The Owners Manual for your new Airstream trailer is designed to respond to the
most frequent inquiries regarding the operation, function and care of the many
systems that make modern trailering a joy.
Airstream realizes our customers possess varying degrees of expertise in the
area of repairing and maintaining the appliances in their trailer. For this reason,
the service and trouble-shooting information found in this manual is directed
toward those with average mechanical skills.
We also realize you may be more familiar in one area than you are in another.
Only you know your capabilities and limitations. We want you to use this
manual, and hope you will find the information contained in it useful, however,
should you ever feel you may be “getting in over your head” please see your
dealer to have the repairs made.
A brief explanation of the operation of the appliances such as refrigerator,
furnace, water heater and others are explained in this manual. However, you
will also find the manufacturer’s information supplied in a packet included
with this manual more detailed.
All information, illustrations and specifications contained in this manual are based
on the latest product information available at the time of publication approval. If
and when new materials and production techniques are developed which can
2012 FLYING CLOUDINTRODUCTION
improve the quality of its product, or material substitutions are necessary due
to availability, Airstream reserves the right to make such changes.
We have provided many important safety messages in this manual. Always
read and obey all safety messages.
DANGER: Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING: indicates a potentially hazardous situation
that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION Used with safety alert symbol, indicates a
hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in minor or
moderate injury.
NOTICE is use to address practices not related to personal injury.
This applies to hazardous situations involving property damage only.
(Optional) This denotes items that may be an option on all or particular models.
Additionally, some optional items can only be included during the manufacturing
phase and cannot be added.
The inclusion of optional items does not imply or suggest the availability,
application suitability, or inclusion for any specific unit.
Important Safety Precautions
You’ll find many safety recommendations on this page and throughout this
manual. The recommendations on the next two pages are the ones we
consider to be the most important. They are covered in depth in later sections
of this manual.
Do Not Allow Passengers to Ride in the Trailer During Travel
The transport of people puts their lives at risk and may be illegal. The trailer
does not have seat belts, therefore, it is not designed to carry passengers.
Reducing Fishtailing or Sway (See page B-11)
Sway or fishtailing is the sideways action of a trailer caused by external forces.
Excessive sway of your travel trailer can lead to the rollover of the trailer and
tow vehicle resulting in serious injury or death. Be sure to follow the instructions
in this manual.
INTRODUCTION
Mold (See page C-8)
There are mold and mold spores throughout the indoor and outdoor environment.
There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor
environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
Towing and Weight Distribution (See section B. pages 1-11)
Weight distribution is an important factor when loading your travel trailer. A
recreational vehicle with the cargo distributed properly will result in efficient,
trouble-free towing. Be sure to follow the instructions in this manual.
Lug Nut Torquing (See page D-15)
Being sure wheel mounting nuts (lug nuts) on trailer wheels are tight and
properly torqued is an important responsibility that trailer owners and users
need to be familiar with and practice. Inadequate and/or inappropriate wheel
nut torque (tightness) is a major reason that lug nuts loosen in service. Loose
lug nuts can rapidly lead to a wheel separation with potentially serious safety
consequences. Be sure to follow the instructions in this manual.
manual.
Appliances and Equipment (See Section H)
The appliances (stove, refrigerator, etc.) and equipment (hot water heater,
furnace, etc.) typically operate on LP gas. LP gas is flammable and is contained
under high pressure. Improper use may result in a fire and/or explosion. Be
sure to follow all instructions and warnings in this manual as well as the specific
owners’ manuals of the appliances and equipment.
Tire Safety (See page D-12)
Properly maintained tires improve the steering, stopping, traction, and load-
carrying capability of your vehicle. Underinflated tires and overloaded vehicles
are a major cause of tire failure. Be sure to read the Tire Safety Manual
Addendum included with your owner’s packet.
See torque pattern on page D-16 for tightening sequence and follow torque
specifications in the specification chart in the specification section of this
2012 FLYING CLOUDINTRODUCTION
Chemical Sensitivity; Ventilation
Chemical Sensitivity
After you first purchase your new recreational vehicle and sometimes after it
has been closed up for an extended period of time you may notice a strong
odor and chemical sensitivity. This is not a defect in your recreational vehicle.
Like your home, there are many different products used in the construction of
recreational vehicles such as carpet, linoleum, plywood, insulation, upholstery,
etc. Formaldehyde is also the by-product of combustion and numerous
household products, such as some paints, coatings and cosmetics. However,
recreational vehicles are much smaller than your home and therefore the
exchange of air inside a recreational vehicle is significantly less than a home.
These products, when new or when exposed to elevated temperatures and/
or humidity, may “off-gas” different chemicals, including formaldehyde. This
off-gassing, in combination with the minimal air exchange, may cause you to
experience irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat and sometimes headache,
nausea, and a variety of asthma-like symptoms. Elderly persons and young
children, as well as anyone with a history of asthma, allergies, or lung problems,
may be more susceptible to the effects of off-gassing.
Formaldehyde
Most of the attention regarding chemical off-gassing surrounds formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring substance and is an important chemical
used widely by industry to manufacture building materials and numerous
household products. It is also a by-product of combustion and certain
other natural processes. Thus, it may be present inside the trailer with some
individuals being sensitive to it. Ventilation of the unit normally reduces the
exposure to a comfortable level.
Trace levels of formaldehyde are released from smoking, cooking, use of
soaps and detergents such as carpet shampoos, cosmetics, and many other
household products. Some people are very sensitive to formaldehyde while
others may not have any reaction to the same levels of formaldehyde. Amounts
released decrease over time.
Your Airstream trailer was manufactured using low formaldehyde emitting (LFE)
wood products, which is the typical usage in the recreation vehicle industry.
Formaldehyde has an important role in the adhesives used to bind wood
products used in recreation vehicles. The wood products in your trailer are
designed to emit formaldehyde at or lower than industry guidelines and should
not produce symptoms in most individuals.
INTRODUCTION
While LFE wood products typically do not emit formaldehyde at a level that
would cause symptoms in most individuals, it is possible, though not likely, for
that to occur when the trailer is not properly ventilated. Ventilation is an essential
requirement for trailer use, for many reasons. Any effects of formaldehyde
can be greatly reduced by actions such as opening windows, opening roof
vents, running the air conditioner, or some combination thereof. In addition,
the emission of formaldehyde by these products naturally decreases rapidly
over time.
Airstream strongly suggests that you take measures to properly ventilate your
trailer on a regular basis. If you have any questions with respect to proper
ventilation of your trailer, please do not hesitate to contact your dealer or
Airstream.
Ventilation
To reduce or lessen exposure to chemicals from off-gassing it is of utmost
importance that you ventilate your recreational vehicle. Ventilation should occur
frequently after purchase and at times when the temperatures and humidity are
elevated. Remember off-gassing is accelerated by heat and humidity. Open
windows, exhaust vents, and doors. Operate ceiling and/or other fans, roof air
conditioners, and furnaces and use a fan to force stale air out and bring fresh air
in. Decreasing the flow of air by sealing the recreational vehicle increases the
formaldehyde level in the indoor air. Please also follow the recommendations
contained in Chapter 2 regarding tips to avoid condensation problems. Many
of the recommendations contained in Chapter 2 will assist in avoiding exposure
to chemicals that off-gas.
Do Not Smoke
Finally, we recommend that you do not smoke inside your recreational vehicle.
In addition to causing damage to your recreational vehicle, tobacco smoke
releases formaldehyde and other toxic chemicals.
Medical Advice
If you have any questions regarding the health effects of formaldehyde, please
consult your doctor or local health department.
Warranty Exclusion
Chemical gassing is not a “Defect” in your recreational vehicle and is not
covered by the Limited Warranty. Please follow the recommendations in this
manual to address this concern.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. WARRANTY AND SERVICE
Warranty
Warranty Explanation
Service
Reporting Safety Defects
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Parts & Supplies
B. TOWING
Tow Vehicles
Brakes
Loading
Weighing
Hitching Up
Towing Tips
Pre-Travel Check List
C. CAMPING
Camping Safety
Overnight Stop
Extended Stay
Leveling & Stabilizing
Hook Ups
Winter Traveling
D. EXTERIOR
Cleaning
Chassis
Power Jack
Tires
Axle and Running Gear
Electric Brakes
E. INTERIOR FURNISHINGS
AND ACCESSORIES
Fabric Care
Lounges & Tables
Bathroom Exhaust
Features & Fixtures
Storage Areas
Smoke Alarm
Gas Detector
Fire Extinguisher
Exterior Windows
F. PLUMBING
LP (Liquid Petroleum) Gas
Water
Winterizing
Drain and Waste
Toilet
Faucet, Moen Puretouch
G. ELECTRICAL
12-Volt Distribution Panel
Battery
Converter
12-Volt System & Components
TV Antenna
Satellite Antenna
Solar Panel
110-Volt System & Components
110-Volt Diagrams
F. APPLIANCES
Air Conditioner
Furnace
Range/Oven
Microwave
Refrigerator
Water Heater
High Volume Fan
I. SPECIFICATIONS
WARRANTY AND SERvICE
AIRSTREAM LIMITED WARRANTY
WARRANTY COVERAGE
Airstream Inc. (“Airstream”) warrants that it will repair or replace defects in
material or workmanship in any components of a new Airstream trailer pur-
chased from an authorized Airstream dealer in the United States or Canada for
a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date the trailer is first delivered
to the original retail purchaser. In order to obtain coverage under this Limited
Warranty, you must notify an authorized Airstream dealership or Airstream of
the warrantable defect no later than ten (10) days following expiration of this
Limited Warranty. Airstream’s obligation to repair or replace defective materials
or workmanship is the sole obligation of Airstream under this Limited Warranty.
Airstream reserves the right to use new or remanufactured parts of similar qual-
ity to complete any warranty work.
LIMITATION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES
IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARISING UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, IF
ANY, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE,
ARE HEREBY LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE TERM OF THIS LIMITED
WARRANTY. ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ARE
HEREBY DISCLAIMED BY AIRSTREAM. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW
LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE
ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED BY THIS LIMITED WARRANTY
This Limited Warranty does not provide coverage for any of the following:
1. Tires, batteries, stereo, television, range/stove, furnace, refrigerator, water
heater, microwave, generator, slide-out mechanisms, and other materials,
parts and components warranted by persons or entities other than Airstream.
Please refer to the warranties of component manufacturers for terms and
conditions of coverage;
2. Any part or component of the trailer that was not manufactured or installed
by Airstream;
3. Normal deterioration due to wear or exposure, including but not limited to
rust, corrosion, oxidation, and cosmetic blemishes;
4. Normal maintenance and service items, including but not limited to light
bulbs, fuses, lubricants, sealants and seals, slideout adjustments, door
adjustments, and awning tension;
5. After-market equipment or accessories installed on the trailer after completion
of manufacture by Airstream, or any defects or damage caused by such
items;
6. Trailers not purchased through an authorized dealer of Airstream trailers,
and trailers purchased directly or indirectly through auction, salvage,
repossession, or other non-customary sale means;
7. Defects or damage caused by, in whole or in part, or in any way related to:
AA
A - 1
WARRANTY AND SERvICE
A - 3
a. Accidents, misuse (including off-road use), or negligence.
b. Failure to comply with the instructions set forth in any owner’s manual
provided with the trailer.
c. Alteration or modification of the trailer except such alterations or
A
modifications approved in writing by Airstream.
d. Acts of God or other environmental conditions, such as lightning, hail, salt,
or other chemicals in the atmosphere.
e. De-icing agents or other chemicals applied to the trailer.
f. Failure to properly maintain or service the trailer, including but not limited
to the maintenance of lubricants, sealants, and seals.
g. Condensation and the results of condensation including water damage
and the growth of mold or mildew. Mold and mildew are natural
growths given certain environmental conditions and are not covered by the
terms of this Limited Warranty.
h. Use of the trailer other than for temporary recreation purposes, including
but not limited to use of the trailer for residential, disaster relief, commercial,
or rental purposes.
i. The addition of weight to the trailer that causes the trailer’s total weight to
exceed applicable trailer weight ratings, or addition of weight
causing improper distribution of the weight of the trailer.
j. Selection, use, and operation of any hitch assembly.
k. Failure to seek and obtain repairs in a timely manner.
l. Failure to use reasonable efforts to mitigate damage caused by defects.
m. Failure to properly ventilate the trailer.
n. Improper electric power supply or improper vehicle hookup to other
facilities.
o. Acts or omissions of any person or entity other than Airstream.
DISCLAIMER OF INCIDENTAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
Airstream hereby disclaims any and all incidental and consequential damages
arising out of or relating to the trailer, including expenses such as transpor-
tation to and from vehicle dealerships and Airstream repair facilities, loss of
time, loss of pay, loss of use, inconvenience, commercial loss (including lost
profits), towing charges, bus fares, vehicle rental, service call charges, gasoline
expenses, incidental charges such as telephone calls and facsimile transmis-
sions, and expenses for lodging. This disclaimer is independent of any failure
of the essential purpose of any warranties provided with a trailer, and shall
survive any determination that a warranty failed of its essential purpose. Some
states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
OBTAINING WARRANTY SERVICE
In order to obtain warranty service under this Limited Warranty, the owner must
do all of the following:
1. Owner and dealer representative must complete and return the Customer
Performance Checkout within 10 days from delivery of the trailer;
A - 2
WARRANTY AND SERvICE
2. Notify Airstream or one of its authorized, independent dealers, of any
claimed defect within the warranty period or 10 days thereafter;
3. Provide notification of a defect within 10 days of discovery of that defect;
4. Promptly return the trailer to an authorized Airstream dealer or Airstream
for repairs.
If you believe a defect covered by this Limited Warranty still exists after an at-
tempted repair by an authorized Airstream dealer, you must contact Airstream
at the following address, specifying:
1. The complete serial number of the trailer;
2. The date of original purchase and the date of original delivery;
3. The name of the selling dealer; and
4. The nature of the problem and the steps or service which have been
performed.
AIRSTREAM, INC.
419 West Pike Street
P.O. Box 629
Jackson Center, Ohio 45334-0629
Attention: Owner Relations Department
Airstream may direct you to an authorized Airstream dealer, or may request
that you bring your trailer to the Airstream factory in Jackson Center, Ohio for
repairs.
AA
Airstream does not control the scheduling of repairs at its authorized Airstream
dealers, and repairs at the Airstream factory may not be immediately available.
Therefore, you may encounter delays in scheduling repairs and/or completion
of repairs. All costs associated with transporting the trailer for any warranty
service shall be the sole responsibility of the owner.
DEALER REPRESENTATIONS EXCLUDED
The entire Limited Warranty provided by Airstream is set forth herein. Airstream
will not be responsible for any additional representations or warranties made by
any person or entity other than Airstream, and Airstream’s obligations are solely
as set forth in the terms and conditions of this Limited Warranty.
WARRANTY TRANSFER
This Limited Warranty is transferable to subsequent owners for the remaining
duration of the warranty period, upon approval from Airstream. Transfer of this
Limited Warranty will only be approved by Airstream upon all of the following:
1. Airstream’s receipt of a completed transfer application form;
2. The payment of a $250.00 processing fee to Airstream; and
3. The completion of an inspection of the condition of the trailer, at the
A - 3
WARRANTY AND SERvICE
A - 5
owner’s expense, by an authorized Airstream dealer in accordance w i t h
Airstream’s required procedure and Airstream’s receipt of a written report as
to the results of such inspection.
A
Transfer application forms are available from your dealer or Airstream’s Service
Administration Department.
CHANGES IN DESIGN
Airstream reserves the right to make changes in design and improvements
upon its products from time-to-time, without imposing upon itself any obliga-
tion to install additional features in your trailer.
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS
No action may be brought against Airstream for breach of this Limited Warranty,
any applicable implied warranty, or for any other claim arising out of or relating
to an Airstream trailer, more than thirty (30) days after: (1) expiration of the
twenty-four (24) month Limited Warranty period; or (2) expiration of the ten (10)
day notice period that follows expiration of the Limited Warranty period, if such
notice is given.
419 West Pike Street
P.O. Box 629
Jackson Center, OH 45334-0629
Tele: 937-596-6111
Fax: 937-596-6539
EXPLANATION OF AIRSTREAM LIMITED WARRANTY
The Airstream Limited Warranty is detailed on a Warranty Card. It is filled out
by the dealer and presented to the owner during delivery of a new unit. The
Limited Warranty must be presented to a dealer to obtain warranty service. It
should be kept in the trailer during the warranty period.
EXCLUSIONS:
Normal Wear
Items such as tires, curtains, upholstery, floor coverings, window, door and vent
seals will show wear or may even wear out within the one year warranty period
depending upon the amount of usage, weather, and atmospheric conditions.
THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY
ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
AIRSTREAM, INC.
Accident
We strongly urge our dealers and customers to inspect the trailer upon receipt of
A - 4
WARRANTY AND SERvICE
delivery for any damage caused by accident while being delivered to the dealer,
or while it is on the dealer’s lot. Damage of this nature becomes the dealer or
customer’s responsibility upon acceptance of delivery, unless Airstream is noti-
fied and the person making the delivery verifies the damage. Glass breakage,
whether obviously struck or mysterious, is always accidental and covered by
most insurance policies.
Abuse
Lack of customer care and/or improper maintenance will result in early failure
for which Airstream cannot be held responsible.
Exposure
Not unlike a car, the steel parts of a trailer can and will rust if subjected to pro-
longed exposure to moisture, salt air, or corrosive air-borne pollutants without
repainting. Aluminum oxidizes when unprotected under similar conditions, and
refinery chemicals of a sulfurous nature are harmful to finishes if not washed
off periodically. Extremely hot or direct sunlight will deteriorate rubber and fade
curtains and upholstery. Conditions of this nature, although they may be normal
for the area, are beyond Airstream’s control and become the responsibility of
the owner.
It is the responsibility of the owner to take such preventative measures as are
necessary to maintain the exterior caulking and sealer of your unit. It is the
responsibility of the owner to use reasonable, prudent care to prevent foresee-
able secondary damage from rain, plumbing leaks, and the natural accumula-
tion of moisture in your unit, such as a delaminated floor; stained upholstery,
carpeting, or drapes; mold formation and growth; furniture damage, etc. Mold
is a natural growth given certain environmental conditions and is not covered
by the terms of the Limited Warranty.
Overload
Damage due to loading, either beyond capacity or to cause improper towing
because of improper balance, is beyond Airstream’s responsibility. The
Airstream trailer is engineered to properly handle the gross vehicle load rating
on the certification label. Load distribution has a definite effect upon the
towing characteristics and attitudes of the trailer. Level hitch installations are
a necessity, and very important on a tandem axle trailer. There are limits to the
amount of load that can be safely transported depending upon speed and road
conditions, and reasonable cause to believe these factors have been exceeded
could void the Airstream warranty. For additional information on the loading of
your trailer, consult your Owner’s Manual or gross vehicle weight rating plate.
The axle is manufactured to a tolerance of 1-degree camber and 1/8” toe-in.
These tolerances will only change if the trailer is subjected to abuse, such as
AA
A - 5
WARRANTY AND SERvICE
A - 7
dropping off a sharp berm, striking a curb, or hitting a deep hole in the road.
Such damage could be considered as resulting from an accident which risks
are not covered under the warranty. Abnormal tire wear and/or wheel alignment
resulting from such damage is not covered under the terms of the warranty.
A
Chemical Gassing
Chemical gassing is not a “Defect” in your recreational vehicle and is not
covered by the Limited Warranty. Please follow the recommendations in this
manual to address this concern.
SERVICE:
Before leaving the factory, each and every vital part of the trailer is tested for
performance. Each test is signed and certified by an inspector. After the trailer
arrives on your dealer’s lot all of these vital parts and systems are again tested.
When you take delivery of your new trailer you will receive a complete check
out.
At that time a specified list of performance checks on your trailer equipment will
be conducted and any deficiencies you have experienced since taking delivery
will be corrected.
Please contact your dealer if you need service. Major service under your
Airstream Limited Warranty is available through our nationwide network of
Airstream Dealer Service Centers. An up-to-date list of Dealer Service Centers
will be sent with an Owner’s Survey shortly after your trailer is delivered. WWW.
Airstream.com web site also has a dealer locator on it. This list is current as of
the date of this publication.
Occasionally dealerships change, or new dealers are added who may not
appear on this list. For this reason, it is suggested that you contact your local
dealer from time to time and bring your list up to date. He can also provide
you with additional copies if you need them. ALL CENTERS OPERATE ON AN
APPOINTMENT BASIS FOR THE UTMOST EFFICIENCY.
When you require service from the Airstream Factory Service Center, or a
Certified Dealer Service Center, please contact the service manager for an
appointment, and kindly inform him if you are unable to keep the appointment
date or wish to change it. Service may be arranged at the Factory Service
Center by contacting the Service Coordinator at: Airstream Factory Service
Center, P.O. Box 629, 419 W. Pike Street, Jackson Center, Ohio 45334-0629
Phone: 937-596-6111
A - 6
WARRANTY AND SERvICE
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could
cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Airstream Inc..
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it
finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and
remedy campaign. However, NTHSA cannot become involved in individual
problems between you, your dealer, or Airstream Inc.
To contact NHTSA, you may either 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, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washington,
DC 20590.
You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from http://
www.safercar.gov.
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
WARNING: FAILURE TO MAINTAIN YOUR COACH CAN CAUSE
PRE-MATURE AND UNEXPECTED PARTS BREAKAGE AND/OR ERRATIC
OPERATION THAT MAY BE HAZARDOUS.
NOTICE: See appliance manufacturer’s literature for further information.
EVERY 1,000 MILES OR 60 DAYS
Escape Window Check operation of latches and upper hinge.
*Battery Check water level , lead acid only
Smoke Alarm Test and replace battery as required
Tires Check tire pressure (See Specifications)),
Hitch Check for loose bolts or unusual wear.
GFI Circuit Breaker Test and record.
EVERY 5,000 MILES OR 90 DAYS
AA
Exterior Door locks Lubricate with dry graphite
Exterior Hinges Lubricate with light household oil
LPG Hold Down Lubricate with light household oil
A - 7
WARRANTY AND SERvICE
A - 9
LPG Regulator Check bottom vent for obstructions
Main Door Striker Pocket Coat with paraffin.
Wheel Lug Nuts See Specification Section in this
A
manual for wheel torque ratings, page I-1.
Break Away Switch Pull pin and lubricate with household oil.
Replace pin immediately.
7-Way Plug Spray with contact cleaner.
Hitch Ball Latch Lubricate with non-detergent motor oil
Hitch Ball Lubricate with hitch ball lube or wheel
bearing grease.
Range Exhaust Hood Clean fan blades and wash filter.
Roof Vent Elevator Screws Lubricate with light household oil
Main Door Step Lubricate moving parts and check.
* As a battery ages and becomes less efficient, the water level should be
checked at more frequent levels. Checking water level does not apply to Glass
Mat Batteries.
EVERY 10, 000 MILES OR 6 MONTHS
Brakes Inspect, adjust, or replace as necessary
Wheel Bearings Clean and repack (Units less than 25 ft only)
Tires Inspect and rotate
Spare Tire Carrier Lubricate moving parts.
Seals, Windows, & Door Clean with mild detergent and coat with
“Slipicone”.
TV Antenna Lubricate all moving parts with silicone
lubricant.
Exterior Wax
Escape Window Lubricate latches with WD-40 or light
household oil.
EVERY YEAR
Battery Clean, neutralize, and coat terminals with
petroleum jelly
A-Frame, Step Wire brush and paint frame at front and rear.
LP Bottles Have purged by LP supplier.
Seams Check and reseal exterior seams, windows,
lights, and vents as needed.
Hitch Coupler and Ball Assure all parts operate freely. Replace any
component if worn or damaged.
A - 8
WARRANTY AND SERvICE
SUGGESTED MAINTENANCE PARTS AND LUBRICANTS
BULBS, EXTERIOR
License Plate # 53
Clearance Light #67
Door Light #1003
Convenience Light (Dump Valve) # 53
Trailers have an LED tail light system that uses no bulbs.
BULBS, INTERIOR
Ceiling Light (Incandescent) #1141
Wardrobe Light & Dinette Light #561
Wall Light #1076
Reading Light #TY-67
WARNING: Always replace the light bulb on an interior or ex-
terior light fixture with the correct bulb for that light. Failure to heed this
warning could cause fire, property damage, personal injury, or death.
MISCELLANEOUS
Water Hose Gaskets
Wheel Bearing Grease
Extra Hair Pin Clips for Hitch
Grease Seals
Dry Graphite
WD-40 or Equivalent Aerosol Lubricant
Oil Can with 30 Weight Non-Detergent Oil
Silicone Lubricant
Light Household Type Oil
Spray Contact Cleaner
Hitch Ball Lube (May use wheel bearing grease.)
Exterior Sealer
AA
A - 9
WARRANTY AND SERvICE
MAINTENANCE RECORD
DATEDEALERSERVICE PERFORMED
A
A - 10
TOWING
TOW VEHICLE
If you plan to buy a new vehicle to tow your trailer we suggest that you include
in your purchase the towing options offered by most tow vehicle manufacturers.
These include such things as a heavy-duty alternator and radiator, heavy-duty
springs and shock absorbers, transmission cooler, heavy-duty fan and flasher
unit and others, depending upon the make of the vehicle.
NOTICE: Be realistic when ordering heavy duty springs. Only springs heavy
enough to support your loaded vehicle (not including trailer) are necessary.
Too harsh of spring rate will only shorten the life of the tow vehicle and trailer,
and will make your journeys less enjoyable.
Transmissions may be manual or automatic, but an automatic transmission
may prolong your tow vehicle’s life and generally does a better job of control-
ling engine loads than the average driver using a manual shift.
Having adequate power is very important when considering the purchase of
a new vehicle or the trailer towing capability of your present one. American
manufacturers realize more than 30% of the vehicles they sell will be used for
towing some type of trailer. The dealers are provided with guidelines to use
when helping a customer decide on a tow vehicle. The guidelines are not just
determined by the power output of the engine. The gear ratio of the differential
is also a very important part of the guideline.
Note: The 7 way wire is spliced to the main harness in the area of the 12-volt
distribution panel in front of the trailer.
7-way Plug Diagram
Black, 12V
Blank
Brown, Right
Turn
Blue, Brake
Inspect the tow vehicle’s hitch regularly for loose bolts or nuts, cracked welds,
loose ball mounts, worn parts, etc.
New trailerists often carry more food and other supplies than really needed.
Remember that every item you take along is one more thing to stow and adds
weight to the total load you must pull. Consolidate items in shelves, lockers,
and in the refrigerator. It is better to have one full and one empty locker, than
two half empty ones. Special care must be taken not to overload the front and
rear ends of the trailer.
Clearance Lights,
Green
Left Turn, Red
12V, White
WARNING: Too stiff of springs can hinder the action of the
weight equalizing hitch and prevent the transfer of weight to the front of
the vehicle.
B
B - 1
TOWING
ELECTRIC BRAKES
Trailers 25 ft long and longer are equipped with Dexter Nev-R-Adjust brakes
while units less than 25 ft long have Dexter standard brakes. Please follow all
maintenance procedure in the Dexter users manual provided in the owner’s
packet.
The brakes are operated by 12 volt current from your tow vehicle and MUST BE
HOOKED UP SO THAT YOU HAVE AN INTEGRAL SYSTEM WITH YOUR TOW
VEHICLE BRAKES. To prevent problems and insure satisfactory braking action,
install an electronic controller in line with the brakes in your tow vehicle.
An electronic controller installed in your tow vehicle will synchronize the trailer
brakes with your tow vehicle brakes. It is designed to apply the trailer brakes
with your tow vehicle brakes.
Your brake controller should be adjusted to provide for a slight lead of the trailer
brakes over the tow vehicle brakes. Follow the directions provided with your
controller and keep the information for future reference. Don’t be afraid to ask
questions! If you don’t understand the directions, have the installer explain the
procedures.
Due to normal brake lining wear, the brakes and the controller setting should
be checked and readjusted every six months or 10,000 miles whichever comes
first.
NOTICE: Brake lining adjustment should be periodically checked (fully) to be
sure trailer brakes are in the same adjustment as the tow vehicles.
Properly set adjustments will provide for safe comfortable stops. They will also
help assure optimum brake and tire life for both the tow vehicle and the trailer.
In THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENTAL SEPARATION of the tow vehicle and the
trailer, the BREAK-AWAY SWITCH will set and lock the trailer brakes for a
sufficient length of time to stop the trailer. The switch is activated when the
wire attached to it and to the tow vehicle pulls out the small pin in the front
of the unit. THIS PIN SHOULD BE PULLED OUT, LUBRICATED WITH LIGHT
HOUSEHOLD OIL, AND REPLACED EVERY 90 DAYS.
To prevent corrosion within the breakaway switch, pull the switch’s pin straight
forward and spray the inside of the switch through the hole with an electric con-
tact cleaner (such as Spra- Kleen) and reinsert pin. A drop of light household oil
on the groove near the base of the pin will allow the pin to operate freely. WHEN
THE TRAILER IS CONNECTED TO THE TOW VEHICLE, THE BREAKAWAY
SWITCH LOOP SHOULD BE ATTACHED TO THE PERMANENT FRAME OF
YOUR HITCH. When disconnecting the trailer from the tow vehicle remove
B - 2BB - 3
TOWING
wire loop from the frame. DO NOT REMOVE THE PIN FROM THE SWITCH
BECAUSE THIS WILL APPLY THE TRAILER BRAKES.
NOTICE: Do not use breakaway switch for parking brake.
LOADING
When you tow a trailer, you are subject to new and different challenges on
the highway than you may have previously encountered. Towing a trailer is
no small responsibility and should be undertaken with great care and an eye
toward safety first. An accident with a tow vehicle and trailer can have much
greater consequences than carelessness with a small car. Like an airline pilot
who is responsible for expensive equipment and many lives, you should take
your responsibilities as a tow vehicle driver very seriously and learn all you can
about doing the job safely and well. Balancing the load and preparing the trailer
and tow vehicle are critical to safe handling.
One of the most critical aspects of safely operating a trailer is knowing the
weights involved and where they are placed. The first thing to determine is
how much is being towed and confirming that it is within the capacities of the
equipment being used. Determining WHERE that load is placed is critical to the
way your rig will handle on the road.
Do not try to guess what your recreational vehicle weighs loaded. Load your
RV including water, propane, etc and take it to a public scales. Weigh each axle
of your vehicle. Refer to your axle weight and tire limits to see if your within
a safe range. Total all axle weights and make sure you are below the GVWR.
If you are not overloaded make sure your load is balanced. Do not load too
much on one side. A balanced load is much easier to tow or drive. Also, front
to back balance is also important. Step back and look at your recreational
vehicle. Make sure that there is not too much weight on the hitch or on the rear
of the RV. Be sure to secure all items. Loose items can cause damage and be
a safety issue if not properly secured.The Cargo Carrying capacity tag shown
below is installed on every trailer and can be found on the inside of the screen