Learning from experience

[mamaco]

In July I took my first trip in my new van to explore Northumberland (fabulous) and to learn the van. Perhaps we learn best from our mistakes. This picture was taken the day I reversed over the dogs feeding station and then drove off still attached by the electric cable. I’m much more careful about checking now - even if I’m only going 15m to fill up with water!

 

[PaulyP]

Make a check list of things you need to do before moving, laminate and put it on the steering wheel when parked up, good reminder.

 

[Simon Meadwell]

Buy a watering can then you dont need to drive for water

 

[poppycamper]

Hang hook up cable over drivers door mirror and never ever move van without first having a walk around to make sure everything shut and nothing left.

 

[Vennwood]

Sometimes it takes a mistake or two to jolt the brain into checking mode. I'm pretty sure most of us have had similar experiences over the years. Its all part of the learning curve. Fingers crossed its not a disaster although I guess your dog wouldn't agree

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[Shrimp]

Manic puts the winding handle for the rear steadies over the brake etc pedals.
My checklistfor internal stuff is in my head….heaven help us all!

 

[GROMIT69]

I always just walk around the van and look underneath , just before we move of , ex lorry driver

 

[autorouter]

Perhaps we learn best from our mistakes.

Some do, some don't. I drove off with the cable attached, for the third time, a few weeks ago. I often forget to lock the fridge and drawers.

 

[Janine]

As above, I do a walk-round checking every locker door, tyres, step, cable and random dog toys under the van.

It’s a good habit to get into.

 

[poppycamper]

Also... how many stop and get out to check the area they have just vacated for any rubbish etc you may have left or has blown under van.
Always amazed by the amount of folk who just drive away without a second glance behind them.

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[nicholsong]

A walk round inspection should be sufficient without a checklist - it always was for our Boeing 737s, which are a bit more complicated.

 

[maison]

mamaco

I would like to inform you that, being careful, we have never done anything like that……….



…….but that would be a lie!

 

[ctc]

A walk round inspection should be sufficient without a checklist - it always was for our Boeing 737s, which are a bit more complicated.

Are you sure?

 

[62272]

A walk round inspection should be sufficient without a checklist - it always was for our Boeing 737s, which are a bit more complicated.

Which airline was that, I certainly wouldnt be happy with that level of daily inspection . What about kicking the tyres?

 

[nicholsong]

Are you sure?

Yes, I checked

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[Figaro]

The look on the dogs face, priceless " I'll get that plonker back for this "

In July I took my first trip in my new van to explore Northumberland (fabulous) and to learn the van. Perhaps we learn best from our mistakes. This picture was taken the day I reversed over the dogs feeding station and then drove off still attached by the electric cable. I’m much more careful about checking now - even if I’m only going 15m to fill up with water!View attachment 656746

 

[Brains]

Laminated checklist for me.
It lives in the sun visor

I run through it every time I move after a long stop, it's amazing how often it reminds me of something that was forgotten.

PRE-FLIGHT CHECKLIST
ALL Roof Vents Closed CHECK/CONFIRM
ALL Lockers Locked CHECK/CONFIRM
EHU Cable in Locker CHECK/CONFIRM
Bikes Loaded and Locked CHECK/CONFIRM
Fridge Locked and set to Auto/Off CHECK/CONFIRM
Awning In CHECK/CONFIRM
Gas ON or OFF CHECK/CONFIRM
Cassette Empty CHECK/CONFIRM
Waste Tank Level CHECK/CONFIRM
Fresh Water Level CHECK/CONFIRM
Waste Tank Tap Open/Closed CHECK/CONFIRM
Electrical Water Tap On/Off CHECK/CONFIRM
Satellite Down CHECK/CONFIRM
Engine Blocker OFF CHECK/CONFIRM
Side Step In CHECK/CONFIRM
Bin & Umbrella Stowed CHECK/CONFIRM
Chocks Away! CHECK/CONFIRM

 

[Spriddler]

Laminated checklist for me.
It lives in the sun visor

I run through it every time I move after a long stop, it's amazing how often it reminds me of something that was forgotten.

PRE-FLIGHT CHECKLIST
ALL Roof Vents Closed CHECK/CONFIRM
ALL Lockers Locked CHECK/CONFIRM
EHU Cable in Locker CHECK/CONFIRM
Bikes Loaded and Locked CHECK/CONFIRM
Fridge Locked and set to Auto/Off CHECK/CONFIRM
Awning In CHECK/CONFIRM
Gas ON or OFF CHECK/CONFIRM
Cassette Empty CHECK/CONFIRM
Waste Tank Level CHECK/CONFIRM
Fresh Water Level CHECK/CONFIRM
Waste Tank Tap Open/Closed CHECK/CONFIRM
Electrical Water Tap On/Off CHECK/CONFIRM
Satellite Down CHECK/CONFIRM
Engine Blocker OFF CHECK/CONFIRM
Side Step In CHECK/CONFIRM
Bin & Umbrella Stowed CHECK/CONFIRM
Ramps Inside CHECK/CONFIRM
Chocks Away! CHECK/CONFIRM

Good gracious me! What a bloomin' palaver. I've never had any check list.

Oh, you've forgotten.......

Flies zipper up CHECK/CONFIRM

 

[bexleyjohn]

After 40 years of caravanning and now motorhoming I have just this week drawn up a check list - the technology and gadgets in my new MH are good but have I decided that age and experience doesn’t mean I will never make a mistake. Twice I have forgotten to turn electric water heater off and then emptied the system. Good job on each occasion I didn’t plug in to the mains!!!!

 

[Marty Gilly and Pup]

Our list:

Inside
Outside
Wine bottles secured
Beer secured
Glasses secured
Enough ice in fridge
Tonic levels
Hanging thing in kitchen we always forget and rattles for next 200 miles
Where exactly is the dog

Off we go

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[Mixyblob]

Our failsafe method…
Set off.
After the first roundabout, stop and replace all the things that have fallen out of the fridge, lockers, drawers etc and close them.
Works a treat.

 

[NOGIN jnr]

In July I took my first trip in my new van to explore Northumberland (fabulous) and to learn the van. Perhaps we learn best from our mistakes. This picture was taken the day I reversed over the dogs feeding station and then drove off still attached by the electric cable. I’m much more careful about checking now - even if I’m only going 15m to fill up with water!View attachment 656746

Drove off forgot the wife, thought I've gone deaf

 

[mamaco]

Our list:

Inside
Outside
Wine bottles secured
Beer secured
Glasses secured
Enough ice in fridge
Tonic levels
Hanging thing in kitchen we always forget and rattles for next 200 miles
Where exactly is the dog

Off we go

 

[mamaco]

 

[Nanniemate]

As above, I do a walk-round checking every locker door, tyres, step, cable and random dog toys under the van.

It’s a good habit to get into.

I do all of that and then the 100yrd stop to close the one I miss

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[SpeedyDux]

Our failsafe method…
Set off.
After the first roundabout, stop and replace all the things that have fallen out of the fridge, lockers, drawers etc and close them.
Works a treat.

Me too. On one roundabout the budgie cage slid off the bench seat and fell on the floor. Poor little feathered chaps had a fright.

 

[Billylou]

Hi mamaco your dog looks just like ours. This is him after a seagull crapped on his nose. Good luck by all accounts.

 

[landscaper]

All part of the learning curve - some of us, probably a lot!., too embarrassed to admit to mistakes made!

 

[Loftyjeff]

Good gracious me! What a bloomin' palaver. I've never had any check list.

Oh, you've forgotten.......

Flies zipper up CHECK/CONFIRM

 

[h8ten]

A set of these bands from my last campervan that had no warnings about anything left open or connected. I had seen them on a US site that were printed and cost a fortune. These ones you can write on if you want or just wrap it around the steering wheel rim.

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