Owner`s manual
DRIVING & SAFETY — 2
18
2008 LAPALMA XL
Fuel/Air mixture - At a given RPM,
the engine, even with the help of a
turbo-charger, can only introduce a
given volume of air into the combustion
chamber. This volume of air can
efciently combine with only so much
fuel; so adding more fuel to the engine
only wastes it.
Determine ranges where the motorhome works
best by driving long grades when temperatures
remain stable for the duration of the climb.
IMPORTANT SAFETY TIP:
Turn on the four way flashers if road
speed degrades to the point where the
motorhome is moving significantly
under the posted speed. Use pullouts if
traffic is building. Once in a pullout, if
there is sufficient clearance for safety,
idle the engine for a while to allow the
exhaust and the turbo to cool. While
these are cooling, the transmission will
also cool. Monitor the gauges while
waiting.
Descending a Grade:
Prepare to descend a grade at the crest of the
hill. Observe any signs indicating grade angle
and duration. The sign may suggest maximum
downhill speed according to Gross Combined
Weight (the combined weight of the motorhome
and a trailer/tow car). At the crest of the hill,
manually shift the transmission into a lower
gear. DO NOT allow the motorhome to gain
momentum before slowing down.
Use the exhaust brake to help maintain a slow,
safe downhill speed. Located on the driver’s
console is an exhaust brake switch. Turn exhaust
brake switch on to activate the exhaust brake
when the throttle is released.
With exhaust brake applied, road speed may
increase until the transmission automatically
shifts to the next higher gear. Apply the brakes
using moderately heavy pressure on the brake
pedal to reduce speed and manually downshift
to maintain a safe, slow speed. DO NOT
pump the brakes. This can result in a loss of air
pressure. Riding the brakes can cause the brakes
to overheat. Either method can result in brake
failure or loss of brake effectiveness.
Night Driving:
Be well rested and alert while driving. If
necessary, nd a safe stopping place to
rest until ready to continue.
Avoid using interior lights while driving
that create a glare on the windshield and
decrease visibility.
Dim dash lights to a comfortable level to
reduce glare.
Extreme Heat and Hot Weather Conditions:
Frequently observe all gauges. Variations
from normal conditions should be
promptly evaluated.
Check tire pressure before traveling in
hot conditions. Tire air pressure increases
with heat. DO NOT let air out of a hot
tire. When the tires cool down, they
will return to the correct/previous tire
pressure.
Pay extra attention to hoses and belts
that are more susceptible to fatigue in
extreme heat.
Winter and Cold Climate Conditions:
The motorhome should be prepared for
Cold Weather Use.
Keep speeds slow and steady. Make
moves gradually and increase visual
distance for a gain in reaction time.
If road or weather conditions are
treacherous, nd a safe stopping place
and wait for conditions to improve.
Avoid downshifting or using the exhaust
brake on wet or slippery surfaces, which
can cause the drive wheels to skid.
Wiper blades should be
in good condition. Fill
the washer reservoir with
antifreeze formula window
washer uid.
Use mirror heat to keep
mirrors clear.
Remove any ice build-up
from the entry step to avoid
accidental slipping.
Wet Conditions:
Worn or improperly inated tires can
increase the risk of hydroplaning.
Heavy rain or deep standing water can
cause brakes to apply unevenly or grab.
Refueling:
Truck stops are good refueling points for
motorhomes.
Check overhead clearance heights before
pulling through the fuel island.
080498n
Located
on Driver’s
Console