3-11
SECTION 3
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR MOTOR HOME
3 - GE
TTING T
O
KNOW YOUR MOT
O
R HOME
STORAGE COMPARTMENT
DOORS
To ensure that exterior storage compartment
doors have latched properly, press firmly on the
bottom edges of the doors with the palms of your
hands. If the door is ajar you will hear and feel a
loud ‘click’ when the latches engage properly.
The high-density gaskets used on the exterior
storage compartments are designed to provide a
more positive seal against dust and weather.
Sometimes this seal firmness can inhibit com-
plete latching of the compartment doors if they
are simply ‘dropped shut’ or closing force is
applied only to the center of the door.
MOUNTAIN DRIVING
Special techniques must be used when driving
in mountainous or hilly country.
Climbing A Hill
The transmission will automatically down-
shift as needed to climb most hills. If the hill is
long or very steep, however, you may need to
manually shift to a lower gear to keep the trans-
mission from repeatedly upshifting and down-
shifting. Select the lowest adequate gear range
for the duration of the incline. See your chassis
operating guide for specific information.
Descending A Hill
When going down a long grade, you may need
to manually shift to a lower gear rather than keep-
ing your foot on the brake pedal. A lower gear
will allow the engine to provide a degree of brak-
ing action. Holding your foot on the brake pedal
for an extended period may cause brakes to over-
heat, which could cause you to lose control of the
vehicle. See your chassis operating guide for spe-
cific information.
EFFECTS OF PROLONGED
OCCUPANCY
Your motor home was designed primarily for
recreational use and short term occupancy. If you
expect to occupy your coach for an extended pe-
riod, be prepared to deal with condensation and
humid conditions that may be encountered.
HUMIDITY AND CONDENSATION
Moisture condensing on the inside of win-
dows is a visible indication that there is too much
humidity inside the coach. Excessive moisture
can cause water stains or mildew which can dam-
age interior items such as upholstery and cabi-
nets.
When you recognize the signs of excessive
moisture and condensation in your coach, you
should take immediate action to minimize their
affects.
You can help reduce excessive moisture in-
side the motor home by taking the following
steps:
Ventilate with outside air:
Partially open one or
more windows and a roof vent to circulate out-
side air through the coach. In cold weather, this
ventilation may increase use of the furnace, but it
will greatly reduce the condensation inside the
coach.
Minimize moisture released inside the coach:
Run the range hood fan while cooking, and open
a bath vent while bathing or showering to carry
water vapor out of the coach. Avoid making
steam from boiling water excessively or letting
hot water run. Avoid bringing extra moisture into
the coach by way of soaked clothing or snow on
shoes. Do not hang-dry wet overcoats or clothing
inside the coach.
Observe the engine temperature
gauge more frequently than normal.
If overheating occurs, pull off to the
side of the road and allow the engine
to thoroughly cool before refilling the
radiator and restarting the engine.
CAUTION
