Tiffin Motorhomes 2015 Phaeton, Owner'S Manual, Page: 120 / 158

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
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the shell will require regular care and maintenance in accordance with other instructions for exterior
care. The shell includes the roof, sidewalls, windows, doors, and under-floor of the vehicle. Particular
attention needs to be devoted to ensure these components are maintained to ensure a tight barrier
against bulk water intrusion. The shell should be inspected periodically for tears, gaps, and condi-
tion of sealants in accordance with this owner’s manual. Areas that require maintenance should be
resealed utilizing a similar, high quality sealant used by the manufacturer. Particular attention should
be devoted to ensure the slide outs are functioning properly. Each time a slide out is used it should be
inspected to ensure proper operation and sealing. The slide out gaskets should also be inspected to
ensure proper sealing when the slide out is operated.
Use of Your RV
It is important to remember that the square footage of an RV is significantly less than that of a single
family residence. This fact alone will elevate the relative humidity because there is less volume of air
to help absorb or dissipate the humidity. For example, showering and cooking create a lot of humid-
ity in a small area. In these instances, use of an exhaust fan and opening windows should reduce the
relative humidity, particularly when living in the RV for an extended period.
Severe Environments
Prolonged use of your RV in severe environments—for example in extremely cold or hot-humid
climates, will require extra care and maintenance to avoid moisture-related issues. In both extremely
cold and hot humid climates more attention needs to be focused on controlling relative humidity
within the RV. It also may require the use of a portable dehumidifier to manage relativity humidity
within an acceptable range.
Storage of Your RV
During those periods when your motorhome is not in use, care must be taken to ensure moisture
sources are addressed. Ideal storage of your RV would be in an enclosed climate controlled environ-
ment. When this is not possible, the following steps should be taken to ensure moisture is controlled:
• Turn off all water sources
• Turn off all combustion appliances
• Drain the water tank(s)
• Drain the water heater
• Open all closets, cabinet doors and drawers
• Close all windows and entrance doors
• Open a vent or a window enough to allow for some limited ventilation air flow, but not so
far as to allow snow or rain to enter
• When storing the RV in high humidity climates, add a dehumidifier drained to exterior to
control humidity inside the RV during storage
• Refer to other sections of this owner’s manual for additional recommendations