Grand Design Solitude 2017, Owner'S Manual

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Glossary
AC ELECTRICITY
—Alternating current also known as shoreline power. For purposes of this
manual, it refers to 120-volt AC (abbreviated 120 VAC).
AMP
—Short for ampere, the electric current unit of measure. RV sites with electric hookup will
specify the maximum amps supported, which generally come in units of 20, 30, or 50 amps.
The RV power connector must match the various plugs of the site amp rating.
ANODE ROD
—An anode rod, when used in a water heater, attracts corrosion causing prod-
ucts in the water. These products attack the anode rod instead of the metal tank itself. The
anode rod should be inspected yearly and changed when it is reduced to about 1/4 of its orig-
inal size. The rods are used in steel water heater tanks - an aluminum tank has an inner layer
of anode metal to accomplish the same thing. Anode rods should not be installed in aluminum
tanks!
AUXILIARY BATTERY
—For purposes of this manual, the term refers to the 12-volt DC group
27 deep cycle battery (customer purchased) that should be installed in your RV.
AWNING
—A roof-like structure made of canvas or other artificial materials which extends
from the RV body to provide shade. Awnings are generally placed over entrances. Some ex-
tend and stow manually while others are operated electrically.
BLACK WATER
—Term associated with the sewage holding tank. The toilet drains directly into
this tank.
BLUE BOY
—Also known as a honey pot. Refers to a portable waste holding tank that has
wheels on one end. These tanks often are manufactured out of blue plastic, hence the
nickname.
BOON DOCKING
—Also known as dry camping. Camping without electrical and water
hookups.
BREAKAWAY SWITCH
—An electrical switch on trailers designed to engage the breaks
in case the trailer breaks away from the tow vehicle. The switch is connected by a cable to
the tow vehicle. Breakaway is detected when the switch cable is pulled out during vehicle
separation.
BRAKE CONTROLLER
—A device (customer supplied) mounted under the dash of a towing
vehicle to control the braking system of the RV. Most brake actuators are based on a time
delay application; the longer the brakes are applied tighter the trailer brakes react
BRITISH THERMAL UNIT (BTU)
—Measurement of heat that is the quantity required to raise
the temperature of one pound of water 1°F. RV air-conditioners and furnaces are BTU-rated.
CAMBER (WHEEL ALIGNMENT)
—The number of degrees each wheel is off of vertical.
Looking from the front, tops of wheels farther apart than bottoms means "positive camber". As
the load pushes the front end down, or the springs get weak, camber would go from positive
to none to negative (bottoms of wheels farther apart than tops).
Glossary