Monaco 2002 Diplomat, Service Manual

Page: 37 / 324

Dry camping requires fully charged and maintained batteries (corrosion
cleaned, terminals tightened, cables checked, etc.). If the battery water needs
to be refilled, use only distilled water. Water containing high concentrates of
chemicals will ruin the batteries.
Verify the fresh water tank is full and empty the holding tanks. Many dry
camping sites have a running waterspout at the site. Do not refill the fresh
tanks at the site without first emptying the waste holding tanks as they will
be unable to hold the extra waste water.
Equip the motorhome with solar panels. Solar panels are a valuable tool
in keeping the batteries charged. The first panel will sustain the parasitic loads.
The second panel (and third if available) will charge the battery during the sun-
light hours. Keep in mind the solar panels require regular cleaning. Dust, dirt,
grime and pollution from the road and air can decrease their efficiency.
Clean the solar panels with a spray window cleaner using a soft cloth.
Have a full tank of diesel fuel, gasoline or LP-Gas, depending on what
type of fuel the genreator requires.
There are plenty of dry camping locations with suitable sites that can
accommodate a motorhome. Confirm with the campground host that a particular
facility is appropriate. Arrive at the campground during daylight hours so
you can properly park the RV and prepare for the night ahead. Getting to the
site on the narrow and winding campground roads takes skill and patience to
avoid the low hanging limbs and tree trunks lining the path. Have the co-
pilot or the campground host assist with maneuvering the motorhome around
the curves and bends.
Because hookups are not a concern, take the extra time to ensure proper
setup. Make sure there is plenty of room to extend the slide-out room(s).
When dumping the air bags and leveling the motorhome, remember that the
leveling process will drain some of the battery power.
For units equipped with auto leveling there must be no movement in the
coach during the leveling process. Manual leveling will be less critical.
Setting up for dry camping:
• Turn the refrigerator off auto and switch over to gas.
• Switch the water heater to LP-Gas and turn it on about an hour
before hot water is needed.
• Set the furnace to a desired nighttime temperature and keep it a
bit cooler to prevent the furnace from cycling all through the
night.
Driving & Safety
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D I P L O M A T 2 • 3 7
DRY CAMPING
TIPS