RV Protection .NET

Below are some great tips given to us that we wanted to pass along to help you be prepared for a safe and fun trip on your rv adventure:

Scheduled Maintenance
Confirm that your vehicle is up to date on all manufacturer suggested maintenance as listed in the owner's manual.
If not, get it serviced before you leave.

SELF INSPECTION

Tires

• Check the tire pressure on all four tires plus the spare.
  
• Properly inflated tires will improve fuel economy and help you avoid a blow-out during the trip.
  
• Evaluate the condition of the tires.
  
• How much tread depth do they have?
  
• Will you need snow tires where you're headed?
• You want to have these questions answered before heading out.

Under The Hood

• Check the oil level.
  
• Add or change the oil as needed.
• Check the coolant mixture with an anti-freeze tester. This is crucial if you are traveling during cold winter or hot summer months.
• If you don't know how old the vehicle's battery is, have it tested at a certified auto repair shop or simply replace it.

DriveTrain
If you're planning to use your vehicle's four-wheel drive system on the trip, make sure that it's working properly before you leave. The system should engage and disengage smoothly. Any unusual drivetrain noises should be checked out by a mechanic. Also, make sure that all drivers know how to operate your vehicle's four-wheel drive system.
You should also check to see that the transmission fluid and gear oil levels are correct.

Inspect the Wiper blades
If they aren't making full
contact with the windshield, replace them.
Fill the wiper fluid reservoir if necessary.

Emergency Kit
Regardless of weather conditions or the age of your car, an "Emergency Kit" kit should include a flashlight, flares, first-aid supplies, jumper cables, extra washer fluid, paper towels and a basic tool set. It's not a bad idea to bring a tire pressure gauge. If you're going on a long trip, be sure to have a quart of oil and a gallon of coolant. And, always remember to bring a live cell phone. It can rescue you in almost any emergency situation.

Pack enough food and water to sustain your travelers in the event you are stranded for several hours or more. Extra clothing is another must-have, especially in cold or wet weather. Those traveling in wintry conditions should pack a snow brush, ice scraper, snow shovel, tire chains and a bag of abrasive material like sand, salt or non-clumping kitty litter.

Plan the Route
Plan a route for your trip before you leave. It won't feel like a vacation if you find yourself saying "I had no idea it was so far" while motoring along a dark highway with a howling baby in the back seat. It is a huge stress reducer to know in advance which highways and roads to take, how far you'll be driving each day and where you'll be eating and sleeping each night.

If you are a member of a road club, check their site for trip planning tools.

If your car has a navigation system, mapping your route should be a simple task. Plug in your starting point, type in your destination and the navigation system will do the rest. Many systems will even show the major gas stations, hotels, and restaurants along the route. If have an older, CD-based navigation system, make sure you have all the necessary navigation CDs to cover the region you'll be traveling through.

If you'd rather plan your own route, an old fashioned road atlas and a few folding maps will do fine. Just make sure to read them and highlight your route before you head out. A quick Internet search will help you identify potential venues for gas, food and lodging along the way. You can also check road conditions on the internet to avoid road closures or construction.

Never underestimate busy travel seasons or popular destinations like
Disneyworld. After a long day of driving you could find a "No Vacancy" sign instead of a quiet room and a hot meal. Make reservations. And even if you booked your hotel room months ago, it doesn't hurt to confirm your reservations before you start your trip.

Be Safe
Once you're on the road, don't try to drive too far between rest breaks. At the first sign of drowsiness, protect yourself and your passengers by pulling over or getting off the road, then switch drivers. If you're traveling alone, pull off the road to a safe and secure location and take a nap. Many sleep-related accidents occur between midnight and 6 AM, so avoid driving through the night whenever possible.

A road trip can be a rewarding and inexpensive way to explore the country and spend quality time with family members. With a little planning, you can ensure that unpleasant surprises don't ruin the trip.

ID & Contact Information
Make sure your RV Shield Plan vehicle service contract is in the vehicle along with your license, registration and insurance cards. The RV Shield Plan has the toll free numbers for claims and Roadside assistance printed on it.

Take along your regular service facility phone number to help verify
maintenance records should you have to file a claim while traveling.

Check the web for vehicle service centers along your travel route and note their phone numbers.