Monaco 2008 LaPalma XL Owner's Manual

MONACO LiMited WArrANty - 2008

MONACO® MOTORHOME LIMITED WARRANTY

WHAT THE PERIOD OF COVERAGE IS:

This Limited Warranty provided by Monaco® (“Warrantor”) covers those components, assemblies and systems of your new motorhome not excluded under the section “What is Not Covered” and when sold by an authorized dealer, for twelve (12)

months from the original retail purchase date or the rst 24,000 miles of use, whichever occurs rst. However, this Limited Warranty provided by Warrantor covers the steel or

aluminum frame structure, only, of the sidewalls (excluding slide outs), roof, and rear

and front walls for sixty (60) months from the original retail purchase date or the rst 50,000 miles of use, whichever occurs rst.

If you use your motorhome for any rental, commercial or business purposes whatsoever, the Limited Warranty provided by Warrantor covers your new motorhome

when sold by an authorized dealer for ninety (90) days from the original retail purchase date or the rst 24,000 miles of use, whichever occurs rst. In addition, the Limited

Warranty provided by Warrantor covers the steel or aluminum frame structure, only, of the sidewalls (excluding slide outs), roof, and rear and front walls for twelve (12) months

from the original retail purchase date or the rst 24,000 miles of use, whichever occurs rst. A conclusive presumption that your motorhome has been used for commercial and/or business purposes arises if you have led a federal or state tax form claiming any business tax benet related to your ownership of the motorhome. The above

Limited Warranty coverage applies to all owners, including subsequent owners, of the

motorhome. However, a subsequent owner must submit a warranty transfer form by ling the form through an authorized Monaco dealer. A subsequent owner’s warranty

coverage period is the remaining balance of the warranty coverage period the prior owner

was entitled to under this Limited Warranty. Warranty transfer forms can be obtained by contacting the Customer Relations Department. There is no charge for the transfer.

LIMITATION AND DISCLAIMER OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES:

IMPLIED WARRANTIES, IF ANY, ARISING BY WAY OF STATE LAW, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE TERM OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY AND ARE LIMITED IN SCOPE OF COVERAGE TO THOSE PORTIONS OF THE MOTORHOME COVERED BY THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. WARRANTOR DISCLAIMS ALL IMPLIED AND EXPRESS WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ON COMPONENTS AND APPLIANCES EXCLUDED FROM COVERAGE AS SET FORTH BELOW. There is no warranty

of any nature made by Warrantor beyond that contained in this Limited Warranty. No person has authority to enlarge, amend or modify this Limited Warranty. The dealer is not the Warrantor’s agent but is an independent entity. Warrantor is not responsible for

any undertaking, representation or warranty made by any dealer or other person beyond

those expressly set forth in this Limited Warranty. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you.

WHAT THE WARRANTY COVERS:

Warrantor’s Limited Warranty covers defects in the manufacture of your motorhome

and defects in materials used to manufacture your motorhome. “Defect” means the

failure of the motorhome and/or the materials used to assemble the motorhome to

conform to Warrantor’s design and manufacturing specication and tolerances. Also see the section “What the Warranty Does Not Cover” set out below.

WHAT WE WILL DO TO CORRECT PROBLEMS:

Warrantor’s sole and exclusive obligation is to repair and/or replace, at its option, any

covered defect if: (1) you notify Warrantor or one of its authorized servicing dealers of

the defect within the warranty coverage period and within ve (5) days of discovering the defect; and (2) you deliver your Motorhome to Warrantor or Warrantor ’s authorized servicing dealer at your cost and expense. It is reasonable to expect some service items to occur during the warranty period. The performance of warranty repairs shall not extend the original warranty coverage period. Further, any performance of repairs after

the warranty coverage period has expired or any performance of repairs to component parts and appliances that are excluded from coverage shall be considered “good will”

repairs, which shall not alter the express terms of this limited warranty. If the repair

or replacement remedy fails to successfully cure a defect after Warrantor received a reasonable opportunity to cure the defect(s), your sole and exclusive remedy shall be limited to Warrantor paying you the cost of having an independent third party perform

repair(s) to the defect(s).

Warrantor may use new and/or remanufactured parts and/or components of

substantially equal quality to complete any repair.

Defects and/or damage to interior and exterior surfaces, trim, upholstery and other

appearance items may occur at the factory during manufacture, during delivery of

the motorhome to the selling dealer or on the selling dealer’s lot. Normally, any such

defect or damage is detected and corrected at the factory or by the selling dealer during

the inspection process performed by the Warrantor and the selling dealer. If, however,

you discover any such defect or damage when you take delivery of the motorhome, you

must notify your dealer or Warrantor within ve days of the date of purchase to have repairs performed to the defect at no cost to you as provided by this Limited Warranty.

If either three or more unsuccessful repair attempts have been made to correct any covered defect that you believe substantially impairs the value, use or safety of your motorhome, or repairs to any covered defect(s) which you believe substantially impairs

the value, use or safety of your motorhome have taken 30 or more days to complete,

you must, to the extent permitted by law, notify Warrantor directly in writing of the failure to successfully repair the defect(s) so that Warrantor can become directly

involved in exercising a nal repair attempt for the purpose of performing a successful repair to the identied defect(s).

MONACO LiMited WArrANty - 2008

HOW TO GET SERVICE:

The “Acknowledgement of Receipt of Warranty/Production Information” form must

be returned to Warrantor promptly upon purchase to assure proper part replacement

and repair of your motorhome. Failure to return the “Acknowledgement of Receipt of Warranty/Production Information” form will not affect your rights under the Limited Warranty so long as you can furnish proof of purchase. For warranty service simply contact one of Warrantor’s authorized service centers for an appointment, then deliver your motorhome (at your expense) to the service center. If you need assistance in locating an authorized warranty service facility, contact Warrantor’s Warranty Department (1-877-466-6226). The mailing address is:

91320 Coburg Industrial Way

Coburg, Oregon 97408

In the event the motorhome is inoperative due to malfunction of a warranted part, Warrantor will pay the cost of having the motorhome towed to the nearest authorized repair facility provided you notify Warrantor prior to incurring the towing charges to

receive directions to the nearest repair facility.

Because Warrantor does not control the scheduling of service work by its authorized servicing dealers, you may encounter some delay in scheduling and/or in the

completion of the repairs.

WHAT THE WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER:

This Limited Warranty does not cover: any motorhome sold or registered outside of

the United States or Canada; items which are added or changed after the motorhome leaves Warrantor’s possession; items that are working as designed but which you

are unhappy with because of the design; normal wear and usage, such as fading or discoloration of fabrics, or the effects of moisture inside the motorhome; defacing, scratching, dents and chips on any surface or fabric of the motorhome, not caused by Warrantor; owner maintenance, including by way of example wheel alignments and resealing exterior sealant areas; the automotive chassis and power train, including, by way of example the engine, drivetrain, steering and handling, braking, wheel balance,

mufer, tires, tubes, batteries and gauges; appliances and components covered by their own manufacturer’s warranty including, by way of example the microwave,

refrigerator, ice maker, stove, oven, generator, roof air conditioners, hydraulic jacks, VCR, television(s), water heater, furnace, stereo, radio, compact disc player, washer,

dryer, inverter and cellular phone; or aking, peeling and chips or other defects or damage in or to the exterior or nish caused by rocks or other road hazards, the environment including airborne pollutants, salt, tree sap and hail. Component part

and appliance manufacturers issue limited warranties covering those portions of the

motorhome not covered by the Limited Warranty issued by Warrantor. To learn more on what specic component parts and appliances are excluded from the Limited

Warranty issued by Warrantor please contact your selling dealership or Warrantor

directly or review the warranty packet inside the Motorhome.

EVENTS DISCHARGING WARRANTOR FROM OBLIGATION UNDER

WARRANTY:

Misuse or neglect, accidents, unauthorized alteration, failure to provide reasonable

and necessary maintenance (see Owner’s Manual), damage caused by off road use, collision, re, theft, vandalism, explosions, overloading in excess of rated capacities,

and odometer tampering shall discharge Warrantor from any express or implied

warranty obligation to repair any resulting defect.

DISCLAIMER OF CONSEQUENTIAL AND INCIDENTAL DAMAGES:

THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER OF THE MOTORHOME AND ANY PERSON TO WHOM THE MOTORHOME IS TRANSFERRED, AND ANY PERSON WHO IS AN INTENDED OR UNINTENDED USER OR BENEFICIARY OF THE MOTORHOME, SHALL NOT BE ENTITLED TO RECOVER FROM WARRANTOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY DEFECT IN THE MOTORHOME, INCLUDING BY WAY OF EXAMPLE FUEL AND TRANSPORTATION EXPENSES TO DELIVER THE PRODUCT TO THE SERVICING DEALER, HOTEL ROOMS, LOST WAGES AND MOISTURE DAMAGE SUCH AS MOLD AND MILDEW. THE EXCLUSION OF CONSEQUENTIAL AND INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SHALL BE DEEMED INDEPENDENT OF, AND SHALL SURVIVE, ANY FAILURE OF THE ESSENTIAL PURPOSE OF ANY LIMITED REMEDY. Some

states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of consequential or incidental damages,

so the above exclusions may not apply to you.

LEGAL REMEDIES:

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY DOES NOT “EXTEND TO FUTURE PERFORMANCE”. ANY ACTION TO ENFORCE THIS LIMITED WARRANTY OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES SHALL NOT BE COMMENCED MORE THAN 90 DAYS AFTER THE EXPIRATION OF THE ONE YEAR WARRANTY COVERAGE PERIOD DESIGNATED ABOVE. IF YOU USE YOUR MOTOR HOME FOR COMMERCIAL OR BUSINESS PURPOSES, ANY ACTION TO ENFORCE THIS LIMITED WARRANTY OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES SHALL NOT BE COMMENCED MORE THAN ONE YEAR AFTER THE EXPIRATION OF THE NINETY (90) DAY WARRANTY COVERAGE PERIOD DESIGNATED ABOVE. THE PERFORMANCE OF REPAIRS SHALL NOT SUSPEND THIS LIMITATIONS PERIOD FROM EXPIRING. Some states do not allow the reduction in the statute of

limitations, so the above reduction in the statute of limitations may not apply to you.

THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS. YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS, WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

LARGER PRINT VERSION AVAILABLE WITHIN THE OWNER’S MANUAL AND UPON REQUEST ADDRESSED TO YOUR SELLING DEALER OR WARRANTOR’S WARRANTY DEPARTMENT.

111506

RoadmasteR Limited WaRRanty - 2008

iii

ROADMASTER® CHASSIS LIMITED WARRANTY

WHAT THE PERIOD OF COVERAGE IS:

This Limited Warranty provided by Roadmaster® (“Warrantor”) covers your

Roadmaster Chassis for thirty-six (36) months from the original retail purchase date

or the rst 50,000 miles of use, whichever occurs rst. If you use the Roadmaster

Chassis that your motorhome is mounted upon for any rental, commercial or business purposes whatsoever, this Limited Warranty covers your new Roadmaster Chassis for

Ninety (90) days from the original retail purchase date or the rst 24,000 miles of use, whichever occurs rst. A conclusive presumption that the Roadmaster Chassis has been used for commercial and/or business purposes arises if you have led a federal or state tax form claiming any business tax benet related to your ownership of the motorhome.

This Limited Warranty applies to all owners, including subsequent owners, of the

Roadmaster Chassis. However, a subsequent owner must submit a warranty transfer form. A subsequent owner ’s warranty coverage period is the remaining balance of the warranty coverage period the prior owner was entitled to under this Limited Warranty.

Warranty transfer forms can be obtained by contacting the Customer Relations

Department. There is no charge for the transfer.

LIMITATION AND DISCLAIMER OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES:

warranty of any nature made by Warrantor beyond that contained in this Limited

Warranty. No person has authority to enlarge, amend or modify this Limited Warranty. The dealer is not the Warrantor’s agent but is an independent entity.

Warrantor is not responsible for any undertaking, representation or warranty made by

any dealer or other person beyond those expressly set forth in this Limited Warranty. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you.

WHAT THE WARRANTY COVERS:

Warrantor’s Limited Warranty covers defects in the manufacture of the

Roadmaster Chassis and defects in materials used to manufacture the Roadmaster

Chassis. “Defect” means the failure of the Roadmaster Chassis and/or the materials used to assemble the Roadmaster Chassis to conform to Warrantor’s design and manufacturing specication and tolerances. Also see the section “What the Warranty Does Not Cover” set out below.

WHAT WE WILL DO TO CORRECT PROBLEMS:

Warrantor’s sole and exclusive obligation is to repair and/or replace, at its option, any

covered defect if: (1) you notify Warrantor or one of its authorized servicing dealers of

the defect within the warranty coverage period and within ve (5) days of discovering the defect; and (2) you deliver your Roadmaster Chassis to Warrantor or Warrantor ’s authorized servicing dealer at your cost and expense. It is reasonable to expect some service items to occur during the warranty period. The performance of warranty repairs shall not extend the original warranty coverage period. Further, any performance of

repairs after the warranty coverage period has expired or any performance of repairs to component parts and appliances that are excluded from coverage shall be considered

“good will” repairs, which shall not alter the express terms of this limited warranty.

If the repair or replacement remedy fails to successfully cure a defect after Warrantor received a reasonable opportunity to cure the defect(s), your sole and exclusive remedy shall be limited to Warrantor paying you the cost of having an independent third party

perform repair(s) to the defect(s). Warrantor may use new and/or remanufactured parts and/or components of substantially equal quality to complete any repairs. Defects

and/or damage to interior and exterior surfaces, trim, upholstery and other appearance items may occur at the factory during manufacture, during delivery of the motorhome

to the selling dealer or on the selling dealer’s lot. Normally, any such defect or

damage is detected and corrected at the factory or by the selling dealer during the

inspection process performed by the Warrantor and the selling dealer. If, however, you

discover any such defect or damage when you take delivery of the motorhome, you

must notify your dealer or Warrantor within ve days of the date of purchase to have repairs performed to the defect at no cost to you as provided by this Limited Warranty.

the value, use or safety of your motorhome have taken 30 or more days to complete,

you must, to the extent permitted by law, notify Warrantor directly in writing of the failure to successfully repair the defect(s) so that Warrantor can become directly

involved in exercising a nal repair attempt for the purpose of performing a successful repair to the identied defect(s).

RoadmasteR Limited WaRRanty - 2008

HOW TO GET SERVICE:

For warranty service simply contact one of Warrantor’s authorized service centers

for an appointment, then deliver your Roadmaster Chassis (at your expense) to the

service center. If you need assistance in locating an authorized warranty service facility, contact Warrantor’s Warranty Department (1-877-466-6226). The mailing address is:

91320 Coburg Industrial Way

Coburg, Oregon 97408

In the event the Roadmaster Chassis is inoperative due to malfunction of a warranted part, Warrantor will pay the cost of having the motorhome towed to the nearest authorized repair facility provided you notify Warrantor prior to incurring the towing

charges to receive directions to the nearest repair facility. Because Warrantor does not

control the scheduling of service work by its authorized servicing dealers, you may

encounter some delay in scheduling and/or in the completion of the repairs.

WHAT THE WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER:

This Limited Warranty does not cover: modications and alterations to the

Roadmaster Chassis by others; the motorhome that is mounted upon the Roadmaster

Chassis, including by way of example the motorhome manufacturer’s design, manufacture, assembly and/or installation of the side walls, roof, windows, ooring, electrical system, plumbing system, LP-Gas system, appliances and slide outs; items

that are working as designed but which you are unhappy with because of the design; normal wear and usage; routine maintenance including by way of example wheel

alignments; component parts covered by their own manufacturer’s warranty, including

by way of example the engine, radiator, transmission, tires, tubes, batteries, exhaust

system and the emission control systems; and, aking, peeling rusting and chips or

other defects or damage in or to the frame and frame cross members caused by rocks

or other road hazards and the environment including airborne pollutants and salt.

Component part manufacturers issue limited warranties covering those portions of the

Roadmaster Chassis not covered by the Limited Warranty issued by Warrantor. To learn more on what specic component parts are excluded from the Limited Warranty issued

by Warrantor please contact your selling dealership or Warrantor directly or review the

warranty packet inside the Motorhome.

EVENTS DISCHARGING WARRANTOR FROM OBLIGATION UNDER WARRANTY:

Misuse or neglect, accidents, unauthorized alteration, failure to provide reasonable

and necessary maintenance (see Owner’s Manual), damage caused by off road use, collision, re, theft, vandalism, explosions, overloading in excess of rated capacities,

and odometer tampering shall discharge Warrantor from any express or implied

warranty obligation to repair any resulting defect.

DISCLAIMER OF CONSEQUENTIAL AND INCIDENTAL DAMAGES:

THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER OF THE ROADMASTER CHASSIS AND ANY PERSON TO WHOM THE ROADMASTER CHASSIS IS TRANSFERRED, AND ANY PERSON WHO IS AN INTENDED OR UNINTENDED USER OR BENEFICIARY OF THE ROADMASTER CHASSIS, SHALL NOT BE ENTITLED TO RECOVER FROM WARRANTOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY DEFECT IN THE ROADMASTER CHASSIS, INCLUDING BY WAY OF EXAMPLE FUEL AND TRANSPORTATION EXPENSES TO DELIVER THE PRODUCT TO THE SERVICING DEALER, HOTEL ROOMS, LOST WAGES AND WATER DAMAGE. THE EXCLUSION OF CONSEQUENTIAL AND INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SHALL BE DEEMED INDEPENDENT OF, AND SHALL SURVIVE, ANY FAILURE OF THE ESSENTIAL PURPOSE OF ANY LIMITED REMEDY. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of

consequential or incidental damages, so the above exclusions may not apply to you.

LEGAL REMEDIES:

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY DOES NOT “EXTEND TO FUTURE PERFORMANCE.” ANY ACTION TO ENFORCE THIS LIMITED WARRANTY OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES SHALL NOT BE COMMENCED MORE THAN NINETY (90) DAYS AFTER THE EXPIRATION OF THE THIRTY-SIX (36) MONTH WARRANTY COVERAGE PERIOD DESIGNATED ABOVE. IF YOU USE YOUR MOTORHOME FOR COMMERCIAL OR BUSINESS PURPOSES, ANY ACTION TO ENFORCE THIS LIMITED WARRANTY OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES SHALL NOT BE COMMENCED MORE THAN ONE YEAR AFTER THE EXPIRATION OF THE NINETY (90) DAY WARRANTY COVERAGE PERIOD DESIGNATED ABOVE. THE PERFORMANCE OF REPAIRS SHALL NOT SUSPEND THIS LIMITATIONS PERIOD FROM EXPIRING. Some states do not allow

the reduction in the statute of limitations, so the above reduction in the statute of

limitations may not apply to you.

THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS. YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS, WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

LARGER PRINT VERSION AVAILABLE WITHIN THE OWNERS MANUAL AND UPON REQUEST ADDRESSED TO YOUR SELLING DEALER OR WARRANTOR’S WARRANTY DEPARTMENT.

012507

2008 LaPalma XL

SECTION 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION ............................ 3

SECTION 2 - DRIVING & SAFETY ..................................13

SECTION 3 - EXTERIOR & INTERIOR CARE ................... 49

SECTION 4 - APPLIANCES ............................................ 75

SECTION 5 - EQUIPMENT ............................................. 99

SECTION 6 - WATER SYSTEMS ................................... 125

SECTION 7 - LP-GAS SYSTEMS ................................... 141

SECTION 8 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS – HOUSE ............151

SECTION 9 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS – CHASSIS ..........169

SECTION 10 - CHASSIS INFORMATION ......................185

INDEX ......................................................................223

The information contained in this document is intended to reect standard and optional

equipment included in a typically equipped model at the time of delivery to the initial retail

owner. Your actual unit may vary from this document as a result of optional equipment that is not generally offered on this model. In the case that you are not the initial retail owner of the unit, this document will not reect modications that may have been performed by previous owners.

other companies mentioned in this manual are not endorsed by the manufacturer of the

motorhome.

Product information and specications are shown herein as of the time of printing. The motorhome manufacturer reserves the right to change product specications, designs and standard equipment without notice and without incurring obligation.

07124 ATG

2008 LaPalma XL

GENERAL INFORMATION — SECTION 1

Warranty InformatIon fIle ............................................................. 4

reportIng Safety DefectS ................................................................

Safety termS .......................................................................................

gloSSary of termS ............................................................................

oWner’S manual Survey: lapalma Xl DIeSel 2008 .......................

9 lImIteD Warranty tranSfer applIcatIon/

change of oWner InformatIon ......................................................

General InformatIon — 1

2008 laPalma Xl

Warranty InformatIon fIle

In addition to this Owner’s Manual you will nd a Warranty Information File in your unit. This le contains valuable documents about your motorhome systems and equipment. Many of the

component manufacturer warranty registration

cards can be found in the box. They will need to be lled out and mailed. Be sure you read and understand all the information in this le to help

you safely operate, maintain and troubleshoot

those items.

Additional Information:

Changes, additions and supplemental

information in the form of Manual Addendums

and “Tech Tips” can be obtained by visiting our

Web Site at www.monaco-online.com. Select

one of the products from the product lineup. Go to the Service menu. A submenu will appear.

It may also be helpful to browse the “Tech

Tips” menu for the other product lines. The tips

may not completely apply to your particular model, but information contained therein can be

useful.

reportIng Safety DefectS

If you believe that your motorhome has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately

inform the National Highway Trafc Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Monaco Coach. If NHTSA receives

similar complaints, it may open an investigation,

and if it nds that a safety defect exists in a

group of motorhomes, it may order a recall or

remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot

become involved in individual problems between

you, your dealer or Monaco Coach. To contact NHTSA you may call the Auto Safety Hot line toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-

9153) (or 1-202-366-0123 in the Washington

D.C. area), visit their websites at

www.nhtsa.

gov or www.safercar.gov, or write to:

NHTSA

U.S. Department of Transportation

400 Seventh Street S.W.

Washington, DC 20590

Safety termS

Many of the safety terms are personal safety

instructions. Denitions for the terms are listed below. It is important to thoroughly read and

understand the safety instructions displayed

throughout the manual. Failure to comply with specic instructions may result in personal injury or death. Many instructions are required by National Safety Associations.

WARNING: Warnings contain information regarding personal safety and/or pertaining to potential extensive or permanent damage to the motorhome or its components by means of

hazards or improper use.

CAUTION:

Cautions pertain to potential damage to the

motorhome and/or its components.

POISON:

A warning or caution pertaining to safety

and/or use of a poisonous substance or

harmful chemical.

NOTE:

Information and reminders concerning proper operation of the motorhome and/or its

components.

INSPECTION:

Inspection of the motorhome and/or

its components is required. Additional instruction may follow.

LUBE:

Lubrication, or addition of a lubricant

product, to the motorhome and/or a specied component or part is required. Additional instruction may follow.

ASSEMBLE or REPAIR:

Assembly, disassembly or installation of

a component or part, and/or repair to the

motorhome may be required. Assistance of Technical Support or Technician may be necessary.

INFORMATION:

References to additional information regarding operation of the motorhome and/or its components found in additional sources,

other than the Owner’s Manual. Also refers to the WARRANTY INFORMATION FILE,

found within the Warranty Information Box

in the motorhome.

2008 laPalma Xl

General InformatIon — 1

TIP:

Tips contain information, helpful hints and/or suggestion for ease of operation of the

motorhome or its components.

gloSSary of termS

AC Electricity - Alternating current also

known as household power.

Air Compressor - Pumps air to and builds

pressure in an air system.

Air Dryer - Cools, lters and dries the air

delivered by compressor.

Air Governor - Controls the operation of the air compressor by constantly monitoring air pressure in the supply tank of the air

system. The air governor initiates the unload cycle when the cut-out pressure is reached.

The air governor also controls the air dryer by sending a signal (at the beginning of the compressor unload cycle) to the control port

of the air dryer, initiating the purge cycle.

When this air signal is removed by the governor (at the beginning of the compressor load cycle) the purge valve closes and the

drying cycle begins.

Alternating Current (AC) - A current

that varies periodically in magnitude

and direction. A battery does not deliver alternating current. Also referred to as

shore power, utility power, inverter power,

generator power, etc.

Ampere (Amp) - The unit of measure

of electron ow rate of current through a circuit.

Ampere-hour (Amp-hr. AH) - A unit of

measure for a battery electrical storage capacity, obtained by multiplying the current

in amperes by the time in hours of discharge. Example: A battery which delivers 5 amperes for 20 hours, delivers 5 amperes times 20 hours, or 100 Amp-Hr. of capacity.

ANSI - American National Standards

Institute.

ASTM - American Society for Testing and

Materials.

Black Water - Term associated with the

sewage holding tank. The toilet drains directly into this tank.

CCA - Cold Cranking Amperage is the

amount of current a battery can deliver for

30 seconds at 0° F without dropping below a specied voltage, usually 10.5 Volts DC.

Chassis Battery - Powers chassis 12 Volt

accessories and starts engine.

Circuit - An electric circuit is the path of

an electric current. A closed circuit has a complete path. An open circuit has a broken or disconnected path.

City Water - A term associated with

the water supply that you hook-up to at

campgrounds. It is called city water because

water is pulled from a central source (like in

a city) and not the fresh water tank.

Compressor Load Cycle - The time during which the compressor is building pressure in

an air system.

Compressor Unload Cycle - The time during which the air compressor is idling and is not building air pressure in an air

system.

Curbside - This refers to the side of the motorhome which faces the curb when it

is parked. Often called the door side or passenger side.

Current - The rate of ow of electricity

or the movement rate of electrons along a

conductor. It is comparable to the ow of a stream of water. The unit of measure for current is ampere.

Cut-In Pressure - The pressure level in the air system supply tank which triggers the

compressor load cycle.

Cut-Out Pressure - The pressure level in the air system supply tank which triggers the

compressor unload cycle.

Cycle - In a battery, one discharge plus one

recharge equals one cycle.

General InformatIon — 1

2008 laPalma Xl

Desiccant - A granular substance that has a

high afnity for water and is used to retain moisture from the air stream owing through the air dryer cartridge.

Direct Current (DC) - Power that is

stored in a battery bank or supplied by photovoltaics, alternator, chargers and DC

generators. Direct current is also known as battery power. Current only ows one way.

Drain Trap - This is a curve that is in all

drains. Water is trapped in the curve and this

creates a barrier so tank odors cannot escape

through the drain.

Dry Camping - Camping in the motorhome when there is no city water hook-up or shore

power. In other words, using only the water

and power that is in the motorhome and not

from another source.

Drying Cycle - The time during which the

air dryer cools, lters and removes moisture from the air delivered by the air compressor.

The drying cycle begins and ends the same

as the compressor load cycle.

Dump Station - A site where the waste

(grey) and sewage (black) tanks can be

drained. In most states it is illegal to drain

waste tanks anywhere other than at a dump

station.

Dump Valve - Another name for the

T-handle valve used to drain the sewage

(black) and waste (grey) tanks.

Escape (Egress) Window - The formal name for the emergency window located in

the rear of the motorhome. Egress windows can be easily identied by red handles.

Full Hook-Up Site - A campground that has

city water, shore power and sewer hook-ups

or connections available.

Grey Water - Term associated with the

waste water holding tank. Water from the

sink drains, the shower and the washer-dryer

(if equipped) go into this tank.

House Battery - Powers 12 Volt DC lights

and accessories inside motorhome.

LED (Light Emitting Diode) - Indicator

light.

Low Point Drain - The lowest point in the

plumbing. These drains must be closed when lling the water tank.

OEM - Term for Original Equipment

Manufacturer.

OHM - A unit for measuring electrical

resistances.

Ohm’s Law - Expresses the relationship

between Volt (E), amperes (I) in an electrical circuit with resistance (R). It can be expressed as follows: E = IR. If any two

of the three values are known, the third value can be calculated by using the above

formula.

Potentiometer - A device for measuring

an unknown potential difference or

electromotive force.

Pounds Per Square Inch Gauge (psig) -

Pressure measured with respect to that of the atmosphere. This is a pressure gauge reading

in which the gauge is adjusted to read zero at

the surrounding atmospheric pressure. It is commonly called gauge pressure.

Purge - The initial blast of air (decompression) from the air dryer purge

valve at the beginning of the air compressor.

Purge Cycle - The time during which the air

dryer is undergoing purge and regeneration.

This cycle starts at the beginning of the compressor unload cycle and normally ends well before the beginning of the compressor

load cycle.

Regeneration - The mild backow of air

through the air dryer and out the purge valve that begins immediately after the purge

and lasts normally 10 to 15 seconds. This backow of air, from the air system and

through the air dryer, removes moisture from the desiccant cartridge and prepares the air

dryer for the next compressor load cycle.

Roadside - This refers to the side of the motorhome which faces the road when it is

parked. Often called the off-door side or the driver side.

2008 laPalma Xl

General InformatIon — 1

SCA - Term for Supplemental Coolant

Additive. Chemical added to coolant for

diesel engines to help prevent cylinder liner

pitting and internal corrosion.

Shore Line - This is the electrical cord which runs from the motorhome to the

campground 120/240 Volt AC electrical supply.

Stinger - An arm attachment on a tow truck

that is used to lift the motorhome slightly for

towing.

VIM - Vehicle Interface Module.

Volt - The unit of measure for electric

potential.

Watt - The unit for measuring electrical

power, i.e. the rate of doing work, in moving electrons by or against an electric potential.

Wet Cell Battery - A type of battery that

uses liquid as an electrolyte. This type

of battery requires periodic maintenance to clean the connections and check the

electrolyte level.

owner’s manual survey: laPalma Xl 2008

Your suggestions are very important to us and we are continually

striving to improve the quality of our manuals. After becoming familiar

with your new recreational vehicle and the accompanying manual,

please take the time to answer the following questions. When you are nished please return the survey via mail to our Technical Publications

Department, or you may fax the survey to: (541) 681-8031 Attention: Technical Publications Department. Feel free to attach an additional

page if you desire.

1. Is this your rst recreational vehicle? YES / NO (circle one)

2. If no, what was your previous recreational vehicle brand/model?______ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

3. Was the overall appearance and lay-out of this manual what you expected to see in your new recreational vehicle? ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

4. Was the information within this manual helpful in acquainting you with your new recreational vehicle? If not please address any area(s) we need to expand or improve on. ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

5. Were the operating instructions clearly written, and were you able to follow the steps without any difculty? ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

6. Is there any additional information you would like to see incorporated within the owner’s manual? ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

NAME: ________________________________________________

PHONE: (_____________)________________________________

ADDRESS:__________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________

SERIAL # ____________________________________________________

tear off PaGe and maIl to:

TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS PLT. 17

MONACO COACH CORPORATION 91320 COBURG INDUSTRIAL WAY

COBURG, OR 97408

lImIted warranty transfer aPPlIcatIon/chanGe of owner InformatIon

Mail to:

monaco coach corporation warranty transfer 91320 coburg Industrial way coburg, or 97408

Please read terms and representations below before signing.

submitted By:

Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: ( )

Limited Warranty Transfer

Address Change

By your signature(s) on face side of this form, and in order to induce monaco coach corporation to transfer its limited warranty, you represent the following:

1. That you have received and read a copy of the Limited Warranty.

2. You understand that the unit is to be used only for family camping and cross country travel on improved roads.

3. All information provided by you on face side of this form is true and correct.

4. You understand that you are purchasing a pre-owned recreational vehicle and Monaco Coach Corporation does not make any representation as to its present condition.

tear off PaGe and maIl to:

WARRANTY TRANSFER, MONACO COACH CORPORATION, 91320 COBURG INDUSTRIAL WAY COBURG, OR 97408

a. current owner Information:

First Name Initial Last Name –

Vehicle Identication Number Unit # (15 digits) (6 digits) Model/Year

B. new owner Information, transfer coverage to:

First Name Initial Last Name ( )

Phone Number Street Address City State Zip

Date of Transfer (If Applicable) Odometer Reading at Transfer (If Applicable)

c. signatures:

(New) Owner’s Signature Date Selling Dealer’s Signature (If Applicable) Date

Terms & Representations

DrIvIng & Safety ..............................................14

Inspections ..................................................... 14

Familiarize Yourself

.......................................... 14

Mirror Adjust

...................................................14

Safety Seat Belts

............................................. 15

DrIvIng tIpS ......................................................

trIp preparatIon .............................................

hItch ..................................................................

Using the Rear Receiver

.................................. 20

Tow Plug Connection

....................................... 22

rear vISIon SyStem .........................................

Features ..........................................................23

BackIng up a motorhome

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

Set-up proceDureS ..........................................

Dry campIng .....................................................

BreakIng camp .................................................

emergency roaDSIDe proceDureS ..............

In Case of Flat Tire

..........................................28

Dead Chassis Battery

...................................... 28

toWIng proceDureS ........................................

tIreS ...................................................................

Importance of Air Pressure

..............................31

Tire Pressure Inflation Guideline

....................... 31

Tire Chart - Goodyear

...................................... 32

Inspecting & Pressure

..................................... 33

Air Pressure Checklist

.....................................34

Tire Support When Leveling

............................34

Tire Vibration

................................................... 34

Tire Rotation

...................................................35

Tread ..............................................................35

Storage of Tires - Long Term

........................... 35

Wheel mountIng .............................................. 35

WeIghIng the motorhome ..............................

Weight Terms

..................................................36

Weight Label

................................................... 38

Four Corner Weighing (Example)

.....................39

Cargo Carrying Capacity Flowchar t

.................41

Weighing Procedure Worksheet

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

Weight Record Sheet

.......................................43

Smoke Detector ...............................................44

Operation ........................................................ 44

Testing ............................................................ 44

Maintenance ................................................... 44

Troubleshooting ..............................................44

carBon monoXIDe Detector ..........................

Operation ........................................................ 45

Alarm .............................................................. 46

Testing ............................................................ 46

Cleaning & Maintenance

..................................46

fIre eXtInguISher ............................................

eScape (egreSS) WInDoW ...............................

2008 LaPalma XL

Driving & Safety — Section 2

drIvInG & safety — 2

2008 laPalma Xl

DrIvIng & Safety

Section Two contains information on driving

tips, emergency situations, towing, safety

devices, weighing the motorhome and tires.

NOTE: The motorhome has an electronic data recording device that may record information about direction, road speed, engine speed, brake application, steering attitude or other vehicle operating data. Data recording devices can be present in engines, transmissions, ABS (Antilock Brake Systems) or other systems affiliated with operation of the vehicle. Information from data recording devices can be examined in case of an accident. Contact the component manufacturer to learn more about these devices.

Inspections

Differences between a passenger automobile

and a motorhome are signicant. Always be aware of these differences when traveling.

The key to safely operating a motorhome is

inspection. Undetected problems could cause

problems on the road and may result in lost time

and increased repair costs. Several states require

a special license endorsement and motorhome

inspection prior to registration. Know and

observe the laws of the states in which you will

be traveling. Laws may vary from state to state.

A systematic inspection conducted prior to

moving the motorhome can help ensure nothing is overlooked and will assist in familiarizing the

owner with the motorhome. Prior to moving the

motorhome perform a general inspection.

Examine the condition of the motorhome and the surrounding area. Look high and low when walking around the motorhome.

Familiarize Yourself

Because the location of the driver’s seat in

the motorhome is higher and farther to the left than most vehicles, a different perspective of

the roadway is created. Rely on the outside

mirrors to line up with the center of the road

and to check conditions behind the motorhome.

The dashboard may include more gauges and controls than are normally found in passenger

automobiles. Become familiar with these gauges and their indications before starting out.

Mirror Adjust

Adjust the mirrors prior to starting out. Have an assistant

help to simplify the mirror

adjustment process.

Mirror Adjusting:

Tools needed: Allen wrench, at blade

screwdriver and socket

wrench. Adjust the driver seat to the travel position. Remove plug at the bottom of the arm.



Use the socket wrench to loosen the bolt

located at the base of the arm. (See point A on the drawing.) Adjust the mirror for a clear side view of the coach.

Tighten the bolt once the proper

adjustment is made. Reinstall the plug.

To adjust the “head” of the mirror, loosen the set screws located below the mirror

shown as point B. Adjust the head of the mirror to the left or right.

Manually adjust the bottom section of the

mirror.

Tighten set screws once the proper

adjustment is made.

Repeat procedure for passenger side

mirror.

NOTE: Use the mirror adjust switch located on the driver’s console to fine tune upper mirror.



031210e

080378

Mirror Adjust Switch on Driver’s Console

2008 laPalma Xl

drIvInG & safety — 2

Safety Seat Belts

All occupants must be furnished with and use seat belts while the motorhome is moving. The driver’s seat, and all other seats designed

to carry passengers while the motorhome is in

motion, are equipped with safety seat belts. DO NOT occupy beds or seats that are not equipped

with a safety belt while the motorhome is in

motion. The driver’s seat must be locked in the

forward facing position while motorhome is in

motion. DO NOT use a seat belt on more than

one person.

To fasten the seat belt, pull the belt out of the retractors and insert the tab into the buckle; a click will sound when the tab locks into the

buckle. Seat belt lengths automatically adjust to

your size and sitting position. DO NOT route

belts over armrest or under arm.

WARNING: Safety belts are supplied at affixed seating positions. DO NOT occupy seats not equipped with safety belts while the motorhome is in motion. Seat belts must only be used on permanently mounted seats. DO NOT use a single seat belt on more than one person. Pilot and Copilot seats must be locked in a forward facing position with seat belts fastened while the motorhome is in motion. DO NOT rotate the seat while in transit.

WARNING: Only forward facing booth dinette seats equipped with seat belts are designed for occupancy while the motorhome is in motion.

General chIld seat use InformatIon *

Always refer to the child seat and vehicle manufacturers’ instructions for proper use and

installation instructions.

age/weight seat type/seat Position usage tips

Infants

Birth to at least 1 year and at least 20 lbs.

Infant-Only Seat/rear-facing

(or )

Convertible Seat/used rear

facing

▪ Never use in a front seat where an air bag

is present.

▪ Tightly install child seat in rear seat,

facing the rear.

▪ Child seat should recline at approximately

a 45° angle.

▪ Harness straps/slots at or below

shoulder level (lower set of slots for most convertible child safety seats).

▪ Harness straps snug on child; harness

clip at armpit level.

Less than 1 year/20 to 35 lbs.

Convertible Seat/used

rear facing (select one recommended for heavier infants)

Children may remain in their

rear-facing seats as long as they

haven’t exceeded the height or

weight requirements.

Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the safety belts or by

the LATCH system.

Preschoolers/toddlers

1 to 4 years/at least 20 lbs. to approx. 40 lbs.

Children may remain in their

forward-facing seats as long as

they haven’t exceeded the height

or weight requirements.

Convertible Seat/forward-

facing or forward facing only

(or) Combination Seat with Harness

Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the safety belts or by

the LATCH system.

▪ Tightly install child seat, facing forward. ▪ Harness straps/slots at or above child’s

shoulders (usually top set of slots for convertible child safety seats).

▪ Harness straps snug on child; harness

clip at armpit level.

young children

4 to at least 8 years/unless they are 4’ 9” (57”) tall.

Belt-Positioning Booster No back or High Back BeltPositioning Booster.

NEVER use with lap-only belts

— belt-positioning boosters

are always used with lap and

shoulder belts.

▪ Booster used with adult lap and shoulder

belt in rear seat.

▪ Shoulder belt should rest snugly across

chest, rests on shoulder; and should

NEVER be placed under the arm or behind the back.

▪ Lap-belt should rest low, across the

lap/upper thigh area — not across the

stomach.

Stay informed about child safety seat recalls; be sure to ll out the registration card that comes with new child seats.

The motorhome manufacturer is not the author of this chart. The information in this chart is reprinted from the National

Highway Trafc Safety Administration’s web site. Visit NHTSA’s website at www.nhtsa.gov for the most recent and up to

date information.

drIvInG & safety — 2

2008 laPalma Xl

The child safety seat can be positioned in two places in the motorhome: the front passenger (co-pilot) seat and forward facing permanently mounted booth dinette seat.

WARNING: DO NOT transport children unrestrained. Infants must be placed in approved safety seats - small children must be restrained in child safety seats. DO NOT use a single seat belt on more than one child. Failure to comply with these rules can lead to injury or death.

NOTE: Individual states and Canadian provinces may have laws that can exceed the requirements as described in this section. It is your responsibility to know and comply with the laws in the state or province in which you travel.

WARNING: Because many styles of safety and booster seats are available, refer to the safety seat manufacturer’s manual for proper installation and how to properly install and secure the safety or booster seat.

NOTE: Use of a safety or booster seat in the front seat may be prohibited in some states and Canadian provinces.

Seat Belt Care:

Keep the belt clean and dry. Clean with mild

soap and lukewarm water. DO NOT clean seat

belts with bleach, dye or abrasive cleansers

that may weaken the belt material. Periodically

inspect belts for cuts, frays or loose parts, and

replace damaged parts. DO NOT disassemble

or modify the system. Replace the seat belt

assembly after a severe impact, even when

damage is not obvious.

DrIvIng tIpS

The motorhome is a complex vehicle that requires increased driving awareness because of its

size and various components.

Due to the motorhome length the turning radius will be much wider than that of a

standard automobile. Always pay close attention

to the perimeter of the motorhome including

front, sides, rear, roof and undercarriage. Ensure the surrounding area is clear of obstacles. Utilize the driving mirrors to observe trafc conditions

as well as the motorhome exterior including

tires, bay doors, blind spots, etc. Use a push-pull

method of steering, with both hands parallel on

the steering wheel.

The motorhome is also heavier than an

automobile and has a higher center of gravity.

These factors affect the reaction time of the

motorhome. Swerving and sharp turning,

especially performed at high speeds, could result

in loss of control of the motorhome. Keep the

size of the motorhome in mind and drive with extra caution to avoid situations which might

require quick momentum changes. Increase reaction time by paying attention to trafc and

road conditions 12 to 15 seconds ahead of the

motorhome’s position.

The motorhome will travel safely and

comfortably at highway speed limits. However, it takes more time to reach highway speed.

When passing another vehicle, allow extra time and space to complete the pass due to the added

length of the motorhome.

When descending a long hill, manually shift

to a lower gear and begin the descent at a slow

speed. DO NOT allow the motorhome to gain

momentum before trying to slow down. Use the

exhaust brake in conjunction with the service

brakes to help maintain a slow, safe descent.

The transmission and engine will help control downhill speed and can extend the service life of

the brake lining.

Distance required to stop the motorhome is

greater than an automobile. Practice stopping away from trafc to get the feel of distance required to stop the motorhome.

Adjusting to road, weather and terrain

conditions is necessary to keep the motorhome

under control. Pay attention to road signs

that advise of local road hazards and driving conditions. DO NOT operate the motorhome when road, weather and terrain conditions

seem unsafe. Keep the windshield clear of humidity in the form of water or ice. Start the motorhome

and turn on the dash defrost and the overhead blowers to help remove moisture from inside

the windshield. It may also be necessary to use a clean cloth to wipe away moisture. Keep

windshield wipers in good working order at all

times. DO NOT operate the motorhome if the

windshield is not clear.

downhill.eps

2008 laPalma Xl

drIvInG & safety — 2

Check tonnage limits of bridges before

crossing to ensure they can support the weight

of the motorhome. Signs should be posted at bridge entrances. Check the posted height of

all overpasses or situations where overhead

clearance is limited. Keep in mind that road

surfaces may be repaved or packed with snow; therefore, the actual posted clearance height

would not apply in such conditions.

Driving Cautions:

Avoid getting too close to the shoulder

of the road, which may be too soft to

support the weight of the motorhome. Side spacing is best maintained by

keeping the motorhome centered in the

driving lane.

Driving lanes in work zones can be uneven, congested and narrower than

usual.

Be cautious of road debris that can damage the undercarriage of the motorhome or become lodged in the dual tires and cause damage to the tires, wheel

rims or tow vehicle.

On back roads and single divided roads, tree branches and shrubbery can protrude

into the roadway. Watch for low hanging

branches, especially during inclement

weather. Rain and snow will cause branches to hang lower than usual. Posted speed signs are usually passenger automobile rated. Be extra aware

of driving conditions and use the appropriate speed for a motorhome when necessary, especially on corners and

mountain roads.



Downgrade speed should be at least 5 mph less than upgrade speed, or downgrade speed should be attainable within three seconds of a brake

application.

Use a four second rule when following

other vehicles at speeds under 40 mph. Use a ve second rule when following at speeds over 40 mph.

Right Turns:

Negotiating a right hand turn in a motorhome

can be difcult. Many drivers fear they cannot

make the turn without entering into the other

lane or jumping the curb. Here are a few tips to

make a right hand turn easier:



As the turn approaches, look into the

mirror to ensure the lane to the left is

clear, then move wide over to the left.

When making the right turn, the left rear wheel should touch the center line

of the road and the driver’s hips should

be parallel to the roadside curb of the corner being turned to aid in avoiding a

premature turn. Make the turn slowly. Check mirrors frequently. Stay aware

of necessary clearance and space management of the motorhome while

negotiating the turn.

Left Turns:

DO NOT proceed with the turn until the

driver’s seat is aligned with the middle of the intersection. If there are two lanes available, take the right hand lane. A

vehicle or object located on the left hand

side is easier seen.

Ascending a Grade:

When approaching an uphill grade, assess the

grade and length before beginning the climb. Prepare early for long climbs. Unlike gasoline

engines, diesels do not necessarily produce more

power by pressing further on the accelerator. A gasoline engine will operate at full throttle

(at least for a short period of time), but a diesel

usually just wastes fuel at full throttle. The

power output from a diesel engine is dependent upon the following:

RPM - Every engine has a range of RPM

that produces power most efciently.



050250d

drIvInG & safety — 2

2008 laPalma Xl

Fuel/Air mixture - At a given RPM,

the engine, even with the help of a turbo-charger, can only introduce a given volume of air into the combustion

chamber. This volume of air can efciently combine with only so much

fuel; so adding more fuel to the engine

only wastes it.

Determine ranges where the motorhome works

best by driving long grades when temperatures

remain stable for the duration of the climb.

IMPORTANT SAFETY TIP: Turn on the four way flashers if road speed degrades to the point where the motorhome is moving significantly under the posted speed. Use pullouts if traffic is building. Once in a pullout, if there is sufficient clearance for safety, idle the engine for a while to allow the exhaust and the turbo to cool. While these are cooling, the transmission will also cool. Monitor the gauges while waiting.

Descending a Grade:

Prepare to descend a grade at the crest of the hill. Observe any signs indicating grade angle and duration. The sign may suggest maximum downhill speed according to Gross Combined

Weight (the combined weight of the motorhome

and a trailer/tow car). At the crest of the hill,

manually shift the transmission into a lower

gear. DO NOT allow the motorhome to gain

momentum before slowing down.

 Use the exhaust brake to help maintain a slow,

safe downhill speed. Located on the driver’s console is an exhaust brake switch. Turn exhaust

brake switch on to activate the exhaust brake

when the throttle is released.

With exhaust brake applied, road speed may

increase until the transmission automatically

shifts to the next higher gear. Apply the brakes

using moderately heavy pressure on the brake pedal to reduce speed and manually downshift

to maintain a safe, slow speed. DO NOT

pump the brakes. This can result in a loss of air pressure. Riding the brakes can cause the brakes to overheat. Either method can result in brake failure or loss of brake effectiveness.

Night Driving:

Be well rested and alert while driving. If necessary, nd a safe stopping place to rest until ready to continue. Avoid using interior lights while driving

that create a glare on the windshield and

decrease visibility.

Dim dash lights to a comfortable level to

reduce glare.

Extreme Heat and Hot Weather Conditions:

Frequently observe all gauges. Variations

from normal conditions should be

promptly evaluated.

Check tire pressure before traveling in

hot conditions. Tire air pressure increases

with heat. DO NOT let air out of a hot

tire. When the tires cool down, they

will return to the correct/previous tire

pressure.



Pay extra attention to hoses and belts

that are more susceptible to fatigue in

extreme heat.

Winter and Cold Climate Conditions:

The motorhome should be prepared for

Cold Weather Use. Keep speeds slow and steady. Make

moves gradually and increase visual

distance for a gain in reaction time.

If road or weather conditions are

treacherous, nd a safe stopping place and wait for conditions to improve. Avoid downshifting or using the exhaust

brake on wet or slippery surfaces, which

can cause the drive wheels to skid.

Wiper blades should be

in good condition. Fill

the washer reservoir with antifreeze formula window

washer uid.

Use mirror heat to keep

mirrors clear.

Remove any ice build-up from the entry step to avoid

accidental slipping.

Wet Conditions:

Worn or improperly inated tires can increase the risk of hydroplaning. Heavy rain or deep standing water can cause brakes to apply unevenly or grab.

Refueling:

Truck stops are good refueling points for

motorhomes.

Check overhead clearance heights before

pulling through the fuel island.



080498n

Located on Driver’s Console

2008 laPalma Xl

drIvInG & safety — 2

Be aware of concrete/steel posts installed

around fuel islands. Avoid running over the fuel hose as it

can get hung up on the motorhome and

cause body damage.

Use of gloves is recommended for

refueling. Store gloves in the outside compartment.

To prevent grease and fuel deposits from being tracked into the motorhome when

refueling, change shoes before entering. Store the extra pair of shoes near the entry door.

WARNING: LP-Gas and gasoline are highly flammable and can ignite, resulting in explosion, fire or death. Ensure all flames are extinguished, all LP-Gas appliances are turned off and the primary LP-Gas valve is off prior to refueling.

Fuel Economy:

Driving style, wind resistance, terrain, vehicle

weight, and engine-driven accessories are some

of the factors that affect fuel economy.

Guidelines to Help Increase Fuel Efciency:

When starting out, apply the throttle

lightly and accelerate gradually. Avoid excess throttle and accelerating quickly. Check the tire pressure. A low tire is not

only a safety hazard, but also increases rolling resistance and increases fuel

consumption.



Keep the engine at a low to mid operating range of 1100 to 1500 RPM,

which requires less fuel than operating at

higher RPM. Avoid using full throttle when ascending a long hill. This wastes fuel and increases

engine operating temperature from

incomplete combustion. Manually shift to a lower gear and use less throttle. Fuel will burn more efciently. Avoid extended idling to warm-up the engine. Start the engine and wait for normal oil pressure to register. Engage

the high idle feature until the engine

coolant temperature gauge rises. The engine is now ready for travel. Whenever

coolant temperature is below operating temperature (idling engine) incomplete combustion occurs, causing carbon build-up and raw fuel to wash lubricating oil from the cylinder walls and dilute the

crankcase oil. Excessive idling (more than 10 or 15

minutes) can clog fuel injectors, damage the emission system, and eventually

causing piston rings and valves to stick. Follow the maintenance schedule for the engine.



trIp preparatIon

The following suggestions are general

guidelines to follow when preparing for a trip:

Items to Carry:

An emergency road kit containing a ashlight, road ares, warning signs and a re extinguisher.

Local, State and National Maps, as well as a ‘Motor Carrier’ road atlas (for

refueling station and truck repair facility

locations). Hand tools, a 12 Volt DC test light, a 120 Volt AC polarity

tester, battery hydrometer, an assortment of blade fuses, mini fuses and alternator

belt. Potable and non-

potable water hoses, a water pressure regulator and various termination connectors for

sewage.



020062

GARDNER BENDER, INC

OPEN GROUND OPEN NUETRAL OPEN HOT HOT/GRD REVERSE HOT/NEU REVERSE CORRECT

Polarity Tester

Test Light

090333f

020064b

Tool Box & Emergency Road Supplies

drIvInG & safety — 2

2008 laPalma Xl

Inspection:

Ensure all exterior items are stowed or secured (i.e. TV antenna, ceiling vents and windows).

Check belts, hoses, battery and engine

uid levels. Inspect the engine,

transmission and generator per the OEM manuals. Evenly distribute and secure cargo. Store

heavy items near the rear axle and lighter items toward the front to prevent uneven

stress and handling problems.

Check all tires outside the motorhome for accurate pressure and physical

condition. Look around, above and under the motorhome for obstruction or leaks.

Test all exterior lighting: headlamps,

taillights, brake and clearance lights.

Inside the motorhome store and secure heavier objects in the lower cabinets to maintain a low center of gravity for sway

reduction. Secure loose items to prevent weight shifts. Store lighter items in the overhead cabinets. Close and secure all

cabinet doors and drawers, shower and

pocket doors. Turn off interior lighting. Adjust exterior mirrors and check dash gauges for proper operation.

INFORMATION: For chassis maintenance details refer to the chassis section.

CAUTION: Open the bay doors slowly. Cargo may shift during travel.



WARNING: To avoid injury, never place hands or fingers near the edges of the bay door when opening or closing. Always use the latch handle. Apply pressure with the other hand just above the latch handle.

TIPS: Multi-purpose items, versatile clothing and periodic removal of unused cargo will streamline cargo storage.

hItch

Using the Rear Receiver

When using the rear hitch receiver, remember that the motorhome is intended for towing light loads and is primarily designed as a recreational

vehicle. Safety and durability of the hitch receiver requires proper use. Avoid excessive towing loads or other misuse of the receiver. Towing will affect fuel economy.

Weight pushing down on the rear hitch (tongue

weight) must not exceed 10% of maximum tow capacity. It is recommended to weigh the

motorhome when fully loaded to ensure proper

weight distribution of the GCVW (Gross Combined Vehicle Weight).

When weighing the motorhome, add all

passenger weight to the GCVW total. The

motorhome fully loaded, including fresh water,

LP-Gas and any vehicle or trailer towed, must not exceed the GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating).

WARNING: Most states and Canadian provinces require trailers and/or towed vehicles to have adequate auxiliary brakes. Failure to comply with these State and Canadian province requirements may result in fines and/or pose a safety hazard, which may result in an accident.

WARNING: DO NOT tow a trailer or vehicle that exceeds the rated capacity of the hitch receiver. Overloading the hitch receiver can cause unusual handling characteristics and overstress the hitch receiver and chassis. It could also void the warranty. If there are any questions, call customer support.

020134h

020065h

100200e

2008 laPalma Xl

drIvInG & safety — 2

Ball Mount:

Ball mounts come in

various congurations and weight limitations.

There are three things to consider when selecting a ball mount: weight rating, pin to ball center

length and rise/drop. The

weight rating of the ball mount, tongue weight and tow weight must meet or exceed the

total load weight. Pin to ball center should not exceed 8".

Ball mounts of longer

length will signicantly

reduce the weight rating

of the hitch receiver.

Observe weight reduction percentages that may be listed on ball mounts

longer than 8". Selecting how much rise or

drop a ball mount will need is relative to hitch receiver height and height of the towed load with respect to the type of towing equipment between

the motorhome and towed load.

Weight Distributing Hitches:

A weight distributing hitch uses spring bars of

spring steel to compensate for lack of adequate

rear suspension of the tow vehicle. This type of

hitch is generally used for towing heavier loads

as tongue weight and gross tow weight increases.

The spring bars attach to the hitch head assembly

and the trailer frame.

Hitch Ball:

The hitch ball is what the trailer attaches

to. A hitch ball is available in three common diameters, 1-7/8", 2" and 2-5/16". The larger

the diameter of the hitch ball, the higher the

weight rating. The diameter of the hitch ball shank also factors into weight rating. Match

shank diameter with the hole in the ball mount or

weight distributing head. Shank clearance should not exceed 1/16". There should be at least two

additional threads extending past the nut when

the hitch ball is secure.

Safety Chains:

Safety chains are required by law when towing

any load. The chains and any fasteners used to

attach the chains to the hitch receiver must be

rated for the load being towed. Attach chains so they crisscross under the towing equipment. Allow just enough slack in the chains to make sharp corners. Too much slack will allow the chains to drag on the road surface. If towed load

should become uncoupled from the hitch ball,

the towing equipment will be cradled by the

safety chains. If the towed load does uncouple,

do not attempt to make a sudden stop and

exacerbate the situation. Apply the brakes with gentle, steady pressure. Pull over to the side of road at a safe location.

Tow Capacity and Class Ratings:

Several components may comprise a tow

hitch system. The weight rating of individual

components that are part of the towing system must be greater than the gross weight of the

load being towed.

Components are classid into weight groups to help dene weight capacity of towing equipment. Maximum tow capacity is limited

to the component with the lowest weight rating

in the tow hitch system. Example: a ball mount may have a weight rating of 5,000 pounds but the hitch ball is rated 3500 pounds. Maximum tow capacity is reduced to 3500 pounds. Many

times a component will have a Class weight

rating. These groups are shown in chart:

Distance from the top of the shank to the top of the hitch ball platform.

020314

Distance from the center of the hitch ball hole to the center of the pin hole.

Distance from the shank to the top of the hitch ball platform.

class I class II class III class Iv class v

weight

carrying

hitch

TW - Up to 200 lbs.

WC TW - Up

to 350 lbs.

TW - Up to

500 lbs.

TW - Up to

750 lbs.

TW - Up to 1,200 lbs.

GTW - Up to 2,000 lbs.

WC GTW - Up

to 3,500 lbs.

GTW - Up to

5,000 lbs.

GTW - Up to

7,500 lbs.

GTW - Up to 12,000 lbs.

weight

distributing

hitch

--- --- ---

TW - Up to 1,200 lbs.

TW - Up to 1,400 lbs.

--- --- ---

GTW - Up to 12,000 lbs.

GTW - Up to 14,000 lbs.

Gtw = Gross Trailer Weight. Weight of trailer fully loaded. tw = Tongue Weight. Weight pushing down on Tow Ball. wc = Weight Carrying. Weight carrying capacity of the Ball Mount. wd = Weight Distributing. Weight carrying capacity of a weight distributing hitch.



drIvInG & safety — 2

2008 laPalma Xl

WARNING: Be sure the weight ratings of the ball mount, tow ball and safety chains are equal to or greater than the load. The use of an extension to the receiver or extended ball mount will significantly reduce hitch receiver weight ratings. Modifications to the hitch receiver, or use of the hitch receiver other than intended, can void the warranty of the hitch receiver, chassis or both.

Taillight Conguration:

Taillights come in a 2-wire or 3-wire

conguration. A 2-wire conguration has all red lens. A 3-wire conguration usually has red and amber lens. Amber is used for turn signals only and red for taillight and brake light. These systems are electrically different. Whenever

hooking a 2-wire system to a 3-wire system, or vice versa, a converter box must be installed for

correct taillight function. A taillight converter is available from auto and RV supply stores.

DO NOT attempt to wire a tow plug connector

if unfamiliar with these systems. A trained

technician will install the proper converter so the taillights and turn signals work correctly on the motorhome and towed vehicle or trailer when

the tow plug connection is made.

Tow Plug Connection

The motorhome is pre-wired from the factory

with an electrical connection for towing. The

connection is located on the rear cap, near

the hitch receiver. Convoluted tubing protects the tow harness wires. Current draw should

not exceed ten amps for each designated light

circuit. Within the electrical connection is a

positive terminal for use when towing a trailer

equipped with a battery. The positive terminal maintains the charge of the trailer battery.

When preparing a tow plug connection, strip

the wires 3/8". Twist the wire strands and place under the clip and secure the screw. Make sure

there are no loose strands of wire that could

short against the case or other terminals. DO NOT accidentally mirror image the trailer

connection.

CAUTION: Positive terminal connection of the tow plug remains live at all times. When towing a trailer equipped with a battery, unplug the electrical tow connection when parked. Failure to unplug the tow connection may result in discharged chassis batteries.

rear vISIon SyStem

The motorhome can be equipped with either a

rear camera or an optional three camera vision

system. The rear vision system consists of a

camera and microphone located at the rear

of the motorhome. The microphone aids in

communication while the camera provides the

driver with a rear view when backing up. The

rear camera is adjustable up and down and is

controlled by the driver.

On the optional three camera system, side cameras are located at the front of the motorhome directly above the front wheels

and are not adjustable. This system provides

the driver with a rear view as well as roadside and curbside views of the motorhome and a

microphone for audio communication.

080462f

031204c

The system can be used while driving in forward, reverse or when parked.

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drIvInG & safety — 2

Features

POWER BUTTON - Press this button

to turn the unit ON or OFF. Turning the unit ON will allow continuous operation of the rear vision system when ignition

key is on.

CA. SEL. - Press this button to manually

select desired camera (optional three

camera system).

DAY/NIGHT BUTTON - Press this

button to change setting for daylight

(out) or nighttime (in) driving conditions.

TILT UP - Adjust the rear camera up.

TILT DOWN - Adjust the rear camera

down. Optional side cameras are not adjustable.

CONTRAST KNOB - Turn this knob to

adjust monitor contrast.

BRIGHT KNOB - Turn this knob to

adjust monitor brightness.

VOLUME KNOB - Turn knob to adjust

rear microphone volume.

NOTE: With the engine running, placing the gear selector in reverse will automatically display the view from rear camera.



NOTE: The optional side cameras will display when a corresponding turn signal is activated. This action occurs in both the ignition ON and RUN position. When the hazard button is activated the rear camera will come on.

INFORMATION: For more detailed instructions, visit the manufacturer’s website at www.asaelectronics.com or consult the OEM manual.

BackIng up a motorhome

Whether you are a long time owner of

recreational vehicles, or just starting out,

backing up can be a challenge. Following some

simple guidelines may help to reduce that

challenge. When backing up, the driver (pilot)

should be comfortable using the mirrors, the

back-up camera and the co-pilot’s directions (ground guide) for assistance. Practice backing up with the co-pilot’s guidance in a large, unobstructed parking lot. Backing up is a team effort.

The backing process should begin while the

motorhome is in forward motion. Maneuver the motorhome to align with the chosen site. Aligning the motorhome with the site after the

backing process begins may require more than

one attempt. When the motorhome is properly

aligned with the site, the parking area will be

visible in both mirrors. Use road markings as reference points when possible.

When pull-through sites are not available, pick

a solid, level site on the left side for a better eld of vision using the roadside mirror. If the site is

on the right, use the curbside mirror for backing

up, but stay aware of blind spots. Get out and walk the area prior to backing in. Look for

potential hazards or obstacles that may damage

the motorhome. If the site is satisfactory, prepare to back in carefully. Have the co-pilot provide guidance using the ve hand signals. Use of walkie-talkies will also aid in guidance.

The co-pilot will perform just as important a

job as the driver. When guiding the driver, the

co-pilot should be located safely at the left rear corner of the motorhome, facing forward, while remaining visible in the roadside mirror at all

times. The co-pilot should make a conscious

effort to maintain sight of the driver through the

roadside mirror as the motorhome maneuvers.

If the driver loses sight of the co-pilot, stop the backing up process until the co-pilot returns to

view. To avoid mishaps, the co-pilot should be

focused only on what the driver is doing, with

brief observation moments. If necessary, stop

the backing up process to have co-pilot inspect

other areas or angles of concern.

The driver should receive directions only

from the co-pilot. When the co-pilot is guiding the driver, ve clearly dened signals should be used, with only one signal given at a time. Flailing arms with indecisive signals confuse the driver. Signals should be given with purpose and condence. Directional signals are directing travel of the rear of the motorhome.

drIvInG & safety — 2

2008 laPalma Xl

If the desired direction is left, the co-pilot

points left. For example: The co-pilot will

use his/her right arm and forenger pointing distinctly left with arm and nger held on a

horizontal plane, indicating desired direction

of travel of the rear of the motorhome. The

directional signal given should remain steady

until the desired movement is complete.

Five Directional Signals:

1. Co-pilot uses left hand and arm held horizontal, with forenger pointing

right, to direct rear of motorhome to the

right.

2. Co-pilot uses right hand and arm held horizontal, with forenger pointing left, to direct rear of motorhome to the left.

3. Co-pilot uses both arms and hands

parallel with thumbs pointing up and to

rear in a waving vertical motion. This

signals driver to maintain a straight

back direction.

4. Co-pilot holds arms horizontally, hands open with palms facing one another. Start with a wide separation, gradually

closing distance of hands in a rate appropriate to vehicle speed to indicate

amount of distance to the stop point.

5. Closed sts and crossed arms indicate

STOP.

Backing Up Trailers:

Towed vehicles using a tow bar or tow dolly

have more than one pivot point and are not

suitable for backing. Attempting to back up the

motorhome while connected to a tow bar or tow dolly can jack-knife the tow device causing the wheels of the towed vehicle to move in a forward “sideways” motion that will cause

irreparable and expensive damage. If necessary,

disconnect the tow vehicle to avoid a backing up

situation.

Trailers have one pivot point and may be

backed up. The same rules for backing a motorhome can be applied to backing a trailer.

When preparing to back the trailer into a space,

maneuver the motorhome sweeping wide. Turn

back to the opposite direction to maneuver the

trailer into the space. Keep the bottom of the

steering wheel in the desired direction of travel for the trailer. For example: If the desired direction of the trailer is left, rotate the bottom of

the steering wheel left.

If the trailer moves in an undesired direction,

pull forward just far enough to align the trailer

with the space. The co-pilot should stand safely

at the left rear corner of the trailer within view of

the driver in the roadside mirror, using the ve hand signals for guidance.

CAUTION: Tow bars or car dollies are generally made to travel in a forward direction only. Most towing equipment of this type is not designed for backing. Never attempt short back up distances with a tow bar or tow dolly. Damage to the motorhome, vehicle or towing device will result.

Set-up proceDureS

If the site for the motorhome provides full hook-ups, use this quick reference

as a guide only.

This information is an overview on hooking up the utilities and preparing appliances for

use. Specic

information on slide room, awning and leveling system operations is discussed in detail

in other sections.

020083b

020125

Typical Power Pedestal

2008 laPalma Xl

drIvInG & safety — 2

1. Level the motorhome:

Follow the procedures and guidelines for

“Leveling the Motorhome” in Section

10. When using the hydraulic jacks

conrm that the parking surface will

accommodate the weight placed on the

jacks.

2. Hook up utilities and prepare appliances for use:

Open the LP-Gas tank primary valve. Prepare the shore cord for connection.

Uncoil and inspect the cord. Perform

necessary cord maintenance. Install

proper electrical adapters if anything

other than 50 Amp service is provided.

Operate electrical appliances in sequence when hooked to limited shore power

service. Turn shore power circuit breaker

OFF prior to plugging in the shore cord.

Begin appliance operation on LP-Gas, if hooked to less than 50 Amp service, for the rst 60 minutes. Switch the

refrigerator operation to gas, start the

water heater and furnace (if needed).

CAUTION: If shore power service is limited to 15 or 20 Amps, use of light duty extension cords and electrical adapters will create a voltage loss through the cord and at each electrical connection. Line voltage loss and the resistance at each electrical connection can be a hazardous combination. Damage to sensitive electronic equipment may result.



CAUTION: DO NOT remove cover from the shore power supply to troubleshoot electricity to the motorhome. Serious personal injury or death may occur. If there is no power to the motorhome, inform the park manager. It is the park manager’s responsibility to fix any problems with the shore hook-up at the site.

NOTE: To avoid shore power overload when hooked to 30 Amp service, determine appliances current load prior to turning on appliances or using interior outlets.

If cable service is provided, hook-up

a 75 Ohm RG59 or RG6 cable to the

cable connection in the roadside rear

compartment. A phone connection

port is provided in the roadside

rear compartment. Phone utility

outlets are placed throughout the motorhome, including a phone line to be attached to a satellite receiver for

Pay-Per-View movies and events. Hook the potable water hose to the city water connection in the service center.



Hook-up the sewer hose. Sewer drain

pipe diameters are generally either

three or four inches. Proper sewer hose

adapters will ensure against leaks or

spillage. With the sewer hose properly

connected open the grey water valve

(liquid waste drain). The black water

valve (solid waste drain) remains closed until the tank is full or until time of

departure.

Dry campIng

Below are suggestions to follow when staying

at a location that does not have electrical, water

or sewage hook ups. Plan ahead and conserve resources.

Before arriving at the site, ensure batteries

are fully charged and properly maintained (see

Section 8 in Batteries - House under “Battery Maintenance”), the fresh water tank and water

heater are full and waste holding tanks are empty.

To conserve water and fuel:

Operate the refrigerator on LP-Gas. Plan

what is needed from the refrigerator prior

to opening. Conserve LP-Gas by cooking over a campre.

Turn the water heater on about twenty

minutes prior to use. Once heated, water will remain hot for several hours. Turn the water heater off when not in use. Set the thermostat temperature slightly

lower than desired to prevent frequent

cycling of the heating system.



040480y

drIvInG & safety — 2

2008 laPalma Xl

Know the tank capacities and routinely

check fuel levels, especially during cold

weather.

Use ventilation fans to reduce use of the

roof air conditioner. Frequently monitor water consumption.

Limit shower usage; turn water off when

soaping down and back on to rinse.

When water conservation is critical, take a sponge bath or use campground

shower facilities if available. DO NOT

ll the sink with water to wash only a few dishes. Use disposable dishes when possible. Evacuate waste holding tanks prior to lling fresh water tank.

To conserve battery power:

DO NOT allow batteries to fully

discharge before operating the generator.

If possible, run the generator twice a day, morning and afternoon, to charge the

batteries.

When not using the (optional) inverter

for 120 Volts AC, turn it OFF.

Turn OFF interior 12 Volt DC power

whenever possible. Refrigerator, battery

charging and inverter operation are

not affected. Turn OFF small battery

operated items i.e., porch, bay exterior

step, generator and engine compartment

lights, etc. Turn OFF the antenna boost

when not watching TV. One light left on can quickly reduce battery reserves.



Keep a working ashlight handy for

night trips through the campsite and

inside motorhome. When interior

lighting is desired, use one light in

a central location such as the vanity. Unscrew all but one or two bulbs.

Turn on the water pump only when using

water.

If weather does not permit or no outdoor table is available, eat at the dinette table

by candlelight.

Operate the generator when using

microwave/convection oven.

BreakIng camp

Preparing the motorhome for travel will

require several small tasks. Properly securing

and storing items will help to prevent them from

getting lost or damaged. Below is a checklist

guide to reference when preparing to break

camp.



Outside Checklist:

Disconnect the cable TV and lower the

TV antenna. Disconnect and stow the telephone line.

Retract awnings and secure them for

travel. Close the primary LP-Gas tank valve. Connect the sewer hose.



130024

Typical Current Draw

Battery Cut-out 1.5 Amps 13" TV 1.7 Amps Rope Light (10 ft.) 1.3 Amps Porch Light 2.0 Amps Fluorescent Bulb (1) 2.1 Amps Halogen Ceiling Light (1) .09 Amps

+ 202 hidden pages

Monaco 2008 LaPalma XL Owner's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual