Monaco 2008 LaPalma XL, Owner'S Manual

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drIvInG & safety — 2
Check tonnage limits of bridges before
crossing to ensure they can support the weight
of the motorhome. Signs should be posted at
bridge entrances. Check the posted height of
all overpasses or situations where overhead
clearance is limited. Keep in mind that road
surfaces may be repaved or packed with snow;
therefore, the actual posted clearance height
would not apply in such conditions.
Driving Cautions:
Avoid getting too close to the shoulder
of the road, which may be too soft to
support the weight of the motorhome.
Side spacing is best maintained by
keeping the motorhome centered in the
driving lane.
Driving lanes in work zones can be
uneven, congested and narrower than
usual.
Be cautious of road debris that can
damage the undercarriage of the
motorhome or become lodged in the dual
tires and cause damage to the tires, wheel
rims or tow vehicle.
On back roads and single divided roads,
tree branches and shrubbery can protrude
into the roadway. Watch for low hanging
branches, especially during inclement
weather. Rain and snow will cause
branches to hang lower than usual.
Posted speed signs are usually passenger
automobile rated. Be extra aware
of driving conditions and use the
appropriate speed for a motorhome when
necessary, especially on corners and
mountain roads.
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Downgrade speed should be at least
5 mph less than upgrade speed, or
downgrade speed should be attainable
within three seconds of a brake
application.
Use a four second rule when following
other vehicles at speeds under 40 mph.
Use a five second rule when following at
speeds over 40 mph.
Right Turns:
Negotiating a right hand turn in a motorhome
can be difficult. Many drivers fear they cannot
make the turn without entering into the other
lane or jumping the curb. Here are a few tips to
make a right hand turn easier:
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As the turn approaches, look into the
mirror to ensure the lane to the left is
clear, then move wide over to the left.
When making the right turn, the left
rear wheel should touch the center line
of the road and the driver’s hips should
be parallel to the roadside curb of the
corner being turned to aid in avoiding a
premature turn.
Make the turn slowly.
Check mirrors frequently. Stay aware
of necessary clearance and space
management of the motorhome while
negotiating the turn.
Left Turns:
DO NOT proceed with the turn until the
driver’s seat is aligned with the middle
of the intersection. If there are two lanes
available, take the right hand lane. A
vehicle or object located on the left hand
side is easier seen.
Ascending a Grade:
When approaching an uphill grade, assess the
grade and length before beginning the climb.
Prepare early for long climbs. Unlike gasoline
engines, diesels do not necessarily produce more
power by pressing further on the accelerator.
A gasoline engine will operate at full throttle
(at least for a short period of time), but a diesel
usually just wastes fuel at full throttle. The
power output from a diesel engine is dependent
upon the following:
RPM
- Every engine has a range of RPM
that produces power most efficiently.
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