Grand Design Solitude 2017, Owner'S Manual

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49
Occupant Safety
Effects of Prolonged Occupancy
Your RV is designed primarily for recreational and extended
stay use. Be prepared to deal with condensation and the humid
conditions that may be encountered, if you plan to occupy your
RV for an extended period. Modern RVs have a relatively small
volume due to their compact construction. The normal living
activities of even a few occupants in the RV, can lead to rapid
moisture saturation of the air inside and the appearance of
visible moisture, especially in cold weather.
Condensation
Condensation refers to the water droplets that appear on cold
surfaces when the water vapor in the air cools, and changes
to liquid water. In cold weather, it may be seen as frost or ice.
Moisture can condense on the inside of an RV during cold
weather the same way that moisture collects on the outside of
a cold glass during humid weather.
Condensation may also collect out of sight within the walls
or ceiling, causing warped or stained panels. Appearance of
these conditions may indicate a serious condensation prob-
lem. To minimize condensation inside your RV, moisture in the
air must be carried outside by ventilation, or removed with a
dehumidifier (customer supplied).
Tips to controlling condensation
To help alleviate excess moisture, use these tips:
• Allow excess moisture to escape to the outside when
bathing, washing dishes, hair drying, laundering and
using appliances and non-vented gas burners.
• Keep the bathroom door closed and roof vent opened
(if equipped, exhaust fan on) when bathing/showering and
for a period of time after you have finished.
• When cooking, always operate the range hood fan. Cook-
ing releases heat and moisture that can quickly
result in condensation in your RV; operating the range
hood fan can be effective in removing both.
• DO NOT hang wet clothes in the RV to dry.
• Use a fan to keep air circulating inside the vehicle
so condensation and mildew cannot form in dead
air spaces.
If the tips
presented here
are not effective
in controlling
condensation, it may be
necessary for you to invest
in a dehumidifier to reduce
the health risk to you or
your family as well as
prevent damage to your RV.
Your RV is not
designed, nor
intended, for use
as permanent
housing. Use of this RV for
long term or permanent
occupancy may lead to
premature deterioration
of structure, interior
finishes, fabrics, carpeting
and drapes. Damage
or deterioration due to
long-term occupancy is
not considered normal,
and may under the terms
of warranty, constitute
misuse, abuse or neglect,
and therefore void certain
warranty protections.