RV safety "don't forget" list.

winnipegfirst.com

Insurance companies comment that "new" RVers often make claims within the first 90 days of rig ownership. The claims are those that make you shudder--attempting to drive under a "low clearance" area with a high clearance rig. Not learning about "tail swing" until hitting a post at a fuel stop. Misjudging increased stopping distances and clobbering another vehicle.

Old timers don't often make those kinds of mistakes. We're most likely the ones who'll have a mishap with something we should have remembered before we pulled out of camp. Here's a list of things to remember to check on before you hit the road:

1. Check all fluids and tire pressure on your tow vehicle.
2. Towed rig battery level checked? (Important for emergency braking if trailer gets away from tow vehicle.
3. Check RV wheel lug nut torque and tire pressure.
4. Items inside rig secured, counters cleared, and cabinets latched?
5. TV Secure?
6. Roof vents and windows closed?
7. Awning stowed and secured? Double check awning arms are locked down. Some RVers add a double layer of protection by using "ball bungies" around the arms.
8. Slides checked for water and debris?
9. Inside RV clear of items in slide path?
10. Slides closed and locked?
11. Refrigerator off or running on DC? If running on LP, pilot or electronic ignition could ignite gas vapors at a filling station.
12. Black and gray tank valves closed?
13. Cable/phone, electricity, sewer hose, and water hose disconnected and stored?
14. Water pump off?
15. Propane tank valves closed?
16. Stabilizer Jacks raised or removed?
17. King pin lock removed if applicable?
18. RV breakaway switch, umbilical cord, sway bars, and safety chains attached where applicable?
19. Tongue or leveling jacks raised? Leveling blocks stored?
20. Chocks removed and stored?
21. All doors and panels on RV locked?
22. RV and tow vehicle lights working?
23. RV brakes checked?
24. Walk around RV complete? No items left behind? Jacks up?

Once on the road it's a good idea to do a "walk around" at every stop. Check to make sure nothing has "shaken loose." Touch the hubs on trailer wheels to ensure they aren't getting hot.