Fleetwood Tioga Montara 1995 User Manual

\ , '

"

I .

;.

-

-

montara

\

BY

FLEEJWCDD.

1995

\

FULL ONE-YEAR 115,000 MILE

.--.--WARRANTy---

.....

FOR MOTOR HOMES MANUFACTURED

BY

SUBSIDIARIES OF FLEETWOOD ENTERPRISES, INC.

SOLD IN

THE UNITED STATES

AND

CANADA

COVERAGE PROVIDED

Your

new

motor

home,

Including

the

structure,

plumbing,

heating

and

electrical

systems,

and

all

appliances

and

equipment

installed

by

the

manufacturer.

is

warranted

under

normal

use

to

be

free

from

manufacturing

defects

in

material

or

workmanship.

The warranty

extends

to

the first

retail

purchaser

and

his transferee(s)

and

begins

on

the

date

of original retail delivery or the

date

the motor

home

is

first placed

into

service

as a rental,

commercial or demonstrator unit (whichever occurs first). The warranty extends for a period of

one

year

from

such

date

or

until

the

unit

has

received

15,000

total

miles

of

use

as

determined

by

the

mileage

shown

on

the

odometer

(whichever

occurs

first).

Written

nollce

of

defects

must

be

given

to

the

selling

dealer

or

the

manufacturer

not

later

than

ten

(10)

days

after

the

expiration

of

the

warranty

period.

OWNER'S OBLIGATIONS

The

owner

is

responsible

for

normal

maintenance

as

described

in

the

Owner's

Manual;

however,

minor

adjustments

(such

as

adjustments

to

the

interior

or exterior

doors,

LP

regulator

pressure,

cabinet

latches,

TV

antenna

control,

etc.)

will

be

performed

by

the

dealer

during

the

first 90

days

of

warranty

coverage.

Thereafter,

such

adjustments

are

the

responsibility

of

the

owner

as

normal

maintenance

unless

required

as a direct

result

of

repair

or

replace-

ment

of a defective

part

under

this

warranty.

It a

problem

occurs

which

the

owner

believes

is

covered

bylhls

warranty,

the

owner

shall

contact

the

selling

dealer,

or

other

authorized

dealer,

giving

thai

dealer

sufflclenllnformation to

resolve

the

maHer.

The

ownershall deliver

the

motor

home

to

the

dealer

or

manufacturing

plant

location

for

warranty

service.

DEALER'S OBLIGATIONS

By

agreement

with

the

manufacturer,

the

dealer

is

obligated

to

maintain

the

motor

home

prior to

retail

sale,

to

perform a detailed

predelivery

inspection

and

to

repair

or

replace

any

parts

necessary

to

correct

defects

in

material

or

workmanship.

WHEN THE DEALER DOES NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM

If

the

dealer

Is

unable

or

unwilling

to

resolve a problem

which

the

owner

Is

convinced

Is

covered

by

the

warranty,

he

should

contact

the

manufacturing

plant

at

the

address

listed

below

and

provide

the

manufacturer

with a description

in

writing

of

the

problem

and

aHempts

made

to

resolve

It.

MANUFACTURING PLANT OBLIGATIONS

Upon

receipt

of

notice

of a claim,

where

the

dealer

was

unable

or

unwilling

to

resolve

the

problem,

the

manufacturing

plant

will

repair

or

replace

any

parts

necessary

to

correct

defects

in

material

or

workmanship,

or

will

take

other

appropriate

action

as

may

be

required.

WHEN THE MANUFACTURING PLANT DOES NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM

If

the

representatives

of

the

manufacturing

plant

are

unable

to

resolve

the

problem

and

the

owner

is

convinced

that

It

Is

covered

by

this

warranty,

the

owner

should

call

the

toll-free

number

listed

below

to

describe

the

problem

and

the

aHempts

made

to

resolve

it.

WHAT IS NOT COVERED BY THE EXPRESS WARRANTY

THIS

WARRANTY

DOES

NOT

COVER:

1.

THE

AUTOMOTIVE

SYSTEM

(INCLUDING

THE

CHASSIS

ANO

DRIVE

TRAIN). TIRES

AND

BATTERIES.

WHICH

ARE

COVERED

BY

THE

SEPARATE

WARRANTIES

OF

THE

RESPECTIVE

MANUFACTURERS

OF

THESE

COMPONENTS.

2.

DEFECTS

CAUSED

BY

OR

RELATED

TO:

A.

ABUSE.

MISUSE.

NEGLIGENCE.

OR

ACCIDENT;

B.

FAILURE

TO

COMPLY

WITH

INSTRUCTIONS CONTAINED

IN

THE

OWNER'S

MANUAL;

C.

ALTERATION

OR

MODIFICATION

OF

THE

MOTOR

HOME;

D.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

(SALT,

HAIL.

CHEMICALS

IN

THE

ATMOSPHERE.

ETC.)

3.

NORMAL

DETERIORATION

DUE

TO

WEAR

OR

EXPOSURE,

SUCH

AS

FADING

OF

FABRICS

OR

DRAPES,

CARPET

WEAR,

ETC.

4.

NORMAL

MAINTENANCE

AND

SERVICE

ITEMS.

SUCH

AS

LIGHT

BULBS.

FUSES.

WIPER

BLADES.

LUBRICANTS.

ETC.

5.

MOTOR

HOMES

ON

WHICH

THE

ODOMETER

READING

HAS

BEEN

ALTERED.

6.

TRANSPORTATION

TO

AND

FROM

DEALER

OR

MANUFACTURING

PLANT

LOCATION,

LOSS

OF

TIME,

INCONVENIENCE,

COMMERCIAL

LOSS.

LOSS

OF

USE.

TOWING

CHARGES,

BUS

FARES,

VEHICLE

RENTAL,

INCIDENTAL

CHARGES

SUCH

AS

TELEPHONE

CALLS

OR

HOTEL

BILLS.

OR

OTHER

INCIDENTAL

OR

CONSEQUENTIAL

DAMAGES.

.

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.

THIS

WARRANTY

GIVES

YOU

SPECIFIC

LEGAL

RIGHTS,

AND

YOU

MAY

ALSO

HAVE

OTHER

RIGHTS

WHICH

VARY

FROM

STATE

TO

STATE.

THEMANUFACTURERISNOTRESPONSIBLEFORANYUNDERTAKING,

REPRESENTATION

OR

WARRANTY

MADE

BY

ANY

DEALER

OR

OTHER

PERSON

BEYOND

THOSE

EXPRESSLY

SET

FORTH

IN

THIS

WARRANTY.

Brand Name;

_______________

_ Model;

___________

_

Serial No.

_____

_

FOR SERVICE ASSISTANCE:

Fleetwood

Parts & Service

P.O.

Box 5700
Riverside, CA 92507
(800)

322·8216

Fleetwood Parts

& Service

P.O.

Box 1007
Decatur, IN 46733
(800) 322·8216

Fleetwood Parts & Service
P.O. Box 106
Paxinos, PA 17860
(800)

322·8216

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS:

Motor Home Division
Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc.

P.O.

Box 763B

Riverside,

CA 92513·763B

(800) 322·8216

printed

in

U.S.A.

This

page

intentionally left

blank.

, ,

SAFETY REGULATIONS REGARDING LP GAS

SYSTEMS

AND LP GAS APPLIANCES

The

manufacturer

of

this

recreational

vehicle

is

required

to

furnish

the

following

consumer

Information

as

provided

by

the

National

Fire

Protection

Association

and

the

American

National

Standards

Institute.

The

information

and

warnings

found here may also be found in olher chapters

o!thls

Owner's Manual. Please see chapters titled

"LP

GAS SYSTEM"

and

"APPLIANCES"

for other safely and operating information,

WARNING

LP GAS CONTAINERS SHALL NOT BE PLACED OR STORED INSIDE THE VEHICLE, LP GAS CONTAINERS ARE
EQUIPPED WITH SAFETY DEVICES WHICH RELIEVE EXCESSIVE PRESSURE BY DISCHARGING GAS

TO

THE

ATMOSPHERE.

WARNING

IT IS NOT SAFE

TO

USE COOKING APPLIANCES FOR COMFORT HEATING, COOKING APPLIANCES NEED

FRESH AIR FOR SAFE OPERATION, BEFORE OPERATION:

t.

OPEN OVERHEAD VENT OR TURN ON EXHAUST FAN, AND

2, OPEN WINDOW,

THIS WARNING

LABEL HAS BEEN LOCATED

IN

THE COOKING AREA

TO

REMIND YOU

TO

PROVIDE AN
ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF FRESH AIR FOR COMBUSTION, UNLIKE HOMES, THE AMOUNT OF OXYGEN SUPPLY
IS LIMITED DUE

TO

THE SIZE OF THE RECREATIONAL VEHICLE, AND PROPER VENTILATION WHEN USING

THE COOKING APPLIANCE(S) WILL AVOID DANGERS

OF

ASPHYXIATION. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT
THAT COOKING APPLIANCES NOT BE USED FOR COMFORT HEATING AS THE DANGER OF ASPHYXIATION
IS

GREATER WHEN THE APPLIANCE IS USED FOR LONG PERIODS

OF

TIME;

WARNING

PORTABLE FUEL-BURNING EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING WOOD AND CHARCOAL GRILLS AND STOVES, SHALL
NOT

BE USED INSIDE THIS RECREATIONAL VEHICLE. THE USE OF THIS EQUIPMENT INSIDE THE RECREA-

TIONAL VEHICLE

MAY CAUSE FIRES

OR

ASPHYXIATION.

WARNING

DO NOT BRING

OR

STORE LP GAS CONTAINERS, GASOLINE,

OR

OTHER FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS INSIDE THE

VEHICLE BECAUSE A FIRE OR EXPLOSION MAY RESULT.

A warning label has been located near the LP gas container. This label reads: DO NOT FILL CONTAINER(S)

TO

MORE

THAN 80 PERCENT OF CAPACITY.

Overfilling

the

LP

gas

container

can

result

in

uncontrolled

gas

flow

which

can

cause

fire

or

explosion. A properly

filled

container

will

contain

approximately

80

percent

of

its

volume

as

liquid

LP

gas.

The

following

latrel

has

been

placed

in

the

vehicle

near

the

range:

IF YOU

SMELL

GAS:

1.

Extinguish

any

open

flames,

pilot

lights

and

all

smoking

materials.

2.

Do

not

touch

electrical

switches.

3, Shul off the gas supply at the tank valve(s)

or

gas supply conneclion,

4, Open

doors and other ventilallng openings.

5.

Leave

the

area

until

odor

clears.

6.

Have

the

gas

system

checked

and

leakage

source

corrected

before

using

again.

LP

gas

regulators

must

always

be

installed

with

the

diaphragm

vent

facing

downward.

Regulators

that

are

not

in

compartments

have

been

equipped

with a protective

cover.

Make

sure

that

regulator vent

faces

downward

and

the

cover

is

kept

In

place

to

minimize

vent

blockage

which

could

result

in

excessive

gas

pressure

causing

fire

or

explosion.

This page intentionally left blank.

WARRANTY
NOTICES

AND

WARNINGS

Introduction

............................................................. 1

Warranties ............................................................. 1

Reporting Safety Defects ...................................... 2

Owner's Information Package ..................•............ 2

Chassis and Vehicle Identification ..........•.............. 3

On

the

Road

............................................................. 5

Motor Home Loading ............................................ 5

Responsibility for Proper Loading ..................... 5

A Few Definitions First ...................................... 5

Towing a Vehicle or Trailer .....................

: .............. 5

Carrying Capacity

and

Load

Distribution ......... 6

How

to Weigh

Your

Loaded

Motor

Home

Without a Trailer

or

Other Towed

Load

............. 6

How

to Weigh Your Loaded Motor Home

With a Trailer

or

Other Towed

Load

.................. 7

Loading Tips ..................................................... 7

Tires ...................................................................... 8

Tire Inflation ...................................................... 8

Tire Replacement ............................................. 8

If

You

Get

a Flat Tire

..

, ...................................... 8

Spare Tire Carrier ............................................. 8

Changing a Flat Tire ......................................... 9

Seats and Seat Belts ............................................ 9

Driver/Passenger Seats .................................... 9

Seat

Belts ......................................................... 9

Child Restraint .................................................. 9

Driving and Parking ............................................... 9

Fuel and Fuel

Systems ....................................... 10

Fuel Fill ........................................................... 10

Fuel Types

and

Vapor Lock ........................ : .... 10

General Chassis Topics ......................................

11

Variable Speed Engine Fan ............................

11

Exhaust System Heat ......................... : ...........

11

Carbon Monoxide

Safety Precautions ..............................................

11

Carbon Monoxide Detector ............................. 12

Emergency Towing .............................................. 12

Attaching Accessories to

Your Motor Home ................................................ 12

Engine Temperature Gauges ..............................

12

Living

with

Your

Motor

Home

.............................. 13

Manual Entry

Steps ............................................. 13

Entry Assist Handle .............................................

13

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Entry Doors and Screens .................................... 13

Windows ............................................................. 13

Emergency Exit Window ................................. 13

Side Slider Windows ....................................... 13

Sun Visors ........................................................... 13

. Mini-Blinds .......................................................... 13

Storage ............................................................... 13

Exterior Compartments ................................... 13

Interior

Storage ............................................... 14

Interior arid Furnishings ...................................... 14

Dinette Conversion ......................................... 14

Sofa/Lounge Conversion ................................. 14

Folding Doors/Privacy Curtain Dividers ......... 14

Interior Lighting ............................................... 15

Overhead Vents ..............................................

15

Bunk

Ladder Installation ................................. 15

Monitor Panel ...................................................... 15

Effects

of

Long Term Occupancy ........................ 16

Ventilation

and

Controlling Condensation ...... 16

Fire

Safety ........................................................... 16

Fire

Safety Precautions ................................... 17

Smoke Detector .............................................. 17

.

Plumbing

Systems

................................................ 19

Fresh Water

System ........................................... 19

City Water Connection .................................... 19

The Water Pump .............................................

20

Water Filter ..................................................... 20

Troubleshooting the Fresh Water System ...... 20

Leaks ..............................................................

20

Sanitizing the Fresh Water System ................

20

. Exterior Shower ..............................................

21

Waste

Water System

..

< ........................................

21

Toilet ...............................................................

21

Draining the Holding Tanks .............................

21

Holding Tank Care .......................................... 22

Electrical

Systems

................................................. 23

Chassis Electrical Syste'm ................................... 23

Chassis Bulbs

and

Fuses ............................... 23

12-Volt

Coach System ......................................... 23

Battery Disconnect ..........................................

23

Auxiliary Start System ..................................... 23

Battery Inspection

and

Care ........................... 23

Battery Charging ............................................. 24

Selecting

a Replacement Battery ................... 24

120-Volt System .................................................. 24

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Our

forest product suppliers have advised that urea·formaldehyde is used in

or

the production of particle board, hardwood plywood
supply us and which we utilize in our finished product. These

to

requested that we communicate this

our customers.

paneling which they

suppliers have

For your information,

provided to us by our suppliers.

been

weare

reproducing samples of statements which have

'WARNING: THIS PRODUCT IS MANUFACTURED WITH UREA·FORM·

ALDEHYDE RESIN. FORMALDEHYDE VAPOR MAY IN SOME PEOPLE
CAUSE HEADACHES, EYE, NOSE AND THROAT IRRITATION, AND

OF

AGGRAVATION

ASTHMA. PROPER VENTILATION SHOULD REDUCE THE RISK

AS

ALLERGIES AND RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS, SUCH

OF

SUCH PROBLEMS.

Champion

WARNING: IRRITANT: THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS A UREA·FORMAL·

DEHYDE RESIN AND MAY RELEASE FORMALDEHYDE VAPORS

International Corporation

-

IN

LOW CONCENTRATIONS. FORMALDEHYDE CAN BE IRRITATING TO

THE EYES

SUSCEPTIBLE PERSONS SUCH AS THOSE WITH

AND

UPPER RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

OF

ESPECIALLY

ALLERGIES

OR

RESPIRATORY AILMENTS. USE WITH ADEQUATE VENTILATION. IF

SYMPTOMS

GeorgJa·Pacilic

DEVELOP, CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN.

Corporation

WARNING: THIS PRODUCT IS MANUFACTURED WITH A UREA·

FORMALDEHYDE RESIN AND WILL RELEASE SMALL QUANTITIES

OF

FORMALDEHYDE. FORMALDEHYDE LEVELS INTHE INDOOR AIR CAN
CAUSE
AGGRAVATE
TION WILL

Weyerhaeuser

TEMPORARY EYE AND RESPIRATORY IRRITATION, AND MAY

RESPIRATORY CONDITIONS

OR

ALLERGIES. VENTILA·

REDUCE INDOOR FORMALDEHYDE LEVELS. '

Company

,

'

,

, Ventilation is important in maintaining a comfortable environment and we

direct your attention to the discussion of ventilation contained in your

Owner's Manual.

1

INTRODUCTION

Welcome
growing

to

the recreational vehicle life-style and the

family of motor home owners. We sincerely

thank you for choosing a Fleetwood motor home I

o Your motor home has been designed to provide you

with years of carefree,
ing. Your motor home conforms with,
American

National Standards Institute A 119.2, CSA
Standard Z-240
Federal

Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. These stan-

pleasant traveling and vacation-

or

exceeds, the

(units built for Canada), and applicable

dards establish the plumbing, heating, electrical and
other requirements for performance and safety.
pliance
the

Like
require care and regular maintenance

with ANSI and CSA standards is indicated by

seal attached just outside the entry door.

all finely crafted equipment, your motor home will

in

orderto deliver

Com-

maximum value and performance. The dealer will give
you basic operating and maintenance instructions;

how-

ever, supplement this by reading all instructional mate-

o rial furnished with the motor home in tlie

Information

Package

and

Chassis

Owner's

Operator's
Manual. This information outlines important areas of
maintenance and provides a maintenance
you to
motor home,

follow for safe, trouble free service from your

Study these instructions carefully before

schedule for

you operate the motor home for the first time. A good

o working knowledge of your motor home and how to care

for it will

help you enjoy many miles and years of

recreational living.

NOTE: This manual describes
your

motor home
its safe use. This manual, including photographs
and

illustrations, is
Some equipment
shown in this manual
of

the continuous program

ment

conducted
that recent product changes
cluded. The instructions included in this manual
are intended as a guide,
the responsibilities
sidiary, parent company
standard written warranty as presented in this
manual.

In

this manual, statements preceded by the following

words are

of

special significance:

and

includes instructions for

of

and

may

by

Fleetwood,

of

the manufacturing sub-

many

features

of

a general nature only.

features described

be optional. Because

of

product improve-

it

is possible

may

not

and

in no way extend

or

affiliates beyond the

or

be in-

"WARNING"

means that there is the possibil-

ity of personal injury to yourself and others.
"CAUTION"

of damage to the
"NOTE"

means that there is the possibility

vehicle.

indicates points of particular interest

for more efficient and convenient operation.

Please pay close attention to these statements while

you read this

NOTE: This product is designed for recreational

use
designed
housing.

permanent occupancy

deterioration

ing, drapes, appliances

or

deterioration due to long term occupancy is

not

terms
or

neglect, thereby reducing
tection. Before considering this motor home for
long term occupancy, consult the relevant sec­tions in this manual. 0 0

If

you have any questions regarding operation, mainte-

nance,

so he can assist you. Your dealer's Service

ately

manual.

and

short term occupancy only. It is not

or

intended to

Use

of

this product for long term

of

interior finishes, fabrics,

be

considered normal,

of

the warranty constitute misuse, abuse;

or

service, please contact your dealer immedi-

be

used as permanent

may

lead to premature

and

fixtures. Damage

and

will under the

your

warranty pro-

carpet'

or

or
Sales Department will handle any normal problems
which might occur.

WARRANTIES

Your motor home is covered by one of the most compre-

hensive warranty programs
refer

to

the warranty in the front of this manual. It
explains
rights and

your rights and obligations, as well as the

obligations of the dealer and manufacturer.
Please read this section carefully.
informed

in

case you have a warranty-related problem,
and your dealer will be beUer able to get you on the road
again.

what it does

If you have any questions about the warranty

or

does not cover, please contact your

dealer.
The materials

in

your
contain warranty information and operating instructions
on the various

appliances and components

in

Owner's

the

RV

industry. Please

You

Information

will be better

or

Package

in

your

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Power Converter ............................................. 25

TV Antenna ....................................•................ 34

Power Inverter ................................................. 25

TV

and Radio Interference .................................. 34

. Ground Fault Interrupter ................................. 25

Miscellaneous Appliances ................................... 35

Coach Fuses and Circuit Breakers ..................... 25

Generator ............................................................ 25

Maintenance

........................................................... 37

Exterior ................................................................ 37

Generator Fuel Supply .................................... 25

Stains .............................................................. 37

Generator Operation .......................................

26

Generator Operating Safety Precautions ....... 26

Electrical System Wiring .....................................

27

Windows, Doors, Vents

and

Locks ................. 37

Rubber Roof

System ........................................... 37

Cleaning ......................................................... 37

LP Gas System ...................................................... 29

Care ................................................................ 38

LP

Gas Safety Precautions ................................. 29

Sealant Renewal ............................................. 38

System Components .................... : ...................... 30

Door, Window,

Roof

Component

Hoses .........................................

, ................... 30

and

Molding Resealing ................................... 38

LP

Gas Regulator ........................................... 30

Interior ..•........... ; .................................................. 38

Using

LP

Gas System at

Fabrics .................................•.......................... 38

Low

Temper<ltures ............................................... 30

Laminate

Top

Care .......................................... 39

Filling

LP

G<lS

Tanks ...........................................

31

Walls

and

Ceiling Panelii ................................ 39

LP

Gas System Leak Checks .............................

31

Bathtub

and

Plastic Shower Stall .................... 39

LP

Leak Detector .......................................... ; ..... 32

Floors

and

Carpeting ............. : ........................ 39

Lighting

LP

Gas Appliances ............... : ................ 32

Engine Access ................................................ 39

Appliances ............................................................. 33

Maintenance Checklist ........................................ 39

Water Heater ....................................................... 33

Motor Home Storage .............................................

41

Refrigerator ......................................................... 33

Storage'Checklists ..............................................

41

Acrylic Refrigerator

Door

Panels ..................... 33

Short-Term Storage ........................................

41

Furnace ............................................................... 33

Long-Term Storage .........................................

41

Range ................................................................. 33

Winterization , ..... , ...

,.,

.......................................... 42

Range Exhaust Hood .......................................... 34

Water System Winterizing ...............................

42

Air Conditioner .................................................... 34

Reactivating the Motor Home

Entertainment Equipment .................................... 34

After

Storage ....................................................... 43

120-Volt

TV

and

VCR ...................................... 34

Maintenance Chart ............

; ................................... 45

120/12- Volt Television ..................................... 34

5

ONTHE ROAD

MOTOR HOME LOADING

Responsibility
As the operator of this motor home, you bear the sale

responsibility for proper, safe loading. This section will
guide you through the steps necessary to properly and
safely load your vehicle.

Your

motor home chassis is designed to carry a specific
maximum weight. This weight
weight of the empty motor home
their belongings,
thing else that may

A Few
Before discussing loading and weighing, we need to

explain some common weight terms. We'll use abbre­viations

Definitions

in

GVWR

the maximum allowable load that this motor

home was designed to carry. Modifications to
your motor home, such as installing bigger

tires

not
GVWR is shown
tag posted on the
driver's compartment.

GAWR

maximum
designed to carry. Each axle has its own
GAWR. When you add the GAWRs, they will
not necessarily add up to the GVWR. The
GAWR is also shown on the Federal certifica­tion tag posted on the left interior sidewall of
the driver's compartment.

GCWR

is the maximum allowable combined weight of
the fully equipped and loaded motor home
(including passengers, all cargo, fluids, etc.)
plus the weight of any fully loaded towed load
(such as a trailer, boat, or automobile). The
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is
listed
the GCWR will cause damage to your motor
home drivetrain or chassis, unstable driving
and
your warranty protection.

for

Proper

fuel, fresh water, waste water and any-

be

First

our discussion. These terms are:

(Gross

or

in

(Gross

(Gross

handling characteristics, and will reduce

Vehicle

changing spring load capacities, will

any way increase this weight rating. The

Axle

allowable weight a specific axle is

Combined

on

the wardrobe door tag. Exceeding

Loading

includes everything: the

itself, all occupants and

in

or attached to the motor home.

Weight

on

the Federal certification

left Interior sidewall of the

Weight

Rating): This is

Rating): This is the

Weight Rating): This

GTW (Gross Towed Weight): This is the maxi-

mum allowable loaded weight that this motor
home has been designed to tow. This cannot
be increased
GTW is

MTW (Maximum

maximum vertical load that the towed load
applies to the hitch of the motor home. The
MTW is

UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight): This is the

calculated weight of the motor home, as built
at the factory with
other engine/drivetrain fluids) and LP gas.
The

UVW does not include cargo, fresh water,
passengers, or accessories installed by the
dealer. The UVW is listed on the wardrobe

door tag.

by

changing the trailer hitch. The

listed on the wardrobe door tag.

listed

Tongue

on

Weight): means the

the wardrobe door tag.

full fuel, engine oil (and

TOWING A VEHICLE OR TRAILER

("TOWED

and

You
expect to pull a trailer, tow dolly, or another vehicle
behind your motor home. These factors have limitations
just

GCWR-Gross
GTW-Gross
MTW-Maximum
GAWR-Rear-Gross

axles or axles (if equipped with tag axles)

The ratings for these factors are all listed

robe door tag.

If you expect to pull a vehicle with your motor home,

there are additional guidelines that

•

LOAD")

Note: Some states

safety chains on towed vehicles. Consult
the proper authorities in the states
through which you will be traveling.

must consider other important weight factors if you

like the weight factors above. These factors are:

Do

not

use a load equalizing hitch. It could

cause structural damage to the motor home

frame components.

and

provinces require brakes

or

Combined Weight Rating

Towe~

Weight

Tongue Weight

Axle Weight Rating-Rear

you

must follow:

provinces

on

the ward-

This page intentionally left blank.

7

How

to

Weigh Your Loaded

With

a Trailer

1.

Center the front wheels on the scale platform
and take a reading. This is the front Gross Axle
Weight (Reading 1).

or

Other

Motor

Towed Load

Home

o

2.

Center the entire motor home so that only the
motor home is being weighed. Leave the

trailer hitched to the motor home, but resting

. off of the scale (Reading 2):

c::::J

o

4. Subtract Reading 1 from Reading

the rear Gross Axle Weight.

2.

This is

o

Compare the readings taken on the scales to the weight
ratings
doortag. Fill in the chart at the back of this manual to aid
in

If any readings are higher than the rating, you will have
to adjust or

If

on

the Federal certification tag and wardrobe

comparing weights.

remove.

you

exceed

Cause damage to the motor home, drive train,

•

or chassis
Cause unstable driving and

•

teristics

the load.

weight

ratings,

you

will:

handling charac-

3.

Center poth the motor home and. the trailer
combination
This is the Gross Combined Weight (Reading

on

the scale and take a reading.

c::::J

o

MOTOR HOME READINGS

GVWR MOTOR HOME

Front GAWR
Rear GAWR REAR AXLE
Hitch Rating

GCWR COMBINED VEHICLES

•

•

Since you may load your motor home differently for

different trips, loading and weight patterns will change.

3).

Periodically reweigh your motor home and log the

weights in the back of this manual. Refer to your log as

you prepare to

Loading

•

•

•

(from

tags)

FRONT AXLE

. TOWED VEHICLE

Cause unsafe braking
Reduce your warranty protection.

load for future trips.

Tips

Do

not load heavy items in upper cabinets.

Secure
during travel, thereby shifting the load.

Do

motor home.or

and

brace items so they wont move

riot load heavy items near either end of the

on

the bumpers.

SCALE READINGS
Reading 2
Reading 1

Reading 3
Readlng4

Add 2 and

____
__

____

-:-

___

4

___

-,---

_

__

_
_

_

6

Limit the tongue weight

•

device to the
Heavier tongue weights can damage
motor home frame
driving
restrict
warranty.

Do

•

The way your motor home
the way the towed unit is
too
result. Careful load planning and safe experimentation
with different
home
towing experience more enjoyable.

not tow a vehicle weighing more than the

GTW

listed on the wardrobe
towed loads can cause braking problems,
damage the
train, cause unstable driving
acteristics,
the Ownercare warranty. Changing the trailer
hitch

will not increase the tow capacity

motor home. .

light in relation to the GTW, handling problems can

handling stability and make your driving and

MTW

and

handling characteristics,

your

coverage under the Ownercare

motor

and

restrict

loading patterns can help improve motor

of

the trailer

ortowing

as listed on the ratings tag.

your

and

body, cause unstable

and

will

door

tag. Heavier

home structure

or

your

coverage under

handles will be affected by

loaded. If the tongue weight is

or

drive

handling char-

of

the

WARNING

DO NOT EXCEED THE RATED LOAD O!=THE
MOTOR HOME, OR THE RATED LOAD OF
ANY

AXLE. EXCEEDING THE GVWR, GAWR
OR GCWR OF YOUR MOTOR HOME WILL
REDUCE YOUR
CAN

CAUSE
CHARACTERISTICS AND MAY CREATE A
SAFETY HAZARD.

Carrying
The allowable carrying capacity of the motor home is

the difference between the

empty motor home. When the motor home is being
desigried, the number and size of storage compart­ments, the
sealing positions are maximized for
nience.1f you fill all liquid tanks to capacity, fill all storage
compartments and cupboards to maximum volume and
fill

all available seating positions with passengers, the
motor home
gers and placement of cargo will affect the amount of
water and cargo that you can carry
Tips").

In

addition to knowing the overall weight that can be
safely loaded
must know how to distribute the weight so that correct

Capacity

liquid tank capacities and

will be overloaded. The number of passen-

WARRANTY PROTECTION,

UNDESIRABLE

and

Load

Distribution

GVWR and the weight of the

in

or

attached to the motor home, you

HANDLING

numberof

vaJue

(See

belted

and conve-

"Loading

amounts of weight are
load is properly distributed, your motor home will handle'
better, and you as the driver will be more confident and
comfortable.

If

your motor home is improperly loaded, driving will be
more uncomfortable and much of your driving attention
will be given to correcting vehicle wandering, drift, pull
and sudden directional changes caused by wind blasts.
If

the front axle load is below 80-85% of the front axle
capacity, these handling discomforts will be more no­ticeable. Always aim to
the front
GAWR.

axle is loaded to at least 80-85% of the front

Note: Carrying capacities
are specified on

placed on the axles. When the

load your motor home so that

of

your

motor home

a label affixed to the inside

of

a wardrobe door. The label includes all factory

Installed options.
leveling jacks, awnings,
installed after the motor home leaves the fac­tory, the weight
tracted from the total
cargo carrying capacities.

How

to

Weigh Your

Without

Refer to your local telephone directory to find a public

weigh station. The following procedures will help you

determine whether your loaded motor home (complete
with cargo,
GAWR,
a weigh station, the attendant will guide you through the
correct positioning of the motor home on the

1 . Center the front wheels on the scale platform

2. Center the entire motor home

3.

Compare the readings taken on the
ratings on the Federal certification tag and wardrobe
door tag. Fill in the chart
in

comparing weights.

If any readings are higher than the rating, you will have

to adjust

a Trailer

fluids, passengers, and driver) is within

GVWR, and GCWR limits. When you arrive at

and take a readin
Weight (Reading 1).

scale and take a reading. This is the Gross
Vehicle Weight (Reading 2).

Center the rear axle (or both rear axles if your
motor home is equipped with tag axles) on the
platform and take a reading. This reading is
the rear Gross

or

remove the load.

If other equipment such as

roof

pods, etc., are

of

these items must be sub-

of

the passenger

Loaded

or

Other

Axle Weight (Reading 3).

g.

Th

althe

Motor

Towed

is is

back of this manual to aid

Home

Load

the front G ross Axle

(all axles)

scales to the weight

and

scales.

onthe

9

Changing a FlatTlre

Even with good tire maintenance and normal driving,
you may experience a
help through your auto club, travel service, or a local

truck service facility.
with a jack or other lifting device. Do not attempt to lift
the motor home with a jack. Consult the
Operator's

inflation and proper torque.

Manual for additional information

flat tire. Summon professional

Your

motor home is not equipped

Chassis

on

tire

WARNING

TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR

PROPERTY DAMAGE IF A . BLOWOUT OR
OTHER TIRE DAMAGE OCCURS, OBTAIN
EXPERT TIRE SERVICE HELP. DO NOT

TEMPTTO CHANGE THE TIRE YOURSELF.

AT-

WARNING

TRUCK
TREMELYHEAVY

POUNDS OR MORE.
REMOVE THE SPARE TIRE UNLESS

ARE CAPABLE OF HANDLINGTHEWEIGHT.

WHEELS

AND

TIRES

AND MAY WEIGH 100

DO

NOT ATTEMPT TO

ARE

EX-

YOU

The driver's seat and other seats designed to carry
passengers while moving have been equipped wiih
seat

belts.

WARNING

ALL

RIDERS SHOULD. USE SEAT BELTS
WHILE
THER SEATS WITHOUT SAFETY BELTS NOR
BEDS SHOULD
VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.

Adjust seat belts as follows:

To

fasten

To release

Child

THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. NEI-

BE

OCCUPIED WHILE THE

belt, be sure it is not twisted, then push
the tongue end of one belt into
the mating belt. Be sure it latches. For great­est safety, adjust the belt snugly as low
abdomen as comfort will allow.

the

belt, depress the button
center of the
of the

buckle. Never use a belt for more than

one person at a time.

Restraint

buckle and slide the tongue out

the.

buckle of

on

the

in

the

SEATS AND SEAT BELTS

Driver/Passenger Seats
The driver's and passenger's seats offer different posi-

tion/comfort adjustments:

WARNING

DO NOT

WHILE THE VEHICLE IS

MAY LOSE CONTI'IOL OF THE VEHICLE.

Forward/Back

under the front left of the seat. Pull the lever
toward the left outside of the seat to unlock.

Release

position.

Swlvel-

front right of the seat. Lift the
up to
forward position. When
swivel freely around to the center position.

Recline - The

arm rest.

Seat

Belts

Seat belts are an important safety feature of your
vehicle. For your protection,

ADJUST

-The forward/back lever is located

the lock lever to secure the seat

The swivel lock lever is located under the

swivel. The seat locks

recliner lever is located on the right

THE SEAT POSITION

IN

MOTION.

lever forward and

in

unlocked, the seat will

always use your seat belts.

YOU

the center,

All vehicle occupants, and especially children, should
be restrained whenever riding
child in your arms is not a substitute for seat belts or a
child restraint system. Child restraint systems are de­signed to be secured
Children could be endangered
restraints are not properly secured in the vehicle.

When using any child restraint system, be sure to read
and

follow all instructions

come with the system.
When securing a child restraint with a

no retractor, pull the excess webbing through the ad-

justment mechanism.

If the child restraint is still not secure, use a different
seating position
dealer and the child restraint manufacturer for help.

in

the vehicle seats by lap belts.

in

the vehicle and/or contact your

in

vehicles. Holding a

in

a crash if their child

on

installation and use that

lap belt that has

DRIVING AND PARKING

Once you become accustomed to the feel of the con­trols

and the reference points from the driver's seat, you

to

will find' driving a motor home comparable
your family car. Become familiar with the

motor home in traffic, and be cautious when maneuver­ing to allow for the length and width
Always allow

Learn to use the side and rear view mirrors to view the

road behind.

room to corner and

pOSition

of

Jo

change lanes.

driving

of the

the vehicle.

8

• Adjust cargo storage to keep the side to side
Wheel

Fresh water and waste water weigh over

•

pounds per
as needed for travel use or to balance the load,

and whenever possible, empty the holding
tanks before traveling.

loads as equal as possible.

gallon. Carry only as much water

WARNING

MODIFICATION
ADDITION
EQUIPPED
TO

CARRY
VEHICLES
YOUR
MAY
PROPERTY

Make a loading diagram

•

motor home. This diagram and your loading
log will help you locate where specific items

are stored, and will

process.
Store emergency items

•

location.
aid kit, rain
devices, and an electric cord with light.

OF

WARRANTY

CAUSE

Include a fire extinguisher, tools, first

OF

YOUR

RACKS

BY

THE

ADDITIONAL

OR

CARGO

PERSONAL

DAMAGE.

help speed the loading

gear, flashlight, highway warning

VEHICLE

NOT

ORIGINALLY

MANUFACTURER

EQUIPMENT,

WILL

COVERAGE

of

your properly loaded

in

a readily accessible

REDUCE

INJURY

BY

AND

OR

WARNING

DO NOT STORE OR CARRY LP GAS CON­TAINERS, GASOLINE, OR OTHER FLAM­MABLE
HOME. THE CONTAINERS MAY LEAK.

LIQUIDS INSIDE YOUR MOTOR

TIRES

Your

motor home is equipped with truck tires. Under
normal circumstances and with proper maintenance,
you

should receive thousands of miles of trouble-free

service.

WARNING

FOR SAFETY AND MAXIMUM TIRE LIFE,

.

CHECKTIRE PRESSURES OFTEN (INCLUD­INGTHE SPARE).
TO INSIDE

PRESSURE WHEN TIRES ARE COLD, AND
DO NOT BLEED AIR OUT
FOLLOW

TIONS IN THE

MANUAL.

Note: Check the wheel lug
cally. They could work loose during driving.
Check the Chassis Operator's Manual
rect lug

Tire

Replacement

Replacement tires must be the same size, and have at
least the same weight carrying capacity as the original
equipment.

have the same weight carrying capacity.
tire dealer. The original equipment tires supplied on
your motor home have weight carrying capacities to
support Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) as stated
on

the Federal Certification

near the driver's seat.

THE TIRE PRESSURE INSTRUC-

nut

All tires of the same size and rating may not

If You Get a Flat Tire

In

case of sudden tire failure:

• Avoid heavy brake application
Gradually decrease speed

•

Hold the steering wheel firmly and move

•

to a safe, off-road place

Park on a firm

•

• Turn off the ignition .

• Turn

on

the hazard flasher system

PAY

SPECIAL ATTENTION

REAR DUALS. ALWAYS CHECK

.OF

WARM TIRES.

torque

level spot

CHASSIS

and

torquing procedure.

Tag

OPERATOR'S

nut

tightness periodi-

for

cor-

Consult your

located on the sidewall

slowly

Tire

Inflation

For safety and maximum tire life, proper inflation pres-

sure

must

be maintained. Properly inflated tires also

contribute to overall motor home stability and safety.

Refer to the tire section

Manual for information on maintenance and tire care.
The proper inflation pressures are stated

Certification

seat

Tag

located

in

your

Chassis

on

the sidewall near the driver's

Operator's

on

the Federal

Spare Tire

On some models, the spare tire carrier is located under
the rear of the motor home between the frame rails.

Carrier

WARNING

TRUCK
TREMELY HEAVY AND MAY WEIGHT 100
POUNDS OR
REMOVE THE
ARE CAPABLE OF HANDLINGTHEWEIGHT.

TIRES

AND

WHEELS

MORE. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO

.SPARE

TIRE UNLESS

ARE

EX-

YOU