Fifthwheel CheckList (Departure Checklist)

NEVER, EVER BACK TRAILER WITHOUT FIRST POSTING A LOOKOUT WITH RADIO!

Trailer Interior
1. If local sewer connection was used, see Trailer Holding Tanks on page 4.
2.	Furnace/Air Conditioner thermostat OFF.
3.	Refrigerator OFF (unless it will be used with LP gas while traveling).
4.	Refrigerator door SHUT.
5.	Microwave Turntable SECURED.
6.	Bathroom door SHUT.
7.	Bedroom sliding door SECURED.
8.	TV antenna points aligned and RETRACTED.
9.	Three vents ADJUSTED.
10.	Loose gear STOWED.
11.	Water pump OFF.
12.	Windows CLOSED.
13.	Cabinet doors and drawers CLOSED.
14.	SLIDE checked for debris on FLOOR and on ROOF.
15.	Retract slide with vent, door or window open for airflow.
16.	Close above vent, door or window.
17.	Secure living room chairs.
 
Exterior
1.  	Tire, AC covers removed and STOWED.
2.	Rugs and/or entry mat STOWED.
3.	Trailer steps STOWED.
4.	Water heater electrical switch to OFF.
5.	LP gas tank valves OFF unless running refrigerator.
6.	Awning STOWED and locked.
7.	Shore power electrical (120 VAC) cord STOWED.
8.	Fill fresh water tank 1/3rd full (as required).
9.	Shore fresh water hose STOWED.
10.	Trailer door LOCKED and handle stowed.

Hitching and Tow Vehicle
1.	LUG NUTS tight, BATTERY Connected, preflight HITCH, TRAILER and TRUCK bolts and connectors.
2.	 Tow vehicle mirrors ADJUSTED.
3.	Close forward basement door prior to truck backing.
4.	Retract REAR STABILIZERS.
5.	Lower truck TAILGATE. Truck approach hitching position. 
6.	Adjust fifth wheel KINGPIN using landing gear to proper hitch height of pickup.
7.	Verify HITCH LOCKING BAR trip bar is out (Silver colored metal in hitch) and HANDLE is UP. (Li'l Rocker FW hitch)
8.	Handle should move in. If it fails to move in, push handle in manually and turn DOWN. (Li'l Rocker FW hitch)
9.	Visually check kingpin LOCK BAR is set (look for metal bar aft of kingpin - (Li'l Rocker FW hitch).
10.	Connect the umbilical cord and breakaway switch cable.
11. Verify trailer LIGHTS.
12. Remove trailer wheel CHOCKS and stow. 
13. 12.	Raise landing gear about 1/2 inch.
13.	Manually apply FW BRAKES. Observe proper Controller lights Put truck in drive and release TRUCK BRAKES. FW brakes will keep truck from moving if hitch is locked. If the FW hitch is NOT locked, the FW will fall onto the landing gear.
14.	Raise truck TAILGATE.
15.	Fully retract LANDING GEAR. 
17.	LOCK three BASEMENT DOORS.
18.	Driver verify LANDING GEAR and STABILIZERS are fully RETRACTED, and TAILGATE is UP prior to driving!

Fifthwheel Use checklist (Arrival Checklist)

NEVER, EVER BACK TRAILER WITHOUT FIRST POSTING A LOOKOUT WITH RADIO!

Un-Hitching and Tow Vehicle
1.	Pull into site and situate trailer where desired. 
2.	Level side to side using long 2 by 6 boards under trailer wheels.
3.	Check SHORE POWER Voltage (in GREEN) and Polarity (two GREEN LIGHTS) using testers.
4.	Chock trailer wheels.
5.	Gently put truck in REVERSE without giving any gas. This moves the kingpin off the locking bar which allows it to be more easily disengaged. ((Li'l Rocker FW hitch)
6.	Put truck in PARK, step on truck brake and apply parking brake.
7.	Remove landing gear pins and drop the landing gear. Re-pin landing gear.
8.	Disconnect the umbilical cord and breakaway switch cable.
9.	Lower the truck tailgate. 
10.	Driver verify Landing Gear is down, Umbilical and Break-away cables disconnected and Tailgate Down!
11.	Pull out Hitch Handle until it stays about 6 inches from closed position. Put Handle in UP position. This locks the Locking Bar OPEN. The locking bar will NOT be visible when unlocked. (Li'l Rocker FW hitch)
12.	Raise trailer kingpin about 1/8th inch off hitch using landing gear.
13.	Carefully drive away from trailer.
14.	Raise truck tailgate when clear of trailer.
15.	Use torpedo level. Adjust trailer fore and aft to level using LANDING GEAR as required.
16.	Extend REAR STABILIAZERS as required.
17.	Disconnect Battery-Landing Gear lead to deactivate landing gear switch.

Exterior
1.	If propane is to be used, TURN ON the gas at BOTH tanks. Verify you don't see the color red on the manifold, which indicates an empty tank. WAIT about 5 minutes before lighting gas appliances. 
2.	Lower TRAILER STEPS.
3.	Connect to shore POWER and WATER (phone, cable TV as required).
4.	Once water is connected, turn exterior WATER HEATER on/off rocker switch to ON if electric power is desired.

Interior
1.	Open vent, door or window prior to extending slide.
2.	Verify VOLTAGE in the GREEN on volt meter prior to starting Air Conditioner!
3.	Turn on furnace or air conditioner as required.
4.	Turn the REFRIGERATOR ON. Set to AUTO - will use electric or LP if no electric.
5.	Leave the water pump OFF unless NOT connected to shore water.
6.	Light HOT WATER HEATER using DSI switch by sink if using gas.

Camp Site Clean Up and Holding Tanks Checklist

NEVER, EVER BACK TRAILER WITHOUT FIRST POSTING A LOOKOUT WITH RADIO!

Camp Site
1.	Check campsite for items on tables, clotheslines, etc.
2.	Perform walk-around, checking tires (Trailer 65 PSI, Truck 50/80 PSI) and lug nuts, maneuvering clearance, hitch, steps and other hazards.

Trailer Holding Tanks
1.	Irrigate both BLACK and both GRAY tanks using fresh water while connected to shore water. Use PLENTY of water. Fill BLACK to minimum of 2/3rds full; it's CHEAP insurance! 
2.	Clean toilet bowl and flush copiously.
3.	Drive to dump station and empty BLACK then both GRAY tanks.
4.	Thoroughly flush sewer hose with water. Store hose in green tub in basement.
5.	Treat BLACK tank with chemical agent(s) and flush toilet. Add ice cubes if available. Add chemical agent(s) to GRAY tank as required/desired.
6.	Maintain about 2-4 gallons in galley, bath and toilet holding tanks.
7.	Turn OFF Water Pump.
8.	Lock Trailer DOOR and stow handle if leaving camp site.
9.	Driver verify steps are up, trailer door handle is stowed, three T-valves closed.


Storage Lot Trailer Checklist

NEVER, EVER BACK TRAILER WITHOUT FIRST POSTING A LOOKOUT WITH RADIO!

1.	Remove FOOD products.
2.	Open REFRIGERATOR DOOR, CABINET DOORS for ventilation.
3.	Wrap CHAIN around kingpin and lock.
4.	Disconnect BATTERY (Remove as required).
5.	Remove Tool Kit and other items as desired.
6.	Verify LP is turned OFF.
7.	LOCK Entrance and Basement DOORS.
8.	Lock FW Hitch in truck.
9.	Put on Tires and AC COVERS.
??

	


FW_Hitch_2.doc      updated 6/19/2002                                                                                    Page 1 of 4
Printed 03/17/03 
Source: http://www.angelfire.com/trek/buenavistas