Or, why checklists are so important.

This time around, I have a pair of Airstreams  whose owners forgot a couple of little things before they left their campsite. The first one, the customer was trying to hurry to beat a rainstorm, and simply hooked up and left without raising his stabilizers or unplugging his trailer from the campground’s power. He managed to knock out power to half the campground, and the sparks from the steel sand pads on his stabilizers added to the festive pyrotechnic display.  At least it was raining, so he didn’t start any fires when he left.

The second customer managed to endear himself to me when he left without unhooking from city water or disconnecting from the sewer.  Naturally, the first corner he went around, the sewer hose caught an obstruction and tore off his dump valves. Have I ever mentioned how much I enjoy working on holding tanks?  Especially ones that still have “stuff” in them? No? Well, I’ll tell you now. I don’t.

Yet another customer left without rolling up his awning. Yes, the big one over the door. It’s kind of hard to miss, and he didn’t miss it when he tore it off on the tree at the end of the driveway.

I’ve also had customers who had television antennas and roof vents  go missing after they forgot to take care of them. Probably the worst case, at least for the customer, was when he drove off with his wife still in the trailer, using the bathroom. That trailer is currently on our lot, for sale as part of the divorce.

There have been steps left down, and left along the road. Windows left open, toilets unflushed, main doors left open, even a sink left running.

So please, make a list, and check it twice. You will save yourself a lot of embarrassment, and possibly your marriage. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a pair of LP tanks and regulator to replace, because the owner forgot to clamp them back down when they refilled them.