Leaving Camp, The Right Way

We have all been there. You know the place. Where we are driving down the highway after leaving our most recent campground to look out the mirror and see hoses still attached to the trailer, or the satalite dish still barley hanging onto the side of the bus. There are so many things that are running through your mind when you are packing up that it seems that plugging the trailer lights into your truck was the last thing on your mind. We are here to help make it so that we are never in that embarrassing situation again.

So what is the solution? A check list, and not a mental one, one that is written down on paper and you go over every time that you are ready to leave camp. We’ve made it even easier for you by preparing a check list to get you started. You can add/subtract as you see fit but here are the bones to get you started.

Outside:        
Stow satellite dish.
Stow awning.
Check that all knobs are tight and rewind is set in the retract position.
Make sure stabilizer jacks are retracted and wood blocks are stored.
Plug in the trailer lights/brakes and hook up the breakaway cable.
Reinstall equalizer hitch bars and safety chains.
Make sure that trailer lights operate.
Drain waste tanks and stow hose.
Unplug electrical power cord and stow. Be sure plastic access door is snapped shut so cord doesn’t come out while driving.
Stow lawn chairs, dog’s rope, etc.
Douse campfire, then douse it again.

Inside:
Stow TV.
Check refrigerator contents for riding position, and make sure the doors are latched properly.
Make sure the refrigerator successfully switched to GAS when power cord was pulled from the panel.
Make sure all cupboards and drawers are closed properly.
Pick up everything possible.
Close roof vents and windows.
Turn off the 12v water pump.