Winter's over! I think I'm trying to convince myself, at the time I'm writing this, its snowing outside. I think you all will agree with me when I say we've had enough of snow and ice for one year. Now that we're all thinking about the upcoming camping season and some cool weather fishing time, we have to remember there is a camping pre-season check list that will make our first trip successful.

Do a visual walk around. look on top and under your camper for any damage from winter storms; check tires for dry rot or cracking side walls and air pressure; check for potential leak areas on all roof seams and previously calked areas; look at the condition of your roof vent covers and refrigerator vent cover and replace those with a dull finish or that look brittle. Although they may appear to be sound -- at 70 mph it's a different story.

Check caulking around windows, doors, and anything that protrudes through the outside walls of your R.V. Do not overlook those edge moldings! That's where the most weather-related damage to your investment will occur before you realize you have a leak. The putty used under the conner moldings will dry out before you know it and water will seep in. All these edges need to be caulked. Please remember to use only the recommended caulking products necessary for each different application.

The best advice I can give is to hook your R.V. up at its present location -- just like you are going camping. Turn on the water, electric, etc., and try all appliances (even the ones you may not need at this time of year), and all water related items (faucets, sink drains, toilet) -- you get the message. Do this at least two weeks prior to your first trip so you will have enough time to order any parts you may need to complete the necessary repairs.

We all know when its cold outside, all types of critters look for shelter inside, especially that nice camper parked outside that nobody's been in to disturb them since fall. Remove all drawers, open all cabinets. Look everywhere for tell-tale signs of visitors and then (before you load this year's supplies) fumigate the heck out of the place. After your camper has had adequate time to air out, strategically place this year's critter control devices (ant bait, roach powder, rodent bait, etc.) before you replace drawers and food items.

REMEMBER YOUR PETS and use all pesticides carefully following manufactures directions. More is not better -- it will cause injury or death to you or something you love. Be especially careful if you take along your cat. They are extremely sensitive to air born pesticides and seem to get into places you didn't think possible.

We hope to see all of you sooner or later in the beautiful outdoors we call West Virginia. Please feel free to call if you have R.V. related questions or are in need of parts or service. God bless, and most of all, be safe!