Tiffin Motorhomes WAYFARER 2017 Owner's Manual
2017
OWNER’S MANUAL
TIFFIN
MOTORHOMES
MADE TO MOVE YOU.
TIFFIN MOTORHOMES, INC.
625 Fawn Grove Road | Winfield, AL 35594
205-487-4710
2017
TIFFIN MOTORHOMES, INC.
625 Fawn Grove Road | Winfield, AL 35594
205-487-4710
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 GENERAL INFORMATION
WELCOME……………………………………………………………………………………….. 2
ABOUT THIS MANUAL ………………………………………………………………………. 3
DELIVERY ………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
DEALER RESPONSIBILITIES ………………………………………………………………. 4
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ……………………………………………………………. 4
TIFFIN MOTORHOMES LIMITED WARRANTY ……………………………………. 5
MAJOR EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS …………………………………………….. 5
WARRANTY SERVICE ………………………………………………………………………… 6
OWNER’S INFORMATION PACKAGE …………………………………………………. 6
CUSTOMER RELATIONS ……………………………………………………………………. 6
SPECIFICATION LABELS …………………………………………………………………… 7
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
6
7
7
WEIGHT PROCEDURES ……………………………………………………………………… 8
WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION …………………………………………………………………….. 9
SAFETY MESSAGES ……………………………………………………………………………. 9
8
9
9
2 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS ………………………………………………………………… 11
GENERAL WARNINGS………………………………………………………………………. 11
PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST ………………………………………………………………. 12
DRIVING SAFETY ………………………………………………………………………………… 13
FUELS FOR THE MOTORHOME ……………………………………………………………… 14
LIQUID PROPANE ……………………………………………………………………………….. 15
LP GAS REGULATOR ……………………………………………………………………………. 17
11
11
12
13
14
15
17
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LP DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM ………………………………………………………………….. 17
RECOMMENDED PRACTICES ……………………………………………………………….. 18
CARBON MONOXIDE WARNING …………………………………………………………... 19
CO/ LP DETECTOR …………………………………………………………………………………. 19
FIRE SAFETY ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 21
FIRE EXTINGUISHER ……………………………………………………………………………….. 22
SMOKE DETECTOR ………………………………………………………………………………….. 23
ELECTRICAL …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 23
LOADING …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 23
MAINTENANCE …………………………………………………………………………………………. 24
EMERGENCY EXITS …………………………………………………………………………………….. 24
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18
19
19
21
22
23
23
23
24
24
PARKING PROCEDURES ………………………………………………………………………………. 25
TOWING HITCH …………………………………………………………………………………………… 25
25
25
3 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
FURNACE …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 28
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM …………………………………………………………………………. 29
THERMOSTAT CONTROLS ……………………………………………………………………………… 30
HEAT PUMP CONTROLS ………………………………………………………………………………… 31
28
29
30
31
4 LP GAS SYSTEM
LIQUID PROPANE (LP) TANK ………………………………………………………………………… 33
LP TANK FILLING PRACTICES ………………………………………………………………………… 34
LP GAS REGULATOR ……………………………………………………………………………………… 34
33
34
34
TABLE OF CONTENTS
5 MAJOR APPLIANCES
LP/ GAS REFRIGERATOR …………………………………………………………………………. 37
MICROWAVE OVEN ………………………………………………………………………………… 38
COOK TOP ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 38
WATER HEATER ………………………………………………………………………………………… 40
WATER HEATER STORAGE …………………………………………………………………………. 42
PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE ……………………………………………………………………………. 43
37
38
38
40
42
43
6 ENTERTAINMENT
TELEVISION SETS ………………………………………………………………………………………. 45
DVD PLAYER ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 45
45
45
7 CABINETS & FURNITURE
CABINETS ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 47
48
FURNITURE …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 49
BEDROOM AREA ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 50
50
51
8 STRUCTURAL FEATURES
CHASSIS FEATURES ………………………………………………………………………………………. 52
53
9 ELECTRICAL FEATURES
GENERAL INFORMATION ………………………………………………………………………………. 54
CIRCUIT BREAKER BOXES ……………………………………………………………………………… 55
BATTERY INSPECTION AND CARE ………………………………………………………………….. 56
120 – VOLT (VAC) AC RECEPTACLES ……………………………………………………………… 58
GROUND-FAULT-CIRCUIT-INTERRUPT RECEPTACLES ……………………………………… 58
55
56
57
59
59
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ELECTRICAL FEATURES
CONVERTER/INVERTER ……………………………………………………………………………….. 59
ELECTRICAL GENERATOR ……………………………………………………………………………… 60
AUTOMATIC TRANSFER SWITCH …………………………………………………………………... 61
CIRCUIT BREAKERS ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 62
FUSE BREAKERS ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 62
SEVEN-PIN TOWING CONNECTOR …………………………………………………………………. 62
60
61
62
63
63
63
10 SLIDE-OUT FEATURES
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS …………………………………………………………………………. 65
OPERATING PRECAUTIONS …………………………………………………………………………… 66
EXTENDING THE SLIDE-OUT ………………………………………………………………………….. 66
RETRACTING THE SLIDE-OUT ………………………………………………………………………… 67
66
67
67
68
11 EXTERIOR FEATURES
TOWING HITCH …………………………………………………………………………………………… 69
EXTERIOR SIDES ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 69
SECURITY LIGHTS ………………………………………………………………………………………… 70
ELECTRIC STEPS …………………………………………………………………………………………… 70
MIRRORS …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 72
70
70
71
71
73
12 INTERIOR FEATURES
BEDSPREAD ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 75
FLOORING ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 75
CEILING ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 76
WINDOW TREATMENTS ………………………………………………………………………………. 76
76
76
77
77
TABLE OF CONTENTS
13 PLUMBING & BATH FEATURES
MONITOR PANEL ………………………………………………………………………………………. 78
KITCHEN SINK …………………………………………………………………………………………… 78
BATH, SINK, SHOWER & ACCESSORIES ………………………………………………………. 79
WATER PUMP ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 79
CITY WATER CONNECTIONS ……………………………………………………………………….. 80
FILLING FRESHWATER TANK …………………………………………………………………………. 81
SANITIZING ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 81
WATER FILTER …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 82
WATER HEATER BYPASS SYSTEM ………………………………………………………………… 82
FRESHWATER LINES ……………………………………………………………………………………. 83
GENERAL INFORMATION …………………………………………………………………………….. 83
79
79
80
80
81
82
82
84
84
85
85
TOILET …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 83
BLACK WATER HOLDING TANK …………………………………………………………………….. 84
GRAY WATER HOLDING TANK ………………………………………………………………………. 84
P-TRAPS ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 84
WASTEWATER DISPOSAL ………………………………………………………………………………. 85
SEWER CONNECTION AND CAMPING ……………………………………………………………. 85
NO FUSS FLUSH …………………………………………………………………………………………… 86
EXTERIOR SHOWER ………………………………………………………………………………………. 86
85
86
86
86
87
87
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88
14 WINDOWS, AWNINGS, VENTS, AND DOORS
WINDOWS ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 88
AWNING ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 88
90
90
TABLE OF CONTENTS
VENTS ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 90
DOORS ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 91
92
93
15 DRIVING YOUR MOTORHOME
SINGLE VISION CAMERA MONITOR SYSTEM ……………………………………………….. 93
AM /FM / CD STEREO SYSTEM ……………………………………………………………………… 93
DASHBOARD HEATING / COOLING CONTROLS ……………………………………………… 94
95
95
96
16 ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
WASHING …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 96
SEALS ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 97
PROPER SEALANTS FOR APPLICATION …………………………………………………………… 98
WHEEL CARE …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 98
98
99
100
100
ROOF CARE & MAINTENANCE ………………………………………………………………………. 99
MOISTURE MAINTENANCE …………………………………………………………………………… 99
TIRE & SAFETY INFORMATION …………………………………………………………………… 103
TIRE PRESSURE …………………………………………………………………………………………… 113
INTERIOR CARE ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 116
FABRICS …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 117
WALLS & CEILING ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 117
DASHBOARD ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 118
WOODWORK & FLOORS …………………………………………………………………………….. 118
COUNTERTOPS …………………………………………………………………………………………… 119
ACCESSORIES ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 119
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120
120
121
121
DETECTORS …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 119
121
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONDENSATION ……………………………………………………………………………………… 120
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES ……………………………………………………… 120
WINTERIZING …………………………………………………………………………………………… 122
DE-WINTERIZING ………………………………………………………………………………………. 123
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122
124
125
17 MAINTENANCE & DATA CHART
RV OWNER’S DATA SHEET …………………………………………………………………………. 125
RV OWNER’S MAINTENANCE RECORD ……………………………………………………….. 126
127
128
GENERAL INFORMATION
CHAPTER
1
TIFFIN
MOTORHOMES
MADE TO MOVE YOU.
Copyright © by Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. - all rights reserved
Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. ©
625 Fawn Grove Rd. Winfield, Al 35594
Phone: 205-487-4710
FAX: 205-487-0444
MERCEDES 24 HOUR ROAD SIDE SERVICE
800-367-6372
Email: winfieldparts@tiffinmotorhomes.com
winfieldservice@tiffinmotorhomes.com
2
WELCOME TO A LIFE OF “ROUGHING IT SMOOTHLY”
Tiffin Motorhomes is excited that you
have entered the world of motorhome
travel and we believe that you and your
family will enjoy this way of life for years
to come. Your Tiffin built motorhome
provides all the luxuries and comforts of
home while allowing you to travel freely
as you choose. But before heading out on
the open roads, please make yourself
familiar with this owner’s manual to learn
more about the operations of your
motorhome. Also, please work with your
dealer to learn as much as possible about
the functionality and features of your
coach. And remember - “wherever you
go, we go.”
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
This operator/owner’s manual was prepared with you in mind. We want to provide you with the
information you need to properly care for and use your vehicle and equipment. Please carefully read
through this manual to help you understand how everything in your motorhome works.
NOTE: This operator’s manual describes many features of your Wayfarer and includes instructions for
its safe use. The manual, however, including its photography and illustrations, is of a general nature.
Some equipment and features described in this manual may be optional or unavailable on your model.
The instructions included are meant to serve as a guide and in no way extend the responsibilities of
Tiffin Motorhomes beyond the standard written warranty. The descriptions, illustrations, and
specifications in this manual were correct at the time of printing and Tiffin Motorhomes reserves the
right to change specifications or design without notice, and without incurring obligation to install the
same on products previously manufactured. Many of the instruction sheets and manuals for the
various appliances inside your motorhome have been incorporated into this manual for your
convenience.
3
DELIVERY
Throughout the entire manufacturing process, your Tiffin motorhome has been regularly inspected by our
qualified personnel to assure you of the finest product of the highest quality, without exception. However,
the final inspection at our factory is not to be the last one. The pre-delivery inspection and system check
that your dealer performs are the final inspections done to your particular motorhome prior to you
actually receiving your new Wayfarer motorhome. Your dealer is also available to assist you in
understanding the warranties and completing the necessary forms to activate the warranties for the
various appliances and accessories installed in your motorhome.
DEALER RESPONSIBLITIES
1. A pre-delivery inspection and systems check is performed to assure a thorough inspection of
the motorhome and to assure the proper operation of all factory-installed components.
2. A customer walk-through is performed to familiarize the new customer with the motorhome,
its systems and components, and their proper and safe operation.
3. Delivery of the Owner’s Information Package which contains warranty cards and registrations
for the vehicle and all factory-installed components from other vendors and suppliers to Tiffin
Motorhomes. The detailed operation instructions and maintenance instructions on these
components are also included in this package.
4. Assisting the customer in completing the registration forms to avoid loss of warranty coverage.
The dealer should review the limited-warranty provisions with the customer to stress the
importance of completing the warranty cards and registration forms for the components in the
motorhome to enable the manufacturers to receive them within the prescribed time limits.
5. Providing the customer with information regarding warranty and non-warranty work on the
vehicle and its separately warranted components.
4
GENERAL INFORMATION
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITES
The customer is responsible for regular and proper maintenance of the motorhome. Properly
maintaining your motorhome will prevent conditions arising from neglect that are not covered by your
Tiffin Motorhomes limited warranty. The maintenance guidelines in this manual and any other,
applicable manual(s) should be followed. It is your responsibility and obligation to return the vehicle to
an authorized dealer for repairs and service.
To assist you in avoiding problems with your motorhome, it is recommended that you do the following:
1. Read the warranty. Go over it thoroughly with your dealer to make sure you understand all the
terms and conditions of the warranty.
2. Please ask questions about anything you don’t fully understand about your Wayfarer. Tiffin
Motorhomes is here to serve you and assure that you have all the information necessary for your
safe and enjoyable use of your new motor home.
3. When you are taking delivery, set an appointment for adjustments. This appointment should be
within two weeks after you accept delivery.
4. You are responsible for and expected to use your Wayfarer in a responsible, safe manner. Please
take the time to familiarize yourself with the proper operation of the motor home and all its
features before you attempt to use your motor home.
5. Once a year the roof seals need to be inspected and replaced if need to prevent leaks. This can be
done at a Tiffin Motorhomes Service Center.
TIFFIN MOTORHOMES LIMITED WARRANTY
The Tiffin Motorhomes limited warranty was provided to you by your authorized Tiffin Motorhomes
dealer during the pre-delivery inspection. When you inquire about your Tiffin Motorhomes warranty,
please refer to this document. Should you need or desire an additional copy or other information, please
contact:
Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc.
625 Fawn Grove Rd.
Winfield, Alabama 35594
Tiffin Motorhomes will be pleased to send you an additional copy or any other information requested, as
may be warranted.
5
GENERAL INFORMATION
MAJOR EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS
The following list is a compilation of the vendors and suppliers of the major subsystems and components
of your Wayfarer. This list is provided for your convenience and is not meant as a complete substitution
of the literature and accompanying “how to contact us” information supplied by those vendors and
suppliers in your Owner’s Information Package. Where appropriate, website information is provided as
well.
Atwood Mobile Products (800) 646-8557 atwoodmobile.com
LP Gas Water Heater (815) 877-5700 atwoodmobile.com
HWH Corporation (800) 321-3494 hwhcorp.com
Kwikee (541) 942-3888 kwikee.com
Norcold, Inc. (800) 543-1219 norcold.com
Onan Corporation (612) 574-5944 onanindiana.com
RV Products (Coleman A/C) (316) 832-3400 airxcel.com
Precision Circuits Inc. (630-240-9832 precisioncircuitsinc.com
Saf-T-Alert (CO/LP Alarm) (800) 383-0269 safetalert.com
Triple H (800) 237-4277 ` triplehelectronics.com
The Dometic Corporation (219) 294-2017 dometic.com
Lippert (574)-535-1125 lippert.com
For those looking for more information (e.g., locations of authorized subsidiaries), the following web
site, www.rvamerica.com/data/s_alist.htm, should be helpful. This site provides complete, alphabetic
listings of all suppliers and vendors for all contemporary recreational vehicles and motor homes.
WARRANTY SERVICE
If any warranty service may be required, that service needs to be completed during the warranty
period (basic warranty: 12 months or 12,000 miles). Any service work performed after the expiration
of the Tiffin Motorhomes warranties WILL NOT be covered by those warranties. Exceptions may be
made, on an individual basis, to this deadline on account of the unavailability of parts and/or service
appointment time where work is to be performed. However, don’t rely on the possibility of an
exception; please schedule any desired in-warranty work before your warranty expires.
OWNER’S INFORMATION PACKAGE
The Owner’s Information Package includes valuable documents about your Wayfarer and its
components and systems. By consulting the booklets and instruction manuals included in the Owner’s
Information Package, you will learn how to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot these items safely and
effectively. The Tiffin Motorhomes Wayfarer Owner’s Manual does not cover every possible detail of
equipment— standard and/or optional—installed on or in your vehicle. As with all valuable
6
GENERAL INFORMATION
documentation, please keep them in a safe, secure place for your later use and consultation. When you
complete and mail to the respective manufacturer(s) any warranty/guaranty registration card(s), make a
photocopy of both sides of each card prior to mailing and keep the photocopy in your permanent
records for your Wayfarer motorhome.
CUSTOMER RELATIONS
If you wish to schedule maintenance or service or wish to order parts, you should notify your local
authorized Tiffin Motorhomes dealership to set up an appointment. If you are unsure of the location of
your nearest authorized Tiffin Motorhomes dealership, please access the Tiffin Motorhomes website at
www.tiffinmotorhomes.com and then click on the “Locate Dealer” button, then enter in the appropriate
search criteria such as state and retail sales, then click on the red ball located on the map to find dealer
information in that area.
SPECIFICATION LABELS
There are two main numbers used to identify your Wayfarer. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is
the legal identification of the completed vehicle. The VIN is the number used by the state for vehicle
identification and registration.
Another label
affixed to your
Wayfarer is the
Recreational
Vehicle
Industrial
Association
(RVIA) label for
Tiffin Motorhomes, a manufacturermember of RVIA, has the obligation to
disclose the following information, at
minimum, to the purchaser of the motor
home:
7
GENERAL INFORMATION
An indication of the contents of the motorhome weight label affixed to the motorhome.
A concise explanation of the following items: Vehicle Weight (VW) distribution and Proper
weighing techniques to be used to weigh the vehicle.
Specific definitions for the following terminology:
Gross Vehicle-Weight Rating (GVWR) – This is the maximum permissible weight of the motor home
when it is fully loaded.
Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW) – This is the weight of the motor home, as built at the factory, with
full fuel, engine oil, and coolants. The UVW does not include cargo, fresh water, LP gas, or any dealerinstalled accessories.
Occupant and Cargo-Carrying Capacity (OCC) – This is the maximum weight of all occupants including
the driver, personal belongings, food, fresh water, waste water, LP gas, tools, tongue weight of towed
vehicle [if any], dealer-installed accessories, and the like. The CCC is equal to or less than the GVWR
minus the UVW.
Gross Combination-Weight Rating (GCWR) – This is the value specified by the chassis manufacturer as
the maximum allowable loaded weight of the motor home with a towed trailer and/or vehicle [if any].
Gross Axle-Weight Rating (GAWR) – This is the maximum allowable weight for an axle; the GAWR
considers the weakest link in the tire, wheel, brakes, hubs, axle, springs, and attaching parts. To
illustrate, if the axle is rated at 15,000 pounds and the tires are rated at 3,200 pounds each as a dual
installation; then the maximum GAWR would be 12,800 pounds for a four-tire vehicle.
WEIGHT PROCEDURES
To weigh the motorhome properly, the motorhome should be level when the weighing process is
performed. Your Wayfarer motorhome has been designed and built in compliance with the
recommended limits of the major-component/system suppliers to provide a realistic CCC. It is up to the
final user to provide even distribution of the loads brought into the motor home to prevent uneven
loading. Once the vehicle is loaded, it can be taken to any certified drive-on scales or individual-wheel
scales to determine that the final weight is within specified limits for the motorhome. The procedure
that can be used is as follows:
First, drive the motorhome onto the scales so that all wheels are on the scales; this provides the gross
vehicle weight (GVW) of the vehicle and can be recorded as such. The GVW should not exceed the
GVWR specified for the vehicle.
8
GENERAL INFORMATION
Second, drive the motorhome so that the front wheels are off the scales and only the rear wheels
remain on the scales; this provides the total weight of the vehicle, save for the front axle. This weight
should not exceed the total rating of the axles remaining on the scales. The front axle weight is
determined by subtracting the weight from the GVW that was obtained in the first step which was
performed earlier. The result should not exceed the listed front-axle weight rating.
WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION
To assure the maximum stability of the motorhome under static (i.e., parked) and dynamic (i.e., moving)
conditions, the distribution of the items to be carried and stored within the motorhome and in the
storage bays underneath the motorhome should be performed in such a manner to strive for reasonably
even side-to-side and front-to-rear dispersion of the weight of the stored items. This process will assure
that the motorhome is not “lop-sided” in weight distribution (i.e., all the stored weight on one side
and/or mainly towards the front or the rear)—keeping a center of mass of the motorhome essentially
centered on a front-to-rear and side-to-side basis will also provide better control of the motorhome
when it is in motion.
SAFETY MESSAGES
Please note that several labels listed in this manual represent
items that need your attention. The Danger, Warning, Caution,
and Notice labels alert you to precautions that may help you
avoid damage to your motorhome, its equipment or your
personal safety. Please read and follow them carefully.
.
9
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CHAPTER
2
SAFETY
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
Prior to using your motorhome, especially for the first time or after a long period of non-use, please
read thoroughly all the instructions in the Owner’s Manual and the chassis-manufacturer’s manual
before attempting to operate your motorhome. There are several safety considerations which you
should realize and follow while your Wayfarer is in motion. These safety considerations, as well as
others meant to preclude any damage to the motorhome, are listed in this chapter. Besides the driver, it
would be helpful for the passengers to be familiar with these safety considerations and precautions, too.
GENERAL WARNINGS
In general, there are several “common-sense” safety precautions that should be taken every time the
motorhome is to be used on the road. These precautions include:
Only seats with seat belts should be used while the motorhome is in motion; those seat belts
should be worn by all people (driver, passengers) in the motorhome at that time.
While the motorhome is moving, lock all seats in the forward-facing position to provide max-
imum safety for the users.
While the motorhome is moving, no one inside should ever stand or kneel on seats (e.g., young
children).
In the majority of states, it is the law that seat belts must be used (fastened snugly about the
chest and hip areas), anytime the motorhome is in motion, to provide desired protection in the
event of a crash.
Any fire extinguisher(s) should be inspected on a monthly basis to assure that each extinguisher
is properly charged and ready for operation.
Any smoke and/or carbon-monoxide (CO)/liquid propane (LP) alarm(s) should be regularly in-
spected and tested. If being used for the first time, the smoke and/or CO/LP alarm should be
properly activated and fresh batteries installed before the motorhome is placed into service.
Never sleep in a motorhome not having functional smoke and/or CO/LP alarm(s).
While the motorhome is moving, the sleeping facilities are not to be used.
In the event of an emergency, be sure to be familiar with all escape exits (doors, escape
window) Do not use the emergency window as a routine exit; this is strictly to be used for
emergency purposes only.
Movement inside the motorhome should be minimized while the motorhome is in motion.
Never leave the driver’s seat unattended while the motorhome is in motion.
11
YOUR PRE-DEPATURE CHECKLIST
For your continued safety and convenience, the
following is a representative “check list”
designed to assure your safety while driving:
√Clean all windows, mirrors, and light lenses
(front, back, side) to assure that you can “see”
and “be seen.” Reposition any mirrors or other
fixtures to provide an unobstructed view (front,
sides, and back) from the driver’s seat.
√Remove or secure all loose fixtures (e.g., awnings, flags, antennas, portable lights) to keep
them from falling from the motorhome when the vehicle is in motion.
√Make a “walk-around” visual inspection of the motorhome to note any irregularities (e.g.,
loose trim) or problems (e.g., low tires); correct noted problems accordingly
√Check all exterior storage-compartment and generator-compartment doors to make sure they
are properly latched. If need be, check inside all exterior compartments to make sure that all
cargo and equipment are properly secured so they won’t work loose and become hazards during
sudden starts and stops.
SAFETY
√Check tires for proper inflation (i.e., cold inflation pressure: 100 psig). If the motorhome has
not been used, make sure that the “cold inflation” pressure is maintained. If the motorhome has
recently been used, make sure that the “hot inflation” pressure (see the tire-manufacturer’s
literature to determine appropriate “hot inflation” pressure) is maintained. All tire pressures
should be within 1-2 pounds (psig) of each other.
√Examine wheel lug nuts to assure their proper tightness. If any lug nuts were found to be loose,
first check the fit of the wheel to the hub to make sure the wheel is not mis-mounted which
would produce a “wobbly” wheel when the motorhome is in motion, then tighten the lug nuts.
√Check all fluid levels (e.g., engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, power-steering fluid, brake
fluid, battery fluid [if applicable], windshield-washer solvent) to assure correct levels are
maintained. Fill any low reservoirs, as needed.
√DO NOT SUBSTITUTE any other fluids for specified oils, transmission fluid, brake fluid, or other
hydraulic fluids—in most instances, substitutions are not acceptable and may void warranties.
√Prior to starting the motorhome engine, make sure all lines (e.g., water, sewer) and electrical
power cords are disconnected and properly stowed.
√After entering the motorhome, make sure that the electrically-actuated, retractable step has
properly
12
SAFETY
DRIVING SAFETY Figure 2-1: Driver’s side dashboard and instrument console.
Various adjustments need to be
made to assure the driver’s comfort
and the safety of the motorhome
before starting and moving the
motorhome; these include:
Do not attempt to adjust the
driver’s seat while the vehicle is
moving.
Do not adjust the tilt steering while
the vehicle is moving.
The driver should be familiar with
all gauges, instruments, switches,
and indicators on the instrument
panel prior to driving.
Do not operate the cruise-control
function during any extreme
weather situations (e.g., snow, ice,
sleet, heavy rain) or when road
conditions
are hazardous (icy, snowy, winding
roads, city traffic) or when a
constant speed of the motorhome is not possible or if traffic conditions don’t warrant such.
Avoid driving the motorhome through any standing water. If deep enough, such water can wet
the brake pads and cause fading of the brakes (i.e., loss of braking power) and lead to excessive
sliding or pulling to one side or another.
Know the limits of operation of the motorhome. Don’t try to achieve excessive speeds, climb
overly steep hills, traverse overly long grades, attempt to use the motorhome as an “off-the-road”
(OTR) motorhome, rapidly switch lanes, or rapidly accelerate or decelerate the motorhome.
When in doubt about the handling characteristics of the motorhome, consult your chassis manual
for information.
NEVER drive the vehicle with a slideout room extended.
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FUELS FOR THE MOTORHOME
SAFETY
Your motorhome is designed to use diesel only for the engine used in the routine operation of the
motorhome—these require prudent and safe handling to assure safety of the motorhome and its
occupants; namely:
Anytime the motor fuel or the LP tank is to be
filled, the motorhome engine is to be turned OFF
and all pilot lights and appliances should be
turned OFF.
A NO SMOKING policy should always be
observed when refilling the fuel or propane gas
tank.
NEVER use an open flame to test for LP gas leaks
or to examine the fluid levels in the fuel tanks.
After filling any LP system, immediately replace and secure all protective covers and caps.
After closing the LP valve, close and securely latch the LP door to prevent unintentional access
or damage.
NEVER connect natural gas to the LP gas system—LP gas and natural gas are not
interchangeable.
When lighting range burners, do not turn burner controls to “On” and allow the gas to escape
before lighting.
NEVER use any other “burning” equipment (e.g., charcoal grills, wood stoves, butane lights, pro
pane lights) inside the motorhome. Doing so may cause fires and/or asphyxiation.
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SAFETY
LIQUID PROPANE (LP) GAS SYSTEM
Check the propane gas system for leaks yearly or as necessary. If you smell gas within the motorhome,
quickly perform the following:
IF YOU SMELL PROPANE
Extinguish any open flames, pilot lights and all smoking materials.
Do not touch electrical switches.
Shut off the gas supply at the tank valve or gas supply connection.
Open doors, windows and other ventilating openings.
Leave the area until the odor clears.
Have the propane system checked and leakage source corrected immediately. A failure to
comply could result in serious injury or death.
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SAFETY
Any overfilling of the LP gas container(s) can result in
uncontrolled gas flow—a prime condition for a fire
or explosion.
The LP container should only be filled to 80 percent
of its capacity; the remainder of the cylinder space is
an air space to contain expansion of that liquid when
subjected to varying ambient-temperature
conditions.
Filling in excess of 80 percent of the liquid volume of
the container reduces that air space and, thus,
creates a condition for possible over-pressurization
of the container. Figure 2-3: LP Tank
All LP appliances in your motorhome have been approved for use in motorhomes by a
nationally-recognized testing laboratory (i.e., UL and CSA certified). When properly used, LP gas
is a clean-burning fuel which can be dependably used. In actuality, the LP container contains
liquid propane under high pressure.
The liquid, when it passes through the tank valve to a lower pressure, vaporizes into a gas, and
then passes through a regulator to maintain a constant pressure. This gas, then, is the actual
fuel distributed through the LP-gas manifold system to the LP-based appliances used in your
motorhome.
LP-appliance lighting problems are typically caused by an improperly-adjusted gas regulator.
NEVER attempt to adjust or reset the gas regulator yourself. An authorized service technician is
needed to make these adjustments. As a good preventive-maintenance activity, the regulator
should be checked annually by a service technician and also before every extended trip.
Even though the LP-gas system is leak-checked and verified at the factory at the time of
manufacture, normal usage (travel vibrations, etc.) could loosen the fittings. Consequently, it is
wise to check the gas fittings periodically for leak tightness.
You can wipe some leak-detector solution (e.g., a “liquid-soap”-like solution) on all the fittings,
connections, and junctures when the system is under pressure. Should there be any leaks, small
bubbles will appear at any leak sites.
Generally, loose fittings can be tightened to stop the leaks. If this process doesn’t work, then
you must shut off the main gas valve at the LP cylinder(s) and immediately consult an authorized
service technician to determine what repairs are necessary. Leaks may also be detected by
noting a sulfurous odor (i.e., rotten eggs). DO NOT search for a leak by using a match or open
flame.
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SAFETY
LP GAS REGULATOR
The LP gas regulator (Figure 2-4) is the most
critical element of the LP-gas distribution system.
The regulator converts the high-pressure LP gas
from the tank into a reduced-pressure LP-gas
supply suitable for use in the various appliances
in the motorhome.
You should regularly inspect the regulator
system. If any damage or corrosion is noted,
contact an authorized service technician to
inspect and repair or replace the regulator. Figure 2-4 LP Gas Regulator
Do not attempt to adjust the regulator yourself; the regulator has been pre-set at the factory.
Only a qualified LP service technician using specialized equipment should adjust the regulator.
LP DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
The primary LP distribution system in the motorhome is a steel manifold located underneath the
motorhome. The secondary distribution lines running from this main distribution system are
usually reinforced rubber supply lines
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SAFETY
If any of the gas lines break, do not attempt to splice them—always run new lines to maintain
the safety of the motor home. It is strongly recommended that only qualified service technicians
perform this work.
Remember, the main valve at the LP gas tank must be closed whenever any gas appliance is to
be installed, removed, or serviced—this process prevents LP gas leakage which could result in a
possible harmful explosion. If the odor of LP gas is ever detected, immediately discontinue use
of any gas appliances and seek the services of a qualified service technician.
RECOMMENDED PRACTICES
The following practices are recommended to assure continued safety and reliability of the LP gas
system. These are, of course, representative; not necessarily exhaustive. In all cases, use common sense
in the use of the LP system.
Visually inspect the LP fill valve before any refueling operation to look for foreign materials or
debris; remove, as necessary, to assure a leak-tight connection.
Prior to any refueling operation of the LP gas system, shut off all the pilot lights.
NEVER, under any circumstances, check for LP gas leaks with any type of open flame; doing so
would probably cause an explosion and subsequent fire.
Periodically inspect visually the entire LP gas distribution system; do so at least annually and
before any major trips.
Should problems be noted, seek the services of a qualified service technician to make necessary
repairs and perform any maintenance.
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SAFETY
CARBON MONOXIDE WARNING
A properly maintained engine exhaust and ventilation system is the best way to protect against carbon
monoxide’s entry into the vehicle. We recommend that the exhaust system and body be inspected by a
qualified motorhome service center:
Each time the vehicle is serviced for an oil change.
Whenever a change in the sound of the exhaust system is noticed.
Whenever the exhaust system, underbody, or rear of the vehicle is damaged.
To allow proper operation of the vehicle’s ventilation system, keep front ventilation inlet grill clear of
obstructions at all times. Do not occupy a parked vehicle with engine running for an extended time and
do not run engine in confined areas, such as a garage.
Your motorhome is equipped with a Carbon Monoxide alarm,
which has a sensor that is designed to detect carbon
monoxide gas fumes resulting from incomplete combustion
of fuel. It will detect carbon monoxide gas from any
combustion source such as from the furnace, oven/ range,
water heater, refrigerator, chassis engine and generator
engine.
CO/LP GAS DETECTOR Figure 2-5: Carbon Monoxide alarm
Since LP gas is denser than air, the LP gas will naturally settle to the lowest point in an enclosed
space. In the motorhome, this would be the floor.
Because of this, the CO/LP gas detector (Figure 2-5) is necessarily mounted close to the floor. To
activate the CO/LP-gas sensor on this detector for the first time, remove the sensor activation
strip, if such was not performed during the pre-delivery inspection.
If the alarm persists in re-arming and giving further alarms, ventilate the motorhome by opening
doors and windows and then check for possible LP gas leaks. If the leak cannot be readily found,
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SAFETY
then close the main valve to the LP tank and turn “off” all gas appliances and then take the
motorhome to a qualified service technician after the ventilation process is concluded and the
doors and windows again shut.
This single compact system provides a powerful combined alarm that detects both Carbon
Monoxide (CO) and explosive gases Propane (LPG) and Methane (Natural Gas). This detector uses
the latest microprocessor technology combined with two electronic self-cleaning sensors that
operate independently of each other. The combined unit can detect both CO and explosive gases
simultaneously.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas which, when breathed, bonds to the
hemoglobin in the red blood cells and, thus, drastically reduces or blocks the transfer of oxygen
from the lungs to the rest of the body.
In sufficient concentrations, CO kills by asphyxiation. In lesser amounts, CO makes the victim
groggy, lethargic, and unable to think clearly or quickly.
CO is one of the products of combustion for many materials including petroleum-based products
(e.g., gasoline, diesel fuel, propane, butane; among others). Since many of the appliances and the
engines associated with the motorhome produce CO in their normal operations, it is necessary to
assure that CO levels do not rise to dangerous levels within the motor home. In sufficiently high
concentrations, CO can kill in minutes.
The most susceptible people to CO poisoning are unborn babies, small children, pregnant women,
senior citizens, and people with cardiovascular or respiratory problems
Consequently, it is prudent to check the CO monitor regularly for normal operation and to remain
aware of the symptoms of CO poisoning which include dizziness, nausea, vomiting,
Muscular twitching, throbbing in the temples, incoherent thinking and speech, weakness,
sleepiness, and intense headaches.
Should any of these symptoms be experienced in the motorhome, you should IMMEDIATELY
evacuate the motorhome and seek medical help. Shut down the motorhome and do not
attempt to operate it again until the source(s) of the CO are located and fixed.
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SAFETY
FIRE SAFETY
As with any enclosed system containing the three required conditions for fire (i.e., combustible
materials, oxygen, ignition sources), there will exist the possibility of fire. Tiffin Motorhomes has
taken every precaution and design practice to minimize or negate this possibility, but the final
determination rests with the owner and user of the motorhome. Accordingly, it is in the best
interests of the owners, users, and their guests to be aware of basic fire-safety practices and
procedures and those particular features that Tiffin Motorhomes has provided for fire safety.
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