•
When loading your RV, remember to distribute the
weight evenly so you get the proper amount of
weight on the axle(s) and hitch. Remember to also
consider the weight of any items you may purchase
on your trip.
•
Do not place heavy items in the overhead cabinets.
They could shift and fall during travel.
•
Luggage and similar cargo stored inside the RV
must be secured to prevent possible damage if it
should become necessary to make a sudden stop.
•
Heavy items should be stored close to the floor in
the center of the RV. Avoid loading heavy items near
either end of the RV or on the rear bumper. Adjust
cargo, as needed, to keep the side to side wheel
loads equal.
Packing For Travel
Following is a list of items you may find useful to take
along:
•
First aid kit
•
Spare fuses
12-VDC automotive type
•
Tool kit
Phillips, square head and regular slotted screw driv-
ers, pliers and crescent wrench, a bubble level,
open-end wrenches (that fit the water and gas line
fittings), a good tire pressure gauge, electrical tape
and a flashlight.
•
Water hose
Minimum of 25 feet, used to fill water tank and to
connect to city water.
•
Sewer hose and fittings
•
Extension cord
Three or four prong-MUST be rated for the load for
which your recreational vehicle was designed, either
30 or 50 amp.
•
Holding tank chemicals
•
Registration and insurance information (for recre-
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 in, they may
come in handy. The wood can also be used as
chocks to help prevent the RV from rolling forward
or backward if you are parked on an uneven site.
•
Throw rug
Protect the entry area carpet.
•
Emergency Contact Phone Numbers
One Final Check
After you have loaded your RV for your trip, weighed it,
and made sure you are within the specified weight limits,
there’s one final check you need to perform. Starting on
the outside of the vehicle, perform a visual, walk-around
check.
Here are some things to look for:
1. All exterior storage doors and hatches are securely
shut and latched.
2. Tail lights, brake lights, headlights and turn signal
lights are functioning properly.
3. City water hose is disconnected and stowed. The
connection cap has been tightly secured.
4. Holding tank valves are closed and dump outlet cap
is securely fastened, and sewer hose is stowed.
5. Power cord is unplugged and stored.
6. TV/satellite antenna is lowered (if equipped).
7. Tire pressure is within specified limits. (Always
check tire pressure when tires are cold-at least
three hours after being driven on.) Releasing air
from a heated tire is dangerous.
8. Lug nuts are tight and wheel covers are secure.
9. All liquid levels are adequate (chassis engine oil,
transmission fluid, engine coolant, battery fluid and
windshield washer solution).
10. Roof vents are closed.
11. Fresh water tank, sewage holding tank, and pro-
pane tank are at correct levels.
12. Entrance door is securely closed and locked, and
entry step is retracted.
13. Check the campsite for items left behind and that
you left it clean and safe for the next campers.
The last thing you need to do before getting on the road,
is to check the side view mirror position. If needed, have
someone help adjust the mirror from the outside, while
you view the mirror position from the drivers seat. Doing
so will ensure that the mirror is in the correct position for
your height. If your motorhome is equipped with a rear
vision system, check it at this time also.
As you sit in the driver’s seat, you will notice that you sit
up higher, and further to the left than in a passenger car.
Your perspective of the road will also be different. Due to
the driver’s seat location, and the configuration of the
motorhome, you will need to rely more on the outside
mirrors than if you driving a passenger car. Your motor-
home is also longer than your car, therefore be extra
observant and cautious when making turns, and when
pulling into traffic.
W ARNING
Swerves and sharp turns, especially at higher
speeds, could result in loss of vehicle control.
Before You Leave
Become familiar with your coach and its’ features. This
manual, the chassis manual, and the various appliance
and accessory manuals, contain important information
about the use and care of your RV and its’ components.
WEIGHING, LOADING AND TOWING
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