fun.

[Denise]

Welcome to the Jayco Owners Forum Kimberly. I'm camping alone right now as Don had to back out last minute (his uncle became ill). We always double check one another using our check list especially when it comes to hitching up and heading out. We have separate lists for interior/exterior set up/take downs. The hitch has it's own '8 count system'. Although there are some tasks Don always does or vice versa, know that if you find you aren't sure how to do something (I hooked up the satellite for the first time ever, and sewer for this first time in years on this trip) there is always a neighbor willing to help. Rest assured, all it takes is trying it out. The whole process seems much easier once you've done it by yourself. BTW - we put together our own checklists based on suggestions from others on forums like the links mentioned above. Congrats on your 'new' tt

[Gma-n-Gpa]

Welcome to Camping and the forum... As indicated lists will be custom to the way you camp. The one thing I have found that helps me a lot is ---- do it the same every time. I have a specific order to the things on my "list" and a certain order to do each list (yes I have multiple lists). Doing everything the same every time builds that routine so you stay consistent. Boring - yes but I don't forget anything (unless someone interupts me).

[Smitty003]

Thank you all for your words of wisdom and advice. Having two checklists(exterior/interior) is a great idea. Thanks dalenoel for the links...I will definitely check them out. Also, thanks Bob for the thread link...I will check it out as well this evening.

We have had several people tell us that there's always a helping hand around the campground so that's good to know should I run into a problem.

I guess knowing we plan on storing it at the beach (5 hrs from my home), I just worry that I'll forget to do something and it will sit in storage with a problem I'm not aware of until next time. Just a little FYI about me...I worry too much! So my husbands says anyway. haha!

Thanks again. I'm sure I'll have more questions as we go so I'm so glad I found this forum.

[krsmitty]

Since you are storing it on the beach (salt) you may want to consider corrosion/rust prevention of some sort. IMHO

[Crabman]

Welcome to the forum!

[clutch]

We split the duty. My wife takes care of the inside and I do the outside. She guides me onto the hitch and I hook it up. This has worked for us since 1976.

[RPegram]

Stabilizer jacks down, water, electric and sewer connected, grey tank valve open, black tank valve closed and slides out. You're ready to have fun. The first time it will take a few extra minutes, but after doing it a time or two, you'll have it down to less than 10 minutes.

When you leave, walk around and make sure everything is turned off, slides are in, black tank flushed and you only have four pieces of camper touching the ground: the tongue jack and four tires, anything more and something's not right.

[wiscampsin]

Originally Posted by RPegram

four pieces of camper touching the ground: the tongue jack and four tires, anything more and something's not right.

When I went to school that added up to five, did they change that ?

[veryconfusing]

I actually put my list on the inside of one of the storage access doors (where I keep my chocks and fresh water line etc ... ), then that door stays open until I double check everything.

Even though I have the routine down - I force myself to read it so I do the same things in the same order each time.

It looks fairly daunting in list form but it's all easier done than said.

[Smitty003]

Thanks krsmitty...I didn't even think of that...thank you!

[Smitty003]

Thanks RPegram...I like it!

[Murphie]

Clutch, my wife and I have done the same for years. So did my wife's parents when they trailered. Just prior to going through chemo I taught my than 14 year old daughter to do the outside stuff. Now 21 and in nursing, she remembers it with pride.