3-11
SECTION 3
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR MOTOR HOME
3 - GETTING T
O
KNOW YOUR MOT
OR HOME
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 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
avoid electrical arcing when attaching and
detaching charger clamps.
6. After charging batteries, turn the Aux. Bat-
tery Switch off to disconnect the batteries
and avoid parasitic* drain.
7. Have the vehicle chassis completely serviced
and lubricated. Be sure radiator antifreeze
protection level is sufficient for the lowest
anticipated temperatures.
8. Wash and wax the coach.
9. Inspect all seams and seals around doors,
windows, vents, and any other joints.
Replace or repair any that are damaged.
Sealing materials and compounds can be
purchased from your dealer. Badly damaged
weather seals may need to be replaced by
your dealer.
10. Close all windows and roof vents. Protect all
appliance vent openings from contamination
by animals or insects (e.g. bird nests, wasp
nests, etc.)
11. Lubricate all door hinges and locks.
12. Clean the interior of the coach. Dirt and
stains are more easily removed when fresh.
NOTE: We do not recommend leaving the shore-
line plugged in continuously during stor-
age periods because the batteries can
lose electrolytic fluids and become dam-
aged from continuous charging without
periodic use. We recommend following
regular battery inspection and mainte-
nance, especially in cold weather. See
“Battery Storage and Maintenance” in
section 9.
*Parasitic battery drain is the gradual drain by
items connected directly to battery power such as
clocks and radio memory.
When storing your vehicle through the winter,
or in cold climates, extra preparations need to be
made to protect systems that can be damaged by
freezing temperatures. See “Winterizing” in
Plumbing Section.
REMOVAL FROM STORAGE
1. Completely air out the motor home.
2. Have the entire LP gas system checked for
leaks.
