Things To Do Before First Outing with a New Jayco

[Texas Camper]

My list is heading your direction. Two versions being sent - Microsoft Word and PDF

[Stingray75]

What, no duct tape?

[Texas Camper]

A giant roll is automatically added to all my tool boxes. Wish I owned Duck Tape stock!!

Let's see a roll is in my: workshop, truck tool box, car tool box, camper tool box, boat tool box, motorcycle tool box, in the garage, and my wife's garden box. Think that just about covers it. Ha.

[Gesper]

I bought a cordless impact driver for my old trailer ,that I used to raise and lower my manual stabilizers.(My new TT also has manual cranks so guess what?) ,I can lower and raise them quicker than my friend with his electric. also saves muscles. I love it

[Gesper]

Originally Posted by Texas Camper

A giant roll is automatically added to all my tool boxes. Wish I owned Duck Tape stock!!

Let's see a roll is in my: workshop, truck tool box, car tool box, camper tool box, boat tool box, motorcycle tool box, in the garage, and my wife's garden box. Think that just about covers it. Ha.

You are a real Mans Man

[krcarter54]

I keep a detailed list of "travel prep" items on my smart phone and it's very easy to open the app and walk around our trailer and perform each task. Just an idea.

[Tunce the traveler]

Originally Posted by krcarter54

I keep a detailed list of "travel prep" items on my smart phone and it's very easy to open the app and walk around our trailer and perform each task. Just an idea.

That's a great idea, thanks.

[naturespaintbrush]

I just bought a 2015 Jayco greyhawk 31FS. Been doing a lot of reading, have not gone out on the road. In the Command Center there's an Inverter with a green button. I can't find anything in the owners manuel about the Inverter. What does the inverter do and how do I use it, when do I turn it on and when do I turn it off? Thank you in Advance

[Bulldog]

Your inverter runs your 12v system, lights,fans. It is powered by your 120v sys when your plugged into a power supply. Your green light is your indicator that tells you it's on,you don't turn it off its automatic. Your wall plugs as you would have in a house are 120v.

[naturespaintbrush]

Thanks Much Bulldog. I'm trying to get all of my thoughts together (after the orientation and reading of the manuals) to put together a step by step check list from when I park my RV at a campsite, to breaking down and departing a campsite. I guess once I hit the road and arrive at a campsite and go though the drill of setting up and then taking down, it will become easier. But until then....... I will still need to get my check list together. Thanks again,

The Mountains are Calling..... I Must GO!

[Bulldog]

Originally Posted by naturespaintbrush

Thanks Much Bulldog. I'm trying to get all of my thoughts together (after the orientation and reading of the manuals) to put together a step by step check list from when I park my RV at a campsite, to breaking down and departing a campsite. I guess once I hit the road and arrive at a campsite and go though the drill of setting up and then taking down, it will become easier. But until then....... I will still need to get my check list together. Thanks again,

The Mountains are Calling..... I Must GO!

It does get easier. And don't keep them mountains waiting.

[mspontiac]

Originally Posted by VicS1950

Wordpad or MS Word bullet lists are very easy to update and modify. As was mentioned, nothing gets struck off my list (I line out the items) until it is ACTUALLY aboard. I learned that just being in your way, or in the pile as you leave the door of your home is no guarantee that the item will be picked up and properly loaded. FWIW. vic

Yes!!!!! I do the same thing, and usually we keep most things in the camper and load miscellaneous things before the trip. I then mark it off the list. Once, I had worked a night shift before we were planning to leave, and my husband was responsible for loading the camper instead of me. The conversation went like this after we were at the campground: Me: "Where are the coffee cups?" Him: "They're not here?" Me: "No, but you marked them off the list." Him: "Oh, I just figured they were already in here." Me: "%^$%^." That happened with about three other items. That's why I never mark it off the list unless I lay eyes on it in the camper.

[Jim-n-Ash]

Originally Posted by Trynforpar

I learned a long time ago to make a list of the essentials you need to bring for each outing. I check off each item as I put it in the camper. You would be surprised how helpful this is because there is no doubt that you will forget something. Keep it an active list and each time you think about something you should have had, add it to the list.

We also make a meals/menu list for each trip, and a separate list of the ingredients needed, and we check those off as we load the pantry and 'fridge. In the several years we've camped, it hasn't been us go begging for forgotten foodstuffs. ;-)(There's enough leeway in our menu that we can change things up if we want to, but it's helpful to know what you're having so you know when to start the coals or turn on the oven.)[/FONT]

[Hattie]

When using the TT to attend workshops, classes, etc. and staying where there are full hookups, we've been known to stock the fridge with premade meals from the deli (e.g., meatloaf, 2x baked potatoes, Harris Ranch Pot Roast) that we nuke. Lazy, I know, but gotta adjust the provisions for the type of outing! Now when really camping/boondocking ... home-cooked every night with heavy reliance on the BBQ (fish, steak, burgers, sausages, etc.)!

[Hattie]

BTW, there are a couple of other threads like this one:

1. http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f7...ons-25607.html
2. http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f7...mer-25714.html

On one of these, I previously provided the following:
I am attaching a generic PDF of our check-list; be gentle for as the DW, I may not have stated some of the steps the way my DH would. The reason for doing this was to help assist as much as possible without sounding like a nag ~ this takes the personalities out of the picture.

We purchased a red folder with page protectors to store the print-outs; we keep it in the cabinet right inside the door where the Jayco bag is with all instructions. In the same folder are checklists for what we need to bring (food, personal items), do (buy, fix, punch list for Jayco dealer), and campsite records (directions, preferred site numbers,).

These checklists will be useful when our son borrows the TV / TT since this is more complex than the tent-trailer he inherited; he hasn't gone with us yet to experience what all needs to occur with this fancier set-up!

[Jim-n-Ash]

Originally Posted by Hattie

When using the TT to attend workshops, classes, etc. and staying where there are full hookups, we've been known to stock the fridge with premade meals from the deli (e.g., meatloaf, 2x baked potatoes, Harris Ranch Pot Roast) that we nuke. Lazy, I know, but gotta adjust the provisions for the type of outing! Now when really camping/boondocking ... home-cooked every night with heavy reliance on the BBQ (fish, steak, burgers, sausages, etc.)!

We also have a file folder/notebook for various print-outs and lists. Jim keeps a record of high and low temps, too, and the general weather conditions - and the occasional bird sighting. The trogans were exciting ....

At RV parks, we've done TV dinners a couple of times; for dry camping, Jim (the cook) makes as much ahead of time as he can: micros the potatoes so we can finish them on the coals, chops up veggies for the foil-wrapped packets, marinates the salmon (we don't do steak), and so forth. For the last few trips, we've made sure we always have ... chocolate gelato! No matter what's goin' on, good day or bad, that's a lovely way to finish up.

[Hattie]

And a great hint from my tent camping days ~ make a soup (e.g., clam or corn chowder was a favorite) and FREEZE it. Initially, it is a fridge 'ice block', eventually it is dinner ~ just add a loaf of bread and salad! Fantastic hint for newbie campers!

For fish (if you hate cleaning it off the BBQ), tent it up in a PAM-sprayed foil envelope with a tablespoon or two of wine, slices of lemon, and desired seasonings) and BBQ for 15-20 minutes (depending on the fish thickness, heat, etc.). Quick, easy, no clean-up, and skin falls right off!

SO ... add foil and PAM to your pantry.

[Gomez]

Jerky can be rehydrated for chili and stews, doesn't take up much space and doesn't need refrigeration.
I also carry a laser thermometer which makes a quick and easy way to check on the trailer bearings or find a sticking trailer brake.

[humbleguru]

I have been removing plastic shavings from every faucet, sink, filter and whatever else since I got the new TT. As soon as you notice a drop in pressure, start removing screens and cleaning filters.

[llilith]

Thanks for this thread!