Monaco 2009 Knight, Owner'S Manual

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1
2009
K
night
Driving & Safety - 2
NOTE
Individual states and Canadian
provinces may have laws that can
exceed the requirements as described
in this section. It is the owner’s
responsibility to know and comply
with the laws in the state or province in
which the motorhome will travel.
NOTE
Use of a safety or booster seat in the
front seat may be prohibited in some
states and Canadian provinces.
WARNING
DO NOT transport children unrestrained.
Infants must be placed in approved
safety seats - small children must be
restrained in child safety seats. DO
NOT use a single seat belt on more than
one child. Failure to comply with these
rules can lead to injury or death.
WARNING
Because many styles of safety and
booster seats are available, refer to the
safety seat OEM manual for proper
installation and how to properly install
and secure the safety or booster seat.
Seat Belt Care:
Keep the belt clean and dry. Clean with
mild soap and lukewarm water.
DO NOT
use bleach, dye or abrasive cleansers that
may weaken the belt material. Periodically
inspect belts for cuts, frays or loose parts, and
replace damaged parts.
DO NOT disassemble
or modify the system. Replace the seat belt
assembly after a severe impact, even when
damage is not obvious.
DRIvINg TIpS
The motorhome is a
complex vehicle that
requires increased driving
awareness because of
its size and various components. Due to
the motorhome length the turning radius
will be much wider than that of a standard
automobile. Always pay close attention to the
perimeter of the motorhome including front,
sides, rear, roof and undercarriage. Ensure
the surrounding area is clear of obstacles.
Utilize the driving mirrors to observe traffic
conditions as well as the motorhome exterior
including tires, compartment doors, blind
spots, etc. Use a push-pull method of steering,
with both hands parallel on the steering wheel.
The motorhome is heavier than an
automobile and has a higher center of gravity,
which affects reaction time of the motorhome.
Swerving and sharp turning, especially
performed at high speeds, could result in loss
of control. Keep the size of the motorhome
in mind and drive with extra caution to avoid
situations that might require quick momentum
changes. Increase reaction time by paying
attention to traffic and road conditions 12 to 15
seconds ahead of the motorhome’s position.
The motorhome will travel safely and
comfortably at highway speed limits.
However, it takes more time to reach highway
speed. When passing another vehicle, allow
extra time and space to complete the pass due
to the added length of the motorhome.
When descending a long hill, manually shift
to a lower gear and begin the descent at a slow
speed.
DO NOT allow the motorhome to
gain momentum before trying to slow down.
Use the exhaust brake in conjunction with the
service brakes to help maintain a slow, safe
descent. The transmission and engine will
help control downhill speed and can extend
the service life of the brake lining. Distance
required to stop the motorhome is greater than
an automobile. Practice stopping away from
traffic to get the feel of distance required to
stop the motorhome.
Adjust to Driving Conditions
Adjusting to road, weather and terrain
conditions is necessary to keep the motorhome
under control. Pay attention to road signs
that advise of local road hazards and driving
conditions.
DO NOT operate the motorhome
when road, weather and terrain conditions
seem unsafe.
Keep the windshield clear of humidity in
the form of water or ice. Start the motorhome
and turn on the dash defrost and the overhead
blowers (if equipped) to help remove moisture
from inside the windshield. It may also be
necessary to use a clean cloth to wipe away
moisture. Keep windshield wipers in good
working order at all times.
DO NOT operate
the motorhome if the windshield is not clear.
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.
downhill