Specifications

motorhome care
176
motorhome care
177
unoccupied and unheated and can get
very cold. Whenever possible, it is best to
put the heating on at a low level before
setting off on a journey in the winter to
pre heat the vehicle.
f) In houses, the rooms above a heated
room benefit to some extent from heat
risingthroughtheoor.InCaravansand
Motorhomes this does not happen.
Caravans and Motorhomes use only carefully
selected insulation materials but unlike most
rooms at home they have all outside walls, so
they lose heat through all walls as well as the
roofandoor.
Even in a well insulated Caravan or motorhome
with reasonable ventilation it is likely during
cold weather if the temperature is less than
10°C that condensation will occur. Ideally
the temperature should be kept about 20°C
although this is not always possible.
Mould growth
Any sign of mould growth is an indication
of the presence of moisture and if caused by
condensation gives warning that heating or
ventilation, may require improving.
New vehicles
NewCaravansandMotorhomesoftentake
a long time before they are fully ‘dried out’
because of moisture in the materials used in
the manufacture. While this is happening they
need extra heat and ventilation. At least during
the first winter trips and may require more
heat than they will need in subsequent winters
journeys. Allowance should be made for this.
WARNING:DonotwashyourCaravanor
Motorhome with a high pressure washer as
these can permanently damage the seals of
your vehicle.
Changing Exterior Bulbs
ALWAYS REPLACE LIKE FOR LIKE
For individual replacement bulb specification,
refer to your Specification Handbook.
Generallyroadlightingbulbscanbeeasily
replaced by unscrewing and removing the
lens from the exterior of the caravan
or motorhome.
INTERIOR
Follow these guidelines to ensure your
investment is receiving the very best attention.
Side Walls, Roof Lining
A simple wipe over with a damp cloth and a
very mild detergent is all that is needed.
Soft Furnishings
Should be vacuumed occasionally to
remove grit and sand and help to keep
its smart appearance and ensure long
life. The upholstery can be cleaned with
a mild, reputable upholstery cleaner. It is
recommended that the curtains and pelmets
are specialist cleaned only. The foam used
in cushions are manufactured to meet fire
regulations. It requires time to return to its
normal position after prolonged use.
Clean and dust the upholstery and if possible
remove before placing the Motorhome into
winter storage. Alternatively, stand the cushions
on their edges to allow circulation of air. This
will reduce the possibility of dampness from
condensation. Keep curtains or blinds closed,
to minimise fading of furniture.
Iftheblindsand/oryscreensremaindownfor
a prolonged period of time, re-tensioning of
the springs will be necessary before re-use.
Work Surfaces
You should not stand very hot items on any of
the work surfaces.
Cupboard Catches
It is advisable to lightly oil all cupboard catches,
sliding bolts and hinges from time to time.
Bathroom, Shower Room and
Kitchen Equipment
All the Thermoplastic parts in these areas have
easy clean surfaces. To ensure long life and
prevent damage you must not use any cleaning
materials at all and ensure water temperatures
do not exceed 70°C, (putting cold water in first
is suggested). After every use, it is essential
that you rinse with clean water only and wipe
with a soft damp cloth.
Failure to follow these simple instructions
may result in premature failure or cracking
which will not be covered by any guarantees
(including extended warranties).
Furniture
A simple wipe over with a damp cloth should
be all that is required. Polishing with a
proprietary brand of wax polish enhances and
maintains furniture in showroom condition.
It must be remembered that because the
frames of some doors are made of ash, which
is a natural product, they can be affected by
temperature and humidity and may bow under
certain conditions. As conditions change they
should revert to their original positions.
Kitchen Drainer and Cutting Board
You should not stand hot items on to these
items. To wash use only warm soapy water, do
not use chemicals and bleach.
Changing Interior Bulbs
Remove the lens or lamp shade to access
the bulb.
ALWAYS REPLACE LIKE FOR LIKE
For individual replacement bulb specification,
refer to your Specification Handbook.
Wheels and Tyres
Do not store in one position with partially
deatedtyres.Thetyrewallswillsufferanddo
present a real danger of blow outs, especially
when travelling at faster speeds than are
allowed in the UK.
The wheels should be turned every couple of
weeks. If you are removing the wheels, follow
the jacking procedure for changing a wheel.
Check your tyres regularly for signs of age
and deterioration, particularly wear, cracking
and blistering. If in doubt consult a reputable
tyre fitter.
Water System
Remove chopping board from bowl. All taps
should be opened. Single lever mixer taps,
including the shower mixer, should have the
lever moved to the central position and lifted
to the open position for hot and cold.
Drain water heater: Open yellow handle on
in line valve normally adjacent to water heater.
Valveisopenwhenhandleisvertical.
Drain water tanks:
Starburst: Open the drain valve situated next
to the fresh water tank, behind the swing out
kitchen unit.
Stardream: Open the drain valve situated
under the offside bed bunk next to the fresh
water tank.
All other vans: Open the drain valve situated
under the offside skirt adjacent to the fresh
water tank.
Waste tank: Open in line valve adjacent to the
tank.Valveisopenwhenhandleisinlinewith
body of valve.
With valves and switches set as previously
described to run taps from the fresh water
tank, the pump can be run momentarily to
assist purging the water tank and pipes.
Remove shower head. Let the shower hose
drain into the shower tray and then return
to holder.
The Motorhome may be left in this
condition over winter or until ready to use.
It is recommended to leave the drain taps
in an open position during storage. Before
recommissioning the system, reverse all
above actions.
Before recommissioning the system, reverse all
above actions.
The Thetford Cassette toilet is easily winterised
for storage.
Empty remaining fresh water into the bowl by
activatingtheushhandleupanddownorby
pressingtheushbutton(modeldependant).
Oncepumphasbeenclearedandwaterow
has stopped completely, release into waste
tank. Remove waste tank and empty contents
in normal way.
To evacuate any remaining water from the
fresh water tank, place a container underneath
the drainplug and remove drainplug.
When the procedure has been completed
replace drainplug and waste holding tank.
Clean the seals and grease them if necessary
afterdrying,withacidfreeVaseline.
Leave the blade of the holding tank open.
Do not replace cap on the pour out spout, to
ventilate the holding tank.
Recommissioning the Water System
Fill the fresh water tank on the Thetford