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Old 10-11-2024, 08:34 AM   #1
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How to avoid driving off with utilities connected?

Well, yesterday I started to drive off from campsite with my electric still connected to the pedestal. Luckily (VERY luckily) the neighbors started waving at me frantically and I stopped before any damage was done.

Yes, I did a walk around (disconnected the water, then spaced off on the electric right next to it). Yes, I stood at the front of each side of the rig and looked down the side to check if anything was amiss), and yes I did sit in the seat and looked carefully in both side mirrors to make sure nothing was connected.

I have no idea how I missed it, except that the black line was maybe tucked in tight and in shadow and hard to see……

Any thoughts of additional steps to avoid similar (or worse) in the future?

I have thought of bright orange tape wrapped around the end ten feet or so of cord? Maybe some small orange traffic cones that go on the ground when hooking up and don’t get put away until all utilities are stowed?

Any thoughts?
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Old 10-11-2024, 08:42 AM   #2
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Some folks use an actual physical checklist. I don't, but I'll also admit that I've almost done the same thing. These days, I don't let people ask questions or talk to me, or I'll wait until everyone is in the coach before I do a final walkaround.
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Old 10-11-2024, 08:46 AM   #3
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I use a physical checklist. Digital that is. My old GPS had it built in. My new one does not so have to resort to a spreadsheet.

My wife and I go over and over it. Not a bad idea to have a second set of eyes on things.
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Old 10-11-2024, 08:56 AM   #4
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I have a little red ribbon (actually a "remove before flight" flag from the airport) with a velcro loop. When I hook up power I hang the ribbon on the steering wheel. When I unhook I wrap the ribbon around the power cord so I remember to put in on the steering wheel the next time I hook up.

Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Imports-Remov...dp/B008G510QO/
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Old 10-11-2024, 08:57 AM   #5
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I understand exactly how that can happen we are all human. I once left a CG & was on a highway entrance ramp when we realized the awning over the door was out??? I am meticulous and methodical when breaking camp. That was 5-6 years ago & that's all I needed to make me OCD about doing better. I'm guessing after this experience you'll check, recheck, & check again & it will never happen again.
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Old 10-11-2024, 09:07 AM   #6
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A walk around. Every thing disconnected, nothing left out or open. Anything to watch for as I'm pulling out.
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Old 10-11-2024, 09:07 AM   #7
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My Coach flashes a warning on the instrument panel if the power cord is connected. My typical routine for breaking camp is to stow anything I have out, fill the fresh, dump black and gray tanks, stow the hoses and hook up the TOAD (when in a pull through site) the night before. Then all I have left is the shore power and the slides. With Entegra DP coaches the slides are extended before putting the jacks down and retract the jacks before retracting the slides. The first thing I do is retract the jacks then start the engine once the coach is at ride height retract the slides. and store the power cord.
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Old 10-11-2024, 09:14 AM   #8
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Checklist

Did I say check list? I meant to say Checklist. Sits in the passenger seat pocket. 20-25 items. Stupid stuff like "Is my satellite dish down"? "Are my levelers up"? (I don't care how many warning lights I have, I always physically check my levelers prior to taking off.) After we meet the checklist requirements the wife and I walk around the rig in opposite directions. She looking up, me looking down. Then I hold my breath for the first mile.
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Old 10-11-2024, 09:18 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by YC1 View Post
I use a physical checklist. Digital that is. My old GPS had it built in. My new one does not so have to resort to a spreadsheet.

My wife and I go over and over it. Not a bad idea to have a second set of eyes on things.
I was basically running a mental checklist, but maybe it is time for me to shift to a real physical one, with a walk around with it in hand the last thing done before driving off…
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Old 10-11-2024, 09:20 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by davidceder View Post
Did I say check list? I meant to say Checklist. Sits in the passenger seat pocket. 20-25 items. Stupid stuff like "Is my satellite dish down"? "Are my levelers up"? (I don't care how many warning lights I have, I always physically check my levelers prior to taking off.) After we meet the checklist requirements the wife and I walk around the rig in opposite directions. She looking up, me looking down. Then I hold my breath for the first mile.
Yeah … I always visually check my levelers also. One of the things I did on my walk around this time…..
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Old 10-11-2024, 09:20 AM   #11
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I wrote a post about this quite a while back but have no idea how to find it and bring it up.
I have a series of index (recipie) cards which I write on. Each card has something different on it and the cards are kept in a little plastic box made to hold them.
EG: Plugged in do not move, Awning out, Antenna up, Drain hoses out, Jacks down, etc., I'm sure you get the idea. When I have a card(s) in use I place them on the steering wheel of my coach. When I'm packing up I place all the cards back in the box one at a time as I take care of things.
My coach is in storage a ways from home now so I can't give you the complete list but I think there about 20 cards with a message on them.
The cards store in their box in a compartment over the driver's compartment.
I believe it's about a $2.00 total investment but worth their weight in gold if you don't forget something important when you are packing up.
I have never packed up without someone asking a question or offering their help. Distractions can lead to destruction.
BTW, my power cord works fine after I replaced the male end on the cord. This is what led me to make the cards up a few years ago. Luckily it wasn't wrapped around the post several times as I have seen others do!
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Old 10-11-2024, 09:20 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Punkinhead View Post
I have a little red ribbon (actually a "remove before flight" flag from the airport) with a velcro loop. When I hook up power I hang the ribbon on the steering wheel. When I unhook I wrap the ribbon around the power cord so I remember to put in on the steering wheel the next time I hook up.

Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Imports-Remov...dp/B008G510QO/
Hah! I like it!
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Old 10-11-2024, 09:21 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DarkSideJeep View Post
My Coach flashes a warning on the instrument panel if the power cord is connected. My typical routine for breaking camp is to stow anything I have out, fill the fresh, dump black and gray tanks, stow the hoses and hook up the TOAD (when in a pull through site) the night before. Then all I have left is the shore power and the slides. With Entegra DP coaches the slides are extended before putting the jacks down and retract the jacks before retracting the slides. The first thing I do is retract the jacks then start the engine once the coach is at ride height retract the slides. and store the power cord.
Unfortunately my coach does not issue a warning if the power is connected… 😒
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Old 10-11-2024, 09:42 AM   #14
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I normally camp solo, usually only with water and electrical hookups, if not dry camping. The hours before I leave I slowly get everything in order... awning in, everything packed up, slide out in, unhook water and stow the hose, and the only thing I leave hooked up is the electrical. When I'm ready to leave, I unplug the electrical, THEN remove chocks and drive off any leveling blocks I may have. I like to keep it leveled until the moment I leave (for the refrigerator) and this way, unplugging the electrical is not the last step. Before I drive off, I do one last walk around, even looking under the motor home, then hit the road. But don't feel bad, it can happen to any of us. However this is where it helps to have a bit of OCD
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