The Day We Drove Away Still Plugged Into Our Generator (And What We Learned)
If you’ve been RVing for any length of time, you’ve probably made at least one mistake that made your heart skip a beat.
Ours happened while boondocking.
One simple moment of distraction nearly resulted in a damaged generator, electrical system, and a very expensive repair bill.
Fortunately, we were lucky.
Today it’s a funny story.
At the time… not so much.
We hope sharing what happened helps another RVer avoid making the same mistake.
Our Boondocking Setup
When we’re camping without hookups, we often run a portable generator from the bed of our truck.
Our setup is simple.
The generator stays secured in the truck bed, the propane tank rides beside it, and we connect the trailer using a heavy-duty 30-amp extension cord.
It had worked perfectly countless times.
The problem wasn’t our equipment.
The problem was us.
The Mistake
One evening I needed to make a quick trip into town for groceries.
Without thinking, I climbed into the truck, started it, and drove away.
What I forgot?
The trailer was still plugged into the generator.
A few seconds later Ed heard an unmistakable sound coming from outside.
The power cord stretched tight.
Then came the loud bang.
By the time he reached the door and realized what had happened, I was already halfway down the campground road.
What Saved Us
Looking back, we were incredibly fortunate.
The extension cord disconnected without damaging the generator itself.
Even after removing the access panel and inspecting the wiring, everything appeared to be intact.
The trailer’s electrical system also escaped without damage.
It easily could have been much worse.
Electrical repairs, damaged outlets, broken generator components, or ripped wiring are all possibilities when something like this happens.
Sometimes luck is better than skill.
Why It Happened
After talking it through, we realized something important.
This wasn’t really an equipment problem.
It was a routine problem.
When towing our travel trailer, we’ve always followed the habit of walking completely around the RV before pulling out.
We check:
- Stabilizer jacks
- Water hose
- Sewer hose
- Electrical hookup
- Storage compartments
- Hitch connection
But because we weren’t moving the trailer…
We never thought about doing the same thing with the truck.
That assumption nearly cost us.
The Simple Fix
We immediately came up with a new rule.
Before the truck moves—even if the trailer stays parked—we now walk completely around the truck.
Our quick checklist includes:
- Generator unplugged
- Extension cord stored
- Tailgate closed
- Propane secured
- Gear packed away
- Nothing attached between truck and trailer
It takes less than a minute.
That minute is worth every second.
We Made Another Mistake Too
As if one lesson wasn’t enough, we discovered another problem during the same trip.
Camping in the desert around Quartzsite meant cold nights.
To stay warm, our furnace cycled on throughout the night.
Unfortunately, we had left our roof vents partially open.
The warm air escaped.
The furnace ran far more than necessary.
By morning, our battery had been drained much lower than expected.
It was another reminder that small oversights can have surprisingly large consequences.
Now, before going to bed, we make one final check to ensure all roof vents are closed when cold weather calls for heat.
Our RV Departure Checklist
Whether we’re leaving a campground or simply driving the truck into town, this quick checklist has become part of our routine.
Before Moving the Truck:
- Generator unplugged
- Power cords disconnected
- Tailgate closed
- Propane secured
- Storage compartments closed
- Walk completely around the vehicle
Before Bed While Boondocking:
- Roof vents adjusted
- Furnace settings checked
- Battery level confirmed
- Propane supply checked
Simple routines prevent expensive mistakes.
Why We Share Our Mistakes
One of the goals of Over the Hills has always been to share both the successes and the mistakes that come with RV life.
Nobody learns without making a few errors.
If one of our experiences saves another RVer from damaging their generator—or from wondering why their batteries are dead in the morning—then sharing these stories is well worth a little embarrassment.
We’re still learning.
And that’s part of the adventure.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, this could have been an expensive lesson.
Instead, it became an important reminder that good habits are often the best safety equipment you can own.
Whether you’re brand new to RVing or have traveled thousands of miles, it’s surprisingly easy to become distracted by routine.
Slow down.
Take one extra walk around your vehicle.
Those few seconds might save you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars in repairs.
And if you’ve ever made a similar mistake, don’t worry.
You’re in good company.
Continue the Journey
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