Setup and Teardown Checklists

[mrmom]

Good morning all! With camping season just around the corner (hopefully!), I thought I would share these lists with everyone. They may be more for the newbies, but I think even a lot of veteran rv'ers use them. I have found that they help keep things from being forgotten, especially if more than one person is helping with the tasks.

These 2 checklists are based off of a StarCraft AR One Maxx, but they can be modified for whatever version travel trailer you have. These are in PDF format due to the upload limitations on the site. If you would like the original MS Word versions of these lists, for easier modifications, feel free to PM me and I can email you the files.

Feel free to share them. I would also love to hear others thoughts and comments on what they use.

[MichaelO]

Thanks for the lists.

[harryjr]

When doing your walk-around look up and down, as well as left to right. Beware the tunnel vision.
Whatever your routine, don't break it. I broke my sequence once. Let's just say it didn't end well.

[Chrisbn]

I would add:

Ensure TV antenna is lowered.

I watched a buddy leave a park and before we could get his attention he took his raised antenna off on a low branch

[Jagiven]

Good set of lists.

I'm not a list person, but my DW is! When I do make lists, I like them in the general order that I plan to do the tasks. This makes it easier not to miss an item.

Setup list;

• We rarely every have full hook ups (once every 5 years???). So having fill the FW tank is high on the list, like #1. WE have gotten fully setup, and went to turn on the pump and realized, opps, nothing in it .
• The other item that is now high on the list, is checking the shore power post for proper power, before disconnecting TT. In the early spring we have found posts that do not work properly. Around here, I assume it is due to frost heaving.

Checkout list;

• I make it a habit to check the underside of the TT, at least twice. Once before I adjust the tongue height, and once again before we pull out. I crushed a portable gas stove once . It was standing on end, and lowered the nose, and crushed it.
• Before pulling out I always check the site, including the TT (out of sight, out of mind). Beside looking for the obvious things we might have left around, I physically touch every window, door, cargo hold, access covers (frig), review the bike rack, and the hitch to make sure everything is properly secured. At this time I also take a quick look at the trees to avoid hitting any as I pull out.
• Regarding the stove vent, turning off the exhaust fan is not on my list (to noisy to miss it), but snap the exterior cover closed is on the list.

[kwalsh]

i am going to give those lists to my daughter as a great starting point, perfect for newbies to get started. i am seasonal and i just turn off the ac and water and lock the door on the way out

[Parcany]

Biggest thing that I found out to do was do everything the same time after time. set up and tear down. Get a system and stick to it.

[MichaelO]

Originally Posted by Parcany

Biggest thing that I found out to do was do everything the same time after time. set up and tear down. Get a system and stick to it.

That is something I find useful too.

[mrmom]

Jagiven, good point about the order of tasks. I should have mentioned when I posted these that they should be done in order. One of the reasons I like to use them, one task leads to another and saves having to re-do things!

[Randel J]

mrmom, although I have my own set of lists I've written from over 35 years of trailer camping, I really appreciate your lists because they gave me ideas I hadn't thought of

[mrmom]

Randel J, I came up with these lists after looking over a number of different lists I had found. I also ran them by my brother, who has a motorhome, for his input. They are easy to modify for any given trailer/motorhome, but the general concepts still stay the same.
This is why I love forums like this, the ability to share ideas and help each other!

[timnsusie]

Good list. The only thing I do differently is :Use voltmeter/tester to verify power pedestal integrity as soon as I get to site BEFORE unhooking as I have had bad pedestals before and had to move sites.
Thanks

[LuckyDuck]

Mrmom, thanks for sharing. Can never have too many lists — then pick and choose what works for you. One thing I do differently is the position of the blue water filter. I put mine at the end of the hose, closest to the trailer, rather than closest to the hose bib. I’ve done it both ways but like filtering out anything from my freshwater hose, too. I use a brass elbow at the trailer, so there’s no undue weight on the threaded connection. Also on my checklist is running the CG faucet first, then using a Lysol wipe on it and flushing it again, rinsing off the entire spigot. Makes me feel better in case the last camper’s dog mistook it for a fire hydrant!

[Mrlin10000]

Great lists. But, you left out open and drink beer on set-up list.

[Hollander Mutthaulers]

Thanks for the list. It contains a lot of good reminders.

We have detailed lists for set-up, take-down, sanitize, winterize, de-winterize - anything we do with the trailer. The list gets used and amended with every outing.

We camp by lists and routines. For camp set up and take down, DW and I have our own things to do and order in which to do them and we adhere to that every single time. The few times we have deviated have not worked well. Generally set-up takes 10-15' and take down 15-20'

Keeping lists and following routines will result in a good camping experience.

[Deborahhanson8]

Thank you

[Dave A]

Originally Posted by Mrlin10000

Great lists. But, you left out open and drink beer on set-up list.

DW makes me a Margarita when I complete my set up chores. Makes me work faster!

[Part timer!]

I always say! Steps up, antenna down and WIFE is in the truck! Ready to go!

[MichaelO]

Originally Posted by Part timer!

I always say! Steps up, antenna down and WIFE is in the truck! Ready to go!

Does it have to be your wife or will any wife do?

[PaulB12]

Our list is easy:
Throw in whay you think we may need, go.
If we forget something there is always a wally world near by or do without.
Pack up is simple too: pick it up toss it in, walk around twice and go. Works for us, no.... now where did I put that CHECKLIST!!��������
PaulB12