Would-A, Could-A, Should-A

[silverloaf]

I did a post in the What’s New category titled , “ Equipment for the Road”.

Now I would like to know some things that caught you completely off-gaurd on your trips. Maybe it’s something you forgot to anchor down, a tool you wish you had taken, some campground fiasco, etc.

In other words, things that took you completely by surprise.

Hopefully you have some lessons learned to share with us. No intention to embarrass anyone.

Whose gonna start?

[KYAvion]

Tire blowout/separation on a relatively new tire.
Now I use a TPMS. I also now bring a new small tarp and a set of work clothes that I don't mind getting dirty for such an occasion.

Oh, and a short handled sledge hammer and block of wood for beating that tire off.

[Rostam]

Here is a pre-drive checklist my friend shared with me:

Inside
Fridge off
Lights/fans off
Maxx-Air vent open/closed
Foot stool stowed
Windows closed
(Emergency Window Locked )

Outside
Clean top of slide Hitch
Cross pin and clip
Wire plugged in Breakaway clip
Bolts/Nuts
Front stone guard locked
Propane off
Light check
Cargo doors locked
Lug torque

Tire pressure and inspect
Truck tires inflation
Steps up
Oven vent closed
Stabilizer jacks up
Wheel chocks stowed
Level blocks/boards
Straps on awning
Shore cord
Surge protector
Water hose
Water regulator
Sewer hose
Prodigy 5.3V / B1-B2
Dog Safety plaque
Safety strap main door
LOOK UP for overhead obstructions
DOG IN TRUCK !!!

P.S. I would add the following to this list:

outside
Make sure safety chains are crossed
Check hitch shank pin
Raise electric jack all the way
Adjust tow mirrors
Check electric brake controller
Empty waste tanks before departure
Turn off water pump

[silverloaf]

Wow!! Very impressive responses!

Anyone else care to chime in?

[Razorback]

About all I can add to the items mentioned is to make sure that the big Zip-Dee awning is secured with the wheels at the top. I carry a 5' aluminum step ladder, so I use it to hand-tighten those little wheels..... I like that better than relying on the aluminum rod.

I also add some velcro straps around the lower part of the tension arms near the claw at the end of the arm. I remember someone mentioning before that the claw on theirs had broken and the arm moved around loose for while.

And, I think of this every time we are getting ready to leave a site:
When I was a kid and travelling with our family, we were somewhere in the south, not too far from the campground we had just left. (Talulah comes to mind) We were sitting at a stop light and a rather large black woman pulled up next to the cab of the pickup, motioned for me to roll down the window, so I did. She said,

"Yall's plug thang is hangin' down!"

So, I always remember to secure the "plug thang".... (sewer cap)

[silverloaf]