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DEPARTURE CHECKLIST

Hi There,

We are getting ready to leave for our first trip in our new (to us:) coach!  We purchased the beginning of May and it's been stored on our property ever since.  We have been running the gen and coach periodically.  Just wanted to see if there was a checklist out there for what to inspect before we move it.

Any help would be appreciated!

Kath & Mike
Thanks,
Kath & Mike
2007 Foretravel Nimbus 336
Toad 2022 Jeep Gladiator Overland edition

Re: DEPARTURE CHECKLIST

Reply #1 –
Not sure if you are aware of Barry's pre purchase survey but there are some good items on it that would apply as pre departure as well.  Go to Beamalarm.com and peruse the files.  It is the single most informative site outside of this one on our coaches.  As another recent purchaser, I have spent hours on it just learning new systems. 

Enjoy!
George and Steph
1997 U270 36 Build 5081 "Honu"
1180w Solar 400A lithium all Victron house system
Motorcade 17670, SKP 128300, FMCA F459019
73 VW Camper, 79 VW Camper, 2363 Sunline, and an Arctic Fox 25P

Re: DEPARTURE CHECKLIST

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Kath and Mike Reinert –
Any help would be appreciated!

Have you had the tires checked for wear & tear/ pressure?  ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: DEPARTURE CHECKLIST

Reply #3 –
Welcome to the fun!

There are all sorts of checklists available online, but the best one is the one you develop for your own situation. For example, one item on our list isn't on any other list that I've seen - put away the stained glass window. Basically, you want to get everything inside secured or stowed so that it can't become a lethal weapon aimed at your heads should you have to make a panic stop. Outside, you want to make sure that everything is put away (awnings, tire covers, chairs, etc.), the engine is ready (check oil, etc.), and the towed is properly hooked up.

Big suggestion: if you are interrupted at any point START OVER. Don't assume that you will remember what you were doing.
Second big suggestion: One of you should do the inside while the other does the outside. Before starting out, each of you should check the other one's work.

Re: DEPARTURE CHECKLIST

Reply #4 –
I do the outside my wife does the inside. A couple things on my list that happen before the coach moves every time check under the hood, check tire pressure. And lastly I don't Ever move the coach even a little bit with awnings bay doors open or any utilities hooked up. Sooner or later bad things will happen don't ask how I know.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: DEPARTURE CHECKLIST

Reply #5 –
Quote from: bbeane –
And lastly I don't Ever move the coach even a little bit with awnings bay doors open or any utilities hooked up. Sooner or later bad things will happen don't ask how I know.
A friend of mine (drives a SOB) had a rope tied from his ladder to a tree to hang swim suits, towels, etc. Pulled the ladder right off...

Same guy forgot he drained his inboard/outboard tranny before storage, locked up going full bore across the lake....

Haven't seen him in a few years...
Peter and Tammy Fleming
1991 U300 GV 40 - Sold, owned for 4 years
Downsized to Roadtrek Popular 210 class B

Re: DEPARTURE CHECKLIST

Reply #6 –
My wife developed a series of multi colored "slap bands" with labels covering everything we do from tire pressure check to closing the trap door in the service bay to switching off the antenna booster to ???? People always look curiously at the multicolored rings on our steering wheel and ask about them. She says it's our memory-ha!

Like Bruce and Linda, I'm the outside guy and she is the inside gal. Works for us and minimizes arguments and then we quick check each other as we remove the slap bands from the steering wheel while the engine warms up.

Crazy but it works!
Alan & Gerri Ortiz
1996 U295 36 ft.
"Rocinante"
Hartwell, Georgia
1999 Subaru Forester
Build No. 4957 Motorcader 17399
 

Re: DEPARTURE CHECKLIST

Reply #7 –
We both do a walk-around before pulling out of the campground. We both check the toad and tow bar to make sure it is right. The interior gets a check, as well ... but inevitably there is something that hits the floor when we take that first turn onto the highway!  I don't fasten my seatbelt for the first 5 miles!!
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs