Monaco LaPalma, Owner'S Manual, Page: 57 / 366

2 • 57
Driving & Safety
2004 • LaPalma
Setting Up for Dry Camping:
• Switch refrigerator operation from Auto to LP-Gas.
• Operate the water heater on LP-Gas. Turn it on about an hour before hot
water is needed.
• If the furnace is needed during the nighttime, set the thermostat
temperature a bit lower to prevent the furnace from cycling all through
the night.
• Check on small items that use battery power, such as the porch light, bay
lights, the light under the step, generator compartment lights, engine
compartment lights, etc. If the television is not being used, turn off the 12
Volt booster. Even one light accidentally left on, such as under the front
cap, reduces battery reserves quickly.
• Some battery draw is unavoidable. The battery cut-off switch at the entry
door must be on to operate many interior items such as lights or the fur-
nace.
• Keep flashlights handy. Build a campfire when spending nighttime hours
outdoors. Extinguish the flames before retiring for the evening. Many
campgrounds place wood or cement barriers between the site space and
fire pit. Illuminate any barriers or obstacles in the pathway to the
motorhome.
• Place a large flashlight inside the front door for navigating through the
coach during the night without having to use interior lights. If interior
lighting is needed, use one light in a central location, such as the vanity.
• During the day it is still important to conserve on energy. Turn on the
water pump only when using water. Turn the pump off when not in use.
The water pump does not draw an abundance of power, however all
battery amp hours are important and should be conserved.
• Run the generator during clean up and preparation for the day when the
rest of the campers are up and about. Run it for a couple of hours to help
charge the batteries. The generator may seem loud, however, the noise is
minimal just a short distance away from the coach.
• Check the monitor panel frequently and keep track of water usage and
battery consumption. Routinely check the LP-Gas level. Remember the
furnace uses more gas in cold weather.
• Careful management of water is critical when dry camping. Know the
motorhome tank capacities. Picture the amount of liquid in a gallon
container. Visualize that amount each time you run the water. If you are
dry camping for extended period, limit shower usage. Turn the water off
when soaping down in the shower. If water conservation is critical, take a
sponge bath. Conserve water while brushing your teeth. Chances are a
campground without hookups will not have large comfortable shower
rooms or bathroom, but it may only be equipped with primitive facilities.
However, if it helps to economize on water, use them.