SAFARI Trek 2002, Owner'S Manual

Page: 113 / 136

Trek Owner’s Manual
9 ~ 113
Battery Care
Batteries also require maintenance on a regular basis. Your coach has two sets of batteries
- one set for the house 120 VAC requirements, and one set for the engine. Remember to
check both sets regularly. Identify each battery cable to be positive or negative before
making any connection. Always connect the negative ground cable last.
Make sure that each battery is clean and dry, and that all connections are tight and free
from corrosion and oxidation. You should remove the cables from the terminals and clean
both the cables and the posts with a battery brush on a monthly basis. Check that each
battery has the proper electrolyte level, and if necessary add distilled water.
Never add sulfuric acid or other electrolyte to the battery - it is the water that evaporates
not the electrolyte. Finally, make sure that the batteries are charged, especially before stor-
ing the unit.
Fuel
The Vortec engine is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline. The diesel engine runs
on Grade 2 or 2-D climatized diesel fuel. Diesel fuel is rated by 'cetane' number. This
should be no less than 40. In cold climates or high elevations this rating should be 45 or
higher.
Tires
While you are inspecting the rest of the exterior, you should also pay attention to the tires.
Tires are crucial for safe and comfortable driving, and also can indicate problems with the
suspension. At least monthly, and certainly before any long trip, tires should be inspected.
WARNING: The most common cause of tire failure is improper inflation. A plate in
the interior of your coach lists the correct pressures. Tire pressure
should be checked while the tires are cold.
Check the tread of each tire. If the tread has worn to less than 1/16", have the tire replaced
promptly. Check for abnormal wear patterns. The tire should wear evenly across. If the
wear is not even it can indicate improper balancing, alignment, inflation, or bearing wear.
Take your coach to a service center for maintenance.