THOR CLASS A, Owner'S Manual

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M A I N T E N A N C E
T H O R M O T O R C O A C H | M A D E T O F I T
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Your motorhome is not designed, nor intended, for
permanent housing. Use of your motorhome for long
term or permanent occupancy may lead to premature
deterioration of its structure, interior finishes, fabrics,
carpeting, and/or window treatments, etc.
Damage and/or deterioration due to long term occupancy
is not considered normal, and may under the terms of
the warranty constitute misuse, abuse, or neglect, and
therefore void certain warranty protections.
NOTICE NOTICE
Extended Stay Usage
Your motorhome was designed primarily for recreational
use and short-term occupancy. If you expect to occupy the
motorhome for an extended period of time, be prepared
to actively address condensation and the humid conditions
that may be encountered.
The relatively compact space of a motorhome means that
the normal living activities of even a few occupants could
lead to rapid moisture saturation of the air contained in the
motorhome. During cold weather, when relative humidity
of the interior air is high, moisture condensation on surfac-
es can be higher compared to other dwellings because the
insulated walls of a recreation vehicle are much thinner,
therefore, generally colder. Estimates indicate that a fam-
ily of four can vaporize up to three gallons of water daily
through breathing, cooking, bathing, and washing.
Unless water vapor is carried outside by ventilation or
reduced by a dehumidifier (customer supplied), moisture
will condense on the inside of the windows and walls of
the motorhome. Moisture may also condense out of sight
within the walls or the ceiling where it will manifest itself as
warped or stained panels. Appearance of these conditions
may indicate a serious condensation problem. When using
your motorhome, always take necessary precautions to
minimize the effects of excessive air-borne moisture and
surface condensation.
Storage of the Motorhome
During periods when your motorhome is not in use, care
must be taken to ensure damage to your motorhome caused
by excessive moisture and other conditions does not occur.
The ideal storage location of your motorhome would be
in an enclosed, climate controlled environment, however,
this is not always possible. Follow these important storage
steps to protect your motorhome:
• Turn OFF and disconnect from all water sources.
• Turn OFF all combustion appliances.
• Winterize your motorhome’s water system.
a. Drain and flush all holding tanks.
b. Drain the water heater tank and fresh water lines.
c. If freezing temperatures are expected, treat plumb-
ing pipes and fixtures with RV antifreeze.
• Slightly open all closets, cabinet doors, and drawers;
this allows for air circulation.
• Close all windows and entrance doors.
• Open a roof vent enough to allow for some limited
ventilation, but not so far as to allow snow or rain to
enter the motorhome.
When storing the motorhome in climates of high relative
humidity (greater than 60% year round) control humidity
inside the motorhome by operating a dehumidifier (cus-
tomer supplied), drained to the exterior.
Winter Storage
When storing your motorhome for the winter, extended
periods, or in other extreme conditions, certain precautions
need to be made to protect it from possible damage. Make
sure to talk with your local RV dealer concerning any special
requirements for long-term storage in your geographic area.
The following steps are general and your dealer can help you
choose those that are most appropriate to your needs.
CHASSIS:
Perform chassis maintenance and recommend storage
procedures outlined by the chassis manufacturer (refer to
the chassis manufacturer’s owner’s manual).
TIRES:
Block up motorhome with wooden blocks or on a hard,
level surface to relieve the constant pressure on one area of
the tires. Inflate tires to their maximum pressure. Cover to
protect against sunlight with burlap, plywood or specially
designed tire covers, which are available at RV dealerships.
BATTERY(IES):
• Be sure that both the chassis and auxiliary (house)
batteries have the proper electrolyte level and that they
are fully charged. Add distilled water and recharge if
necessary. (NOTE: batteries installed in your motor-
home may be sealed or maintenance-free).
• Batteries should be checked for charge at least
monthly. Use of a trickle-charger may be appropri-
ate. Inquire with the battery manufacturer regarding
trickle-charging methods. A discharged battery could
freeze and may crack the case, causing severe damage
to the battery and surrounding area. In storage, a