Rent the open road...
Planning Your Trip
Basic information about getting prepared to enjoy your motor home vacation including: tips on how to plan your route; how you might accommodate various items, such as, bicycles and other gear; and a suggested list of items that you might need and where to find them.
Route Planning
So where are we going? Obviously, we have some idea of our destination, but we also know the freedom and flexibility that a motor home offers may lead us to wander. Know where you are going, even if you intend to wander. Get maps for any area you will cover and pick routes where you won't waste time and energy finding your way. Planning ahead adds to the joy of the trip. When planning your trip you should map out your route as detailed as possible. We recommend purchasing a current road atlas such as a Rand McNally and calling or writing your destination for additional information. The Trailer Life Campground Directory is an excellent source of campground and attraction information. The directory also includes telephone numbers and addresses for all state and regional tourism offices. Most information can be requested for free and contains invaluable tips, recommendations, and discounts for campgrounds, attractions, national park, etc. For the most popular trips, such as, Mesa Verde, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Canyon National Park and other nearby attractions, please ask one of our rental representatives. We will gladly share our knowledge with you. We also try to stay current on road and traffic conditions and would appreciate any updates you could provide us based on your trip so we may share this information with other travelers.
Packing Guide
All of our RVs offer various storage areas inside and out. Actual dimensions and number of storage compartments vary by type and model of unit selected. There are spacious areas in the overhead cabinets and in the wardrobe areas. You will also find additional storage areas beneath sofas, dinettes, and beds in most models. Most campgrounds offer laundry facilities and if you plan your stops carefully you can schedule the full service campgrounds at needed intervals. The campground directory specifies amenities available at each campground. When planning your storage needs, be careful to pack only what you need. Travel light to reduce storage needs and leave yourself room for additional purchases along the way. Water is heavy, about 8.5 pounds per gallon. We recommend you carry only enough water for on-the-road use and fill up when you stop. You can get water at any campground. Dump your waste before leaving the campground to reduce weight.
Items You May Need
The following checklist will aid you in planning your trip and contains suggestions for items which you may need:
Clothing
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Cold and wet weather gear
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Hiking boots
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Comfortable walking shoes Swimwear
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3-4 day change of clothing
Kitchen
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Pots and pans
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Dishes, cups, silverware
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Dishcloth and towels
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Dishwashing soap
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Mixing bowls
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Cooking utensils
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Can opener
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Microwave containers
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Coffee maker
Linens
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Sheets
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Blankets
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Pillows and covers
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Bath towels
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Wash cloths
Outdoor
Other
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Videos
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Road maps
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Campground directory
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Brochures
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Trip log book
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RV toilet tissue
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RV toilet chemicals
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Paper towels
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Aluminum foil
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Matches
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Cellophane wrap
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Trash bags
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Portable grill
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First aid kit
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Toiletries
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Hats
Driving Tips Loading
When loading your vehicle with gear, there are some important points to remember. The most important point is do not overload your vehicle. Next, recognize that the vehicle will be in motion over a variety of road conditions. Stow your gear in storage compartments provided and take extra precaution in securing heavy or breakable objects to minimize movement. Heavy articles should never be stored in upper cabinets, but placed low and near the center of the coach.
Road Tips
Consider the fuel cost of short runs in your RY. Instead of going around the corner or down the road for some small item, plan your trips and pick up all the items you need in one run. If you can, pick up food, drinks, take on water, get fuel, and check your tires, all in one trip or at one location. Don't jackrabbit. Fast getaways, skidding stops, bursts of speed, and panic braking don't make sense with an RY. Get to your cruising speed, set your cruise control and relax. Think ahead. Sitting higher than auto traffic, you have the advantage of being able to see traffic patterns developing ahead. Increased visibility also allows you to anticipate traffic signals and slower moving vehicles so that you can adjust your speed accordingly. Pace yourself for traffic signals, hills, and other spots where you may have to stop, slow down, or accelerate to make a steep upgrade.
Pre-Drive Checklist
Before driving away from home or a campsite, a vehicle check should be made. Start on the outside of the vehicle and walk around it. Then check inside.
Some things to look for:
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Are outside access doors closed and locked?
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Are taillights, brake lights, head lights and turn signals working properly?
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Is city water hose disconnected and stowed? Is connection cap in place?
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Are holding tank valves closed and dump outlet cap installed? Is sewer hose stowed?
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Is power cord unplugged and stored? Is TV antenna lowered? Is it lowered properly with tabs lined up?
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Is tire pressure OK? Check tires when cold.
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Have you checked the engine oil, windshield washer fluid, coolant, and generator oil level?
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Are wheel lugs tight, wheel covers on securely?
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Are the roof vents closed?
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Have you checked the levels of fresh water, sewage holding tanks, and LP tanks?
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Are all loose items on the inside secured? Doors and drawers should be latched shut.
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Is the entrance door securely closed and locked? Is the entrance step retracted?
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Have you checked the campsite for items Ieft behind? Have you left the site clean for the next camper?
Understanding and Operating Your Motor home Propane
Propane is used to power the refrigerator, furnace, and hot water heater. The propane tank is located in an outside lower storage compartment. On the tank is a gauge and there is another gauge, usually over the stove. On the tank there is also a valve which is usually in the open position, except when filling. By law, the tank may be filled only to 80% full and only by a certified technician. Have all propane appliances turned off prior to filling. Your propane tank is full on departure and must be full on return.
12 Volt Electric
A 12 volt direct current system is the main source of power for the operation of lights and motors of certain appliances and accessories. The power is stored in 12 volt batteries which are charged by the alternator on the RV engine, by the power converter attached to the 110 volt power cord, or by the generator. There is a 12 volt system for the coach portion of the motor home and a 12 volt system for the engine.
110 Volt Electric
AC power is used primarily for the roof top air conditioners, refrigerator, color TV and VCR and to supply electricity to wall outlets for operation of other appliances which you may bring along such as toasters and electric razors. 110 volt electricity is supplied by running either the generator or plugging in the motor home.
Water system
Your motor home has two sources of water. One source is via a direct connect to a pressurized water system. The hose and water pressure regulator supplied with the motor home can be connected to the city water inlet on the motor home and provides pressurized fresh water. The motor home also has a water tank which can be filled using the supplied hose. To use the water tank, turn on the water pump at a switch usually located near the kitchen sink or above the stove. Leave the pump off when not in use.
Refrigerator/Freezer
The refrigerator works on propane and 110 volts. Leave the refrigerator switch in the auto mode and it will select the available source of power. If electric power is available it will use that, otherwise sit will automatically switch to propane. It is not unusual for your refrigerator pilot to blowout occasionally as it is subjected to strong gusts of wind. If this happens, turn the refrigerator off and restart it after about 10 seconds. The check light should remain out if the refrigerator is working properly.
Water Heater
The water heater is propane with an electronic ignition. Simply turn the switch to on and when the red light goes out, the water heater is working. Most water heaters produce six gallons of hot water at a time and take about 15 minutes to completely recycle.
Heating
Your motor home heater consists of a propane burner and an electric (12 volt) blower motor. The heater can be operated by turning the heat switch to on and setting the thermostat to the desired temperature. The heater will cycle on and off continuously as needed. If the motor home is not plugged in, the heater may drain the coach battery overnight. Insure the battery is fully charged (see gauge over stove) before retiring. If not, and the motor home is not plugged in, simply run the generator or engine for 20-30 minutes to insure a full charge. If the battery gets weak during the night, run the engine until recharged.
Air Conditioning
Your motor home comes equipped with a dash air conditioner as well as one or two roof top air conditioners. The roof top air conditioners require 110 volts for operation, supplied by having the motor home plugged in or the generator running.
Television/VCR or DVD
The TV/VCR or DVD supplied with your motor home operates on 110 volt current only. As you move from location to location, most TVs require rescanning to locate channels in that area. There also are some RV models that have a 12 volt system for the TV and VCR.
Generator
The generator is a gasoline powered engine. It uses the gasoline from the engine fuel tank and burns about 3/4 to I gallon of fuel per hour. It is recommended that the generator be used sparingly. Generators do get hot in the summertime and are not considered reliable for extended periods of time.
Monitor Panel
As mentioned previously, the monitor panel, usually located above the stove, will tell you how much battery power you have, amount of propane remaining, levels of holding tanks and water tank, and sometimes will have the generator start switch.
Holding Tanks/Septic System
The dump valves for draining the holding tanks are located to the rear of and under the unit. There are two holding tanks, one for the toilet only and one for all sink and tub waste water. The dump outlet has one common outlet and two valves, one for each tank. The gray water (sink waste water) outlet is the smaller of the two and the black water valve is the larger. Make sure the valves are closed before removing the cap. Twist the cap to remove, connect the supplied drain hose securely and place other end into an approved dumping station. Never empty into a ditch, gutter, bucket, or anywhere other than an approved dump station. Pull the large valve and dump your toilet firsts. After the toilet is dumped, close the valve and flush the toilet several times to rinse the toilet. Open the valve again to rinse the tank. Now open the gray water valve and rinse the gray water tank. When complete, insure both valves are closed, remove the hose and store it away, and replace the cap. Add the appropriate toilet chemicals and a toilet bowl· full of water and you're ready to go.
Shower & Toilet
The sinks and showers/tubs work the same as those in your home with some small exceptions. When using water from the water tank, you must turn on the water pump. The water pump switch is usually located on or near the monitor panel. Since the capacity of the hot water is only six gallons, showers must be quick and efficient. We recommend that you rinse completely, shut the water off at the shower head, soap completely including shampoo, and rinse again. This will not only conserve water, but insure a refreshing and hot shower. If you will be staying at a campground that has showers, please enjoy your long showers there.
Setting Up Camp Level Your Vehicle
Leveling is done to insure efficient refrigerator operation and for comfort. The vehicle may be leveled using blocks of wood under the low wheels. Most campgrounds have reasonably level sites and adjustments may be accomplished by simply moving the vehicle a few feet either way. If you feel comfortable, then the vehicle is considered adequately level.
Make All Connections
Connect the city water hose and eliminate using water from your tank. Insure the water pressure reducer is connected to the hose correctly to avoid damage to the motor home. Connect your power cord if 110 volt power is available. Connect the sewer hose and open the valves only when the holding tanks are full.
Final Note: We hope these instructions are helpful and that you thoroughly enjoy your vacation in one of our motor homes. Should you need further assistance, please call us at our toll-free number, and we will be glad to assist you in any way we can. Thanks, again, for being our customer.
