Monaco 2009 Knight, Owner'S Manual

Page: 23 / 260

19
2009
K
night
Driving & Safety - 2
WARNING
Propane and gasoline are highly
flammable and can ignite, resulting
in explosion, fire or death. Ensure all
flames are extinguished, all propane
appliances are turned off and the
primary propane valve is off prior to
refueling.
Fuel Economy:
Driving style, wind resistance, terrain,
vehicle weight, and engine-driven accessories
are some of the factors that affect fuel
economy.
Guidelines to Help Increase Fuel
Efficiency:
When starting out, apply the throttle
lightly and accelerate gradually.
Avoid using excessive throttle and
accelerating quickly.
Check the tire pressure. A low tire
is not only a safety hazard, but also
increases rolling resistance and
increases fuel consumption.
Keep the engine at a low to mid
operating range of 1100 to 1500 RPM.
This will use less fuel than a higher
RPM.
Avoid using full throttle when
ascending a long hill. This wastes
fuel and increases engine operating
temperature from incomplete
combustion. Manually shift to a lower
gear and use less throttle. Fuel will
burn more efficiently.
Avoid extended idling to warm-up the
engine. Start the engine and wait for
normal oil pressure to register. Engage
the high idle feature until the engine
coolant temperature gauge raises.





The engine is now ready for travel.
Whenever coolant temperature is below
operating temperature (idling engine)
incomplete combustion occurs, causing
carbon build-up and raw fuel to wash
lubricating oil from the cylinder walls
and dilute the crankcase oil.
Excessive idling (more than 10 or
15 minutes) can clog fuel injectors,
damage the emission system and
eventually causing piston rings and
valves to stick.
Operate the transmission with the
MODE function set to Economy
whenever possible; this allows for
earlier shifts and enhanced fuel
economy. Shift points are also lowered
if the cruise switch is on. Turn off the
cruise power and set the transmission
to normal mode when in mountainous
terrain and congested traffic.
Follow the maintenance schedule for
the engine.
TRIp pREpARATION
The following suggestions are general
guidelines to follow when preparing for a trip:
Items to Carry:
An emergency
road kit containing
a flashlight, road
flares, warning
signs and a fire
extinguisher.
Local, State and
National Maps, as well as a ‘Motor
Carrier’ road atlas (for refueling station
and truck repair facility locations).





Hand tools, a 12 Volt
DC test light, a 120
Volt AC polarity
tester, battery
hydrometer,
an assortment
of blade fuses,
mini fuses and
alternator belt.
Potable and non-
potable water hoses,
a water pressure
regulator and various
termination connectors for sewage.
Inspection:
Ensure all exterior items are stored or
secured (i.e. TV antenna, ceiling vents
and windows).
Check belts, hoses, battery and engine
fluid levels. Inspect the engine,
transmission and generator per the
OEM manuals.
Evenly distribute and secure cargo.
Store heavy items near the rear axle
and lighter items toward the front to
prevent uneven stress and handling
problems.
Check motorhome tires for accurate
pressure and physical condition.
Look around, above and under the
motorhome for obstruction or leaks.
Test all exterior lighting: headlamps,
taillights, brake and clearance lights.
Inside the motorhome store and secure
heavier objects in the lower cabinets
to maintain a low center of gravity for
sway reduction.







020064b
Tool Box & Emergency
Road Supplies
020062
GB
GARDNER BENDER, INC
OPEN
GROUND
OPEN
NUETRAL
OPEN HOT
HOT/GRD
REVERSE
HOT/NEU
REVERSE
CORRECT
Polarity Tester
Test Light
090333f