Community Forums

b22mundo · 03-09-2014, 10:39 PM

Hi all, we just had our first trial run with our new toy hauler RV. After reading about all the awesome RV campground checklists you have provided, I still managed to forget about the dang TV antenna. As you can vaguely see, it's still up. Luckily, a friendly fellow RVer ran up to let us know before we took off.

Rookies.

I should have known better than to plan this on a daylight savings weekend as we were rushing to beat the checkout time. I guess practice is key.

Also, for all of you with little ones, how do you prevent them from pushing open the screen door? It seems those little plastic latches are soo weak. I'm thinking about adding some sort of sliding bolt lock.

Thanks for looking!

Doggy Daddy · 03-09-2014, 10:53 PM

It has happened to the best of us. Fortunately repair parts and kits for batwing antenna's are a DIY item. Before departure, always do 2 walk arounds of your vehicles. One looking forward and down and the 2nd, looking up for antennas, trees, wires, etc. There are many methods for pre-departure checks - formal checklist to leaving stickys to clothes pins with words on them, i.e. Antenna, power cord, water hose, padlocks, etc.

There are a variety of kinds of baby safety gates that can be used across the front of the screen door/entrance from the inside.

DGShaffer · 03-10-2014, 04:00 AM

I have a class A but it would still work. Put a set of keys you need on the antenna when you put it up. You can't leave without getting the keys and therefore putting the antenna down.

homeless · 03-10-2014, 05:02 AM

I always blame it on my Wife!

**CLIFFTALL** · 03-10-2014, 05:09 AM

I wrap my CB mic wire around the steering wheel and DW always does a walk around checking jacks , slideouts , water, elec ,and sewer connections as well as both tv and sat antennas. You need to develop a system that will work for you.

Steve N Sal · 03-10-2014, 05:15 AM

I'm sure it's happened to about all of us and if it hasn't yet it probably will sometime down the road. I'm fortunate with this coach, it has a light on the dash that indicates it's still up.

brobox · 03-10-2014, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DGShaffer

I have a class A but it would still work. Put a set of keys you need on the antenna when you put it up. You can't leave without getting the keys and therefore putting the antenna down.

X2, best method I have used. If you are using your truck while the trailer is unhooked, use something bright cloths pinned to the steering wheel.

I still use the keys on the antenna crank and now a bright orange card cloths pinned to the steering wheel for the satellite dish. Plus a through walk around looking up and down. It's amazing what "the kids" can sometimes leave behind.

Medico · 03-10-2014, 05:38 AM

I always blame it on "brain fart". I did it once, without damage, then had a small sign made that I clip to the steering wheel so I will not forget.

sadrand · 03-10-2014, 06:50 AM

X2 on the checklist!

b22mundo · 03-10-2014, 07:01 AM

Thanks for the suggestions!

Quote:

Originally Posted by homeless

I always blame it on my Wife!

I'm going to hang a bright tag on the steering wheel stating "Do Not Blame Wife", then I'll never forget anything!

Tom3205 · 03-10-2014, 07:21 AM

To prevent the screen from being pushed open, by our little dog, we used the hook & eye, just below the "slide', so we could slide it open, reach in and "hook/unhook".

djbmsu · 03-10-2014, 07:30 AM

There is a rule that unless you have not lowered your antenna and pulled out of a campground site and heard those famous loud screams and people runnig towards you waving there arms at you to stop ............ you are not officially an RVer !
Also remembering to lower the vent cover before you leave the campground when rain is predicted.......... you are not an RVer !