forest river Forester Owner'S Manual Download

Page: 1 / 64

www.forestriverinc.com

Begin the Journey!

Forest River Interactive Mobile Manuals

Download your Forest River mobile app or visit our dynamic online manual to

enhance your ownership experience. These interactive options provide incredible

ease and insight into use, maintenance and enjoyment of your Forest River product.

Ranging from “How-To” videos, pictures and illustrations of various components,

systems and features to fully searchable content and downloadable PDFs for

individual component owner’s manuals, answers are always just a click away.

Visit

www.forestriverinc.com/manuals

or scan

the QR Code to access even more information on your

Forest River product. Never be without your manual again!

OwnersManualCovers.indd 5-6

8/20/2014 8:31:54 AM

1-877-801-0333

Summary of Contents for Forester

Page 1: ...BEGIN THE JOURNEY Class C Motorhome Owner s Manual ...

Page 2: ......

Page 3: ... product If your dealer is unable to do so please feel free to contact our Customer Service department for assistance Your dealership will provide you with the appropriate contact information Your recreational vehicle was built using the high standards set by Forest River Inc and following the strict guidelines set forth by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association RVIA as well as complying wi...

Page 4: ...rchase to validate this Warranty The return of this registration is a condition precedent to warranty coverage failure to return the completed registration to the Warrantor will invalidate this warranty Pur chaser shall deliver this recreational vehicle for warranty service within a reasonable time after discovery of the defect and in no event after expiration of the War ranty period which Warrant...

Page 5: ...28 Condensation and Humidity 28 Propane 29 Electrical System Control 31 Batteries 32 Power Converter Inverter 34 Fuses and Circuit Breakers 34 PLUMBING 36 Fresh Water 36 Water Center Panel 36 Traveling with Water 36 Monitor Panel Command Center 37 Water Pump 37 Sanitization 38 Waste Water Holding Tanks 38 Toilet 39 Winterization and De winterization 40 Fresh Water Holding Tanks 41 Water System Mai...

Page 6: ... vehicle the PDI Pre Delivery Inspection sheet and the Warranty Registration form If you do not have a copy in your Owners packet request a copy of these forms for your records They are an important part of the history of your RV A qualified dealer representative will perform a walk through demonstra tion which will provide you with important information regarding the operation of your RV Be sure ...

Page 7: ...ritten authorization from Forest River Inc could result in reduction or loss of warranty coverage Contact your dealer before making such changes The following is a list of suggestions to assist you in avoiding most warranty issues 1 Read your warranties and review them with your selling dealer The dealer s obligation is to educate you regarding the proper and safe operation of your RV and all its ...

Page 8: ...n a group of vehicles it may order a recall and remedy campaign However NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you your dealer or Forest River Inc To contact NHTSA you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll free at 1 888 327 4236 TTY 1 800 424 9153 go to http www safercar gov or write to Administrator NHTSA 400 Seventh Street SW Washington D C 20590 You can also obtain other...

Page 9: ...Warranty Pre Delivery Sample Forms Forest River Warranty Registration Form CUSTOMER INFORMATION 7 ...

Page 10: ...40 Email CRVinfo forestriverinc com Phone 800 353 7383 Dynamax 2745 Northland Drive Elkhart IN 46514 7619 Phone 888 295 7859 Forest River RV Georgetown Blue Ridge Cardinal Phone 574 206 7600 Web http www forestriverinc com ContactUs aspx CUSTOMER INFORMATION 8 ...

Page 11: ...der applicable state law Emergency Messenger Service Stay in touch with family and friends with no cost emergency message service Nationwide Trip Routing Make your next trip more enjoyable with custom trip routing and full color maps We provide easy to follow maps and directions travel tips and a list of interesting places to see and much more Coverage Coverage is available for one year on your ne...

Page 12: ...art IN 9 SEQUENTIAL SERIAL Last 6 digits assigned at the time of manufacture NOTE Always give model year and the last 8 digits of the Forest River serial number when ordering parts The serial number is a combination of 17 letters and digits based upon the information listed in the above table We recommend keeping a copy of that information in a safe place separate from the motorhome In the event o...

Page 13: ...r can result in uncontrolled propane flow which can cause fire or explosion and result in death or serious injury DANGER IF YOU SMELL PROPANE 1 Extinguish any open flames and all smoking materials 2 Shut off the propane supply at the container valve s or propane supply connection 3 Do not touch electrical switches 4 Open doors and other ventilating openings 5 Leave the area until the odor clears 6...

Page 14: ... shoulder and chest with minimal if any slack The shoulder har ness should not be worn under the arm or behind the back Wearing the harness the wrong way could cause serious internal injuries in a crash The lap belt should be adjusted so that it is snug and lies low across your hips after fastening If you have an automatic shoulder belt be sure to buckle your lap belt as well Otherwise in a collis...

Page 15: ...s at least once a week while the RV is in use This unit will not alert hearing impaired residents Special alarms with flashing strobe lights are needed for the hearing impaired Smoke alarms have a limited life and are not foolproof Never attempt to repair this unit replace if faulty Never disconnect the battery to silence the alarm WARNING Smoke propane and CO alarms may have an expi ration date P...

Page 16: ... windows NOTE Make sure everyone is familiar with the location and proper operation of all fire extinguishers WARNING Evacuate everyone from the recreational vehicle immediately DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE WATER TO PUT OUT A FIRE Water can spread some types of fire and electrocution is possible Leave the vehicle immediately and call the fire department Propane regulators must always be installed with th...

Page 17: ...and regularly inspect your tires Understanding Tire Pressure and Load Limits Finding Your Vehicle s Recommended Tire Pressure and Load Limits The tire information and vehicle certification labels con tain information on tires and load limits These labels indicate the vehicle manufacturer s information including Recommended tire size Recommended tire inflation pressure Gross Vehicle Weight Rating G...

Page 18: ...ng on a flat tire for even a short distance can ruin the tire even if there is no visible damage Using tire covers when your RV is stationary and properly maintaining your tires can help slow tire deterioration and prevent tire failure Only use tire cleaners and protectants that are approved by the tire manufacturer Many products marketed as tire cleaners or dressing protectants are actually harm ...

Page 19: ...op your car on wet roads in a shorter distance than a tire with a lower grade Traction is graded from highest to lowest as AA A B and C Temperature Letter This letter indicates a tire s resistance to heat The tem perature grade is for a tire that is inflated properly and not overloaded Excessive speed under inflation or excessive loading either separately or in combination can cause heat build up ...

Page 20: ... chassis owner s manual Improperly torqued wheel nuts can cause the wheel to sepa rate from the wheel mounting surface during operation This could result in property damage serious personal injury or loss of life WARNING Do not place a jack against the motorhome under belly when changing a tire To avoid damage to your RV be sure the jack is placed firmly against the chassis frame WARNING Never let...

Page 21: ...nal optional equipment or dealer installed accessories Estimated Average based on standard build optional equipment CCC Cargo Carrying Capacity Is the amount of weight available for fresh potable water cargo passen gers additional optional equipment and accessories CCC is equal to GVWR minus UVW Available CCC should accommodate fresh potable water 8 3 lbs per gallon Before filling the fresh water ...

Page 22: ...wind and rain can cause weights to be inaccurate Check the telephone directory or with local authori ties for the location of weigh stations in your area If you find that you have exceeded the GVWR of the recreational vehicle you will have to remove items until you are within the specified limits If you find that you have exceeded either of the GAWR s you will need to redistribute the load within ...

Page 23: ...s and hatches are securely shut and latched 2 Tail lights brake lights headlights and turn signal lights are functioning properly 3 City water hose is disconnected and stowed The connection cap has been tightly secured 4 Holding tank valves are closed and dump outlet cap is securely fastened and sewer hose is stowed 5 Power cord is unplugged and stored 6 TV satellite antenna is lowered if equipped...

Page 24: ...fully loaded coach with all occupants or allowing an average of 150 lbs per person and the towed vehicle com bined The combined weight must not exceed the GCWR DO NOT assume you can tow a vehicle which is within the capacity of the hitch without con sidering the fully loaded weight of the motorhome PLUS the weight of the towed vehicle The two combined may exceed the total GCWR of the moto rhome Al...

Page 25: ...Cockpit Seating Some models may not be equipped with seats shown below Please contact your dealer for more information Driver s Seat Passenger s Seat COCKPIT 23 ...

Page 26: ...hicle Keep in mind during peak traveling seasons reservations may be the best way to ensure you get the type of site that will suit your needs Campsite Parking It s best to arrive at the campground before dark espe cially if you are unfamiliar with the campground and if you need to back into a site Before parking on your site inspect it for rocks slopes or uneven areas When pull ing onto your site...

Page 27: ...n the system power OFF by pressing and releas ing the SYSTEM POWER button NOTE The system will not operate in extend mode if the ignition key is in the ON position If the levelers are down and the key is turned on the alarm on the control panel will sound Automatically Retracting the Levelers 1 With ignition in the OFF position press the SYS TEM POWER button and wait for the lights to stop flashin...

Page 28: ...ich is generally mounted on the control center on the wall Press and hold the OUT side of the rocker switch until the room is fully extended and immediately release the button Failure to do so could cause damage to the slide assembly WARNING Never move the coach with the slide room s extended NOTE Always check for debris on the roof of the slide room before retracting Also check for debris on the ...

Page 29: ...to build enough pressure output to begin to retract the slide room 6 When retraction is complete return the cartridge valve s and the directional valves DV1 and DV2 to the normal position WARNING Following manual override operation failure to return all valves to normal position may result in the room drifting from the retracted closed posi tion NOTE The normal operating position of the screw in t...

Page 30: ...Keep indoor humidity low if possible below 60 ideally between 30 and 50 relative humidity Relative humidity can be measured with a moisture or humidity meter The meter is a small inexpen sive 10 50 instrument available at most hard ware stores Some larger campground stores may also have the meters 2 Consider using a small dehumidifier to help rid the RV of moisture 3 Avoid allowing wet clothing to...

Page 31: ...GER Do not attempt to adjust or repair the regulator Adjustments and repairs require specialized train ing and tools Contact a qualified propane Service Technician Failure to follow these instructions could result in fire or explosion DANGER Do not modify your propane system Do not remove components or replace with components that are not of equal value The propane system in your recreational vehi...

Page 32: ... reduce the possibility of freeze up because of its larger orifice size and the fact that heat is being transferred through the walls of two regulators instead of only one Tips to help prevent regulator freeze up Be sure your propane tank is free of moisture before refilling DO NOT overfill the propane tank Be sure to keep the service valve on an empty tank closed If freezing occurs have your prop...

Page 33: ...y use of a recreational vehicle genera tor When the 120VAC system is operational power also passes through a system converter allowing the full use of all 12VDC functions in the RV Some 120VAC func tions in the RV may include Refrigerator Ice maker Roof mounted air conditioner s TV Microwave Converter Electrical outlets Some lights DVD Some refrigerators also have the option of running on propane ...

Page 34: ... ELECTRICAL ADAPTER OR REDUCER OR EXTENSION CORD AGS Automatic Generator Start System Some coaches are manufactured with an Automatic Generator Start System The AGS is designed to auto matically start your coach generator based on the inside temperature of the coach or a low battery condition These features allow you to leave pets and important items in your coach while you enjoy a day away and be...

Page 35: ...osition If the switch is not in use or on you will not have power to your battery If your chassis battery is dead you can start the chassis engine by using the battery boost switch located on the dash if equipped Hold the switch down while starting the engine then release it when the engine engages Battery Safety WARNING Always shield your eyes when working near batter ies Batteries can explode Do...

Page 36: ... ventilation to avoid overheating Fuses and Circuit Breakers Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter The 120VAC outlet in some possible wet locations are equipped with a protective circuit interrupter The ground fault circuit interrupter GFCI is designed to break the flow of current to the protected outlet when an imbalance of current is detected Imbalances include electrical leak age in an appliance suc...

Page 37: ...yond the capacity of its fuse the fuse will blow A portion of the 12VDC load on the line must be turned off to reduce the total load on the line to a level below the capacity of the fuse Replace the fuse with the same size fuse DO NOT replace with a larger fuse than indicated If this reduction of load on the line does not stop the blowing of the fuses there may be a short somewhere along the 12VDC...

Page 38: ...r air from the lines Close the faucets when the water is flowing freely Water heater bypass valves should be set to Normal mode NOTE Do not turn on the water pump when using water from an external source Only use the water pump when obtain ing water stored in your fresh water tank To Disconnect from the Outside Water Source 1 Turn off the outside source of water 2 Disconnect the hose from the supp...

Page 39: ... water This will ensure the hose will not alter the taste of the water and that the hose has been sanitized for that pur pose To be sure you maintain sanitary drinking and cooking water never use the hose for any other purpose You can purchase this type of hose at almost any camp ing store NOTE When connected to city water be sure your water pump switch is in the OFF position The pump is not neede...

Page 40: ...roduce odors To combat gray water holding tank odors an RV approved deodorizing agent should be used An agent that dissolves grease and fats and contains a detergent will help keep the tanks and lines clean and free flowing You can obtain the deodorizer at most campgrounds and at stores that carry camping supplies If Connecting To A Campsite Sewer Inlet DO NOT open termination valves until tanks a...

Page 41: ...me the holding tanks are emptied fill and flush both tanks with clean fresh water a couple of times to keep them clear and clean NOTE Keeping the black water tank clean allows the monitor panel to accurately assess the status of the tank Always clean up the dump site before leaving Never empty your holding tanks directly on the ground a roadway river or stream Do not pollute Toilet The toilet inst...

Page 42: ...nes 10 Pour RV antifreeze into drains p traps toilet and tanks NOTE Do not attempt to start the water heater or use the plumbing system after the system has been winterized Dewinterize Flush and sanitize the water system prior to use Winterizing With Antifreeze Only 1 Purchase 4 6 gallons of RV approved non toxic antifreeze 2 Drain all tanks fresh water and sewage tanks 3 Turn water heater bypass ...

Page 43: ... open and free flowing Empty the Holding Tanks 1 Remove the sewer drain hose from its storage com partment on the side of the recreational vehicle 2 Remove the cap from the RV drain and connect the drain hose to it 3 Attach the other end of the flexible drain line to the dump station inlet Be sure both ends of the flexible drain line are securely attached 4 Drain the black water tank first by pull...

Page 44: ...ces which may be causing the leak Clean the fitting thoroughly and reinstall If leaking per sists shut off the water supply until the fitting can be properly replaced Check with your dealer for the correct method of replacement and replacement parts Proper winterization procedures of plumbing systems will normally be all that is necessary to prevent the damage caused by freezing Freezing damage ca...

Page 45: ...ge Oven WARNING To Prevent Fire Or Smoke Damage 1 Keep area around appliance clear and free from combustible materials gasoline and other flammable vapors and materials 2 If appliance is installed near a window take proper precautions to prevent curtains from blowing over burners 3 Never leave any items unattended on the cooktop The hot air from the vent may ignite flammable items and may increase...

Page 46: ...tion 1 Place a pan on the burner grate 2 Hold a lighted match next to the desired surface burner head 3 Push in and turn the surface burner control knob to the LITE position 4 When the burner lights adjust the knob between HI and LOW to select the desired flame size 5 After cooking turn the surface burner knob to the OFF position Piezo Ignition 1 Place a pan on the burner grate 2 Push in and turn ...

Page 47: ...estriverinc com Microwave Oven General Use For more information please consult the individual own er s manual or on line at www forestriverinc com Do not attempt to defeat or tamper with safety interlocks Do not place any object between the oven front frame and the door Do not allow residue to build up on sealed surfaces Do not subject the oven door to strain or weight Do not operate the oven if d...

Page 48: ...ides propane only The control system activates the ignition system and attempts to light the burner for a period of approximately 45 seconds at 2 minute intervals If unsuccessful the CHECK indicator lamp will illuminate If the CHECK indicator lamp is illuminated on the control panel the controls have failed to ignite the burner To restart an ignition attempt when the CHECK lamp is illu minated or ...

Page 49: ...ane Extinguish any open flame Evacuate all persons from the vehicle Shut off the propane supply at the propane container or source Do not touch any electrical switch or use the phone or radio in the vehicle Do not start a generator Contact the nearest propane supplier or quali fied service center for repairs If you cannot reach a propane supplier or qualified service center call the fire depart me...

Page 50: ...h 30 or 50 amp capabilities be aware that some camp grounds may offer less than 30 amp service Check with the campground before utilizing excessive power which may create a fire hazard or trip breakers in either the recreational vehicle or the outside power source NOTE Always turn off the air conditioner and all electrical appli ances before disconnecting the RV from its 120VAC power source NOTE I...

Page 51: ...urn switch to OFF position 2 Turn off electrical power to the appliance 3 Turn off propane supply 4 If vehicle is to be stored or heater is going to be turned off while subject to freezing temperatures drain the water heater Storage And Draining If your RV will be stored during winter months drain the water heater to prevent damage from freezing 1 Turn off electrical power to water heater either a...

Page 52: ...your Forest River Owner s packet For more information please consult the individual owner s manual or on line at www forestriverinc com Your RV is prewired for cable Televisions run on 12VDC and 120VAC power Your recreational vehicle must be connected to shore power have the generator optional connected for the TV to operate For more information please consult the individual owner s manual or on l...

Page 53: ...ter does not require a battery to be connected to it for proper operation Average charge rate will depend on several variables such as condition of the battery s temperature and the length of time the bat tery s is connected to the converter NOTE When installing a battery s always observe polarity Connecting a battery with reverse polarity will blow the power converter output fuses APPLIANCES 51 ...

Page 54: ...tape until proper repairs can be made Seals And Adhesives It is important to maintain the seals and adhesives to prevent moisture from entering and destroying recre ational vehicle components When washing your RV inspect the seals for signs of drying out and wear Be aware that weather and road vibration will have an effect on seals causing them to dry crack or separate If you are unsure what to lo...

Page 55: ... area Propane System To ensure proper operation have the propane system checked frequently for leaks and road damage The entire system including regulator pressure should be checked annually or sooner if you suspect a problem Have the system checked by a qualified propane service technician using proper equipment The method of checking the system for leaks and propane safety pre cautions can be fo...

Page 56: ...ter a heavy snowfall Winterize the water systems and protect exterior hoses and lines from freezing Follow the winterizing procedure outlined in the Plumbing section Also follow all compo nent manufacturers instructions regarding their particular products If their procedure differs from this manual fol low the component manufacturer s instructions Heating Pads 1 When the outside temperature is nea...

Page 57: ...ents Safety Equipment Check fire extinguisher pressure and condition Wood Surfaces Clean prefinished panels and wood with wood cleaner Every 6 Months Item Procedure Fiberglass Exterior Wax with liquid or paste wax Roof and Roof Components Inspect and reseal as needed Axles Torque mounting bolts to 145 150 foot pounds Brakes Check operation and for uneven wear Yearly Item Procedure Roof and Roof Co...

Page 58: ...iltered water to your bathroom It also Removes over 99 of chlorine taste and odor Removes over 99 of turbidity Removes over 99 of Giardia and Cryptosporidium Does not channel fluidize or bypass like a granu lar activated carbon filter Does not permit the passage of cultivated bacteria like a granular activated carbon filter Does not contain silver nitrate or any other pesti cide or harmful chemica...

Page 59: ...pressure or temperature above or below stated operating parameters or improper winterizing The Seller makes no other warranties of any kind expressed or implied concerning this product including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose except that this product should be capable of performing as described in this manual Seller s obligation for this product s performance bel...

Page 60: ...Maintenance Schedule DATE MAINTENANCE REPAIR SCHEDULE SERVICE CENTER NAME ADDRESS CARE AND MAINTENANCE 58 ...

Page 61: ...n of Table I Passenger car tire a tire intended for use on passenger cars multipurpose passenger vehicles and trucks that have a gross vehicle weight rating GVWR of 10 000 pounds or less Production options weight the combined weight of those installed regular production options weighing over 2 3 kilograms in excess of those standard items which they replace not previously considered in curb weight...

Page 62: ...ulations and Propane 10 Tire Safety 15 Vehicle ID Decals and Plates 10 Vehicle Serial Number Label 10 INTRODUCTION 1 Warranty 2 Welcome Letter 1 LEVELING JACKS AND SLIDE ROOM OPERATION 24 Campsite Parking 24 Leveling Jacks Operation 25 Selecting a Campsite 24 Slide Room Operation 26 LIVING QUARTERS 28 Batteries 32 Condensation and Humidity 28 Electrical System Control 31 Fuses and Circuit Breakers...

Page 63: ......

Page 64: ...incredible ease and insight into use maintenance and enjoyment of your Forest River product Ranging from How To videos pictures and illustrations of various components systems and features to fully searchable content and downloadable PDFs for individual component owner s manuals answers are always just a click away Visit www forestriverinc com manuals or scan the QR Code to access even more inform...

Search results

Summary of Contents for Forester

Reviews:

Related manuals for Forester

Brands by name

Popular brands

forest river Forester, Owner'S Manual

Search results

Summary of Contents for Forester

Reviews:

Related manuals for Forester

Brands by name

Popular brands