3-13
SECTION 3
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR MOTOR HOME
3 - GETTING T
O
KNOW YOUR MOT
O
R HOME
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
effects.
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 outside air through the
coach. In cold weather, this ventilation may in-
crease use of the furnace, but it will greatly re-
duce 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.
PREPARING VEHICLE FOR
STORAGE
Properly preparing your vehicle for storage
will lessen the possibility of damage to your ve-
hicle. Prepare the motor home for vacancy just as
you would if you were leaving your house for an
extended period:
Clean and Prep Coach for Storage
1. Turn off the LP gas tank.
2. Turn the furnace thermostat switch on the
bottom of the thermostat to OFF.
3. Remove all foods and items that may
cause odors from cabinets and refrigera-
tor.
4. Clean and defrost the refrigerator. Prop the
door open slightly to allow any odors to dis-
sipate. Place an open box of baking soda
inside the refrigerator to help absorb odors.
5.
Fully charge the batteries. Batteries must
have at least 80% charge to survive freez-
ing temperatures and long period of non-
use.
We recommend that you connect a bat-
tery charger or plug in the shoreline once a
month during long-term storage periods to
maintain battery charge and to avoid sulfat-
ing. If connecting a charger directly to bat-
teries, turn the Aux. Battery switch off to
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