It’s a good bet we’ve all experienced that sinking feeling. We realize something’s been left behind, we didn’t do a necessary task, or something or other plumb slipped our mind. Below, readers share their own experiences. This month’s question:
Have you or a traveling companion ever forgotten something important when leaving on an RV trip?
A couple of years ago, my wife and I set out on a trip to visit her son in Florida. The first night on the road, I discovered to my horror that I had forgotten to bring aboard the hose and mask for my CPAP machine. This was a major oversight. We made a quick call to my daughter-in-law, who lives with us. She packed up the equipment and overnighted it to her brother in Florida, so it was there when we arrived. Now, I always check to see that all the equipment is aboard the RV before we leave.
Gene Bjerke, F418821
Forest, Virginia
We loaded the motorhome with our clothes, food, etc. and hooked up the trailer with our motorcycle in it and all the necessary biker clothes, boots, and gloves. Then, we took off for Lake George, New York. About 50 miles from home, it struck me that I had forgotten to put the helmets in the RV or trailer. Should I unload the bike and ride back to get them, or make a U-turn and head back in the motorhome? We made a U-turn and drove back to the house to get them. It added an extra 100 miles to the trip, plus time and fuel. Just a senior moment.
Bob McDonald, F330552
Quinton, Virginia
We always, always turn the water off at the house when we are heading out for a lengthy RV trip . . . except once! The pilot (my dear husband) thought about it after we had traveled more than a few miles away from home. Finding a turnaround spot for a 37-foot motorhome can be a challenge, but he is quite the driver and soon made his turn and headed back to complete this simple task. We get quite excited when we are heading out in the RV, so maybe we were just distracted. (Well, I’d like to think so anyway.)
Elaine Overby, F447845
St. Augustine, Florida
Every month we share selected readers’ responses to a specific question. You’re invited to join the fun. If your response is published in the magazine, we’ll send you $25. Answer the question below; please limit your submission to 150 words. Email your response to rearview@fmca.com (type “Rear View” in the subject line). Or send it via regular mail to Rear View, Family Motor Coaching, 8291 Clough Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45244. Include a photo if you wish (color prints or high-resolution digital images).
1. What type of campground do you prefer (RV resort, commercial campground, national or state park, U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management, etc.)? Please share why.
NOTE: Starting with the May 2018 issue, we will be including readers’ favorite travel photos in this space. We need your help! Please send us your photos (high-resolution digital images) and a brief explanation, including where each photo was taken. While we won’t be able to publish all that we receive, if your photo is chosen for inclusion, you’ll receive a check for $25 in appreciation.