On the road

Run a departure walkaround before every pull-out

The expensive mistakes happen in the last five minutes: towing off with the antenna up, the steps down, or the shore cord still plugged in. A fixed walkaround you do the same way every time is how you avoid becoming the story at the next campsite.

1. Disconnect and stow utilities Shore power unplugged and capped, water and sewer hoses drained and stored, black and gray valves closed. Retract and latch the awning.
2. Bring in everything that sticks out TV antenna down, steps in, roof vents and fans closed, stabilizer jacks up, and anything on the roof or bumper secured.
3. Confirm the hitch and safety gear Coupler latched and pinned, weight-distribution bars set, safety chains crossed under the tongue, breakaway cable clipped to the truck (not to the hitch), and the 7-pin plugged in.
4. Walk the lights, then pull the chocks last Have someone confirm brake lights, turn signals, and running lights before you roll. Pull the wheel chocks last, so the trailer is never sitting un-chocked and un-hitched at the same time. A laminated checklist on the door beats memory every time.