forest river Coachmen Clipper Owner's Manual

BEGIN THE JOURNEY!
BEGIN THE JOURNEY!
Welcome Letter
Welcome Home!
Thank you for selecting a Forest River tent camper, and welcome to the lifestyle that gives you the freedom to travel and enjoy camping fun whenever you wish.
Your Forest River tent camper complies with the requirements set forth by the Recreational Vehicle Institute Associa­tion, as well as various other federal and state agencies.
Items of quality, such as this tent camper, respond best to considerate treatment and care. Therefore, before using it, we suggest that you review the entire contents of this manual. The material within has been prepared in sufficient detail to be of maximum assistance, and the illustrations will be of considerable help when you are getting to know your new camper.
Review this manual with your dealer. They should be able to answer any questions you may have. Read all the litera­ture supplied with your new tent camper, including all warranty and warranty registration information. Remember to vali­date the warranties by completing and mailing the individual warranty cards for each of the respective manufacturers.
Be sure your dealer has completed and returned your Forest River Tent Camper Warranty Registration Form.
Be sure your dealer has installed the propane container bracket, as well as the propane container and regulator. Check that the connection has been made between the regulator and the propane manifold. Have your dealer explain the operation of filling the propane container as well as how to check the system for leaks.
Keep this Owner’s Manual with the camper for easy reference, observing and following all instructions and warnings associated with its use. Remember that accidents are usually caused by failure to observe simple and fundamental safety rules or precautions. Accidents can be prevented by recognizing the cause of the accidents and by avoiding the action, or inaction, that may lead to an accident. A careful owner is the best insurance against an accident. You can also access this information by visiting www.forestriverinc.com and selecting the appropriate prompts or by download­ing the mobile phone app at the Apple
Your tent camper underwent a thorough inspection before it was shipped to the dealer. However, to ensure your com­plete satisfaction, the dealer will perform an inspection of various components and the operating system of your camper before you take delivery. Take time to walk through this inspection with your dealer. A walk around with your dealer will help you become more familiar with your new tent camper and its components, while providing you with the assurance that everything is in proper working order. If you are not familiar with tent camper towing, schedule a test drive with your dealer. Ask any questions you may have at this time.
Your tent camper was designed for short-term and recreational use. It was not designed to be used as a permanent dwelling. If you intend to use your camper as a permanent dwelling, it could cause your drapes, upholstery, and inte­rior surfaces to deteriorate prematurely. This premature damage or wear, caused by permanent residency, may, under the terms of Forest River’s warranty, be considered abnormal and abusive and COULD REDUCE YOUR WARRANTY COVERAGE.
Should a problem develop for which you need assistance, contact your Forest River Inc. dealer. If you are experienc­ing an appliance problem, check the appliance manufacturers’ information for information regarding warranty work and/or for the location of an appliance service center.
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APP Store or Google PlayTMfor AndroidTM.
If you experience a camper problem when traveling, and your camper is under warranty, and you cannot locate an authorized service center, contact your Forest River Inc. dealer BEFORE having repairs performed at an independent service center. Your dealer can advise you about what is covered under the terms of your warranty. If a warranty part requires replacement, return the part, along with your invoice, to your local dealer. Doing so enables your dealer to note what has occurred and ensures that you are properly reimbursed for your expenditures. Modifications made to the tent camper without written authorization from the Forest River Inc. Warranty or Service Dept. can result in reduction or loss of warranty coverage. Please be sure to contact your dealer before making such changes.
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Some products described or displayed in this manual may be optional equipment, and not included with your camper. Any special equipment, modifications, or additions made by, or at the request of, the customer, or any subsequent owner, whether made at the factory or in the field, are not covered in this manual. We reserve the right to change the construction, or material, of any part, at any time, without incurring the obligation to install such changes on previously manufactured tent campers.
This Owner’s Manual was current at the time of printing; however, products are continually being upgraded and improved; therefore, some differences may occur between the description in this manual and the product/s in your camper. If differences do occur, follow the component manufacturer’s instructions provided with your Forest River Inc. tent camper Owner’s literature packet.
We wish you many happy and adventurous days as you make great memories with your new Forest River Inc. tent camper.
Travel Safely and...GO RV’ing!
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Limited Warranty
LIMITED WARRANTY TENT CAMPERS RECREATIONAL VEHICLES BY FOREST RIVER INC.
Thank you for choosing to purchase a Recreational Vehicle by Forest River Inc., a fine product in which design and construction have received the care that quality demands. This important warranty covers many items and is indicative of our desire to stand behind our products and assure our customers’ complete satisfaction. If at any time the need arises to speak with a Forest River representative please find our contact information in our owner’s manual or at www.forestriverinc.com. WARRANTY COVERAGE SUMMARY OF WARRANTY: Forest River Inc., 55470 CR 1, P.O. Box 3030, Elkhart, Indiana 46515-3030 (Warrantor) warrants to the
ORIGINAL CONSUMER PURCHASER ONLY, when purchased from an authorized Forest River Inc. dealer, for the periods stated below (Warranty Period), that the covered structures and components of this recreational vehicle shall be free of substantial defects in materials and workmanship attributable to Warrantor.
a. One Year Limited Materials & Workmanship Warranty. Warrantor warrants for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase (Warranty Period), that the body structure of this recreational vehicle shall be free of substantial defects in materials and workmanship attributable to Warrantor.
b. Five Year Parts / Three Year Parts & Labor Limited Roof, Tent, & Frame. Warrantor further warrants that the roof, tent and frame are free from substantial defect from the factory in material and workmanship for a period of five (5) years for parts and three (3) years for labor from the date of purchase, under normal use conditions.
EXCLUSIONS FROM THIS WARRANTY: and tear or exposure to elements. Warrantor makes no warranty with regard to, but not limited to, the chassis including without limitation, any mechanical parts or sys­tems of the chassis, axles, tires, tubes, batteries and gauges, optional generators, routine maintenance, equipment and appliances, or audio and/or video equipment. Their respective manufacturers and suppliers may warrant some of these items. Warranty information with respect to these items is available from your dealer.
Excessive deterioration or discoloration caused by overexposure to the sun may be excluded from this warranty. Damage caused by rips, tears, snags, fading, soil­ing, unraveling, environmental issues (mold, mildew, etc.), harsh chemical cleaners and or other abuse is not covered under this warranty. Installation of a roof air conditioner must be performed only at the designated area on the roof by an approved Forest River Inc. dealer. Improper installation of a roof air conditioner will void warranty coverage of the roof, lifter system, and related components.
This recreational vehicle is designed solely for its intended purpose of recreational camping and personal use. Warrantor makes no warranty with regard to any rec­reational vehicle used for commercial, rental, or business purposes, or any recreational vehicle not registered and regularly used in the United States or Canada. For purposes of this limited warranty, it shall be deemed conclusive evidence of commercial, rental, or business purposes if the recreational vehicle is licensed, titled, registered, or insured in the name of any corporation, LLC, or any other form of business or commercial entity.
LIMITATION AND DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES: WARRANTOR EXPRESSLY LIMITS THE DURATION OF ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE EXCEPT IN THOSE STATES THAT DO NOT ALLOW THIS EXCLUSION. WARRANTOR EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AFTER EXPIRATION OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD. No action to enforce express or implied warranties shall be commenced later than ninety (90) days after expi­ration of the Warranty Period. There is no warranty of any nature made by the Warrantor beyond that contained in this Warranty. No person has authority to enlarge, amend or modify this Warranty or to bind the Warrantor to any action under this warranty, except the Warrantor.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you. No action to enforce express or implied warranties shall be commenced without prior written notice to the manufacturer and/or Warrantor at the address listed above
of the alleged defect or nonconformity or the authorized repair facility’s failed repair attempt and MANUFACTURER, AT ITS DIRECT OPTION, SHALL HAVE A FINAL OPPORTUNITY TO REMEDY.
DISCLAIMER OF CONSEQUENTIAL AND INCIDENTAL DAMAGES: THE ORIGINAL CONSUMER PURCHASER OF THIS RECREATIONAL VEHICLE AND ANY PERSON TO WHOM THIS UNIT IS TRANSFERRED, AND ANY PERSON WHO IS AN INTENDED OR UNINTENDED USER OR BENEFICIARY OF THIS UNIT, SHALL NOT BE ENTITLED TO RECOVER FROM WARRANTOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL 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. NOTICE of any dispute or claim arising under this warranty or any applicable Federal or State laws must be sent to Warrantor at: Forest River Inc., 55470 CR 1,
P.O. Box 3030, Elkhart, Indiana 46515-3030 The terms, conditions, rights and responsibilities of this warranty shall be governed by the laws of the State of Indiana notwithstanding any other state laws. WARRANTOR’S OBLIGATIONS: Warrantor will remedy substantial defects in materials and workmanship caused by Warrantor. Warrantor shall elect to remedy the
defect from among the following: repair or replacement. Warranty performance can only be obtained at Warrantor’s authorized dealers and service centers and from Warrantor at the discretion of the Warrantor. All costs incurred in transporting this recreational vehicle for warranty service shall be borne by Purchaser. Warrantor shall remedy the defect within a reasonable amount of time after appointment and delivery by Purchaser. All of Warrantor’s expenses in remedying the defect shall be borne by the Warrantor.
PURCHASER’S OBLIGATIONS: Purchaser 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 Warranty Period, which Warranty Period is one (1) year. All expenses incurred by Purchaser in obtaining warranty service shall be borne by Purchaser. Warranty service shall, whenever possible, be scheduled with the selling dealer by an appointment in order to avoid possible delays. Purchaser can, if necessary, obtain a list of persons authorized to perform warranty service by contacting Warrantor at the above address. No action to enforce express or implied warranties shall be commenced without prior written notice to the manufacturer and/or Warrantor at the address listed above of the alleged defect or nonconformity or the authorized repair facility’s failed repair attempt and MANUFACTURER, AT ITS DIRECT OPTION, SHALL HAVE A FINAL OPPORTUNITY TO REMEDY.
EVENTS DISCHARGING WARRANTOR FROM OBLIGATION UNDER THIS WARRANTY: Misuse or neglect, including failure to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance, unauthorized alteration, accident, and improper loading, use as a permanent or full time residence, commercial use or leasing of the recreational vehicle, shall discharge Warrantor from any obligation under this Warranty. Notwithstanding these or other terms discharging the Warrantor, the provision of service by a Forest River authorized service center, authorization of repairs by Forest River, or any other attempt to resolve a complaint or request for warranty service shall not constitute a waiver of Warrantor’s rights.
PARTS AND DESIGN CHANGES: Warrantor reserves the right to change the parts and design of its recreational vehicle from time to time without notice and with no obligation to maintain spare parts or make corresponding changes in its products previously manufactured.
OBTAINING WARRANTY SERVICE: To ensure your local dealer’s personal interest in your complete satisfaction, it is recommended that all warranty service be performed by the authorized dealer from whom you purchased your unit. Following a move or as you are traveling, should warranty service become necessary, such service shall be performed by any authorized dealer in the United States or Canada. Such service shall also, whenever possible, be scheduled by an appointment in order to avoid possible delays.
WARRANTY REGISTRATION: A warranty registration is to be completed by the owner at the time of purchase and returned to the Warrantor. The return of this reg­istration is a condition precedent to warranty coverage; failure to return the completed registration to Warrantor will invalidate this Warranty.
OTHER WARRANTIES: As indicated in the paragraph above, entitled ‘Exclusions From This Warranty’, certain items that are not covered by this Warranty may be warranted separately by their manufacturers or suppliers. In order to validate those warranties, you may also be required to complete and return to the appropriate manufacturer the warranty forms included with the information package. See these warranties with respect to their terms and conditions. These other warranties may cover such items as chassis, tires, tubes, batteries, optional generators, and appliances, which are not covered by this Limited Warranty. For service or parts required for these products, it may be necessary to write or call the product manufacturer to obtain the nearest authorized service center location. In requesting parts for separately warranted products from the manufacturer of the product or its authorized service center, it may also be necessary to first obtain a warranty work autho­rization number before the work is done. It may also be necessary to provide the Product Name, Model and Serial Number along with the description of the prob­lem and part needed, plus shipping instructions.
OWNER ASSISTANCE: Your confidence and goodwill are important to Forest River Inc. as is maintaining a pleasant relationship with our dealers. We, at Forest River, recognize that there may be occasions when a warranty or service problem is not handled to your satisfaction. After discussing the situation with the dealer­ship management, if your problem has not been resolved to your satisfaction, we welcome you to contact the Forest River Customer Service Manager at the address listed above. Our recommendations for an agreeable solution will be communicated to the local dealer. Forest River customer service contacts can be found in
our owner’s manual or by visiting www.forestriverinc.com.
THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS, WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.
Warrantor expressly disclaims any responsibility for damage to the unit where damage is due to condensation, normal wear
Revised 11/7/18
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Welcome Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Customer Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Manufacturers’ Warranties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Dealer’s Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Customer’s Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Contact Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Coach-Net™ Roadside Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Identification And Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Vehicle ID Decals and Plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Vehicle Serial Number Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Safety Regulations and Propane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Safety Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Fire Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Tire Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Weighing, Loading And Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Weight Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Weighing Your Camping Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Pre-Travel Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Loading Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Packing For Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Care And Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Fiberglass and Aluminum Siding . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Seals and Adhesives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Brakes and Wheel Bearings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Jack Post, Dolly Wheel, and Coupler . . . . . . . . . 41
Propane System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Tent Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Tent Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Tent Vinyl Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Crank-Up Lift System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Appliances, Sink and Countertop . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Cushions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Curtains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Vinyl Floor Covering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Wood Surfaces and Pre-Finished Panels . . . . . . 42
Water System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Bed Slides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Roof Vent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
ABS Plastic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Wintertime Use and Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Care and Maintenance Charts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Propane System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Effects of Formaldehyde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
WaterPur™ Water Treatment System . . . . . . . . . . 47
Living Quarters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Prolonged Occupancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Condensation and Humidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Propane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Fresh Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Water Center Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Traveling with Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Water Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Sanitizing Portable Water System . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Toilet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Winterization and De-winterization . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Water System Maintenance and Troubleshooting . 37
Appliances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Refrigerator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Furnace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Water Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Appendix A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
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Customer Information
Manufacturers’ Warranties
For any components with separate warranties on your tent camper, be sure to check the literature supplied by the manufacturer to see if they require you to register your purchase with them to validate their warranty. These warranties generally apply only to the original purchaser of the tent camper. Forest River Inc. recommends that you send the various warranty registration cards or forms immediately before any time constraints on registration expire, possibly voiding your warranty.
Manufacturers’ literature is supplied with the owner’s information packet in newly delivered units. Only those products and options, which are installed on your camper, will be included in this packet. If you have ques­tions regarding this literature, discuss them with your dealer during the pre-delivery inspection and report any literature shortage at that time.
General Warranty Information
The appliances in your tent camper will provide home­like convenience while traveling. They have been designed and tested by their manufacturers for maximum service in a tent camper application. Each appliance in your camper is covered by Forest River’s comprehensive warranty as well as being warranted by its respective manufacturer.
It is important that you review all the literature provided in the manufacturers’ information packet. Fill out and mail any warranty registration cards or forms required by the appliance manufacturer at this time. Failure to do so could void your warranty. Be sure to have your dealer go over the operation of the appliances with you, and note any shortage of literature you may have at that time.
It is important also that you carefully read all the manu­facturers’ information provided regarding both operation and maintenance of the appliances. Pay close attention to all safety precautions given and be sure to follow them. Keep all literature, including this manual, with the tent camper for easy reference.
If service on any appliance is required, contact your dealer, or an authorized service representative of the appliance manufacturer. Appliances available in the camper include the range, refrigerator, water heater, and optional furnace. Operating instructions can be found in the literature provided with each appliance in the manu­facturers’ information packet.
NOTE:
Be sure your dealer completes the retail pre-delivery inspection form and Warranty Registration form (refer to page 8) supplied with your camper, within 10 days of purchase, and that both you and the dealer sign and date them before returning them to Forest River to register your warranty.
Dealer’s Responsibilities
1. The selling dealership is responsible for inspecting both factory and dealer installed components for proper operation. This is known as the pre-delivery inspection and systems check.
2. Your dealer is required to provide a thorough and complete walk-through demonstration. This demon­stration should provide a good understanding of how your new RV operates.
3. The owner’s information packet should be pre­sented at this time. This information should include all warranty cards, component information, opera­tion and maintenance instructions relating to your new RV.
4. All component warranty forms should be discussed and/or completed at this time. Your selling dealer should assist you in understanding any and all lim­ited warranty provisions to help you avoid loss of warranty for any reason. Ask any questions you may have before leaving the dealership.
5. Your dealer should provide you with information concerning any need for service for your RV, whether in or out of their area. They should provide contact numbers for the dealership both during and after hours along with contact information for the correct Forest River division.
Customer’s Responsibilities
1. Regular and proper maintenance - As the owner, you have the responsibility to properly maintain your recreational vehicle. Be sure you have service performed in a timely manner; don’t ignore a prob­lem. It isn’t always necessary to take your RV to a service center; sometimes a phone call is all that is needed. The service technicians can advise you.
2. Familiarize yourself with your RV. Observe all the component manufacturers’ instructions regarding the use and service of their products.
3. Complete and send in all the warranty cards. Doing so may help you avoid conditions arising from neglect that are not covered under warranty.
4. Is the responsibility of the owner to take the camper to an authorized Forest River dealer. Failure to do so, may result in incomplete or no reimbursement for repairs. Please contact your Forest River Cus­tomer Service Representative for more information.
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W ARNING
Customer Information
Do not modify your RV by adding a hitch, draw bar, or any other means of towing another trailer or vehicle behind your RV. There are many accessories on the market that allow you to carry bicycles, spare tires, or other items on the rear of your RV. As long as they do not exceed the weight limits of the rear bumper on your RV, these accessories are fine. Some of these accessories can accept a draw bar (or “tongue”) with a hitch ball that allows a trailer to be attached to the back of the RV. NEVER TOW A TRAILER OR OTHER VEHICLE WITH YOUR RV. Towing items behind your RV or overloading the rear of the trailer will void warranty coverage and may result in instability and loss of control leading to product damage, serious injury, or death.
NOTE:
Modifications to your RV, without written 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 components.
2. Be sure to inspect the entire RV and note any ser­vice issues.
3. Locate all paperwork and ask any questions you may have before leaving the dealership.
NOTE:
If you have repairs performed by a non-Forest River repair center, you still must return the defective part to Forest River to be considered for warranty repair reim­bursement.
Coach-Net ®
When you take delivery of your new For est R iver I nc. r ecre a tion al vehicle, you are automatically regis­tered with an emergency roadside assistance service – free for one year from date of purchase. We’ve teamed up with the largest RV emergency roadside assistance company in the country to give you immediate access to fast, depend­able service when and where you need it. This is a comprehensive emergency roadside service that is available to you 24/7, around the clock. For complete details regarding how to access your Forest River emer­gency roadside assistance an d product support plan benefits, call 1-877-801-0333 or see the informa­tion in the back of this manual.
NOTE:
Forest River Inc. wants you to have the best possible adventure with your new RV. To get the most enjoyment out of your new RV and to ensure you fully understand how your new recreational vehicle operates, please address immediately any questions or concerns you may have regarding your RV with your dealer before using your RV for the first time.
NOTE:
Use your new recreational vehicle responsibly. Your camper was not designed to be used as a permanent dwelling, but for short-term and recreational use. If you intend to use your RV as permanent housing, it could cause premature wear on your appliances, furnace, water systems, carpet, drapes, upholstery, bedding and interior surfaces. This premature wear caused by perma­nent residency may be considered abnormal or abusive use and could reduce or in some cases void your war­ranty coverage.
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Customer Information
Reporting Safety Defects
THE FOLLOWING IS ADDED AS A REQUIREMENT
OF THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY
ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA).
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 Forest River 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, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or Forest River Inc. To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotlin e toll-f r e e at 1-888- 3 2 7 -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 information about motor vehicle safety from http://www.safercar.gov.
Contact Us
Forest River Wants Satisfied Customers
Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to both your RV dealer and to Forest River. If you experience a prob­lem and you have exhausted all attempts to rectify the situation with your RV dealership, you may consider con­tacting the Forest River Warranty/Customer Service rep­resentative. Contact information is provided below according to brand.
When calling, please have the following information ready:
1. Your VIN number.
2. Name and location of your selling dealer.
3. The date of your purchase.
4. The nature of the problem.
Rockwood/Flagstaff
Phone: (574) 642-2640
Viking RV
Phone: (269) 467-6321
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Emergency Roadside Assistance
Benefits
On-Site Emergency Roadside Assistance includes services such as towing, at tire assistance, delivery of
emergency uids, jump start/battery boost and lockout/locksmith. Winch out or extraction services required in order to tow the disabled vehicle are covered for one man, one truck for two hours or two men, two trucks for one hour up to 100 feet o a maintained road or in a commercial campground.
RV Technical Assistance Hotline is staed with certied technicians and factory-trained representatives who
understand the unique needs of RVers.
Having access to a RV expert who can guide you through many common
operational issues over the phone is priceless.
RV Service Appointment Assistance is a hassle -free way of arranging for a service appointment when and where
you travel. We make an appointment for you and give you directions and a time that ts your schedule.
Emergency Trip Interruption – Should your vehicle become disabled due to a collision more than 100 miles from
home you may be reimbursed up to $2000; reimbursement up to $300 for the rental of an automobile, up to $1000 for airline tickets, up to $300 for meals and up to $400 for hotel/motel lodging to
the extent made
necessary by the conditions of the emergency and subject to any limitations under 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 new RV and one additional family automobile or truck identied as eligible for the plan. Assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling the toll-free number on your ID Card. Services are available on a “sign & drive” basis throughout the U.S. and Canada, and services are available in Mexico but limitations apply .
When you take delivery of your new Forest River RV, you can travel worry-free knowing you have an RV technical expert and emergency roadside assistance just a phone call away. We’ve teamed up with one of the largest, independently owned emergence roadside assistance providers in the country to give you immediate access to fast, dependable service when and where you need it. Coach-Net RV Technical & Roadside Assistance has been included in your purchase - FREE for 1 year!
For further details regarding how to access your
Emergency Roadside Assistan ce, please call 1-877 -801 -0333.
Benets and services provided by NMC - RV, Inc. This is a brief summary of the program b enets.
Limitations, restrictions and exclusions app ly. If there are any co nicts between this document and the
Guide, the Guide shall govern.
Customer Information
Coach-Net™ Roadside Assistance
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General Information
LEGEND
Listed below are symbols and descriptions you will find throughout this manual. They are used to alert you to possibly dangerous or hazardous situations. When you see these symbols, please read them carefully and fol­low the instructions to help prevent damage to your recreational vehicle and for your personal safety.
DANGER! (Indicates a hazardous situ­ation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.) This sign is commonly RED.
WARNING (Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.) This sign is commonly ORANGE.
CAUTION (Indicates a hazardous situ­ation which, if not avoided, could result in vehicle damage or minor to moder­ate injury.) This sign is commonly YEL­LOW.
Safety Regulations and Propane
The following warnings are posted throughout your rec­reational vehicle to provide information on propane safety. They have been installed not only because of the requirement to do so, but also as a constant reminder to occupants of the recreational vehicle to exercise proper caution when using or being around propane appliances and equipment. We are listing them here so you may study them and be sure that you and your family under­stand and follow them.
Do not place propane cylinders inside the vehicle. Prop ane cylinders are equipped with safe ty devices that relieve excessive pressure by dis­charging propane to the atmosphere. Propane is highly flammable. Failure to comply may lead to fire or explosion and result in death or serious injury.
Vehicle ID Decals and Plates
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE DATA PLATE
The camper serial number label is mounted on the front road side of the camper.
Vehicle Serial Number Label
NOTE:
Be prepared to supply model number, serial number and year when ordering parts or requesting specific informa­tion regarding your RV.
Forest River Inc. recommends that you keep a copy of this information separate from the camper in the event that theft or vandalism requires you to supply a copy to the authorities.
Decals and data plates, used throughout the camper, aid in its safe and efficient operation; others give service instructions. Read all decals, data, and instruction plates before using your new camper. If a decal, data, or instruction plate becomes damaged, painted over or removed, it needs to be replaced.
Propane cooking appliances need fresh air for safe operation. Before operating: Open vents or windows slightly or turn on the exhaust fan prior to using the cooking appliance. Propane flames consume oxygen which must be replaced to ensure proper combustion. Improper use may result in death or serious injury. A warning label is located in the cooking area to remind you to provide an adequate supply of fresh air for combustion. Unlike homes, the amount of oxygen supplied is limited due to the size of the recreational vehicle, and proper ventilation when using the cooling appliance(s) will avoid dangers of asphyxiation.
Do not use propane cooking appliances for com­fort heating. Failure to comply may lead to carbon monoxide poisoning which can lead to death or serious injury.
Do not store propane containers, gasoline, or other flammable liquids inside the vehicle as a fire or explosion may result.
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Identification And Safety
A warning label is located near the propane con­tainer. This label reads:
Do not fill propane container(s) to more than 80 percent capacity. A properly filled container will contain approxi­mately 80 percent of its volume as liquid propane. Overfilling the propane container can result in uncontrolled propane flow, which can cause fire or explosion and result in death or serious injury.
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. Have the propane system checked and leak­age source corrected before using again. Ignition of flammable vapors could lead to a fire explosion and result in death or serious injury.
Safety Devices
Never ignore alarms on safety devices. If the alarm sounds and you are not absolutely certain of the source, get everyone out of the recreational vehicle immediately.
Always have a plan of escape. Update and practice your escape plan every six months.
Have a meeting and discuss the plan, showing everyone what to do including guests.
Do not waste time by picking up valuables or getting dressed. Sometimes seconds count!
Vacuum any dust off the alarm weekly using the soft brush attachment.
DO NOT spray cleaning agents or waxes directly onto the detector as it may cause damage to the sensor.
Smoke Detector
Smoke alarms may not have time to alarm before the fire causes damage, injury or even death.
A smoke detector works for only detecting smoke, not fire.
The alarm will sound only if smoke reaches the sensor.
Check the battery/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.
When using this outdoor cooking area:
The vehicle must be level and stabilized.
Do not violate manufacturers’ instructions on
required clearances for cooking appliances during use.
Do not store cooking appliances until cool to the touch.
Can lead to a fire and explosion and result in death or serious injury.
Smoke, propane and CO alarms may have an expi­ration date. Please consult the individual Owner’s Manual or on-line at www.forestriverinc.com.
CO Detector
The carbon monoxide detector is designed to detect carbon monoxide from any source of combustion. It is NOT designed to detect smoke, fire or any other gases.
This detector doesn’t work without batteries. DO NOT remove batteries except for replacement.
Test alarm each week while RV is in use and before beginning a trip. Press the ‘TEST’ button. If the alarm fails to sound, replace the unit immediately. DO NOT attempt to repair.
For more information, please consult the individual Owner ’s Ma n u al or on- l i n e at www.forestriverinc.com.
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Propane Detector
This detector senses propane in the air, not smoke or fire or other gases. It detects the presence of propane at the sensor; explosive gas may be pres­ent in other areas.
Test your propane detector weekly. If the alarm is located behind a closed door, it may not be heard.
DO NOT attempt to repair the detector. If it fails the test, change batteries. If it still does not function properly, replace the entire unit.
For more information, please consult the individual Owner ’s M a n ual or on - l ine at www.forestriverinc.com.
Backup Camera
The backup camera (optional) is located in an elevated location on the rear wall, directly below the center run­ning lights. It is a color camera with a built-in micro­phone. The connection cable exits the camper in the roadside front corner next to the truck electrical connec­tion. The mating harness and monitor are available from your Palomino Dealer.
Fire Safety
Fire safety is an important part of owning a recreational vehicle. The following basic rules of fire prevention can help eliminate the possibility of a fire.
1. Never store flammable liquids in the recreational vehicle.
2. Never leave cooking food unattended.
3. Never smoke in bed and always use an ashtray.
4. Never allow children to play with propane or electri­cal equipment.
5. Never use an open flame as a flashlight.
6. Have faulty or damaged wiring and electrical com­ponents repaired immediately.
7. Never overload electrical circuits.
8. Locate any propane leaks and have them repaired immediately.
9. Keep cooking surfaces clean and free from debris.
10. Don’t allow rubbish to accumulate.
11. Never clean with a flammable substance.
12. Spray fabrics annually with a flame retardant.
NOTE:
Be sure that everyone in your RV is familiar with the location of all exits, including exit windows.
NOTE:
Make sure everyone is familiar with the location and proper operation of all fire extinguishers.
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 the diaphragm vent facing downward. Regulators that are not in compartments have been equipped with a protective cover. Be sure that the regulator vent faces downward and the cover is kept in place to minimize vent blockage, which could result in excessive propane pressure causing fire or explo­sion.
Portable fuel burning equipment, including wood or charcoal burning grills and stoves, shall not be used inside the vehicle. Doing so may cause a fire, explosion, carbon monoxide poisoning, or asphyxiation. If you decide it is safe to fight a fire with an extin­guisher:
Remove the tamper tape which covers the dis­charge push button (do not shake).
Hold it upright and stand six to ten feet from the fire with a clear path to an exit.
Press the button down completely, aiming at the base of the fire, and spray with quick side to side sweeping motion.
NOTE:
Use the ‘PASS’ method. Familiarize yourself and all RV occupants with this procedure:
Pull the pin (some extinguishers may have a car- tridge you need to push).
Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing
agent.
Spray the base of the fire. (If you aim at the flames, you won’t extinguish the fire.)
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Avoid inhaling the dry chemicals from the fire extinguisher. Although non-toxic, they could cause temporary irritation. When the fire is out, clean the area as soon as possible. The dry chemicals may cause surface damage if left too long. Do not use water to extinguish a fire. Water can spread some types of fire, and electrocution is possible.
Underwriter Laboratories classifies fires into three types:
Class A: Fires in wood, paper, fabric, rubber and certain plastics.
Class B: Flammable liquids such as grease, cook­ing oils, gasoline or kerosene.
Class C: Electrical fires started from live electrical wires, shorted motors/switches.
Understanding Tire Pressure and Load Limits
Finding Your Vehicle’s Recommended Tire Pressure and Load Limits
The tire information and vehicle certification label con­tains information on tires and load limits. These labels indicate the vehicle manufacturers’ information including:
Recommended tire size
Recommended tire inflation pressure
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR – the maxi-
mum occupant and cargo weight a vehicle is designed to carry.)
Front and rear gross axle weight ratings (GAWR-the maximum permissible weight, including cargo, flu­ids, optional equipment and accessories that can be safely supported by each axle.)
Tire Safety
Before using your RV, you should inspect all the tires for proper inflation, uneven wear on the tread, cracks, for­eign objects, or other signs of wear or damage.
forget to inspect your spare tire!
tread wear, under-inflation or damage like scrapes, bulges, cracks, punctures, foreign objects embedded in the tire are present or if you are experiencing continuous pressure loss, the tire should be dismounted and inspected by a trained tire technician.
Tires deteriorate over time even if they are not used or driven on. This deterioration can cause tires to fail even when there is no visible sign of damage. Lack of use, overloading, and underinflation can cause tires to dete­riorate faster. While there is no hard and fast rule or expiration date on tires, most experts recommend replac­ing tires every 4 to 6 years depending on use and climate.
Regularly inspecting and replacing your tires can help prevent tire failure.
Use the following information to make tire safety a regu­lar part of your vehicle maintenance routine.
If excessive or irregular
Don’t
When taking the trailer out of storage, inspect the tires thoroughly and be sure there are no cracks in the grooves and no wires showing. Cracks in the sidewall could indicate interior damage or separations in the tire.
Understanding Tire Pressure and Load Limits
Tire inflation pressure is the level of the air in the tire that provides it with load-carrying capacity and affects the overall performance of the vehicle. The tire inflation pres­sure is a number that indicates the amount of air pres­sure, measured in pounds per square inch (psi), a tire requires to be properly inflated. (This number is also expressed in kilopascals (kPa) which is a metric measur­ing system used internationally).
Vehicle manufacturers determine this number based on the vehicle’s design load limit, which is the greatest amount of weight a vehicle can safely carry, and the vehicle’s tire size. The proper tire pressure for your vehicle is referred to as the ‘recommended cold inflation pressure’. Tire pressure should always be measured when the tire is cold to get an accurate measurement. A cold tire is one that hasn’t been driven on for at least three (3) hours. As you drive, your tires get warmer caus­ing the air pressure within the tire to increase. Therefore, you cannot get an accurate measurement of tire pres­sure unless the tire is cold.
Safety First-Basic Tire Maintenance Properly maintained tires improve steering, stop­ping, traction, and load-carrying capability of your vehicl e. Under-inf lated tires and overlo aded vehicles are major causes of tire failure. Therefore, to avoid flat tires and other types of tire failures, you should maintain proper tire pressure, observe tire and vehicle load limits, avoid road hazards and regularly inspect your tires.
Checking Tire Pressure
Because tires are designed to be used on more than one type of vehicle, tire manufacturers list the ‘maximum per­missible inflation pressure’ on the sidewall. The number is the greatest amount of air pressure that should ever be put in the tire under normal driving conditions.
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NOTE:
It is important to check your vehicle’s tire pressure at least once a month for the following reasons:
Most tires naturally lose air pressure over time.
Tires can lose air suddenly if you drive over a pot-
hole or strike the curb when parking.
With radial tires, it is usually not possible to deter­mine under inflation by visual inspection. For your convenience, purchase a tire pressure gauge to keep in your vehicle.
Tire Safety Tips
NOTE:
Preventing Tire Damage
Slow down if you have to go over a pothole or other object in the road.
Do not run over foreign objects in the roadway, and try not to strike the curb when parking.
Tire Safety and Maintenance Checklist
Check tire pressure regularly (at least once a month), including the spare.
Inspect tires for uneven wear patterns on the tread, cracks, foreign objects, or other signs of wear or trauma.
Remove bits of glass and any other foreign objects wedged in the tread.
Make sure your tire valves have valve caps.
Check tire pressure before going on a long
trip.
Do not overload your vehicle. Check the tire information placard for the maximum recom­mended load for the vehicle.
If you are towing a trailer, remember that some of the weight of the loaded trailer is trans­ferred to the towing vehicle.
Tire Fundamentals
Federal law requires tire manufacturers to place stan­dardized information on the sidewall of all tires. This information identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of the tire and also provides a tire identi­fication number for safety standard certification and in case of a recall.
Information on Passenger Vehicle Tires
Please refer to the diagram below.
P - The "P" indicates the tire is for passenger vehicles.
NOTE:
Passenger car tires are not recommended for use on trailers, because the capacity ratings are not marked on the sidewalls of these tires. In the event a passenger car tire is used, the capacity must be de-rated by 10%.
Tire Tips
Make sure all of the lug nuts are secure. Use a
Inspect tires for uneven wear patterns on the
If you are towing a trailer, remember that some
Trailers should have the wheel bearings
torque wrench. Do not guess.
tread, for cracks, for foreign objects or for other signs of wear or trauma.
of the weight of the loaded trailer is trans­ferred to the towing vehicle.
repacked after being in storage for long peri­ods of time.
Next Number - This three-digit number gives the width in
millimeters of the tire from the sidewall edge to sidewall edge. In general, the larger the number, the wider the tire.
Next Number - This two-digit number, known as the aspect ratio, gives the tire’s ratio of height to width. Num­bers of 70 or lower indicate a short sidewall for improved steering response and better overall handling on dry pavement.
R - The "R" stands for radial. Radial ply construction of tires has been the industry standard for the past 20 years.
Next Number - This two-digit number is the wheel or rim diameter in inches. If you change your wheel size, you will have to purchase new tires to match the new wheel diameter.
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Identification And Safety
Next Number - This two- or three-digit number is the tire’s load index. It is a measurement of how much weight each tire can support. You may find this informa­tion in your Owner’s Manual. If not, contact a local tire dealer.
NOTE:
You may not find this information on all tires because it is not required by law.
M+S - The "M+S" or "M/S" indicates that the tire has some mud and snow capability. Most radial tires have these markings.
Speed Rating - The speed rating denotes the speed at which a tire is designed to be driven for extended periods of time. The ratings range from 65 miles per hour (mph) to 186 mph. These ratings are listed below.
NOTE:
You may not find this information on all tires because it is not required by law.
Letter Rating Speed Rating
ST 65 mph
Q 99 mph
R 106 mph
S 112 mph
T 118 mph
U 124 mph
H 130 mph
V 149 mph
W 168* mph
Y 186* mph
* For tires with a maximum speed capability over 149 mph, tire manufacturers sometimes use the letters ZR. For those with a maximum speed capability over 186 mph, tire manufacturers always use the letters ZR.
U.S. DOT Tire Identification Number - This begins with the letters "DOT" and indicates that the tire meets all federal standards. The next two numbers or letters are the plant code where it was manufactured, and the last four numbers represent the week and year the tire was built. For example, the numbers 3197 means the 31 week of 1997. The other numbers are marketing codes used at the manufacturer’s discretion. The information is used to contact consumers if a tire defect requires a recall.
Tire Ply Composition on Materials Used-The number of plies indicates the number of layers of rubber-coated fabric in the tire. In general, the greater the number of plies, the more weight a tire can support. Tire manufac­turers also must indicate the materials in the tire, which include steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
Maximum Load Rating - This number indicates the maximum load in kilograms and pounds that can be car­ried by the tire.
Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure - This num­ber is the greatest amount of air pressure that should ever be put in the tire under normal driving conditions.
Additional Information on Light Truck Tires
Please refer to the following diagram.
Tires for light trucks have other markings besides those found on the sidewalls of passenger tires.
LT - The "LT" indicates the tire is for light trucks or trailers.
ST - An "ST" is an indication the tire is for trailer use only.
Max. Load Dual kg (lbs.) at kPa (psi) Cold - This infor-
mation indicates the maximum load and tire pressure when the tire is used as a dual, that is, when four tires are put on each rear axle (a total of six or more tires on the vehicle).
Max. Load Single kg (lbs.) at kPa (psi) Cold - This information indicates the maximum load and tire pres-
st
sure when the tire is used as a single.
Load Range - This information identifies the tire’s load­carrying capabilities and its inflation limits.
Vehicle Load Limits
Determining the load limits of a vehicle includes more than understanding the load limits of the tires alone.
On a trailer, there is a federal certification label that is located on the forward half of the left (road) side of the RV.
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The certification label will indicate the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). This is the most weight the fully loaded vehicle can weigh. It will also provide the gross axle weight (GAWR). This is the maximum permis­sible weight, including cargo, fluids, optional equipment and accessories that can be safely supported by each axle. If there are multiple axles, the GAWR of each axle will be provided.
In the same location as the certification label described above, there is a vehicle placard. This placard provides tire and loading information. In addition, this placard will show a statement regarding maximum cargo capacity.
Cargo Capacities
Cargo can be added to the vehicle up to the maximum weight specified on the placard. The combined weight of the cargo is provided as a single number. In any case, remember the total weight of a fully loaded vehicle can­not exceed the stated GVWR.
Water and propane also need to be considered. The weight of fully filled propane containers is considered part of the weight of the trailer before it is loaded with cargo and is not considered part of the disposable cargo load. Water, however, is a cargo weight and is treated as such. If there is a fresh water storage tank of 100 gal­lon s , this t a nk w h en fil l ed w o uld w eigh a bout 800 pounds. If more cargo is being transported, water can be off-loaded to keep the total amount of cargo added to the vehicle within the limits of the GVWR so as not to overload the vehicle. Understanding this flexibility will allow you, the owner, to make choices that fit your travel and camping needs.
How Overloading Affects Your Trailer and Tires
The results of overloading can have serious conse­quences for passengers’ safety. Too much weight on your vehicle’s suspension system can cause spring, shock absorber, or brake failure, handling or steering problems, irregular tire wear, tire failure or other damage.
An overloaded vehicle is hard to drive and hard to stop. In cases of serious overloading, brakes can fail com­pletely, particularly on steep hills. The load a tire will carry safely is a combination of the size of the tire, its load range, and corresponding inflation pressure.
Excessive loads and/or under inflation cause tire over­loading, and as a result, abnormal tire flexing occurs. This situation can generate an excessive amount of heat within the tire. Excessive heat may lead to tire failure.
It is the air pressure that enables a tire to support the load, so proper inflation is critical. Since trailer’s can be configured and loaded in many ways, air pressure must be determined from actual loads (determined by weigh­ing) and taken from the load and inflation tables provided by the tire manufacturer. These air pressures may differ from those found on the certification label. However, they should never exceed the tire limitation for load or air pressure. If you discover that your tires cannot support the actual weights, the load will need to be lightened.
When loading your cargo, be sure it is distributed evenly to prevent overloading front to back and side to side. Heavy items should be place low and as close to the axle positions as reasonable. Too many items on one side may overload a tire. The best way to know the actual weight of the vehicle is to weigh it at a public scale. Talk to your trailer dealer to discuss the weighing methods needed to capture the various weights related to the trailer. This would include weights for the following: axles, wheels, hitch or pin and total weight.
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Identification And Safety
Tire Safety Tips
Preventing Tire Damage
Slow down if you have to go over a pothole or other object in the road.
Do not run over curbs or other foreign objects in the roadway, and try not to strike the curb when parking.
Tire Safety Checklist
Check tire pressure regularly (at least once a month), including the spare.
Inspect tires for uneven wear patterns on the tread, cracks, foreign objects, or other signs of wear or trauma.
Remove bits of glass and foreign objects wedged in the tread.
Make sure all of your tire valves have valve caps
Check tire pressure before going on a long trip.
Do not overload your vehicle. Check the Tire Infor-
mation and Loading Placard or Owner’s Manual for the maximum recommended load for the vehicle.
Steps For Determining Correct Load Limit
1. Locate the statement "The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX lbs." on your vehicle placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and pas­sengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage capacity.
For example, if the "XXX" amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage capacity calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this Manual to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage capacity of your vehicle.
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