At the beginning of each travel season it is a good idea to check your trailer to be sure it has the basics and that they are in good working order. Check the water hose and make sure it is still flexible and has no cracks. Also look at your sewer hose and its connections for signs of wear. Make sure the fire extinguisher is charged and up to date, you have spare bulbs, fuses, a set of tools, tire pressure gage, jumper cables, a road kit with reflectors, shovel, wheel chocks and leveling boards. Carry a good pair of rubber gloves or a box of disposable surgical gloves that come in handy when hooking up the sewer connection. Check the tires for side cracks and wear. Flashlights, batteries and a good shovel are a must. Don’t forget barbecue supplies and campground directories.
One of the nice things of having a home on wheels is that you can stock the kitchen and bathroom with preferred items. At the beginning of the season, go through the kitchen area and make sure you have the cooking basics. Check the pantry for salt and pepper, condiments and seasonings. Check canned and packaged foods and see if any are past their “best by” dates. Check the supply of tin foil, plastic wrap, dish soap, sponges and paper towels. Make sure serving bowls, plates, silverware and serving bowls are clean. Stock up on disposable plates and utensils for times when water must be conserved. If traveling with pets, see that they have food stored.
The bathroom should get a similar once over. Check cleaning supplies, toilet paper, toiletries, first-aid kit, insect repellents and cleaning supplies. Run bath towels and washcloths through the laundry to make sure they are fresh and clean. Make sure you have chemicals for the holding tanks, which are put in via the toilet. Don’t forget the kitty litter and litter box if traveling with cats and the pooper scooper and bags if your co-pilot is man’s other best friend.
One of the most important trailer checklists is the one used before moving the trailer. Travel trailers tend to bounce around, no matter how smooth the road being traveled is. Take the time to make sure all items are put away and that cabinets and doors are all securely fastened. Turn off the water heater and the water pump. Make sure the refrigerator door is secure. Close all ceiling vents and windows. Turn off the furnace, air conditioning units, lights and fans.
On the outside of the trailer, walk around and make sure water, sewer and electrical hook-ups have been disconnected and that the cords and hoses have been stowed in their proper places. Make sure the slides have been pulled in and that awnings have been taken down and stowed. Disconnect TV and phone cables and lower TV antennas and satellite dishes (if you have a model that does lower). Turn off the propane. Be sure to pull in the entry steps. Make sure the landing gear or jacks have been raised and are locked in the up position, and that the trailer hitch is properly secured and locked. Pull the parking blocks from the wheels and have someone help check the turn signals and brake lights. Check around the campsite to make sure all lawn chairs, toys, equipment or anything else has been put away. Don’t forget the dog (or cat).
