Check before leaving....?

[Lisa M.]

Getting ready to take our first trip in our new (to us) Casita tomorrow. The campground we'll be staying at does not have hookups. I have the stuff in it we'll need and I know how to hook up the trailer and check the lights. My question is...what needs to be checked before I leave?
1. Tire pressure
2. Propane level
3. Water in battery?
4. What else?

Thanks from a newbie!

[Bob Cupp]

After you connect the coupler, either lift up the tongue of the trailer or use the tongue jack to lift it up. Do this to make sure that the coupler and ball are making a good connection and theat the ball is the right size for the coupler. You don't want to watch your trailer sliding down the road be hind you or worse yet-crossing into oncoming traffic and injuring someone.

[Donna D.]

My question is...what needs to be checked before I leave? Thanks from a newbie!

Click on Fredericks great checklist(s) for all the information (and MORE) that you may need

Frederick Simson's 7.0 Checklist

[Mary F]

Close all cupboards and doors inside; be sure they're latched.

All outdoor locks should be locked.

Check the little flap holding doohickies on the stove vent.

Stabilizing jacks must be up.

Step under the door should be up.

We also don't drive with the propane on, so turn off the propane; close the stove cover; turn fridge to DC or OFF (whichever you prefer is another discussion).

I stow everything that's at the sink IN the sink, in a dishpan, with the faucet turned so that if it should drip, it will drip into the dishpan, not onto the counter.

Oh, yeah. Turn off the waterpump.

Close the windows and vent cover...

[Lisa M.]

Yes, Frederick's checklist is great, and I've been using it. But it doesn't necessarily list maintenance types of things and those are what I'm worried about...

Click on Fredericks great checklist(s) for all the information (and MORE) that you may need

Frederick Simson's 7.0 Checklist

[Chester Taje]

Some would say to make sure you got enought beer

I had to say it.

[Frederick L. Simson]

My question is...what needs to be checked before I leave?
1. Tire pressure
2. Propane level
3. Water in battery?
4. What else?

Yes, Frederick's checklist is great, and I've been using it.
But it doesn't necessarily list [b]maintenance types of things and those are what I'm worried about...

You're Right!

The only issue of yours I address in "Checklist 7.0" is "Water in battery".

I am in the process of making notes for the new and improved [b]"Checklist 8.0".

[Gerry]

nobody mentioned check all lights for break / directional / running and licence plate, Also, we have those mirors that attach and extend out so we can see behind the trailer. Make sure these are ajusted before driveing down the road.
Gas bottle...OFF
Power converter...set to Battery so fridge is working
All things packed inside so they will not shift or break.
Widows closed
Fridge set to 12 volt.
Door latched and locked.
All cupboard doors latched 100%
Hitch is tight on ball by jaking up trailer with hitch made and if it lifts truck your OK
All stabilizer jacks up and tight so they will not ride down
Wheel chocks picked up and campsite cleaned for next campers.
Gerry the canoebuilder

[Gary Lynch]

"After you connect the coupler, either lift up the tongue of the trailer or use the tongue jack to lift it up. Do this to make sure that the coupler and ball are making a good connection and theat the ball is the right size for the coupler. You don't want to watch your trailer sliding down the road be hind you or worse yet-crossing into oncoming traffic and injuring someone."


Good to point out that the coupler is adjustable. It can loosen up after years of service. There is a mechanism up inside for adjustment. Make sure it is tight to the ball when coupled properly.

[Lisa M.]

Thank you all for your recommendations! I'm off!

[brendadave]

Getting ready to take our first trip in our new (to us) Casita tomorrow. The campground we'll be staying at does not have hookups. I have the stuff in it we'll need and I know how to hook up the trailer and check the lights. My question is...what needs to be checked before I leave?
1. Tire pressure
2. Propane level
3. Water in battery?
4. What else?

Thanks from a newbie!

The mechanical things I check...
1. Tire pressure, don't forget spare and Tow Vehicle.
2. Check fluids in Tow vehicle.
3. every couple of trips I check the lug nuts are tight on the wheels.
4. Check welds/bolts/connections of hitch receiver and draw bar, check bolt for ball is tight.
5. Check safety chains/coupler for wear or damage.
6. Propane level (weight tank)
7. Fuel for my stove, and BBQ lighters full of butane.

When I remember I will add the rest...

[james kent]

After hooking up and checking EVERYTHING pull forward at least one trailer length and re check. Pick up leveling blocks and other sundry items otherwise forgotten.

[Gerry]

Good to point out that the coupler is adjustable. It can loosen up after years of service. There is a mechanism up inside for adjustment. Make sure it is tight to the ball when coupled properly.
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Great point about it being adjustable
UGHHH this is begining to sound like a horror story but also know that the coupler is replaceable.
I have read at least one Post of a coupler falling apart while the new owner was going down the road with is just baught trailer.
Inspect it and if in doubt just buy new guts and yes do the old lift the truck test with trailer jack before leaving.
Also failed to mention in all other postings...
I check all things on my tow vehicle.
"All fluids and tire pressure what good is going camping if you can not go"
My old 93 Toyota (soon to be retired) was used on our last outing and I asked the wife if we were to break down will the AAA service haul the truck home and also haul the camper to the campground.
She didn't know
Gerry the canoebuilder