Labor Day weekend is coming up fast, and it's a busy travel time for RV owners. By taking a few simple precautions, recreational vehicle enthusiasts can enjoy the open road without the hassle of trip interruptions.

"Don't become a statistic," says Terry Fortner, Nationwide Insurance Associate Vice President of Claims. "A few preventive measures can go a long way to protect you from trouble during your travels."

Nationwide and Camping World America's largest retailer of RV supplies, outdoor accessories and RV sales, have identified the five most common RV repairs made in Camping World's collision centers: repairs for collision accidents, roof and ceiling damage, passenger side damage, tire blowout damage and vandalism.

Here are five tips to help avoid these common problems:

--Take a professional RV driving course. Offered throughout the country, driving courses can educate you on accident avoidance techniques. Not only do courses provide high benefit for little cost, some insurers offer discounts for course completion (a book about driving a motorhome can also help).

--Know your vehicle's height. Many first-time RVers underestimate the height of their motorhome, trailer or fifth wheel, resulting in collisions with bridges and overhangs. Check your RV manufacturer's manual for your vehicle's height and post the number where it is visible from the driver's seat.

--Be aware of tight turns. Pay attention to long rear overhangs and take wide turns to avoid passenger side damage and costly repair bills.

--Check your tires. A tire blowout can cause damage to holding tanks, wheel wells, plumbing and the RV's body. Before each trip, check for proper tire inflation on inner and outer tires.

--Thwart thieves. Park in a well-lit and secure area. Thieves looking for a quick grab are likely to move on to an easier, less risky target.