Orientation Highlights and Summary
There’s a lot to know about owning and operating an RV and we want you to be comfortable when you’re out in the wilderness or set-up at a campground. If you purchased an RV from us, one of our certified RV Techs will go over all this information with you when you pick up your new RV. It can be a lot of info to take in at once, especially if you’re a first time RV owner! Here is a basic guide to help you with any operation difficulties you might have along the way:
Air Conditioner
Your AC will turn on either via the wall thermostat or controls directly on the ceiling unit itself. It is designed to lower the temperature inside the RV approximately 20 degrees. Keep this in mind in extremely hot, humid weather and when you have several people inside the RV. We recommend you keep the fan on high speed, particularly in very hot and humid weather. This will prevent the roof top unit from “freezing up”. This will not harm your AC unit, but you will be without AC for several hours until it thaws out. If your AC will start up but the compressor fan on the rooftop does not seem to move, you may be able to perform a simple fix. Climb on the roof or a ladder and use a stick or something similar to poke through the holes on the cover for the rooftop unit. This will help free up the fan if it has a little bit of rust or corrosion.
Auto Leveling Stabilizing Jacks
If your jacks won’t level properly or you’re getting an error code on your remote you will need to “restart” the leveling system by extending all 4 jacks all the way down to the ground (you may have to do it manually if the remote won’t allow) Once jacks are completely extended to ground, press and hold the retract button until the jacks begin to lift. Once jacks are retracted, the system should have restarted and will now be able to auto-level.
Awning
Your awning’s sole purpose is to provide shade. It should not be open in rainy or windy conditions. Once you roll up the awning, DO NOT change the position of the roller lock (tab on the front of the roller tube) until you are ready to roll the awning out again. Be sure to roll up your awning at night and anytime you will be away from the trailer as windy conditions can arise quickly and ruin your awning. Awning damage such as this will not be covered by your warranty, but your insurance policy should apply. For permanent sites or if you’d like to leave your awning out while you’re away, consider using an Awnbrella Awning Support. We have these available in our parts department. The Awnbrella’s are especially handy if you’ve had any previous sagging in your awning and need to reshape the fabric.
To Open Awning (Manually, non-power)
- Release travel locks on both front and rear arms
- Release roller lock on front of roller
- Pull out using strap; Extend side supports & tighten, adjust pitch of arms
To Close Awning
- Lower arms to starting position
- Release side supports and return to starting position
- Hold on tightly to pull strap; slide to front so you can reach the roller lock
- Release lock, slide strap to middle of awning before you allow to roll up
- Allow to roll up slowly and evenly while you hang on to the pull strap. Use the pole if needed
- Secure travel locks on front and rear arms. DO NOT change position of roller lock.
Battery
Your RV is equipped with a deep cycle battery which is meant to be run down and charged back up again. It is not maintenance free, which means you will need to check the water level in the battery at least once per month. Add distilled water if necessary. When the coach is plugged in and charging, the battery will discharge some hydrogen and oxygen which uses water – this is a normal process and just means you will need to periodically add water. Most new RV’s will have a battery disconnect switch that will help prevent drains on your battery cables between uses. Batteries should be removed in the winter and stored someplace where they won’t freeze. Don’t leave your coach plugged into 110V power when in storage.
Battery Cables
- Red and White: Red is positive, white is negative
- Black and White: Black is positive, white is negative
- Black and Red: (Most common cable combo) Red is positive, black is negative
Basic LP Appliance Operation
Furnace
Most new model RV furnaces are electric ignition, you do not need to manually light the furnace. Turn the thermostat switch on and turn up to desired temperature. There is usually a time delay of 30 seconds during which time the fan will blow before the burner ignites. Once the burner ignites, you should have heat within a few seconds, if not, make sure the LP is turned on and is not empty. If the LP level is ok, turn off the thermostat and retry sequence. When you shut off the furnace, the fan will continue to blow for about 30 seconds before completely shutting down. This is normal.
Dometic Single Zone LCD Thermostat
To run furnace, select furnace on thermostat and turn the fan to Auto. Use the (+) or (-) buttons to change fan mode. If High or Low is selected, the fan will run continuously while the furnace is on. See Dometic owner’s manual for further instruction.
LP Detector
A run down RV Battery will cause your built-in LP detector to sound off. You may hear a “chirping” sound or a steady alarm and usually a yellow light on the detector will be lit.
If you plug into 110V electricity and the sound goes away, this was the problem.
If the alarm does not stop, or the light is red, it may indicate a LP leak or a faulty detector. Check all LP appliances to make sure they are turned off and you don’t smell any LP gas- (smells like rotten eggs). Occasionally, some aerosol sprays will set off the detector. If you have recently used one of these sprays, air out your RV to see if the alarm clears.
LP Automatic Changeover Regulator
In order for your regulator to operate as designed, please remember to:
- Turn both tanks ON and open valves fully
- Rotate selector switch to the first tank you intend to use, it doesn’t matter which one is opened first.
- When plunger on top turns from green to red, it means the regulator has started to pull LP from the secondary LP tank. You should switch the selector from the first tank to the second tank.
- Once you’ve switched the selector to the second tank, you may remove the empty tank for refilling without disrupting the LP supply to appliances.
Range/Oven
To light your stovetop, turn on the burner(s) you wish to use by tuning the knob to the light position and hold a match or lighter to the burner. You may have a piezo ignitor knob that just turns to provide a spark once the burner is turned on. All ovens must be lit with a match or lighter. This is the only appliance that does not have a safety shut off for LP gas. If you smell the rotten egg odor or if your LP detector alarm sounds, check burner knobs and make sure all are turned OFF. If you have an oven, the oven knob should be in the OFF position, too.
Refrigerator
There are two basic models of refrigerators; one with push button switches and one with sliding switches. One switch will control the power on/ off and the other will select between the power source-usually LP and 110V electricity. Some models will also work off your 12V DC battery. There will also be a temperature adjustment switch, too. We recommend you allow your fridge to cool overnight prior to loading, especially in a new RV or in very hot weather. To verify operation, remove the exterior access cover and feel the silver chimney located on the far right of the compartment. It will be very hot to the touch within 15-20 minutes. If operating on LP, you may visibly see the pilot burning at the bottom of the chimney.
Roof and Seals
Visually inspect or have someone inspect the seals, the caulking, and your roof every 90 days, or at least twice per year. Always inspect the roof after a potentially damaging storm or high winds. A good rule of thumb is to complete the inspection when getting your RV ready for camping in the spring and prior to storage in the fall. Flying objects, hail, tree branches, etc. can destroy plastic vents and caps on the roof. Remember to inspect corner seams and any areas on the RV where there are attachments such as windows, awning brackets, etc.
Slide Rooms
Remove debris like leaves, pine needles, etc. before retracting room. A slide out cover/topper is available to make this job easier. Visually inspect slide seals occasionally to check they are secure and intact. Lubricate seals at least once per year. We use and recommend Thetford Slide-Out Rubber Seal Conditioner or Protect-All Dry Lube Conditioner. Be sure slide rooms are completely retracted for travel and completely extended while in use. If they are only partially open/closed, leaks can result.
Tip-Out Bed Ends (expandable and hybrid trailers, fold down campers)
- Do not over tighten the hand screw retainers that hold the beds in the closed position.
- Reposition mattress cushions and tent canvas to allow it to close evenly
- Dry out the canvas on the first nice day if it is put away wet.
Tire Pressure and Weights
Before every trip, check the tire pressure on the RV and inflate tires if necessary to the pressure recommended on the tire. Keep weight limitations for your vehicle(s) in mind when loading – this includes your motor home or trailer and tow vehicle. Don’t forget to check lug nuts on your trailer at regular intervals! This is particularly important on new vehicles.
Water Heater
Electronic ignition units light by turning on a switch inside the RV. If you have a 110V electric option there will be a switch inside the RV or on the front of the water heater outside. Check to ensure the circuit breaker for the water heater is turned on. The water heater MUST be filled with water before turning on the water heater using electric. The heating element will burn out in a just a few seconds if the tank is dry when the switched is turned on.
Manual pilot water heaters light from the outside of the RV. Open the access door, turn the knob to pilot position and hold down, hold a match or lighter to the pilot until it lights.
Wheel Bearings
Should be repacked after 3 years or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Smaller wheels (13” or smaller) may be done more often as should those which are taken on long distance trips. If you start to see grease or black streaks in the center of one or more wheels, it is time for a repack. Depending on the amount and type of use of your RV, you may need to repack your wheel bearings more or less often. If any vehicle is subjected to salt or heavy humidity, or long distance trips, the bearings should be inspected more frequently.
Winterizing
Have a professional be responsible for winterizing your RV, at least for the first year. However, if you decide to do it yourself, remember to drain all waste and fresh water tanks, drain the water heater (remove outside plug) and open all the faucets and fixtures, including low point drains. Don’t forget the toilet, water filter, outside shower, and outdoor kitchen faucet if equipped! Use your water pump to force RV antifreeze through all water lines. Remove your battery and store where it will not freeze. Do not place battery directly on cement; use a wood or rubber pad.