Pre Flight Inspections. for RVs

Tony in SD · Nov 3, 2020

The "Ran over my battery charger" post below made me think of my RV experience. As a pilot, I was required to do a pre-flight inspection with a checklist before take off. I have took that training to my RV travels. I made a check list that includes everything that I need to do before I move the RV. Some of the more important checks are; power cord disconnected & stowed, same for water, sewer,& communications cables, TV antennas down and steps stowed. The most important is the Walk Around. I do it twice. Once CW and then CCW. It has saved me more than once. Once I get moving, I check the trailer brakes

showcrop · Nov 3, 2020

(quoted from post at 00:25:47 11/03/20) The "Ran over my battery charger" post below made me think of my RV experience. As a pilot, I was required to do a pre-flight inspection with a checklist before take off. I have took that training to my RV travels. I made a check list that includes everything that I need to do before I move the RV. Some of the more important checks are; power cord disconnected & stowed, same for water, sewer,& communications cables, TV antennas down and steps stowed. The most important is the Walk Around. I do it twice. Once CW and then CCW. It has saved me more than once. Once I get moving, I check the trailer brakes

In order to get your commercial drivers license you have to demonstrate doing a thorough pre-trip inspection only without the check list.

centash · Nov 3, 2020

Without a check list can lead to errors. As a pilot as well, a checklist in hand
was the proper procedure. As a commercial driver, I perform circle checks without
the list, but missed steps in the former are of greater consequence than those in
the latter...forget to check the flight locks?....well, you will find out at
rotation, and then you will rotate into the ground!

Ben

mjbrown · Nov 3, 2020

There is a dot pre trip checklist that
literally has to be checked off and kept
to prove they were all done and the time
spent doing them logged as hours on duty
not driving.

Tony in SD · Nov 3, 2020

While being able to preform an inspection without a checklist is admirable, at my age I prefer a checklist.

John T · Nov 3, 2020

Ive been an RV owner for 49 years and YES pre flight checklist is a GREAT IDEA. My bad I have driven off forgetting to lower the crank up antenna but fortunately didn't damage anything before realizing it.

John T

steve in ok · Nov 3, 2020

Checklist is a great idea. I need to make one for my RV. I haven't forgotten anything serious yet but the first time I do could be very bad. Checklist it is.

DoubleR · Nov 3, 2020

I have a 30ft. rv and 5 other trailers I use. I like your Idea of a check list. I always do a pre trip after getting hooked up. I also stop at the end of my drive before pulling out on the road and do a final walk around. I still screw up now and then and forget something. As I age it seems to be getting worse so maybe I need to have it in writing and keep it in my truck. Good idea.

Switchflicker · Nov 3, 2020

Absolutely the pre-flight or pre-drive checklist is a must.
When I was a check airman, I would ask 'When does your walk around start" The answer is 'when I first see the aircraft from a distance"
That might be well transferred to the RV. Especially if you've gone for a walk or taken the final garbage out.
The point is that it's most helpful to get a good look at the vehicle from afar to get the whole picture in general.
Also, I'm sure we all give our neighbor's rig a look over as they pull out. I've spotted and stopped a rig with an antenna up a couple of times. One guy was rude for me not minding my business. The others almost hugged me.
Stan

FBH44 · Nov 3, 2020

Before I walk up, get on and start up a tractor I STOP, walk around, and refresh my memory of what's where and why.

jacksun65 · Nov 3, 2020

Best thing I ever saw working as an RV mech. was a person made a checklist and had it pinned to the steering wheel so he had to see it before he removed it to drive. You know how much damage an tv antenna does when it's ripped out of a roof.

DeltaSteve · Nov 3, 2020

I am getting terrible about my 'preflight' checklist. I still always check oil,and stick the gas tank,sometimes the coolant. The rest??? Well,not so much..Been lucky I guess. Except for the battery charger! LOL

GordoSD · Nov 3, 2020

I tow my boat with an older 5.7 Tahoe that has the barn doors. After several quick trips back to the dock after launch I taped a pretty long checklist to the inside of the starboard door. Helps me remember little things like my rods and depth finder LOL

John Deere D · Nov 3, 2020

A PRE Trip Check list.......
Spent to many hours earning the $$$ the old way.........

Spent many hours in the Test Cell. PRE TEST as well as POST TEST Check list..

Bob..

old · Nov 3, 2020

Truck drivers and school bus driver are suppose to do them but I bet few really do them as they should every day they drive

ErnieD · Nov 3, 2020

I hang my keys on the antenna crank when i put it up

Greg1959 · Nov 3, 2020

That's a wonderful idea. Thanks!

37 chief · Nov 3, 2020

Are the jacks up? Even with a list I forget to check it. Stan

1946 BN IHC · Nov 3, 2020

Reply to comment about bus drivers>>
I drive a school buss out of Thamesford Ontario for both public and high schools. Each morning I do a complete circle check AS REQUIRED BY LAW. If I didn't and something went wrong and, it was proved that this was part of the circle check, I'd be sitting at home more than I am now with NO WORK or driving ever; maybe even with a hefty fine.
Wm.

centash · Nov 3, 2020

Any bus driver I know....and I work with over 60...does their circle check and sign their logbook. It is a legal document once signed.

Ben

Pre Flight Inspections. for RVs

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