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(Systems)
1)
Fill fresh water tank.
2)
Drain holding tanks and secure drain cap.
3)
Check operation of interior lights and appliances.
4)
Check propane gas level. Check for kinked propane lines and possible leaks.
Post-Trip Clean-Up
1)
Clean unit and check for damage.
2)
Drain waste-holding tanks.
3)
Clean waste drain hose and secure drain cap.
4)
Drain fresh water tank.
5)
Close outlet valve on propane tank.
6)
Disconnect the battery cables or turn off battery disconnect switch if equipped.
Safe Driving Rules
Your truck will have different handling and stopping characteristics when it is carrying the camper. The following rules will help you
develop needed skills for safe truck camper driving.
Travel slowly
with your new truck/camper combination, until you have learned the handling and stopping characteristics of the
combination. Practice turning, stopping, and backing in a secluded place away from traffic.
Do not permit
a driver who is inexperienced to operate your truck/camper combination without your direct supervision. Remember
its slow speed for beginners.
Drive at moderate speeds
allowing for adverse highway and wind conditions. Even under the best of conditions, do not exceed 55
miles per hour. As speed increases, driving stability, stopping ability, and ability to make emergency maneuvers are greatly reduced.
Reduce speed before starting down hills
– even short ones – and avoid heavy braking on downgrades. Truck stability is reduced
when traveling downhill.
Slow down before entering turns
and avoid heavy braking in turns. Truck stability is reduced in turns, and the weight of the camper
on the truck will affect the way the truck handles. Avoid quick steering movements that can reduce truck stability.
Maintain at least twice
the normal stopping distance while carrying your camper. The increased weight of the camper on the truck
requires greater stopping distance.
Use lower gears on long grades.
Downshift on upgrades to avoid overheating or undue engine loads. Downshift on downgrades to
allow engine braking to assist in controlling vehicle speed. Avoid continuous or frequent brake application. The added weight of the
camper can cause brakes to overheat and fade.
Allow amply time for passing.
Your acceleration will be much slower when you are carrying the camper.
Become familiar
with the position of the truck in traffic, and be cautious when maneuvering to allow for its length and width. Always
allow extra room to corner and to change lanes. Learn to use the side mirrors to view the road behind and to the sides. Check them
often.
Allow for extra height of your camper.
Check for low hanging tree branches or other obstructions whenever you drive, park, or
when pulling in for fuel or service. Always check overhead clearance of overpasses and bridges, especially if you drive with the roof
vents slightly open or if the camper is equipped with a roof air conditioner, roof rack, TV/radio antenna, or a satellite dish.
Measure your height from the ground to the highest point on the roof. Write it down on a piece of tape and put it in a visible place in
your truck. This will help you when you get to that “low overpass”.
Riding in Camper While Traveling
For the safety of passengers, it is not advisable to ride in the camper while traveling. In some states it may be illegal. If it is necessary,
care must be taken to remain seated while moving.
Campground Regulations
You should always check the campground regulation on arrival. This will avoid any unnecessary conflict with the campground
management and/or other campground users.
NOTE:
Some campgrounds do not allow the camper to be removed from the truck.