Service and maintenance on the RV can be easily accomplished by establishing a mutually agreeable partnership between you and the service center at which you are most comfortable. Take the time to get to know the people who will play an important role in helping you to keep your RV in prime working condition. Visit the shop to meet the service manager, technicians, work schedulers, and those charged with ordering the parts. Ask questions. Find out what can be done to establish an open line of communication that will take the guesswork out of working on your RV.

There is no doubt about it - following scheduled maintenance recommendations will save you dollars in the long run. Carefully read all operation manuals, including the vehicle owner's manual to obtain complete information on prescribed service intervals. If you prefer to perform general maintenance items on your own, the service center can be a big help when it comes to making sure you obtain the proper replacement parts.

Prior to starting any service work, make sure that you have all the tools necessary to complete the task. Carefully inspect replacement parts and lubricants before you start the job to confirm that everything is in working order. Adhere to all safety suggestions, and wear the proper protective gear. Insure that you have ample workspace, and that the vehicle's safety brakes are securely intact. Properly dispose of all used parts and fluids. Prior authorization may be required before commencing any service or maintenance work while the RV is parked within a campground.

Occasionally, service and maintenance items may fall outside the scope of your physical capability. Tools or diagnostic equipment required to locate and repair certain service items may fall beyond the boundaries of basic toolbox implements, and are priced high enough to make it impractical to purchase for this one-time repair job. Conversely, the vehicle may only require routine maintenance items that you don't have the time or energy to perform. In these instances you may decide it makes better sense to seek the assistance of the qualified RV service center. Certain items, such as paint, engine and transmission, may require the expertise of a specialty shop. Ask the service center for assistance on finding these additional repair centers.

Contact the service center in advance for a scheduled appointment time. Advise the service manager of the specific list of repairs, in writing, to give the service center an idea of what parts will be required, and how long the work can be expected to take. Stick with the facts surrounding specific problems. By the time you arrive for the appointment, the original list of service items may have increased to require more time, and more parts, than initially planned. If the service center schedule does not allow for this additional work, it may be necessary to schedule a return appointment at a later date. Keep in mind that seasonal maintenance needs are a popular time of year at most service centers. Call early to schedule those annual tune-ups.

Once you arrive for the service appointment, find out what service technician has been assigned to your RV, and meet with that individual to discuss the proposed list of service items. Carefully review the work order before service work is commenced. Once the technician performs an inspection of the potential repairs, pre-authorization from the warranty provider may be necessary for work to be performed. Stay available by telephone, or make arrangements to call and check in at regular intervals in the event questions arise.

Reputable service centers will take the steps necessary to insure that your RV is secure, however it is ultimately up to you, the owner, to protect your valuables. If the vehicle is to be left overnight, insure that your RV will be safeguarded. Avoid leaving costly items unsecured. If pets have been left with the vehicle unattended, alert the service technician. A frightened pet may escape outside and become lost, or alternatively attack the unsuspecting service technician. For safety's sake, post a large sign eye level at the entry door to alert everyone in the vicinity that the pet is inside.

In the event service problems arise while you are out on the road, contact the RV manufacturer, or your emergency road service provider for directions to the nearest authorized service facility. Emergency road service plans can be purchased through the RV manufacturer, FMCA, Camping World, etc. Thoroughly read any applicable vehicle and service warranty contract to fully understand what you can expect to be covered. It is up to the RV owner to insure that all repair work, as well as tow charges, is pre-approved for warranty coverage. Work performed without prior authorization from the warranty holder often results in the RV owner being stuck with the bill. For added insurance on warrant reimbursement, request that the service center return all broken parts to you.

A combination RV dealership and service center will generally have an obligation to put their own customers first when it comes to scheduling repairs. In order to make the best use of their shop and technicians, most service centers operate under a carefully crafted daily schedule based upon the availability of space in the service bays, as well as outside parking. During peak travel season, unexpected repairs on vehicles that do not belong to the dealership's direct customer base may not fit into a daily work schedule. Inquire if the service center will put you on a waiting list in the event one of the scheduled appointments decides to cancel. Make the RV available to undergo repair on short notice, and honor the service center's set times for vehicle drop off and pick up.

If it becomes necessary for the RV to undergo major repair work while out on the road, stay nearby the repair center for a few extra days, if possible. Spend that time putting the RV under some daytime excursions until you are satisfied that all the problems have been successfully resolved. Keep good vehicle history records by retaining all receipts for parts and repairs.

Once the work has been completed to your satisfaction by your local service center, or at an unplanned stop far from home, take the time to thank everyone involved, in writing, for a job well done.