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Towing Vehicle Requirements

When considering a towing vehicle, keep in mind certain
requirements for safe and easy use:

1. Transmission - The transmission can be either

manual or automatic, but an automatic transmission
will control engine loads better.

2. Power - Be sure your tow vehicle has adequate

power to tow your camper on the type of roads you
will be using. Factors to consider are engine power,
cooling capabilities, and axle ratio. Discuss the tow-
ing capability of your vehicle with both your recre-
ational vehicle dealer and tow vehicle dealer.

3. Tires and Suspension - It is important to make sure

that your tow vehicle tires and suspension have a
sufficient rating to handle the additional capacity
needed to tow a camper. Check with your tow
vehicle dealer and your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual
for the type of tires and tire pressures required. If
your tow vehicle is equipped with air shocks, do not
use the air shocks as a load leveling device to level
the vehicle/camper combination.

4. Hitch - Your tow vehicle should be equipped with a

hitch that has a rating at least equal to the GVWR.
Be sure that it is installed per the hitch manufactur-
er’s instructions and that it meets the tow vehicle’s
requirements for fit and performance. Also, be sure
to install proper hitch wiring to supply 12-volt power
to the tent camper for turn signal and brake light
operations.

5. Sway Control - Install a sway control system that is

compatible with both your hitch and tow vehicle.
Have it installed and properly adjusted per the
manufacturer’s instructions.

6. Safety Equipment - Install proper safety equipment

such as towing mirrors. In most states, they are
required by law. Most styles available are not per-
manent and can be easily installed and removed.
Check with your dealer for correct types and meth-
ods of installation.

W ARNING

Some motorized vehicles are not good tow
vehicles as they cannot adequately control sway in
the vehicle being towed.

Hitch

Those units with a 2 5

16

"

ball require a class IV weight

carrying hitch. It is very important to choose a hitch
designed for attachment to your particular tow vehicle,
and have it properly installed. Pay particular attention to
tongue load limits of your tow vehicle and the hitch you
purchase.

Choose a hitch that does not overload the axle on the
tow vehicle. Be sure that the hitch ball is not below, or
more than, three inches above the leveled camper
tongue.

Weight Distribution Hitches

Hitches can be installed on units with box tube A frames
(i.e., not on C-channel A frames) with the following five
stipulations:

1. Properly installed by a qualified, trained technician.

2. Match system with GVWR of the camper.

3. The camper is loaded per the manufacturer’s rec-

ommendations.

4. Never exceed 15% of the GVWR on the ball hitch.

5. No weld on weight distributing hitch mounting

brackets.

NOTE:

Failing to follow any of the above five stipulations will
void the frame warranty on your camper.

Wiring

Along with your hitch, it is also necessary to install the
proper electrical connection from the tow vehicle to your
camper. A car end pigtail is supplied with leads of
adequate length to allow connection to your tow vehicle
wiring system. Be sure you use wiring of the correct
gauge with sufficient slack between the camper and tow
vehicle to allow for turning without dragging on the
ground. Have your tow vehicle dealer, and/or hitch
installer, assist you with the installation.

If your tow vehicle has a separate amber turn signal, it
will require a special adapter to allow your camper lights
to function properly. This adapter may be purchased from
your dealer.

Wiring Code

The wiring color code for connection is as follows:

White

- Ground.

Green

- Tail, clearance identification, and side marker

lights.

Red

- Left turn and stop.

Brown

- Right turn and stop.

Blue

- Optional electric brakes.

Black/Red

- Interior lights and accessory. (Connect

directly to the tow vehicle battery using #10 wire and a
15 amp in-line fuse at the battery. Be certain the wire is
properly routed away from the exhaust system and mov-
ing parts.)

Although your tent camper has been checked at the fac-
tory, we recommend that you visually check all lights to
ensure they are functioning properly before leaving your
dealer.

Weighing, Loading And Towing

20

Summary of Contents for Coachmen Clipper

Page 1: ...res and illustrations of various components systems and features to fully searchable content and downloadable PDFs for individual component owner s manuals answers are always just a click away Visit w...

Page 2: ...or by download ing the mobile phone app at the Apple TM APP Store or Google Play TM for Android TM Your tent camper underwent a thorough inspection before it was shipped to the dealer However to ensur...

Page 3: ...ing the obligation to install such changes on previously manufactured tent campers This Owner s Manual was current at the time of printing however products are continually being upgraded and improved...

Page 4: ...na 46515 3030 The terms conditions rights and responsibilities of this warranty shall be governed by the laws of the State of Indiana notwithstanding any other state laws WARRANTOR S OBLIGATIONS Warra...

Page 5: ...th Water 33 Water Pump 34 Sanitizing Portable Water System 34 Toilet 35 Winterization and De winterization 35 Water System Maintenance and Troubleshooting 37 Appliances 38 General Information 38 Range...

Page 6: ...each appliance in the manu facturers information packet NOTE Be sure your dealer completes the retail pre delivery inspection form and Warranty Registration form refer to page 8 supplied with your cam...

Page 7: ...o get the most enjoyment out of your new RV and to ensure you fully understand how your new recreational vehicle operates please address immediately any questions or concerns you may have regarding yo...

Page 8: ...free at 1 888 327 4236 TTY 1 800 424 9153 go to http www safercar gov or write to Administrator NHTSA 400 Seventh Street SW Washington D C 20590 You can also obtain other information about motor vehic...

Page 9: ...ns under applicable state law Emergency Messenger Service Stay in touch with family and friends with no cost emergency message service Nationwide Trip Routing Make your next trip more enjoyable with c...

Page 10: ...to be replaced Safety Regulations and Propane The following warnings are posted throughout your rec reational vehicle to provide information on propane safety They have been installed not only becaus...

Page 11: ...ry six months Have a meeting and discuss the plan showing everyone what to do including guests Do not waste time by picking up valuables or getting dressed Sometimes seconds count Vacuum any dust off...

Page 12: ...ver clean with a flammable substance 12 Spray fabrics annually with a flame retardant NOTE Be sure that everyone in your RV is familiar with the location of all exits including exit windows NOTE Make...

Page 13: ...rly inspect your tires Understanding Tire Pressure and Load Limits Finding Your Vehicle s Recommended Tire Pressure and Load Limits The tire information and vehicle certification label con tains infor...

Page 14: ...r for other signs of wear or trauma If you are towing a trailer remember that some of the weight of the loaded trailer is trans ferred to the towing vehicle Trailers should have the wheel bearings rep...

Page 15: ...consumers if a tire defect requires a recall Tire Ply Composition on Materials Used The number of plies indicates the number of layers of rubber coated fabric in the tire In general the greater the n...

Page 16: ...ont to back and side to side Heavy items should be place low and as close to the axle positions as reasonable Too many items on one side may overload a tire The best way to know the actual weight of t...

Page 17: ...tement The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs on your vehicle placard 2 Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle 3...

Page 18: ...rate from the wheel mounting surface during operation This could result in property damage serious personal injury or loss of life Do not over torque WARNING Do not place a jack against the trailer un...

Page 19: ...age occurs while driving bring your tow vehicle and camper to a controlled and gradual stop 2 Pull off the road as far as safely possible 3 Turn on hazard warning flashers 4 If the flat damage occurs...

Page 20: ...on the scale The difference between the weight of the camper fully loaded and empty is the rated personal cargo weight If for example the GVWR of your camper is listed at 7040 lbs and empty it weighs...

Page 21: ...s very important to choose a hitch designed for attachment to your particular tow vehicle and have it properly installed Pay particular attention to tongue load limits of your tow vehicle and the hitc...

Page 22: ...acturer Proper adjustment of the brakes can help to avoid dangerous swaying or jack knifing on slippery pavement or during an emergency stop Before leaving on a trip check for proper braking action on...

Page 23: ...oothly When pulling into traffic be sure there is enough distance to merge safely Keep a safe distance between yourself and the traffic ahead When applying the brakes allow extra time to slow down or...

Page 24: ...vision in the mirror When the camper is proceeding in the direction you want it to go allow the tow vehicle to follow Turn the steering wheel sharply to bring the camper and tow vehicle back to a str...

Page 25: ...ipped with propane bottles from using tunnels A few other states prohibit traveling with the service valve open Check the regula tions of the states through which you intend to travel Safety Chains Mu...

Page 26: ...cre ational vehicle and tow vehicle Spare set of keys Three pieces of 2 thick x 6 wide x 10 long pieces of wood For leveling the vehicle in uneven camping areas Even if you have leveling jacks built i...

Page 27: ...iquid Properly ventilating your RV helps control condensation Condensation causes damp ness mildew staining and if left unchecked may cause damage to paneling ceiling fabrics furniture or per sonal be...

Page 28: ...ction DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN This is a machined male brass fitting which seats against a female fitting 5 Be sure the regulator vent faces downward and that the regulator cover is kept in place to minimi...

Page 29: ...e tanks for use by the appliances in the camper The high pressure regulator first stage is used to reduce the pressure to approximately 10 to 13 PSI ounces per square inch before sending it along to t...

Page 30: ...nces for proper propane management Propane System Hoses and Fittings The propane hose provided with your camper is designed to withstand pressures far exceeding those of the propane system However sun...

Page 31: ...ualified propane ser vice representative DO NOT use tools to tighten tank service valves 5 Check propane piping where contact with the frame could cause cracking or damage due to vibration or road sho...

Page 32: ...l out to extend the cord A cutout on the cap allows you to replace the cap over the cord to keep water and dirt from entering the cord storage compartment For models with a removable power cord Your F...

Page 33: ...protective circuit interrupter The ground fault circuit interrupter GFCI is designed to break the flow of current to the protected outlet when an imbalance of current is detected Imbalances include el...

Page 34: ...opening the drain cock located beside the water tank Lift the drain cock handle to drain the tank Push the handle back down to close the valve The drain valve for campers with tanks below the floor i...

Page 35: ...per dis posal some models may be equipped with two gray water tanks and possibly two gray water valves NOTE Be a responsible camper Do not allow water you have used water from your gray or black holdi...

Page 36: ...nd return warranty registration information to the manufacturer Winterization and De winterization When storing your recreational vehicle through periods of freezing weather in an unheated environment...

Page 37: ...e system has been winterized Winterizing With Antifreeze Only 1 Purchase 4 6 gallons of RV approved non toxic antifreeze 2 Drain all tanks fresh water and waste water hold ing tanks 3 Turn water heate...

Page 38: ...me city water sources are the other main causes of most water system damage It is important to inspect all plumbing joints and fillings often for cracks and leaks Water leaking from a plumb ing joint...

Page 39: ...is a propane appliance Lighting The Range Be certain the propane bottle service valve is OPEN Light a match and hold it close to the range burner then turn the burner s control knob to full ON Air in...

Page 40: ...Turn the main propane valve control knob to the OFF position Set the thermostat above room temperature A slight delay will occur before the blower starts Allow the blower to run for five minutes for c...

Page 41: ...essary Small cracks in the fiberglass can usually be repaired by using a fiberglass filler Allow the filler to harden sand then repaint with gelcoat Check with your dealer for fur ther instructions an...

Page 42: ...them in a dry place 5 Saturate all seams with water and check inside the camper for any seam leaks Make sure that any moisture in the interior resulting from this process is removed if present 6 Allo...

Page 43: ...ners Wood Surfaces and Pre Finished Panels Keep the wood products in your tent camper looking like new for the life of the RV by treating the cabinetry and wood surfaces with a good furniture polish C...

Page 44: ...good idea to consult your dealer regarding any special requirements for storage in your particular geographic location 1 Park the camper on a level surface 2 Clean and dry the camper thoroughly both i...

Page 45: ...ndition of body moldings and reseal as needed Roof Inspect and reseal as neces sary Water and Drainage Check hoses fittings and con nections for leaks or signs of wear Lifter System Lubricate Item Pro...

Page 46: ...age the sensor and cause the detector to malfunction Operation POWER ON Warm Up When power is first applied the Yellow LED will flash for ten minutes while the detector is warming up At the end of th...

Page 47: ...ational Temperature 31 F to 150 F 35 C to 66 C Relative Humidity 15 to 93 Audible Output 85 db 10 feet Visual Alarm Signal Blinking Red Visual Mute Signal Blinking Green Visual Malfunction Signal Alte...

Page 48: ...ypropylene melt blown intermediate filtration medium The replaceable cartridge which is the heart of The WaterPur system has been tested to meet the mate rial requirements of NSG Standards 42 53 and 5...

Page 49: ...specifications shall be limited solely to the replacement of product proven defective at the Seller s sole discre tion Determination of suitability of product of uses con templated by Buyer shall be...

Page 50: ...of Table I Passenger car tire a tire intended for use on passenger cars multipurpose passenger vehicles and trucks that have a gross vehicle weight rating GVWR of 10 000 pounds or less Production opt...

Page 51: ...e Safety 11 General Information 9 Safety Devices 10 Safety Regulations and Propane 9 Tire Safety 12 Vehicle ID Decals and Plates 9 Vehicle Serial Number Label 9 Introduction 1 Limited Warranty 3 Welco...

Page 52: ......

Page 53: ...r your tires is located on your vehicle s tire information label not on the sidewall of your tire CHECKITMONTHLY At least once a month check your vehicle s tire pressure using an accurate pressure gau...

Page 54: ...res and illustrations of various components systems and features to fully searchable content and downloadable PDFs for individual component owner s manuals answers are always just a click away Visit w...

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