|
|
10-11-2024, 08:34 AM
|
#1
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 1,640
|
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?
__________________
- 2017 Newmar London Aire -
|
|
|
|
Join the #1 RV Forum Today - It's Totally Free!
iRV2.com RV Community - Are you about to start a new improvement on your RV or need some help with some maintenance? Do you need advice on what products to buy? Or maybe you can give others some advice? No matter where you fit in you'll find that iRV2 is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!
You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with other RV owners, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create an RV blog, send private messages and so much, much more!
|
10-11-2024, 08:42 AM
|
#2
|
Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club Holiday Rambler Owners Club
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 620
|
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.
__________________
Keith
2007 HR Scepter 40 PDQ
400 ISL, ~67K on the clock....for now
|
|
|
10-11-2024, 08:46 AM
|
#3
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: FL
Posts: 11,735
|
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.
__________________
Certified Senior Electronic Technician, Telecommunications Engineer, Telecommunications repair Service Center Owner, Original owner HR 2008
.
|
|
|
10-11-2024, 08:56 AM
|
#4
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2021
Posts: 330
|
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/
|
|
|
10-11-2024, 08:57 AM
|
#5
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Lenexa KS
Posts: 2,159
|
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.
__________________
Bill & Kelli 2015 Dutch Star 4366
2002 Safari Zanzibar 3906
1995 Fleetwood Bounder 36JD
|
|
|
10-11-2024, 09:07 AM
|
#6
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2004
Location: MI
Posts: 2,407
|
A walk around. Every thing disconnected, nothing left out or open. Anything to watch for as I'm pulling out.
|
|
|
10-11-2024, 09:07 AM
|
#7
|
Senior Member
Entegra Owners Club Spartan Chassis
Join Date: May 2023
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Posts: 1,352
|
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.
__________________
Dan, 2018 Thor ACE 30.3, 1996 Tiffin Allegro
2022 Entegra Aspire 44W, -- Spartan k2 chassis, -- 450 L9 Cummins
2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
|
|
|
10-11-2024, 09:14 AM
|
#8
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Payson, AZ
Posts: 395
|
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.
__________________
2017 Newmar
Bay Star 3401
|
|
|
10-11-2024, 09:18 AM
|
#9
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 1,640
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by YC1
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…
__________________
- 2017 Newmar London Aire -
|
|
|
10-11-2024, 09:20 AM
|
#10
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 1,640
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by davidceder
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…..
__________________
- 2017 Newmar London Aire -
|
|
|
10-11-2024, 09:20 AM
|
#11
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Watertown NY USA
Posts: 6,700
|
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!
__________________
2002 Fleetwood Storm 30H on Workhorse P32 chassis 8.1 gas.
|
|
|
10-11-2024, 09:20 AM
|
#12
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 1,640
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Punkinhead
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!
__________________
- 2017 Newmar London Aire -
|
|
|
10-11-2024, 09:21 AM
|
#13
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 1,640
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by DarkSideJeep
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… 😒
__________________
- 2017 Newmar London Aire -
|
|
|
10-11-2024, 09:42 AM
|
#14
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 2,292
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|