With a few variations based on silly experiences - laminated with clipboard - but it does work....

One thing I remember from the CC towing course was the instructors insistence that the breakaway cable is the first thing to be attached, before the hitch itself or electrics. The theory apparently I'd that once the breakaway is attached any unwanted rearward movement by the van during hitching would apply the brakes.

This is brilliant. I made my own list ready for my maiden voyage this weekend but I forgot half the items you list!

Thank you.

Thanks Aaron - it is a more comprehensive list than ours. Already printing to be passed on to Kath ready for next trip.

Last year some friends of ours with a small van but not an Eriba saw their caravan draw alongside them as they turned in leaving a site. Fortunately it rolled gently into some plastic bins. Geoff's dignity was damaged more than the deep scratches in the van. Nothing like it happening to someone you know to double your vigilance! MikeT

At bullet point no.18 my CC club instructor suggests using the jockey wheel to lift the van thus checking that the van is actually locked on the tow ball. If it’s locked on, the van and car rise together, if it’s not locked on only the van rises.

Aaron, thank you this has removed much of my stress for imminent departure, just hoping the sun comes out before we head off to the Green Gathering,........... thank you so much :-)

The thing to try and do is get into a set routine then you are less likely to miss something, but its not unfortunately impossible,
I haven't done the electrical hook-up one yet but most of the others I've committed.
Dave

But for the list, which I now have stored in my phone memos ( hows that for 21st. century! ) I have almost: Driven off with the step pulled out .. and with a window open.. and forgot to plug into the car.
Before I used the list I saw the wardrobe press swinging away in the rear view mirror .. luckily no damage and I towed a couple of gallons of drinking water a couple of hundred Km. Thankfully no spills !
Familiarity etc. its handy just to run through the list, especially if like me within 5 minutes driving you are out onto a motorway. Stopping to double check is a bad idea at that stage.
Chris

Have committed all the above "sins" and more, good to know I'm not alone

This thread is confirmation of the beauty of this forum..... reassuring to know that I (note, not we!) am not alone as a daftie! VMT