Gulf Stream Indiana, Owner'S Manual

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17
DRIVER CONTROLS
Your chassis operator/owner manual will contain most information of driver controls such as Tilt steering, cruise
control, dash instruments, transmission gear selection, braking, and other essential driving functions. Please review
your chassis manual thoroughly, and familiarize yourself with all chassis controls before your initial trip.
BRAKES
As mentioned previously, your vehicle is much larger than an automobile and, though equipped with well-engineered
brakes, is likely to take more distance to stop than you have been accustomed to in the past with autos. Learn how
quickly your vehicle will stop from your normal cruising speed with the loads you carry. Become familiar with the
amount of pressure that it takes to “lock-up” the brakes in a “panic” stop.
NOTE: EVEN MODERN DISK BRAKES WILL NOT STOP A VEHICLE INSTANTLY IF THEY HAVE BEEN
SUBMERGED IN WATER. BE CAREFUL WHEN DRIVING IN FLOODED CONDITIONS. “PRE-DRY” BRAKES
PRIOR TO THEIR BEING NEEDED BY LIGHTLY PRESSING DOWN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND ENGAGING THE
BRAKE PADS AND SHOES TO GET RID OF EXCESS WATER AND WARM THE BRAKING SURFACES.
EXTREME CAUTION IS ALSO NEEDED IF ONLY ONE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE’S BRAKING SYSTEM HAS BEEN
FLOODED. IF A STOP IS NEEDED THE VEHICLE COULD VEER TO THE SIDE THAT IS DRY (THE BRAKES ON
THAT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE ARE WORKING MUCH BETTER THAN THE WET SIDE).
If you notice that the brakes get “mushy”, take your unit to your nearest dealer for inspection. Unusual sounds during
braking may indicate a problem. Have your dealer check the braking system. Read your chassis owner’s manual for
further information on your particular braking system and its care.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEMS (ABS)
Vehicles equipped with optional Anti-Locking Brakes have braking characteristics much different than vehicles
without. Anti-Lock Brake equipped vehicles have a system that senses wheel movement when braking. While
depressing the brake pedal, if wheel movement stops while the speedometer still shows that the vehicle is moving, the
Anti-Lock brake system literally "pumps” your brakes hundreds of times per second to allow proper braking. A
spinning, braking wheel will stop your vehicle quicker (time and distance) than a skidding wheel. Manually pumping
your brakes in this situation will adversely affect the Anti-locking brake system and will actually cause a longer
stopping distance than using ABS in the proper manner. Refer to your chassis owner’s manual for ABS braking
techniques.
If your ABS dash indicator light illuminates have your vehicle serviced immediately. Call your chassis manufacturer
first if you have to operate your vehicle while the ABS dash light is on.
PAC BRAKES AND JAKE BRAKES (OPTIONAL)
Pac brakes and Jake Brakes are sometimes utilized on diesel chassis to limit the engine and transmissions power
output for extra assistance in slowing down your coach. Both are good systems and are recommended if you feel you
need to supplement your existing braking system to reduce wear. Otherwise, down-shifting the transmission within the
vehicle’s limits is the next best way to reduce wear on your brakes (Pac Brakes and Jake Brakes will down-shift for
you). Please contact your chassis manufacturer for further information on these systems.
DASHBOARD INSTRUMENTS
While driving, always be attentive to your vehicle’s dash instruments. These instruments are designed to warn you
of any problem or potential problem with the vehicle. If a warning light does come on, check under the hood for
possible problems. Refer to your chassis operator’s manual for instructions on diagnosing the problem or contacting
help It is best to stop the vehicle at once if any warning light appears. Reduce your speed immediately by lifting off of
the throttle. CHECK THE TRAFFIC BEHIND YOUR UNIT. Don’t apply the brakes too rapidly. SIGNAL YOUR
INTENTIONS. Quickly, safely pull off to the side of the roadway onto a safe, solid shoulder area. Make sure the