Monaco 2009 Knight, Owner'S Manual

Page: 204 / 260

200
2009
K
night
Chassis Information - 1
0
cHASSIS - INTRODUcTION
This section contains information and
instruction regarding various components of
the motorhome chassis. Follow the guidelines
and procedures to help understand and operate
the motorhome. Complete instructions for
engine and transmission may be found in
each product’s OEM manual included in the
Owner’s Information File Box.
WARNING
When welding is involved for
motorhome repair or modification,
only qualified, experienced technicians
should weld on the chassis. Improper
welding procedures and materials
may weaken the assembly or result in
damage that is not obvious and may
not cause an immediate problem or
failure. Unauthorized modifications or
repairs to the chassis could result in a
forfeiture of warranty coverage.
DANGER
Due to the sensitive nature of the
electronics on the chassis, the
following precautions are required to
protect electrical components in the
motorhome chassis.
1. Disconnect the (+) positive and (-)
negative battery connection.
2. Cover electronic control components
and wiring to protect from hot
sparks.
3. Disconnect the terminal plugs from
the engine Electronic Control Unit
located on the curbside of the engine
block.
4. Disconnect all the plugs from the
transmission Electronic Control
Module located in the roadside front
electrical panel.
5. Disconnect the wiring from the
alternator.
6. DO NOT connect welding cables to
electronic control components.
7. Attach the welding ground cable no
more than two feet from the part to
be welded.
The Roadmaster chassis design provides
exceptional balance, handling and braking
characteristics. The Roadmaster chassis is an
engine and frame unit featuring an all steel
frame design, providing greater structural
integrity and uniform stress distribution.
Incorporated in the Roadmaster chassis is the
air suspension system using eight air bags and
gas shock absorbers. This design provides the
smoothest ride, best handling and trouble free
service while delivering excellent drive ability.
The chassis also has a three-point hydraulic
leveling system. The Roadmaster chassis
design offers unsurpassed ease of maintenance
and service.
The towing system rating incorporated in the
construction of the frame is 10,000 lbs. towing
and 1,000 lbs. tongue weight.
The Roadmaster’s exclusive raised rail
chassis with air suspension consists of front
and rear axles, with trailing links. A panhard
bar on each axle controls side motion. Each
axle mounts to the trailing links that are
connected to the chassis. The raised rail design
of main chassis offers increased compartment
storage space. The suspension control arms
attach to the frame through bushings, which
require no lubrication. The preset suspension
ride height automatically maintains proper
suspension height throughout the load range.
AIR SUppLY SYSTEM
The air compressing system on the
motorhome is comprised of several items: air
compressor, air governor, air dryer, a front
air tank and a rear air tank. The compressed
air system operates several items, some of
which include brakes, suspension, air horns,
air gauge. The air system is charged by a gear
driven air compressor mounted on the engine.
As engine speed increases, compressed air
output increases. When air is compressed,
heat is generated. Heat dissipates as air is
discharged from the compressor. Moisture
condenses in the compressed air as it cools.
The moisture laden air then enters an air dryer
where the air is filtered. The filtered air charges
the front air tank. The front air tank is divided
in two halves: a wet side and a dry side. The
compressed air enters the wet side before
entering the dry side. A discharge line from
the dry side of the front air tank charges the
rear air tank. Discharge lines use inline check
valves to prevent back flow of compressed air.
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