Lightweight RV News

Recreational Vehicle and Camping Safety Checklist

Camping Gear

1. FOOD PREPARATION

   *___Fuel for grills and other outdoor appliance.
   *___Butane lighters ( We prefer the longer ones for starting fireplaces )
   *___A small propane or charcoal grill with charcoal and starting fluid or propane tank.
   *___Storage containers, aluminum foil, napkins, plastic zip lock bags.
   *___Cutting board, knife and knife sharpener
   *___Cooking Utensils
   *___Dishes ( We prefer the heavy plastic ones and dispose after a couple of outings ) and silverware.
   *___Cooking linens ( napkins, pot holders, tablecloth, kitchen towels )
   *___Coffee and or teapot, filters, tea and coffee
   *___Cleaning items ( soap, sponge, paper towels, kitchen brushes and cleaners )
   *___Also a few gallons of bottled water or a good water filter.

   
   

2. OUTDOOR RELAXATION

   *___Lanterns and fuel for outdoor lighting
   *___Outdoor furniture ( Stools. folding chairs, stackable chairs, etc. )
   *___Outdoor sleeping gear (Air mattress, ground cloth or moisture barrier, sleeping bags.)
   *___A good supply of batteries for all items requiring them.
   *___Battery powered radio ( One with weather bands is an excellent choice )




3. NAVIGATION AND SAFETY
   *___Be sure to have a recently serviced fire extinguisher
   *___A well stocked first aid kit
   *___All necessary personal medications ( general pain relievers, creams and prescription medications ).
   *___Ropes, tarps, bungee straps, tapes ( electrical, duct, etc. ) and other items necessary to secure any gear.
   *___All necessary maps and also a compass.
   *___Emergency signaling device ( flares, roadside emergency triangle markers, battery red warning lights ).
   *___Accurate tire pressure gauge.
   

4. PERSONAL Items
   *___Cameras and film or extra digital image storage.
   *___Old shoes and clothes in case emergency maintenance work is required.
   *___Inclement weather clothing ( coat, windbreaker, raincoat, boots etc. ),
   *___Stationery and stamps
   *___Address book with telephone list or an extra telephone book
   

5. CAMPSITE MAINTENANCE
   *___Tools ( to enable some repairs in case of an emergency ).
   *___Small shovel, ax, level and small pails.
   *___Wood blocks and levelers to assist in leveling your recreational vehicle.
   *___Broom, mop and dust pan.
   *___An ample supply of toilet paper and tissue.
   *___A good camping manual ( if new and unfamiliar to necessary campground procedures).
   *___A portable generator ( if dry camping is anticipated ).
   

Recreational Vehicle Pre-Trip Checklist

Outside the Recreational Vehicle

• ___Disconnect and Stow
  ___a. Shore Power Cord
  ___b. City Water Connection Hose
  ___c. Sewer Hose

• ___Check all exterior lights for operation and damage

• ___Check wheel lugs for tightness

• ___Check tires for correct air pressure

• ___Check and lock all exterior compartments and filler doors

• ___Check and secure all items stored on the exterior of the coach
  ___Check the areas around, below and above the coach for obstacles to move or avoid when driving away

• ___Turn main LP gas valve OFF

• ___Check awnings for lock position

• ___Check that the leveling jacks have fully retracted or removed

• ___Check that the TV antenna is fully retracted

• ___Check that the awning (s) are up and secured

• ___If auxiliary power is necessary, start generator and check 120V system ( Pre-Trip Inspection )
   

Inside the Recreational Vehicle

• ___Lock the entrance door

• ___Close all windows and vents

• ___Clear and stow all loose articles from counters, range, sinks and shelves

• ___Check that no heavy items are stowed in overhead cabinets. Store large or heavy objects in lower cabinets

• ___Close and secure the bathroom door, shower door, all cabinet doors and all drawers

• ___Turn off all interior lights

• ___Check that the entrance step has retracted

• ___Check refrigerator for proper settings and door is securely fastened

• ___Operate refrigerator on gas and look at burner to see if flame is blue. If not, have repairs performed. ( Pre-Trip Inspection )

• ___When packing the refrigerator, do not pack so tightly as to shut off internal air flow.

• ___Check that the fire extinguisher is fully charged ( Pre-Trip Inspection )

• ___Check smoke detector battery

• ___Check that air conditioning switch is off before travel.
  On pre-trip inspection check the air conditioner for:
  ___a. Check air filters and clean if necessary. Look to see if cooling unit coils are clean and free of debris
  ___b. Check to see that condensing unit is clean, free of obstructions, and there is nothing blocking air flow.
  ___c. Check voltage at outside panel. Most air conditioning systems are designed to operate at 120 volts plus or minus 10% (108-132 volts). A small volt meter is required.

• ___Turn off the water pump switch

• ___Close windows and vents
   

Tow Vehicle Checklist

• ___Check that all fluid levels are normal; oil, coolants, power steering, batteries, transmission, windshield, washer, etc.

• ___Check oil level and coolant level

• ___Check operation of turn signals, emergency flashers and tail lights

• ___Check that headlight high and low beam operate

• ___Check horn operation

• ___Start engine and check all gauges for proper operation

• ___Check fuel levels

• ___Check operation of special equipments such as; C. B. radio, rear monitor etc.

• ___Check for proper operation of foot brake and parking brake.

• ___Adjust the interior and exterior automotive mirrors