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EARTHBOUND   RECREATIONAL   VEHICLE   TRAILER   OWNER'S   MANUAL

   

   

WARNING

:   The   gases   generated   within   a   storage   battery   cell   may   be   ignited   by   an   open   

flame   or   spark   in   the   vicinity   of   the   battery.   Do   not   use   a   match   or   flame   to   provide   light   for   
checking   the   level   of   the   water.   

   
During   the   winter   the   batteries   should   be   removed   from   the   trailer   and   stored   in   a   cool,   dry   place,   where   

there   is   no   danger   of   freezing.         A   battery   that   is   allowed   to   completely   lose   its   charge   will   never   regain   its   original   
power   or   a   full   charge.   
   
When   being   towed,   the   12-­‐volt   batteries   in   your   trailer   are   receiving   a   constant   charge   from   the   car's   
generator   or   alternator   through   the   seven-­‐way   connector.      Your   tow   vehicle’s   voltage   regulator   controls   the   charge   
rate.   It   is   important   to   keep   the   seven-­‐way   connector   clean.   

Whenever   possible   use   the   automatic   built   in   charge   of   the   converter   system   for   charging.   The   charging   
circuit   automatically   controls   the   current,   reducing   it   as   the   batteries   increases   in   charge.   
At   service   stations   make   certain   they   give   your   batteries   a   slow   charge   because   quick   charges   will   
drastically   shorten   the   life   of   the   batteries,   as   will   allowing   repeated   complete   discharges.   
   
The   converter/charging   system   is   the   interior   low   voltage   electrical   system   that   enables   you   to   use   the   

interior   lights,   fans,   pumps   and   12-­‐volt   appliances   whether   operating   on   self-­‐contained   power   or   120-­‐volt   
city   power.   The   12-­‐volt   light   bulbs   give   off   the   same   light   as   regular   household   bulbs,   so   that   when   
operating   on   self-­‐contained   battery   power,   everything   works   normally   except   the   110-­‐volt   convenience   
outlets   and   110-­‐volt   appliances.   The   converter   system   is   designed   to   maintain   constant   output   voltages   
regardless   of   the   variances   that   occur   in   city   power   systems.   

   

12V   POWER   CIRCUITS   

The   current   in   the   converter   system   is   12   volts   direct   current   (12VDC)   negative   grounded.   
Power   sources   that   supply   12VDC   current   to   the   system   are   as   follows:   
A.   Main   charge   line   from   tow   vehicle   
B.   Trailer   Batteries   
C.   Converter   

   
The   power   sources   above   are   all   electrically   connected   to   the   12-­‐volt   distribution   fuse   panel   that   distributes   
current   to   interior   branch   circuits.   The   circuits   provide   power   to   operate   all   12-­‐volt   DC   lights,   pumps,   
motors   and   appliances.   
The      power   converter   is   a   solid-­‐state   electronic   power   supply   and   is   maintenance   free.   It   is   so   
self-­‐sufficient   and   quiet   that   you   will   probably   not   know   it   is   working   except   for   the   fact   that   your   batteries   

are   always   charged,   and   your   12-­‐volt   lights   and   appliances   always   work.   If   any   12-­‐volt   appliance   fails   to   
operate,   first   check   your   recreational   vehicles   12-­‐volt   distribution   fuse   block.   If   a   fuse   is   opened   or   blown   
replace   it   with   the   same   size   fuse   (never   install   a   larger   use).   If   the   fuse   opens   again,   have   an   electrician   or   
certified   RV   technician   locate   the   circuit   trouble   
If   the   power   converter   is   not   working,   first   confirm   the   RV   supply   or   shoreline   cord   is   plugged   into   a   live   circuit.   Then   
check   all   the   120-­‐volt   breakers   in   your   RV   distribution   panel   to   make   sure   they   are   on.   If   the   breaker   is   tripped,   follow   

the   instructions   to   reset   the   breakers.   If   the   breaker   trips   again,   consult   an   electrician   or   certified   RV   technician.   

   
CONVERTER   OPERATION   

The   electronic   power   converter   is   designed   to   supply   the   nominal   12-­‐volt   filtered   D.C.   power   for   all   12   volt   operated   
devices   encountered   in   RV   service.   Although   the   converter   is   an   excellent   battery   charger,   the   converter   does   not   
require   a   battery   to   be   connected   to   it   for   proper   operation.   

   
CAUTION

:   When   installing   a   battery   always   observe   polarity.   Connecting   a   battery   reverse   

polarity   will   blow   the   power   converter   main   fuses   located   on   the   12   volt   D.C.   distribution   fuse   block.   

   
   
   

   
   

Summary of Contents for Recreational Vehicle Trailer

Page 1: ...owever should you ever feel you may be getting in over your head please see your dealer to have the repairs made A brief explanation of the operation of the appliances such as refrigerator furnace wat...

Page 2: ...mping Safety Overnight Stop Extended Stay Stabilizing Hook Ups Winter Traveling 4 EXTERIOR Cleaning Chassis Tires Axle and Running Gear Electric Brakes Power Jack 5 INTERIOR FURNISHINGS AND ACCESSORIE...

Page 3: ...8 APPLIANCES Air Conditioner Furnace Range Oven Microwave Refrigerator Water Heater Monitor Panel 9 ADDENDUM Water board system directions for early model year 2010 only How to winterize your Earthbo...

Page 4: ...mited to doors drawers LP pressure and slide room systems Imperfections which do not affect the suitability of the vehicle for recreational purposes Damage to electronics due to voltage issues fluctua...

Page 5: ...mited warranty Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts so the above limitation may not apply to you REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS If you believe that your vehicle has a d...

Page 6: ...ate with household oil 7 Way Plug Spray with contact cleaner Hitch Ball Latch Lubricate with non detergent motor oil Hitch Ball Lubricate with hitch ball lube or wheel bearing grease Range Exhaust Hoo...

Page 7: ...Page 7 EARTHBOUND RECREATIONAL VEHICLE TRAILER OWNER S MANUAL MAINTENANCE RECORD DATE DEALER SERVICE PERFORMED...

Page 8: ...Page 8 EARTHBOUND RECREATIONAL VEHICLE TRAILER OWNER S MANUAL NOTES...

Page 9: ...r towing capability of your present one American manufacturers realize more than 30 of the vehicles they sell will be used for towing some type of trailer The dealers are provided with guidelines to u...

Page 10: ...as the tow vehicles Properly set these adjustments will provide for safe comfortable stops They will also help assure optimum brake and tire life for both the tow vehicle and the trailer In THE EVENT...

Page 11: ...covered by warranty The allowable personal cargo must be distributed in your trailer in such a manner that the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating GVWR is not exceeded To determine this it is necessary to loa...

Page 12: ...ding to the manufacturer s instructions The hitch ball should be level to slightly higher Readjust leveling bars until this condition is correct by increasing or decreasing the length the chain engage...

Page 13: ...THE TRAILER WHEELS ARE DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT FROM THOSE MADE BY THE TOW VEHICLE Studying this will make it easier for you to correct mistakes Truck or trailer type fender or door grip rear view mirror...

Page 14: ...ossible gear If you get stuck it is best to tow out the entire rig together without unhitching Despite the best hitch you will notice that whenever a large bus or truck overtakes your rig the displace...

Page 15: ...ack stand or wood block 7 Check clearance and stoplights 8 Check lug nuts 9 Check tires for correct pressure 10 Adjust tow vehicle mirrors 11 Pull forward some 50 ft test brakes and check site for for...

Page 16: ...Page 16 EARTHBOUND RECREATIONAL VEHICLE TRAILER OWNER S MANUAL NOTES...

Page 17: ...t each campsite make sure you have not parked in such a manner as to block the operation of the escape window by being too close to trees fences or other impediments Scenic views are one reason for tr...

Page 18: ...se the gate valves and put approximately five gallons of water in the sewage holding tank This will help prevent solids from building up in the sewage holding tank The addition of a deodorizing agent...

Page 19: ...ng at 50 MPH the wind chill factor will cause the interior of the trailer to cool much faster than a trailer that is parked When parked in sub freezing temperatures make sure you keep a full supply of...

Page 20: ...Page 20 EARTHBOUND RECREATIONAL VEHICLE TRAILER OWNER S MANUAL NOTES...

Page 21: ...is section Once leveled and stabilized locate the switch on the monitor panel to operate the room Now hold the slide out switch in the out position and hold the switch until the motor stops indicating...

Page 22: ...e the finish is exposed to salt air or in polluted industrial areas It will also protect the shell from minor scratches and make subsequent cleaning easier It is important to remove sap gum resin asph...

Page 23: ...hen the tires are cool Never bleed out air immediately after driving Recommended tire pressures vary with tire type and size check the tire sidewalls for recommended pressures WARNING It is also impor...

Page 24: ...driven less than one mile Do not reduce pressure when tires are hot Use a tire gauge to check pressure and maintain it at the recommended level 2 Never overload your tires The maximum load carrying c...

Page 25: ...el and tire 3 Remove cotter pin 4 Remove dust cap 5 Remove spindle nut and washer 6 Remove bearings hub and rotor 7 Lay down hub and rotor with inside grease seal down Knock out inner bearing and grea...

Page 26: ...ric brakes on your trailer are similar to the drum brakes on your tow vehicle The basic difference is that your automotive brakes are actuated by hydraulic pressure while your electric trailer brakes...

Page 27: ...ase the voltage to 12 volts as brake pedal pressure is increased If the controller jumps immediately to a high voltage output even during a gradual stop then the electric brakes will always be fully e...

Page 28: ...ressure should be checked cold as tire pressure ratings have been designed with typical running heat pressure build up in mind Make sure the valves and caps are free of dirt and moisture Underinflatio...

Page 29: ...nds on you However if you learn to operate the interior components and take care of them and the trailer properly this knowledge will add to your pleasure as well as the long life of your trailer Upho...

Page 30: ...a bath When you have finished using the shower be sure to shut the water off at the faucet WARNING Keep flammable material away from the furnace Remember heavy items should be stored low and toward t...

Page 31: ...as installed in your Earthbound RV at the factory LP gas is a mixture of gases produced and sold commercially as a fuel for heating and cooking appliances LP gas is highly flammable and as a result ca...

Page 32: ...ire department for professional advice on its operation and use if you find the directions on the extinguisher unclear We re sure they will be happy to assist you and your family SAFETY Many things ca...

Page 33: ...lame when another appliance is operating or pilots that are difficult to light If this should happen the following steps should eliminate the condition 1 Close LP cylinder valve 2 Extinguish all flame...

Page 34: ...e on the bottle to be removed 2 Disconnect the rubber gas line at the bottle to be removed The green plastic fitting is a right hand thread and no tools should be used 3 Turn the large clamping T hand...

Page 35: ...is greater when the appliance is used for long periods of time WARNING Portable fuel burning equipment including wood and charcoal grills and stoves shall not be used inside the recreational vehicle...

Page 36: ...ct time is completed drain the tank Refill with potable water and purge the plumbing of all sanitizing solution NOTE The sanitizing procedure outlined above is in conformance with the approved procedu...

Page 37: ...tanks Also drain the entire water system including the water heater and the water storage tank See How to winterize your Earthbound RV shown in Section 9 Addendum page 49 THE MAIN CONSIDERATION IN WI...

Page 38: ...ckup into the tub and cause an unpleasant cleaning job Never drain the tanks at any place other than an approved dumping station Emptying Tanks Almost all campgrounds will have dumping facilities To e...

Page 39: ...ng the tanks as described will protect them from freezing during storage When traveling in subfreezing temperatures use a winterizing solution designed for RV use and follow the directions on the cont...

Page 40: ...eeks in freezing weather The temperature at which a battery will freeze depends on the condition of its charge Neglect is expensive Care costs little Check your batteries regularly MAINTAIN A CLEAN BA...

Page 41: ...city power systems 12V POWER CIRCUITS The current in the converter system is 12 volts direct current 12VDC negative grounded Power sources that supply 12VDC current to the system are as follows A Main...

Page 42: ...d up to 120 volt city power Converter Testing A Confirm 120 volt power is going into converter B Disconnect the 12 wire from the master switch C Using a voltmeter check voltage output between heavy po...

Page 43: ...available While you are connected to the 110 volt receptacle the wiring is protected by circuit breakers in the breaker panel The circuit breaker panel for the 110 volt system is located in the conve...

Page 44: ...a Starting the air conditioner early in the morning also helps It is much easier to hold a comfortable temperature than it is to lower the temperature after the interior of the trailer is already hot...

Page 45: ...on If the refrigerator is operated out of level when the vehicle is not moving liquid ammonia will accumulate in portions of the evaporator tubing This will slow the circulation of hydrogen and ammoni...

Page 46: ...ink before using any electrical appliance connected to the hot water system If hydrogen is present there will probably be an unusual sound such as air escaping through the pipe as the water begins to...

Page 47: ...Page 47 EARTHBOUND RECREATIONAL VEHICLE TRAILER OWNER S MANUAL Section 9 Addendum For early 2010 Earthbound RVs built with the Water Board System...

Page 48: ...Page 48...

Page 49: ...on the back of the water heater 1 Figure 1 shows the typical positions for water heater operation Figure 1 2 Figure 2 shows the positions of the water control valves to by pass the water heater Figur...

Page 50: ...he water line thus allowing water to flow see figure 2 5 Water heater drain plug removal be sure to locate the water heater drain plug see figure 3 and remove it Figure 2 If you have the optional On D...

Page 51: ...B Procedure for units equipped with a manifold water control system Manifold water control system 1 1 In the rear road side exterior utility compartment turn the water control valve to City Water see...

Page 52: ...the hot water side of the faucet kitchen bathroom and exterior shower turn it off when RV anti freeze flows through the faucet then open the cold water side of the faucet and turn it off when RV anti...

Page 53: ...ed with a water board system 1 Position all three 3 valve stems in the down position as shown in this illustration 2 Attach your hose to the City Water inlet 3 Place the open end of the hose into RV a...

Page 54: ...turn it off when RV anti freeze flows through the faucet Repeat this process for all faucets in the kitchen bathroom and exterior shower 6 Flush the toilet until RV anti freeze flows through it This...

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