Firedude’s Golden Circle Checklist.
I’ve got my RVer’s Notebook, my Budget Worksheet along with my other checklists included in my books so I’m ready to go for an uneventful, safe and well planned trip. There is this one important additional checklist that is a must that I offer for the grabbing in this Blog. Download link is at the bottom of page.
From my own experiences and those of others I have developed a Departure Check list, one of many checklists included in my books. The list also works in reverse pretty much upon arrival at your destination. Depending on your type of RV some items may not apply. We used a similar check list in the fire department which prevented many incidents, damage and injury. It’s called the Golden Circle and you start at one point doing a complete walk around (circle) of your RV. Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way on some things and adhere to this consistently. It’s easy to become distracted during this and with the checklist it insures you don’t forget anything and avoid possible costly damage or worse yet injury. I fell prey to not using my checklist once leaving me with a $100 error which would have been easily avoided had I used the checklist. it may seem like a small insignificant item, but it is not.
* ____ TV Antenna down and secured.
* ____ All slide-outs completely in.
* ____ Electrical connection unhooked and cord stowed.
* ____ Water disconnected and hose, regulator or any filters stowed away, including all sewer connections and equipment.
* ____ Check tires during walk around for obvious signs of damage, flats or low air pressure.
* ____ Make sure all compartment doors are shut and latched.
* ____ Insure tow (toad) vehicle is hooked up properly and ready to go.
(Motor homes).
*____ Insure ALL stabilizers and levelers are retracted.
* ____Have lights on so you can check them during your Golden Circle.
* ____For those pulling trailers insure hitch is connected properly and for 5th wheels do a pull test!
* ____ Remove any wheel/tire chocks that you have in place.
* ____ Check your campsite for any items left out that need to be stowed.
* ____ Do another complete walk around to make sure everything is OK!
* ____ Check for any existing hazards before pulling out such as vehicles, tree limbs, gates etc..
* ____ Add additional items of your own as needed to suit your own RV.
What I and many have done in the fire department was to create our own unique checklist and have it laminated and placed on a clipboard so it could be used over and over with a grease pencil and simply erased once done making it ready for the next use. It is done in MS Word so it can easily be modified to your own needs. Once you have established the checklist to fit your specific needs simply delete my text at top and bottom before printing and laminating if you wish,
Tony (aka Firedude)
