Disconnecting Utilities

I like to disconnect our utilities at this time IF I have not had to run them under the slide out. If they do run under the slide, then I will probably postpone this step until I have retracted the slide.

I usually start with the least important items.

Cable

If cable has been available at the campground and we have used it, I usually start with it. It is a simple matter of disconnecting from the trailer and from the cable connection at the campsite. After winding the cable up, I stow it appropriately.

Water

To disconnect the water, turn it off at the source. I then like to step inside and turn on a spigot to allow water to drain from the plumbing. Then I disconnect from the campsite water spigot, followed by disconnecting from the trailer.

I try to keep both ends of the hose up and off at the ground at this point. Since this hose provides our source of water for use in the trailer, I want it to remain clean. If there is a concrete road in the park, I take the hose there, stretch it out, then drain the water from the hose. I keep a work rag handy and clean the hose as I roll it up. Once it is coiled up, I connect the ends together so that no water still in the hose can escape.

Sewer

Disconnecting the sewer hose takes a little time to do correctly. An important part of the process for me is to prepare your equipment.

As I said in "Connecting Utilities," I have several sections of sewer hoses, each with covers which seal the ends when not in use. As I prepare to disconnect the sewer hose(s), I place these caps so that they will be handy as I disconnect.

I like to start at the trailer. I disconnect the hose at the trailer, being careful to hold the end of the hose up so that anything that may be in it cannot escape. I then place the cap on the sewer connection at the trailer. After this is secure, I place the cap on the end of the sewer hose.

I then lift the sewer hose up, allowing anything inside to drain to the dump. I then work down the hose to the next connection, if I've had to use more than one section, and basically repeat the previous process. That is, I disconnect the hoses, hold the ends up to prevent any draining, and secure the caps on the exposed ends.

If numerous hose sections have been used, then I just repeat this process until I get to the elbow, which is the connection to the actual dump. After removing the elbow and storing it appropriately, I then cover the dump.

Now I pick up the sewer hose support and stow it. Once this is done, I remove my disposable gloves and get busy on other tasks.

Electricity

I'm including this step here, but I usually disconnect the electricity at the very end. By leaving it till the end, I am able to use shore power for any electrical tasks I may have, thereby saving my battery.

To disconnect the electricity, I start by flipping the switch off at the electrical box at the campsite. After the electricity is off, I disconnect from the box and then from the trailer. As I coil the cable, I use my work rage to wipe it clean of any debris or moisture, then store it.