• Don't answer the door to your RV without verifying who it is.
• When returning to your RV late in the evening, be observant and look around before entering.
• Close the door securely whenever you are in your RV and use all of the locking devices provided.
• Don't needlessly display your keys in public or carelessly leave them on restaurant tables, at the swimming pool, or other places where they can be easily stolen.
• Do not draw attention to yourself by displaying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry.
• Do not leave valuables in your RV.
• Check to see that any sliding glass doors or windows are locked.
• Don't invite strangers to your RV.
• If you see any suspicious activity, please report your observations to the management.

Pre-Trip Safety Tips

• Be sure vents and windows are closed for travel.
• Holding tanks should be flushed thoroughly to ensure proper functions of the monitor panel.
• Verity that the faucets are closed and the drains open.
• Have extra fuses available in case one happens to blow.
• Make sure heavy objects are secure or laid on the floor.
• Check oil and fluid levels.
• Inspect tires for cracks, low pressure, tread wear, and general condition.
• Be sure every door, drawer and cabinet in the unit is closed and secured.
• Make sure the stove and oven are turned off.
• If you have aslideout, clear all items near it and be sure that it is properly retracted and secured.
• Confirm that the basement compartments are other hatch doors are latched securely and locked.
• Be sure that the propane valve is in the "off" position.
• Verify that the TV/satellite cables and water and sewer hoses have been disconnected and put away.
  Roll up all awnings and secure them in place.
• Be sure to disconnect water line.
• Verify that the heater/air conditioner is turned off.
• Unplug all electrical plugs.
• Check refrigerator.
• Empty trash containers and clean floor.
• Be sure door is closed securely before travel.

As with any vehicle, regular maintenance and systematic checking is critical to keeping your RV in good running order.

Fluids, Filters and Battery

A primary element of RV maintenance is regularly checking fluid levels, including engine oil, brake fluid, engine coolant, transmission fluid and power steering fluid. Make it part of your pre-trip routine to check these important fluids and top off any that are low. It's also a good idea to check these fluids on a monthly basis if you haven't used your RV lately or if it is in storage.

While you're at it, also check the battery to make sure it is free of corrosion and has an adequate water level (if it is not a maintenance-battery) and the air filter to make sure it's clean.

Fluids and filters should be regularly changed. Check your RV owner's manual for its maintenance requirements and schedule.

Exterior Inspection

As part of your pre-trip routine, also examine the RV's exterior. Inspect the body and roof of your RV for any separation or cracks. If you have a towable RV, inspect the hitch system for cracks, general wear or loose bolts.

Check the tire pressure while also looking for cracks, uneven wear and any objects stuck in the tire that could create a leak. Make sure the lug nuts are tight on both inner and outer wheels. And, don't forget the spare tire!

Look underneath the RV, taking a deep breath to see if you smell gasoline, diesel or LP gas. If you do, shut down all pilot lights and get professional help

Also check for leaking fluids. If you discover a leak, move the RV and check again, noting the color and location of the leak in relationship to the RV. Have a certified RV technician at a dealer or service center inspect the vehicle if there is a leak. Be sure to relay the information about the color of the leaking fluid and the location of the leak.

These are some helpful hints that any RVer, regardless of mechanical ability, can do to help maintain the vehicle and ensure that each trip starts out on the right note.

The vehicle's owners manual should provide more detailed information and maintenance schedules.

Servicing Your RV

Proper care and maintenance of your RV is the best way to keep it in good running order, save you money in the long run and prevent an untimely breakdown from spoiling a trip.

RV owners should follow the maintenance schedule recommended by the manu-facturer and have regularly scheduled maintenance and repairs done at an RV dealership or service center - no one understands RVs better.

Here are some tips to help select an RV dealership or service center and ensure that you have a quality service experience.

• Look for the red, white and blue Certified RV Technician sign, which indicates the dealership or service center employs RV technicians certified through an industry-sponsored program conducted by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) and the Recreation Vehicle Dealer Association (RVDA), who are committed to customer satisfaction.
• Research the dealer or service center by talking to current customers to determine the quality of work and record of customer satisfaction. It's also a good idea to look for state, local or industry certifications, like the Certified RV Technician sign, throughout the shop.
• Read your owners manual and warranty so you'll know what to expect from your RV, what your responsibilities are and what systems and components are covered by whom.
• Request written estimates for all service work and ask for written notification for any additional repairs not covered in the original estimate. Also request that replaced parts be given to you for inspection.
• Let the service manager know immediately if you're not satisfied with repair or maintenance work performed on your RV.

It's important that you feel comfortable with the professionals you entrust to service your RV. With confidence comes the ability to communicate openly about your concerns and needs.

No matter how good future technology becomes, periodic inspection of your vehicle by a professional will never be obsolete. A checkup by an experienced RV service technician can be a real lifesaver and moneysaver.