Use a checklist

Twice in the last 10 days I've noticed an RV leaving a campground area with its adjustable solar panels still in the raised position. Such carelessness risks loss of the panels from wind pressure and vibration. A raised panel that rips off when other traffic is near could cause an accident.

In the past I've also seen RVs driving down the road with the TV antenna deployed, with cargo, water and power access door unsecured, with the fuel cap off, and with vents and windows open.

You can avoid departure oversights like these by using a checklist, just as pilots do. The most effective checklist is a printed one, which minimizes the chance of forgetting an item. Pre-printed checklists are available, but since RVs vary greatly in size and complexity, it's best to create your own, geared to your particular equipment and configuration. Many RVers use checklists for both inside and outside. An inside list might include switches to turn off, such as inverter, water pump and water heater, and items to stow, like plants and the water kettle. The outside list is for access doors, hitching gear, power cord, water hose, etc.

Because much of the roof is out of view from the ground, you should climb the ladder and visually check things there: vents, antenna and, of course, adjustable solar panels.

A mental checklist also works, as long as you use a consistent, systematic routine.

Even after completing a checklist, it's wise to take a last look around. That way, you might catch something amiss that the checklist doesn't address--an open garbage bag in the truck bed, for instance.

Complacency and eagerness to get under way often cause people to neglect checklists. That's why airplanes crash and RVs leave the camping area with the solar panels raised.