Owner`s manual

CHASSIS INFORMATION — 10
188
2008 KNIGHT
CHASSIS - INTRODUCTION
This section contains information and
instruction regarding various components of the
motorhome chassis. Follow the guidelines and
procedures to help understand and operate the
motorhome. Complete instructions for engine
and transmission are located in their respective
operators manual included in the Owner’s
Information File Box.
WARNING
When welding is involved for
motorhome repair or modification,
only qualified, experienced technicians
should weld on the chassis. Improper
welding procedures and materials
may weaken the assembly or result in
damage that is not obvious and may not
cause an immediate problem or failure.
Unauthorized modifications or repairs to
the chassis could result in a forfeiture of
warranty coverage.
DANGER
Due to the sensitive nature of the
electronics on the chassis, the following
precautions are required to protect
electrical components in the motorhome
chassis.
1. Disconnect the (+) positive and (-)
negative battery connection.
2. Cover electronic control components
and wiring to protect from hot sparks.
3. Disconnect the terminal plugs from
the engine Electronic Control Unit
located on the curb side of the engine
block.
4. Disconnect all the plugs from the
transmission Electronic Control
Module located in the roadside front
distribution panel.
5. Disconnect the wiring from the
alternator.
6. DO NOT connect welding cables to
electronic control components.
7. Attach the welding ground cable no
more than two feet from the part to be
welded.
The Roadmaster chassis design provides
exceptional balance, handling and braking
characteristics. The Roadmaster chassis is an
engine and frame unit featuring an all steel frame
design, providing greater structural integrity
and uniform stress distribution. Incorporated
in the Roadmaster chassis is the air suspension
system using eight air bags and gas shock
absorbers. This design provides the smoothest
ride, best handling and trouble free service
while delivering excellent drive ability. The
chassis also has a three-point hydraulic leveling
system. The Roadmaster chassis design offers
unsurpassed ease of maintenance and service.
The towing system rating incorporated in the
construction of the frame is 10,000 lbs. towing
and 1,000 lbs. tongue weight.
The Roadmaster’s exclusive raised rail
chassis with air suspension consists of front and
rear axles, with trailing links. A panhard bar
on each axle controls side motion. Each axle
mounts to the trailing links that are connected
to the chassis. The raised rail design of main
chassis offers increased bay storage space. The
suspension control arms attach to the frame
through bushings, which require no lubrication.
The preset suspension ride height automatically
maintains proper suspension height throughout
the load range.
AIR SUPPLY SYSTEM
The air compressing system on the motorhome
is comprised of several items: air compressor, air
governor, air dryer, a front air tank and a rear air
tank. The compressed air system operates several
items, some of which include brakes, suspension,
air horns, air gauge. The air system is charged
by a gear driven air compressor mounted on the
engine. As engine speed increases, compressed
air output increases. When air is compressed,
heat is generated. Heat dissipates as air is
discharged from the compressor. Moisture
condenses in the compressed air as it cools.
The moisture laden air then enters an air dryer
where the air is ltered. The ltered air charges
the front air tank. The front air tank is divided
in two halves: a wet side and a dry side. The
compressed air enters the wet side before
entering the dry side. A discharge line from the
dry side of the front air tank charges the rear air
tank. Discharge lines use inline check valves to
prevent back ow of compressed air.
100168c