Damon Astoria 2006, Owner'S Manual

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Chapter 10 - Winter Use and Storage
Many people choose to use their motorhomes throughout the entire year. Ex-
tensive usage is not recommended in severe cold weather. However, winter travel-
ing can be safe for you and your motorhome if you follow the precautions outlined
in this chapter. For those who choose to use their motorhomes only during the
warmer months, winter storage is necessary. This section will guide you through the
proper steps to winterize your motorhome, which is critical to maintain maximum du-
rability over the life of your vehicle.
The fresh water storage tank is located inside a lower storage compartment. The fur-
nace will heat the fresh and waste water compartments. In severe cold however,
it is wise to monitor the water temperature in the tank, and take appropriate
steps to drain and winterize if necessary. In severe cold weather, it may also be nec-
essary to open the lower cabinet doors at night in both the bath and kitchen areas to
keep warmer air circulating around the water fi xtures.
If you are going to leave the coach unheated for any length of time in severe cold
conditions, it is best not to keep water in the fresh water system. It may work best to
carry cooking and drinking water with you in plastic jugs instead.
If you will be using your motorhome when conditions fall below the freezing level, it
may be necessary to protect the drainage system components from damage by the
addition of an approved antifreeze solution as outlined on the product directions. Any
drain lines exposed to external air temperatures are especially susceptible to freez-
ing and precautions should be taken to protect them from damage.
In the event that the motorhome is left for a period of time without the furnace in
operation, canned goods and other foods packed in water should be stored as high
as possible, since heat rises. They might also be stored in the refrigerator as insu-
lation against the cold. Store dry foods, and other items that are not damaged by
freezing temperatures in the lower storage areas.
Make sure to use an LP gas that will vaporize properly in the colder tempera-
tures. Check with your LP gas representative for the proper fuel.
Use only the furnace to heat the recreational vehicle. It is properly vented to the
outside.
Never use the range for heating as carbon monoxide may build
up inside the unit and asphyxiation could result.
Cooking produces large amounts of moisture, not just as steam from pots and pans,
but also as a product of combustion. Make sure to use the exhaust vents and open
a window slightly to control the humidity. At night, leave a roof vent and/or a window
slightly open.
When a motorhome is exposed to freezing temperatures, it could be severely dam-
TIPS FOR WINTER
USE
WATER SYSTEMS
FOOD STORAGE
LP GAS SYSTEM
HEATING
CONDENSATION