| 1- |
What is the unloaded vehicle weight of my unit
(with fuel and engine fluids only)? Due to the variety of
options we offer, we cannot publish a standard weight for our
units. We recommend that you take your motorhome or towable
to a truck scale and have it weighed for future reference. RETURN
TO TOP |
| |
| 2- |
What is the capacity of my fuel, water, grey
and black tanks? The tank capacities for your particular
model are listed in your owner’s manual. As usable fuel
may vary from model to model, it is advisable to always keep
half of the tank full of fuel. RETURN
TO TOP |
| |
| 3- |
What is the proper tire inflation for my unit? Each tire manufacturer has a recommended tire pressure based
on the weight of the vehicle. We recommend that you take your
fully-loaded motorhome or towable to a truck scale and have
it weighed. You can then refer to the tire inflation chart in
your owner’s manual for the recommended tire pressure.
If this information is not in your owner’s manual (older
units), tire inflation charts can be found at any retail tire
outlet. RETURN TO TOP |
| |
| 4- |
What are the paint codes for my unit? The
paint codes for most models are printed and included in your
owner’s box. You may also find them on the driver’s
cab chair pedestal. RETURN TO
TOP |
| |
| 5- |
Where do I purchase parts for my RV? Contact the dealer from whom you purchased the motorhome or
locate your nearest dealer, using the Service
Center Finder. Specialty parts may be available through Safari’s
National Parts Department at 877-466-6226 (877-4MONACO). If
for any reason you are not able to obtain parts locally, please
feel free to contact us as your satisfaction is our utmost concern.
Note: To ensure that you receive the proper parts, please have
the serial number of your unit available when placing a parts
order. Over the counter parts, not specifically designed for
motorhome use, can be purchased through local auto supply dealers. RETURN TO TOP |
| |
| 6- |
What is my unit “serial
number” and how do I find it? The serial number and the vehicle identification number (“VIN”) are not the same. The VIN, a unique 17-digit number, is specified by the Department of Transportation. The VIN can be found on the following documents: title, bill of sale, and insurance documents.
The serial number is a 21-digit number assigned by Monaco RV. It is useful when scheduling service, ordering parts or calling our technical support staff. The serial number for new units can be found on the owner card you receive with your Owner Advantage Program materials.
The VIN and serial numbers may also be found on the unit itself, most commonly as follows:
- Class A Motorhomes: On a tag mounted on the inside wall behind the driver’s cab chair or on the kick panel near the driver’s feet.
- Class C Motorhomes: On a tag mounted on the driver’s door.
- Travel trailer: On a tag mounted on the driver’s side of the A-frame at the front of the trailer, or stamped into the hitch itself.
- Fifth Wheel: On a plated mounted on the hitch box under the alcove. RETURN TO TOP
|
| |
| 7- |
Does Safari offer a roadside assistance program? Yes, Safari provides
the first 12 months of membership in our Owner
Advantage Program with every new unit. Membership can then
be renewed on an annual
basis.
This is an extensive support program that provides complete
roadside assistance and special motor club benefits throughout
the U.S. and Canada, including:
- 24-hour, toll-free assistance.
- Locksmith service.
- Delivery of fluids, including fuel to the
nearest filling station.
- Towing to the nearest authorized service
facility.
For further details and instructions on how to access your
benefits, please refer to your Owner Advantage Benefit Guide
or call (877) 882-0614. RETURN
TO TOP
|
| |
| 8- |
What are the proper fluid levels for my engine? The proper levels of oil, hydraulic fluid and antifreeze
are documented in your owner’s manual. RETURN
TO TOP |
| |
| 9- |
How does the inverter work?
The inverter uses 110 Volts AC, supplied by the generator or
shore power, and makes 12 Volts DC to recharge the batteries.
This unit will also take 12 Volts DC to invert to 110 Volts
AC in order to operate selected appliances and outlets. RETURN
TO TOP |
| |
| 10- |
What type of lubricant should be used on the
slide-out sweeps and rams?
Silicone spray should be applied to the slide wipe seals and
ATF on the hydraulic rams. RETURN
TO TOP |
| |
| 11- |
How do I operate the satellite dish?
Satellite dish operation is unique to each motorhome making
it essential for the operator to seek information and assistance
through the component’s operation manual and, if necessary,
directly from the satellite manufacturer. Clean the satellite
dome with Rain X, a spray product available at most auto supply
stores, to prevent water from pooling on the satellite since
rain spots may impede satellite reception. RETURN
TO TOP |
| |
| 12- |
How often should the house batteries be inspected?
Variables such as battery type, battery usage, shore power availability
and battery discharge rates make a standard answer impractical.
Begin by using a hydrometer to check each cell in liquid lead
acid batteries every two weeks. Keep accurate records of your
findings and note any patterns that develop. Add only distilled
water to the batteries. House batteries will consume more distilled
water than chassis batteries. RETURN
TO TOP |
| |
| 13- |
Is there a way to tell if the solar panels
are working?
Disconnect the motorhome from shore power and disengage the
generator. Examining the RV 30 solar controller, move the switch
to AMP position and determine if there is a positive amp reading.
Check voltages of the house and engine batteries to confirm
they are above 13 Volts DC. Float voltage on the controller
is 14.1 Volts DC, after which it will dump excess charge into
heating of the controller panel itself. RETURN
TO TOP |
| |
| 14- |
Is it possible to calibrate the monitor panel?
Yes. To accomplish this task the house/domestic batteries must
first be in a full state of charge to obtain accurate tank reading.
Fill the gray, black and fresh water tanks utilizing a visual
check. For the fresh water tank, watch the fresh tank overflow
tube. Fill the black tank through the toilet. To fill the gray
tank, run water into the shower drain until standing water is
visible. Next, pull each plug at the monitor panel. Use a small,
flat, ‘non-metallic’ screwdriver and turn the potentiometer
counterclockwise slowly. Next, start turning clockwise, to increase
the tank reading. Move very slowly because a slight movement
will make a big change. While making the adjustment, the button
corresponding to the tank must be held on. RETURN
TO TOP |
| |
| 15- |
What can be used as a clear coat on the wood
cabinets?
Clear spray lacquer is available at most hardware stores. Wood
stains vary greatly. Natural oak is sealed and lacquered only.Also
available is cherry, stained oak, antique oak, etc. RETURN
TO TOP |
| |
| 16- |
What is used for rear end and hydraulic fluids?
Read end lubricant is a 75-90-weight synthetic made by Pennzoil,
Mil Spec Mil-L-2105D, and change interval is three years or
250,000 miles. Hydraulic fluid is Dexron III. RETURN
TO TOP |
| |
| 17- |
Where should the coach be taken for repair
if there are no dealers in close proximity?
Our warranty department has a listing of repair shops located
throughout the world. If none are available in your particular
area, pre-approval on repairs may be arranged between the repair
shop chosen and Monaco RV’s Technical Support.
Prior to commencing any repair work, have the repair technician
contact us at (877) 466-6226. RETURN
TO TOP |
| |
| 18- |
What is the proper ride height for the vehicle?
Ride height will vary with each model. Contact our technical
support department for the appropriate frame width on your particular
unit. Ride height measurement is taken positioned from the bottom
of the mainframe rail to the top of the H-frame. Ride height
valve is positioned at the center of the bore. Adjustment is
made at the arm located immediately before the valve body. Caution
must be taken to prevent cutting the rod and causing the shortened
rod to pull out of the rubber boot. Check the ride height linkage
for obstruction, loose hose, wire loom, airline, anything that
may have loosened to rub against the valve. These components
should be wire tied safely away from the ride height valve to
allow free movement of the valve. The ride height must be measured
on level ground with full air suspension. RETURN
TO TOP |
| |
| 19- |
When will I get my owner’s manual?
The operations manual may be in printing at the time of coach
release, or misplaced during transit. Contact our technical
publication’s department at (800) 634-0855, ext. 8141 to
request a particular owner’s manual. RETURN
TO TOP |
| |
| 20- |
Where can I find addendums to my owner’s
manual?
You may download available owner's manual addendums in PDF format
from the website by clicking here or you may contact our technical publication’s department
at (800) 634-0855, ext. 8141. RETURN
TO TOP |
| |
| 21- |
How long should the generator run in order
to charge the batteries?
Generator run time will depend on battery state of charge. Returning
a discharged battery back to 100 percent charge may require
a week of generator run time. Using a battery hydrometer is
the preferred way to check battery state of charge. RETURN
TO TOP |
| |
| 22- |
Why does the generator set shut down?
Due to computerized programming installed within the genset,
the component may automatically disengage due to low oil, high
water temperature, overload, and low fuel in the tank or air
in the fuel line. RETURN TO TOP |
| |
| 23- |
What should I check for if the slide-out does
not operate?
Slide-out operation is designed with three safety features to
prevent random operation. Prior to engaging the slide-out the
ignition switch must be off, the park brake applied and all
bay doors located beneath the slide room must be securely closed. RETURN TO TOP |
| |
| 24- |
If the windshield gets a big rock, or a large
crack, can I still drive the RV?
Yes, it is safe to assume that the windshield will not fall
out while traveling down the road. Though it is not recommended,
it may be necessary to travel with extensive windshield damage
before reaching a repair facility. To prevent water from entering
the RV through windshield damage, use duct tape to cover holes
and silicone to seal cracks. For safety purposes, have the damaged
windshield repaired or replaced at your earliest opportunity. RETURN TO TOP |
| |
| 25- |
Where are the diagnostic plugs?
Diagnostic plugs are located under the dash panel to the left
of the steering column. The engine diagnostic plugs can be found
at the rear of the unit, accessed through the engine door where
they are situated on a metal bracket at the end of the frame
rail. Some models locate the diagnostic plug in the front electrical
bay under the driver window. RETURN
TO TOP |
| |
| 26- |
Will the chassis alternator charge the house
batteries?
The primary purpose of the alternator is to keep up with electrical
demands such as headlights and wipers. Battery charging is best
left to the inverter/converter. If the house batteries are in
a low state of charge before travel, operate the generator while
driving and let the inverter charge the low batteries.
The alternator does charge the house batteries to a certain
extent, but discharged house batteries may consume quite a bit
of power to return to a reasonable state of charge and this
will place a large demand on the alternator. Any time the alternator
works hard heat will build up within the alternator. A fan blade,
located next to the pulley, works to pass cool air through the
alternator. Over time, during a long drive when the alternator
is working to recharge the batteries, the alternator has the
potential to overheat and create a roadside failure. Though
this may not happen right away, repetitive charging of dead
batteries by the alternator will eventually result in a breakdown. RETURN TO TOP |
| |
| 27- |
How often should the wheel bearings be inspected?
Wheel bearings should be checked at least once each season.
On travel trailers, fifth wheels and Class A tag axles, wheel
bearings should be repacked once each year or every 12,000 to
15,000 miles. RETURN TO TOP |
| |
| 28- |
Does the roof require resealing?
Seals and roof sealant should be inspected for cracks and voids
every six months. Expect that portions of sealant will require
replacement once each year. After new sealant is applied the
motorhome should not be driven for 24 hours, in order to allow
new sealant adequate time to set. RETURN
TO TOP |
| |
| 29- |
How often should tire pressure be checked?
Tire pressure should be checked prior to each departure. Always
check tire pressure when the tires are cold. RETURN
TO TOP |
| |
| 30- |
What kind of extension cord should be used
to plug into shore power?
Avoid using extension cords not designed for RV use. Typical
extension cords will offer limited current carrying capability.
Use only extension cords with a minimum amperage size of 10/3
or larger. Use care not to overload the cord, causing a resulting
burn to spark a fire. Never use an electrical adapter that appears
burnt or melted. Discard adapters that are worn. Discolored
terminals or adapters will create loose connections. The length
and size of the extension cord is important. If the RV is situated
so as to require forty feet of extension cord, the cord must
be rated for the length of that location to avoid overloading
the amperage of the cord. RETURN
TO TOP |
| |
| 31- |
How often should the chassis be lubed?
At a minimum, lubrication should be performed every ten thousand
miles, or annually. Many RV owners lube the chassis every five
thousand miles, and that is appropriate for pushing out the
old grease and getting new grease into the joints. Inspecting
and greasing the drive shaft on a regular basis is always a
good idea.
When lubing chassis components with the tires pointing straight
ahead, access to lube the drag link may be difficult. It may
be necessary for the technician to start the RV, and turn the
steering wheel to access the grease fitting.
With regard to king pin lubrication, it is recommended that
when the axle is first greased, and once each year thereafter,
to jack the front end off the ground and rotate the steering
wheel full distance from side to side after greasing. Raise
the front tires off the ground and turn the wheel all the way
to the right, and then all the way to the left, after greasing.
This procedure will insure that the king pins are thoroughly
lubricated. RETURN TO TOP |
| |
| 32- |
What do I do if the water pump doesn’t
work?
First, confirm that the battery cut-off switch is on. Next,
check the fuse in the domestic fuse panel (usually located in
the bedroom) for power. If 12-Volt power is present, check the
water pump for power. If there is power going to the water pump,
confirm that there is a good ground. On models with a latching
controller, check for power and ground at the controller. Once
it has been verified that there is good 12-Volt power and ground
at the water pump, have the water pump and controller inspected
for potential replacement. RETURN
TO TOP |
| |
| 33- |
Why doesn't the RV come with a spare tire?
Combined weight of the tire and wheel is approximately 110 pounds.
Even if you feel comfortable lifting that amount of weight,
other variables pose a problem when it comes to changing an
RV tire. You may find yourself on the side of the road in a
confined situation, or during the nighttime when it is raining.
Jacking up the side of the RV would be difficult. Leveling jacks
are not designed to lift the entire wheel off the ground to
change a tire. To change a flat RV tire, it would be necessary
to store the correct jacks and jack stands for safety. The next
hurdle would be the lug nuts, which are torqued to 500 pounds
and difficult to remove. Once removed, and while reinstalling,
a tool to properly retorque the lug nuts would be needed. All
these necessary tools, combined with the actual spare tire,
would take up a considerable amount of space and add additional
weight to the RV. Call roadside assistance for tire repair and
save yourself the aggravation. RETURN
TO TOP |
| |