Looking for good departure checklist specific for Class C motorhomes.

[matsis1234]

Hey all

First motorhome after 3 years with a Popup. I’ve been searching online for a good departure checklist but haven’t found one I like yet. Some are too generic with items meant for travel trailers. Some are excessively detailed and others not detailed enough. Don’t want to make a bonehead move by forgetting something when we pull out. We rented a 32 foot class C last summer and the previous renter had left with the awning still out and it ripped off when they got on the highway !!

One side question. Do you chalk your wheels on your class C or just put on the emergency brake ?

Thanks !!
Pam

[Camper_bob]

The best checklist you're going to find is one you create/develop on your own.

They also make "slap bracelet" type reminders you can put on your steering wheel; I've considered getting those before...

I find that for us, a "multiple walkaround" works best. DW takes care of the interior of the rig, I take care of the exterior. When I go in and wash my hands, I give the interior a look. Before we leave, she walks around the exterior. So we're double-checking each other's work. Then I do ANOTHER walk-around before I hop in the driver seat. Then once I'm in the driver's seat, I take a moment and mentally replay my last walk around and run through a mental list of things I am prone to forget.

One key here is to respect your partner, and to understand that you're not criticizing your partner if you ask something like "did you pull the Y connection off the spigot when you disconnected water?" Or "Did you make sure the shower door is locked for transport?"

We stopped using printed check lists years ago because our procedures have become habit. That being said, it's rare that a second walk-around finds nothing out of order. This is proof of the necessity to conduct multiple walkarounds. Also, those few moments I sit in the driver's seat have uncovered omissions on several occasions. In fact not that long ago, I had forgotten to disconnect shore power at the house. I was by myself that day, and I remembered it when I went through my last mental check before putting it in gear.

[Siamese]

Agree that the checklist you make yourself is the best. After years of trailering, we still use the checklist every time.

One thing for your list is "check chalk supply", so you'll always be able to chalk your tires.

[norty1]

Last look is to make sure the tv antenna is down if you have one.

[RAurand]

How does chalk hold your tires in place?
I have heard of Wheel Chocks?

[norty1]

Get a big pile of chalk and stack it in front and behind the tires. LOL

[RetiredOne]

Originally Posted by matsis1234

Hey all

First motorhome after 3 years with a Popup. I’ve been searching online for a good departure checklist but haven’t found one I like yet.

Did you check this Sticky thread? Some great ideas to help you put together your own personal list.

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...ayco-2359.html

[matsis1234]

Ha ha !! Missed that. 😊

Originally Posted by RAurand

How does chalk hold your tires in place?
I have heard of Wheel Chocks?

[matsis1234]

Lol!

Originally Posted by norty1

get a big pile of chalk and stack it in front and behind the tires. Lol

[matsis1234]

Thanks Bob. Great tips !

Originally Posted by Camper_bob

The best checklist you're going to find is one you create/develop on your own.

They also make "slap bracelet" type reminders you can put on your steering wheel; I've considered getting those before...

I find that for us, a "multiple walkaround" works best. DW takes care of the interior of the rig, I take care of the exterior. When I go in and wash my hands, I give the interior a look. Before we leave, she walks around the exterior. So we're double-checking each other's work. Then I do ANOTHER walk-around before I hop in the driver seat. Then once I'm in the driver's seat, I take a moment and mentally replay my last walk around and run through a mental list of things I am prone to forget.

One key here is to respect your partner, and to understand that you're not criticizing your partner if you ask something like "did you pull the Y connection off the spigot when you disconnected water?" Or "Did you make sure the shower door is locked for transport?"

We stopped using printed check lists years ago because our procedures have become habit. That being said, it's rare that a second walk-around finds nothing out of order. This is proof of the necessity to conduct multiple walkarounds. Also, those few moments I sit in the driver's seat have uncovered omissions on several occasions. In fact not that long ago, I had forgotten to disconnect shore power at the house. I was by myself that day, and I remembered it when I went through my last mental check before putting it in gear.

[pward]

Originally Posted by RAurand

How does chalk hold your tires in place?
I have heard of Wheel Chocks?

Thank you!

[matsis1234]

Ha ha. !

[Tunce the traveler]

Remember to add your charcoal grill that’s sitting on your picnic table. Don’t ask me why I told you to add it!

[matsis1234]

That’s a great thread RetiredOne! I hadn’t seen that. I made a list myself but there’s a few items in that thread I added and some things to check before our first outing that I hadn’t thought of. Thanks so much !!

Originally Posted by RetiredOne

Did you check this Sticky thread? Some great ideas to help you put together your own personal list.

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...ayco-2359.html

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by Tunce the traveler

Remember to add your charcoal grill that’s sitting on your picnic table. Don’t ask me why I told you to add it!

Part of those "walkarounds" and pre-flight checks I was talking about is looking over the campsite to make sure you've retrieved all your items.

And don't forget to LOOK UP.

One day I was at a fuel stop on the way home from the coast walking around, inspecting the rig as I always do during stops. Looked up and found the overhead cab bunk window to be open!! That's my son's area, and he must've opened it. I didn't know he ever messed with that window, but apparently he does. I made him climb up there and close it, and it was added to the pre-flight checklist...

[Click_here]

Originally Posted by Camper_bob

Part of those "walkarounds" and pre-flight checks I was talking about is looking over the campsite to make sure you've retrieved all your items.

And don't forget to LOOK UP.

One day I was at a fuel stop on the way home from the coast walking around, inspecting the rig as I always do during stops. Looked up and found the overhead cab bunk window to be open!! That's my son's area, and he must've opened it. I didn't know he ever messed with that window, but apparently he does. I made him climb up there and close it, and it was added to the pre-flight checklist...

Funny. I do something similar in that, after our walk arounds and interior check, I also look back along the sides of the RV using my side mirrors.

Couldn't tell you how many times we have been starting out and I hear an odd banging, only to look back and see a side window open from the dinette back to the bath and/or rear bedroom.

And yes, I have actually 'unplugged' my cord from the socket pulling out, as I am sure no one else on this forum ever has!