In assembling this information, we've tried to think of everything that you might find of value in renting a recreational vehicle and planning your trip. In case we've missed something, don't hesitate to ask. It is important to remember that the owner of this RV thinks very highly of this vehicle and wants it returned in the same condition that you received it. In effect, you are renting a home on wheels so we hope you will treat it with respect. We, like you, also hope that you will enjoy your experience. Please let us know if there is anything additional that we can do to help your achieve that goal.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT: Basically, this is the same as you car. If in doubt about any portion of the front compartment, let your service station attendant do the servicing. Like your personal car, it is important that you keep a sharp eye on the engine temperature and pressure gages. It there is anything abnormal, shut the engine down. Better safe than sorry.
WATER AND OIL: It is necessary to check water and oil each time in refueling. If traveling in excessively hot weather and the engine is overheating, STOP!
FAN BELTS: If a fan belt breaks do not keep traveling because the engine will overheat. Replace the fan belt.
TIRES: Check the tires each time you stop, especially the rear duals. You could have a flat and not know it, thereby putting yourself in danger of fine and of ruining the tire and the wheel.
STOW OUTSIDE STEP BEFORE MOVING MOTORHOME: The step makes the motorhome wider than eight feet which is the legal limit on the highway. Also in the down position the step can be damaged and that is your responsibility.
FUEL TANKS: They are 40 to 70 gallons capacity, depending on the size of the motorhome you have. Your mileage will depend on your driving habits. If you keep your speed down to 45 or 50 mph, you may get 6 to 8 mpg on your fuel. Anything over 50 mph and you can figure on lowering your mileage to 5 to 7 mpg. All propane must be shut off when fueling the motorhome.
HOUSE BATTERY: There are two batteries in this RV. One is used to start the vehicle. The other is called the "house" (or cabin) battery and it supplies power for the 12 volt lights in the RV and the control power to operate the refrigerator, furnace, and the water pump. If you leave the 12v lights on the house battery will run down. The house battery is recharged by turning on the generator.
GENERATOR: The generator supplies power for the AC, all 110v systems, and it charges the house battery. Before starting the generator have the RV engine running and the roof AC off. Turn off the roof AC before turning off the generator. Check the generator oil daily. The generator is generally located toward the rear and low. It can be running while your RV is traveling but remember that it uses fuel from the same tank that operates the vehicle. Also, the generator will not operate when the vehicle fuel tank falls to ¼ or below. The switch to cut on the generator is normally in the kitchen area or on the dash of the RV.
PROPANE: One full propane tank comes with your RV rental and it will be be completely full upon your departure. You do not have to re-fill it before turning in the RV. However, if you use all that is in the first tank (which is normally unlikely), then additional propane is your responsibility. Make sure that you actually are out of propane and that the pilot light has not gone out. If the propane is empty, your oven and stove and refrigerator will all not work. Do not attempt to re-fill the tank yourself…go to a professional.
TOILET, SEWER SYSTEM, HOLDING TANKS: To empty the black (sewer) holding tank, locate the drain on the driver's side underneath the motorhome. At the rear of the motorhome either in the bumper or beneath the bumper is the location of the sewer drain hose. Take the sewer hose and attach to the sewer holding tank drain. Attach the other end to a dumping facility. Open the valve to drain the sewer holding tank. The same operation applies when hooking to sewer facilities in a part and leave the valve open at all times. When the holding tank is empty, replace the sewer drain hose and replace the sewer tank cap. You can visually see when the holding tank is reaching full by flushing the toilet and looking down the drain. When draining the sewer holding tank, run water through the toilet bowl and into the tank to flush out the residue in the tank. Most motorhomes have 2 separate holding tanks: black water from the toilet and grey water from the sink and shower. The grey holding tank should also be flushed at the same time the black (sewer) holding tank is flushed. The grey holding tank should be flushed after the black tank is flushed, in order to help clean out the line.
RECHARGE TOILET: When the black holding tank has been drained, put a packet of chemicals down the toilet drain while flushing the toilet.
MOTORHOME MUST BE LEVEL FOR REFRIGERATOR TO OPERATE: The refrigerator pilot can go out if RV is severely unlevel. It is suggested that the refrigerator be place in the auto mode so it will operate from electricity when hooked up to outside electricity or when running the generator.
POWER FAILURE: In case of a power failure, check the breaker switches and fuses. The generator circuit breaker is on the side of the generator. The circuit breaker and fuse panel for the "house" is normally located in the bedroom: the 110v system has circuit breakers, the 12v system has fuses.
LOADING UP: When loading the RV, try to avoid placing all heavy items on one side…this can create handling problems. Think about what might become missiles inside the RV in case of an accident and secure these items prior to moving the RV.
BACKING UP: ALWAYS HAVE SOMEONE AT THE REAR OF THE MOTORHOME TO CHECK FOR CLEARANCE. There can always be an object such as a short post that would be impossible to see from the side mirrows.
EMERGENCY ROOF &/or WINDOW EXIT(S) are to be opened if needed in an emergency. They are easily damaged if not opened properly and closed in the same manner. Do not operate the RV with the roof &/or window exits open.
ALL OUTSIDE ACCESS DOORS TO STORAGE COMPARTMENTS ARE TO BE LOCKED, LATCHED, OR SECURED TO PREVENT LOSS.
LOCK ENTRY DOOR FROM INSIDE BEFORE TRAVELING: The door can come open while moving.
SECURE REFRIGERATOR DOOR: If food and bottles are not stored properly in the refrigerator, they can shift during traveling and fall out when the door is opened.
BEFORE MOVING RV: Lower antennas, close step, lock door, secure loose items, check overhead clearance, verify that passengers are in seat belts.
LEVEL MONITOR: For your convenience, there is a monitor for the approximate levels of holding tanks (black water, grey water, fresh water), propane, and house battery. The level monitor is normally located between the kitchen and the bath.
CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR is usually located on the bedroom wall. PROPANE DETECTOR is usually located low in the kitchen/living area. FIRE EXTINGUISHER is usually located in the kitchen area. Check all three of these devices daily. The carbon monoxide detector and the propane detector both have test buttons.
IF WATER BACKS UP IN THE SHOWER the grey water tank from the shower and the sinks is probably full. If you are not near a dumping station, you can sometimes legally run excess water into a large pail placed beneath the water-water (not the sewage) outlet while in a campground. Before leaving the campground, empty the pail in a proper emptying facility. Note that it is against the law in some states to use an open pail in this manner.
IF YOU HEAR A MOTOR CUTTING ON AND OFF ALL NIGHT, it may be the water pump. Turn off the water pump switch and make sure all faucets are turned off.
IF YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE, call a pro. They can generally be located in the Yellow Pages or through a motor club like AAA.
IF YOU TURN ON THE FAUCET AND WATER SPUTTERS OUT, it is probably caused by air in the water tank or water lines. Verify that water is in the tank. (Running the water pump with no water in the water tank will probably burn out the water pump.) Then turn on the water pump and open a faucet to clear the air.
ROOF OF MOTORHOME AND LADDER TO ROOF are for maintenance only. No one should climb the ladder and no one should be on top of the motorhome.
ALWAYS USE THE FACTORY INSTALLED SEAT BELTS while the vehicle is in motion. Beds, overhead bunks, sofa, dinette or chairs NOT equipped with seat belts or factory restraint systems are not safe to occupy while the vehicle is in motion.
WHEN REFUELING gasoline, diesel, or propane always shut off furnace, water heater, refrigerator, stove, generator, as well as any open flame.
SHOWERS and tubs are slippery when wet and not for utilization while coach is in motion.
DISCONTINUE TRAVEL during high wind conditions.
THIS RV IS NOT FOR OFF-ROAD USE.
IF YOU HAVE AN ACCIDENT please call the authorities immediately. Your insurance certification and vehicle registration are in this book.
TO SAVE MONEY WHEN RETURNING THIS VEHICLE refill the vehicle fuel tank, dump the black and grey water holding tanks, and clean the vehicle. Or we can do any or all of these for you and charge you. You do not have to refill the propane tank.
Is there something you want to know that is not answered on this page? Send us a question.
