THOR CLASS A Owner'S Manual Download Page 110

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M A I N T E N A N C E

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Condensation

Excess moisture trapped within your motorhome can

cause severe long-term damage to laminates, surfaces,

fixtures and other components of your motorhome.

Therefore, it is important to follow moisture-reducing

procedures as a normal routine of motorhome ownership

and maintenance.

TIPS FOR CONTROLLING CONDENSATION

• Allow excess moisture to escape to the outside when

bathing, washing dishes, hair drying, laundering, and

using appliances and non-vented gas burners by open-

ing ceiling vents.

• Always use the vent hood when cooking.

• Keep the bathroom door closed and the vent or window

open when bathing and for a period of time after bathing.

• Do not hang wet clothes in the motorhome to dry.

• In hot weather, start the air conditioner early in the

day as it removes excess humidity from the air while

lowering the interior temperature.

• Keep the interior temperature set as reasonably cool

during cold weather as possible. The warmer the

motorhome, the higher the temperature differential

between the cold wall surface and the interior air,

which can contribute to the formation of condensa-

tion on wall surfaces.

• Use a fan to keep air circulating inside the motorhome

so condensation and mildew cannot form in dead air

spaces. Allow air to circulate inside closets and cabinets

(leave doors partially open). Please keep in mind that a

closed cabinet full of stored goods prevents circulation

and may contribute to the formation of condensation.

• A natural tendency would be to close the motorhome

tightly during cold weather. This may actually increase

inside humidity. The warm inside air may be more

humid than the cool outside air. Allowing some cool

outside air into the motorhome may help reduce rela-

tive humidity inside the motorhome.

Seals and Sealants

The exterior shell of the motorhome is the primary weather

and moisture barrier. Over the life of the motorhome, the

shell will require regular care and maintenance. The shell

includes the roof, sidewalls, windows, doors, and under

carriage of the motorhome. Regular inspections and

maintenance is required to ensure the exterior shell pro-

vides a barrier against water intrusion.

The shell should be inspected periodically for cracks, tears,

gaps, and condition of sealants. Check corner and joint

moldings for sealant damage. Areas that require main-

tenance should be resealed utilizing a high quality sealant

that has the same or similar characteristics as the original

sealant materials.

Particular attention should be devoted to ensure slideouts

are sealed properly. Regularly inspect slideout seals for

chips, cracks, or other damage. Repair or replace damaged

slideout seals as soon as possible. Check door, window,

and vent seals for cracks, chips or other damage and replace

damaged seals as soon as possible.

NOTE: Damage caused by deficient sealant main-
tenance is not covered under the Thor Motor Coach
Limited Warranty.

Cold Weather Usage

When using your motorhome in freezing or below freezing

temperatures, these precautions should be taken:

• Make proper preparations to avoid freeze damage of

the fresh water and drainage systems.

• Propane regulator freeze-ups can occur in any weather

if there is moisture in the tank or if the tank has been

over-filled. Always use moisture-free propane fuel and

make sure the tank is not filled beyond 80% of capacity.

• Ventilation or the use of a dehumidifier (customer

supplied) may be required to reduce condensation.

• To avoid damage due to cold weather, check the exte-

rior extrusions for frozen moisture before operating

or using the motorhome compartment doors, locks,

slideouts, windows, vents, etc.

• To protect from freeze-damage, it may be necessary

to winterize the water system. Refer to Section 12,

Winterizing the Water System.

NOTE: Damage caused by the use of your motor-
home in freezing temperatures and/or performing
deficient cold weather precautionary measures is not
covered by the Thor Motor Coach Limited Warranty
or the Thor Motor Coach Structural and Lamination
Limited Warranty.