Checklists

The more I read and learn about camping, the more convinced I am that I am going to need a lot of checklists to keep track of everything that has to be or should be done – especially considering how faulty my memory is sometimes.

I’ll be adjusting these checklists as I go out the first several times. Eventually, the plan is to laminate most of them and use an erasable marker so I can re-use them multiple times. Of course, some maintenance checklists will be permanent so I can keep track of mileages, etc.

I have created an Arrivals Checklist, some points of which may not make much sense to you.

DONE	TO DO
	Pick Site - Prefer Pull-Through
	Empty?
	Fairly level?
	No too-low, overhanging branches?
	Proper orientation for solar panels?
	Power OK on campground box, if available?
	Check for position of sewer drain, if available
	Park Travel Trailer
	Set out positional cones
	Position trailer
	Check for side-to-side level
	Position leveling blocks for side-to-side level, if necessary
	Put trailer in position
	Check level gauges for side-to-side level
	Re-position if necessary
	Fine tune levels
	Chock trailer wheels
	Place wood under landing gear and extend landing gear to correct height
	Disconnect emergency break-away cable
	Unplug umbilical from truck receptacle
	Unhook hitch
	Drive away from trailer
	Adjust front to back level
	Pick up positional cones and store
	Set Up
	Unlock trailer and extend steps
	Plug in electrical cord, if hook-up is available
	Hook up water hose and pressure regulator, if water available
	Hook up sewer hose, if hook-up is available
	Turn down stabilizer jacks
	Set up solar panel and generator
	Lower awning
	Set out grill, charcoal, chairs, etc.
	Set up DirecTV antenna
	Set up Internet Satellite Antenna (if I get one)

 

Since I will mostly travel by myself and since I have ZERO experience in backing up a trailer (Mark was so good at this, I didn’t ever have to learn), I have included the use of positional cones. I figure they will make things easier since I won’t have a spotter most of the time. To be sure, I intend to practice backing until I can do it with little trouble.

I’m also in the process of putting together a list of staples and food supplies, which I will fine tune the first few times out.

Today, I bought some canned chicken at Sam’s – needs no refrigeration – and will try to develop some recipes that I like and that will be easy to make. 

I also bought something called Healthy Choice Fresh Mixers (2 Ziti & Meat Sauce and 2 Rotini & Zesty Marinara Sauce in a single box). This may be a possibility for a quick microwave meal, though I wouldn’t buy too many since they create a lot of garbage.

Needless to say, I’ll be using canned tuna, canned salmon, and maybe even canned bacon – though if I recall correctly, this particular product is somewhat greasy. My cousin pressure cans beef, but I don’t think I’ll be that ambitious – I may be able to purchase some canned beef.

‘Til next time…