Welcome to Please read first LEAVE THIS RENTER’S MANUAL IN THE MOTOR HOME
Have a safe and pleasurable trip! This document is the property of ROAD BEAR RV and is for informational purposes only. ROAD BEAR RV reserves the right to change the document at any time without prior notice. ROAD BEAR RV does not assume any liability for the accuracy of any instructions or specifications contained herein. The document is not intended to describe the specific function of any appliance or item within a particular motor home.
Introduction Thank you for choosing ROAD BEAR RV for your motor home vacation. Are you ready to take off with your motor home to explore the USA and Canada? If your personal walk‐through was overwhelming or just too much information, please take a few minutes and read this manual carefully. Familiarize yourself with the vehicle. This will assure that you get the best use of the motor home. We at ROAD BEAR RV are committed to make your vacation as fun and trouble‐free as possible.
Safety Information Be aware that you are driving a much larger and heavier vehicle than a regular car or SUV. This will cause the vehicle to react differently from what you may be used to. Failure to follow these safety information may result in injury or death. Follow all local, state and federal traffic laws. Plan your route in advance and know the vehicles dimensions and limitations. Refueling (Gasoline and Propane) Refueling of gasoline and propane releases highly flammable fumes.
Driving at night If you are driving at night, be aware that in many rural areas (especially in the open areas of the western states) wildlife and in some areas livestock can be encountered on the roads. Adjust your speed accordingly. Seat belts All passengers in the motor home have to be buckled up. Children ‐ typically up to 6 years or 60 pounds – need to be in a child seat (check with state laws).
Maneuvering The rear of the motor home swings out wide and clips corners when you make turns. Allow for extra room when making turns and parking.
Hot surfaces Exhaust ports of furnace, water heater and generator are extremely hot when in use. Do not touch to prevent burns! Slippery when wet Entry steps and floors can be slippery when wet. Watch your step! Showers are very slippery when wet and not for use while vehicle is in motion. Risk of falling - - The cab‐over bunk bed is up high and one could fall out of bed. Do NOT let small children sleep in the cab‐over bunk by themselves Watch your step when exiting the vehicle.
School bus If you encounter a stopped school bus with its red lights blinking you are required to stop fully until the lights are turned off. You have to stop from either direction if there is no raised center divider between the traffic lanes. Traffic lanes Passing: Only on a broken line on your side of the road. Only pass if there is no oncoming traffic. The motor home is heavier, longer and slower than a regular car or SUV and needs more room to pass another vehicle.
Motor Home Safety Equipment Propane system Propane is very flammable, heavier than air and smells like rotten eggs. It is used for heating, cooking and refrigeration in a motor home. For your safety, a propane leak detecting device is installed in each motor home somewhere near the kitchen ‐ just above the floor. A green blinking light shows proper function.
2. 3. Reset the alarm by pushing the mute/test button Open a few more windows and force fresh air thru the motor home A regular low pitch beep about every 30 – 90 seconds indicates low battery voltage. For further information consult the Troubleshooting Guide on page 37. Smoke / Fire Every motor home is equipped with a fire extinguisher near the entry door. It also has a smoke alarm mounted to the ceiling, usually in the kitchen area.
Setting up and breaking down camp To help you think of all the steps to set up and break down your stay on the campground, we offer you following checklist. When you arrive at the camp site 1. Have a passenger guide you into the camp site to prevent hitting an obstacle and damage the vehicle (see pages 5 & 6) 2. Park the motor home on a level surface. Otherwise use the levelers to level the vehicle from front to back (see pages 19 & 26) 3. Apply the parking brake before shifting into park (see page 13) 4.
Campgrounds There are different kinds of campsites: - Full hook‐up sites – offer electricity, water and sewage - Partial hook‐up – offer electricity and water or one or the other - Dry camping – does not offer electricity nor water Campgrounds usually have a central dump station There are many different places to camp over night: ‐ National Parks ‐ State Parks ‐ US National Forest Campgrounds ‐ KOA Campgrounds ‐ Private Campgrounds ‐ in the parking lot of a Wal‐Mart Store, etc.
Operating Instructions Automotive Equipment FORD cabin (chassis) - Light control & dimmer for instrument panel (dashboard) Reading lamps → rotate knob fully counter‐ clockwise or turn wheel all the way up - For high beam push the turn signal lever forward - Gearshift (depress brake pedal to shift out of park and pull gear lever towards you and down to engage transmission). Use D for regular and uphill driving.
- Cruise Control (operates above 35mph only) ‐ To activate the cruise control, tap the ON button ‐ To set a desired speed press the SET/ACCEL button and take the right foot off the accelerator pedal ‐ To increase the speed, hold the ACCEL button until the desired speed is reached ‐ To reduce the speed, hold the COAST button until the desired speed is reached ‐ To get back to the last set speed after stepping on the brake, tap the RES button ‐ To turn off the cruise control, tap the OFF button The cruise co
- Tow/Haul—default “off”. Tow/Haul on → use this position to descent moderate grades for safety and for towing only For further information please consult the Troubleshooting Guide on page 42. Parking brake As a good practice for any automatic transmission ‐ always use the parking brake when parking the vehicle. Apply the parking brake (1) before shifting the transmission into ‘Park’. To release the parking brake, pull the marked handle (2).
Motor Home Equipment Introduction We provide this manual as a guide and it describes the operation of the motor home equipment in general. Due to differences between similar equipment and changes from year to year, we cannot precisely describe every motor home individually, but the systems and operation are very similar if not the same. Please read the following information thoroughly. It will help you to avoid many problems. Keys and doors There is only one set of keys for the motor home.
running of engine) for at least 8 hours. Battery life varies widely depending on multiple factors. Battery disconnect switch All motor homes have a battery disconnect switch which is located by the entry door. Leave the switch on to assure overall function of the appliances. If the switch is off – nothing in the motor home will work and the auxiliary batteries will not get charged when connected to campground electricity/generator. The only time it has to be turned off is during refueling.
If a 120VAC circuit gets overloaded, the circuit breaker will disrupt the electricity. A shows a circuit breaker in the ON position B shows a circuit breaker having tripped – interrupted the electricity due to overload C shows a circuit breaker is OFF To reset a tripped (B) circuit breaker, it has to be turned OFF (C) first, and then it can be turned back ON (A). Trying to turn the circuit breaker back ON directly will not work and keeps the electricity interrupted.
Generator Most motor homes have an on‐board generator. It’s used to provide 120VAC power if you do not have campground power. It is located in an outside compartment. The generator runs on gasoline from the vehicle fuel tank. The fuel tank must be at least ¼ full in order for the generator to operate.
Roof air conditioner (A/C) The roof air conditioner only works with 120VAC electricity from the campground or if the generator is running. Make sure the air conditioner is turned off before changing the power source (connecting/disconnecting at camp site or turning on/off generator) - Set the system switch to COOL. Set the additional fan switch to AUTO (fan operates cyclically – recommended) or ON (fan operates continuously). Set the thermostat switch to the desired temperature.
Microwave Most motor homes have a built‐in 120VAC microwave as found in any household kitchen. Never use the microwave while the vehicle is in motion! Follow the functions you see as a menu on the display or just simply enter the desired time and press start. For further information please consult the Troubleshooting Guide on page 42. Half‐time/Convection/Microwave oven Certain motor homes have a 120VAC half‐time/convection/microwave oven instead of a propane oven.
DOMETIC® – Refrigerator To turn the refrigerator on, push in the ON button. Push in the mode button to “AUTO” operation. The “AUTO” light (A) will be lit. In “AUTO” operation the refrigerator runs on propane and switches automatically to 120VAC when available. In case the check light (B) is on, turn off the refrigerator, verify you have enough propane and the tank main valve is open. Wait about 45 seconds and then turn it back on.
Oven (Propane) While using the stove top or oven, turn on the hood exhaust fan above the stove and open a window for fresh air and to prevent the smoke alarm from going off just because you cook. Push in, turn and HOLD the oven knob to PILOT. While holding the knob in, use the lighter or a match to light the pilot flame. Hold the lighter or match to the pilot (located next to the burner under the bottom rack of the oven) until the pilot flame lights up.
Water heater The water heater operates primarily and most efficiently on propane. Some models include an optional electrical mode which exclusively works with 120VAC electrical hook‐up. We recommend operating the water heater on propane exclusively, since using the electric water heater in conjunction with other appliances may overload the electrical system and takes longer to heat the water. The water heater has a capacity of 6 gallons/22 liters.
Do not forget the crank down the TV antenna before you drive off! Cable TV at campground: Hook up the optional external coax‐ cable to the TV cable hookup located usually in the power cable box on the outside of motor home. Note: an optional coax‐cable is not provided by ROAD BEAR RV. Make sure the antenna amplifier (as described above) is turned “OFF”. If left “ON” it will interfere with the cable TV signal. Most TV’s need to be set to cable reception and the channels set anew.
Most tanks will overflow to the ground when full. There may be valves either outside or inside the vehicle which need to be opened accordingly. The monitor panel shows the fresh water level in the tank.
It is important after using the toilet the first time on an empty holding tank (either after you picked up the motor home or after dumping the waste water) to make sure to flush down some toilet chemical. Special waste water chemicals can be purchased at many campgrounds, camping supply stores or at Wal‐Mart. Waste water The motor home has two separate waste water or holding tanks: ‐ “Grey water” – kitchen and bathroom sinks as well as shower ‐ “Black water” – toilet and sometimes bathroom sink.
Most campgrounds have a dump station. There are also dump stations at some rest areas and gas stations, just look out for the this road sign. If the monitor panel shows the tanks not to be empty after dumping, fill about 2 buckets of fresh water down the toilet or kitchen sink drain with some toilet chemical. While driving, the water will slosh around in the tank and clean off the sensors.
Patio Awning Before rolling out the patio awning, ensure there is enough space to fully extend the awning and it does not interfere with tree branches, etc. NEVER roll out the awning in rainy weather or windy conditions! NEVER leave the awning unattended! To enjoy the shade a patio awning can provide, follow these steps: 1. Release the black pinch clips or move the grey latch sideways. Also loosen the black tightening wheel 2.
5. To raise the patio awning up, fold out the handle on the awning arm and pull up to the desired height. Ensure the latching mechanism is properly engaged before letting go Do NOT release the awning arms from the wall brackets at any time! To keep the awning pull strap from getting dirty or lost, wrap it loosely around the awning arm closest to the release lever CAUTION: When it is windy or rainy, retract and roll‐up the patio awning! Remember – weather conditions can change rapidly.
Returning the motor home at the end of your trip 1. Return the motor home between 8:00 and 11:00 a.m. No later than 10:30 a.m. for the transfer to the airport, airport hotels or designated areas (for a fee). Should the motor home have some damage, please return before 10:00 a.m. 2. At the last campground or overnight stop, before returning to ROAD BEAR RV: a. Dispose of any left‐over food and trash b. Pack your personal belongings and luggage c.
Vehicular Collision – Accident In case of a vehicular collision (accident), proceed as follows: 1. Make sure everybody is safe – administer first aid 2. Call the local police – in case of an emergency dial 911 (ambulance, police or fire department) – and have an officer take a report. Request the officer’s name, ID‐, case number and the phone number of the officer. If the police refuse to come, get the name, ID number and local phone number of the officer 3.
Breakdown Should the vehicle break down and not be drivable anymore, call our toll‐free emergency number on page 3. Please have the following information available: a) miles, b) problem description, c) number of passengers and d) the exact street address. Unauthorized towing will not be reimbursed. Maintenance During the rental period, you as renter are responsible for the maintenance of the rental vehicle. Check the engine oil and coolant levels every time you refuel.
Measurement conversions A quick guide for our international customers Length 1 Kilometer (km) 0.621 miles 1 Meter (m) 3.28 feet 1 mile (mi) / 5730 feet 1.609 kilometers 1 foot (ft) 30.48 centimeters 1 inch (in) 2.54 centimeter Temperature 60 degrees Fahrenheit 15 degrees Celsius 70 degrees Fahrenheit 21 degrees Celsius 80 degrees Fahrenheit 26 degrees Celsius 90 degrees Fahrenheit 32 degrees Celsius 100 degrees Fahrenheit 37 degrees Celsius Liquids 1 gallon (gal) 3.
Vehicle specifications Model Gross Vehicle Weight Gasoline grade (minimum) Class A Class C Class C Class C 30‐32 ft 29‐31 ft 26‐28 ft 23‐25 ft 18,000 lbs / 8154 kg 14,500 lbs / 6569 kg 14,500 lbs / 6569 kg 12,300 lbs / 5572 kg Minimum: Unleaded 89 octane (medium grade or better) Motor & generator oil Noted on filler cap (if not available: 5W‐30) Coolant / Anti‐freeze Ford: Yellowish / Chevrolet: Red – Dex‐cool Tire pressure Automatic transmission See information near driver seat / on door
RENTAL LOCATION ADDRESS LISTINGS Motor home return time is between 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. The shuttle departs at 11:00 a.m. to the airport or airport hotels. There are no shuttle transfers after 11:00 a.m. Business Hours: Monday – Friday Saturday Sundays & Holidays 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM (longer during summer) closed LAX (Los Angeles) 28404 Roadside Drive Agoura Hills, CA 91301 Tel: 1‐818‐865‐2925 Toll free: 1‐866‐527‐6876 Fax: 1‐818‐991‐2744 E‐mail: info@roadbearrv.com Sales tax: 9.
Location Maps Los Angeles, Agoura Hills, CA (LAX) Page 37
San Francisco, Hayward, CA (SFO) Page 38
Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV (LAS) Page 39
Denver, Commerce City, CO (DEN) Page 40
New York, Middletown, NJ (NYC) Page 41
Troubleshooting Guide Electrical System Problem Cause ELECTRICAL 120VAC POWER – see pages 17, 18 & 19 No electrical power in motor home No power source Power cable unplugged Circuit breaker may be off or tripped Bad power cord adapter AIR CONDITIONER – see pages 20, 17, 18 & 19 A/C does not run No power source A/C not or weak cooling Circuit breakers may be off or tripped Evaporator coils are iced up RECEPTACLES / GFI – see pages 17, 18 & 19 No electrical power at receptacles No power source GFI recept
Electrical system (continued) Problem Cause MICROWAVE OVEN – see pages 21, 17, 18 & 19 Microwave oven will not operate No power to microwave oven Door not properly closed ELECTRICAL 12VDC POWER – see pages 16, 17 & 18 No power at all Battery disconnect switch off Reading low on the monitor panel Auxiliary batteries voltage is low LIGHTS – see pages 16, 17 & 18 Lights don’t turn on Lights dim or half bright Switch at wall or on lamp off No 12VDC power Auxiliary batteries voltage is low CO DETECTOR (CARB
Plumbing System Problem Cause FRESH WATER SYSTEM – see pages 25, 26, 27 & 18 Fresh water tank will not fill Tank is already full No water supply Not filling water Fresh water dripping under vehicle or pushing back out the fill hole Tank overflowing Drain valves open WATER PUMP – see pages 25, 16, 17 & 18 Pump fails to start when switch is on Fuse may have blown at power center No water Water system hooked up to city water Monitor panel switch and second bathroom switch may “dead lock” each other WASTE T
Propane System Problem Cause LP GAS / PROPANE GAS SYSTEM – see page 9 Foul egg smell in and/or around Possible propane leak in system motor home LPG detector alarm going off LPG detector “chirping” After recent refilling of propane tank: Bleeder valve not fully closed Possible propane leak in system Cleaners or other substances setting alarm off Low auxiliary batteries FURNACE (HEATER) – see pages 20, 9, 16 & 17 Furnace does not heat Out of propane or main valve closed Furnace fan does not run Low bat
Propane System (continued) Problem OVEN (Propane) – see page 23 Turned knob but oven won’t light AUTOMOTIVE Problem GEAR SHIFTER – see pages 13 or 14 Cannot put shifter into gear Cannot take out ignition key BRAKES / ABS Brake warning light on Brake & ABS warning light on ENGINE OIL LIFE SYSTEM “Change Engine Oil Soon” Message in Display “Oil Life 0%” Message in Display Cause Pilot light must be lit manually Cause Solution Turn oven knob to “Pilot” and keep pushed in, then use match or lighter to ligh
Index Introduction 3 Technical Hotline 3 Emergency Phone Number 3 Safety Information 4 Refueling 4 Side Winds 4 Steep Grades 4 Following Distance 4 Driving at night 5 Seat belts 5 Overhead obstacles 5 Driveway entrances and rough road surface 5 Maneuvering 6 Tunnels and narrow roads 6 Mobile phone use while driving 6 Loose items 6 Break‐in and theft 6 Emergency exits 6 Hot surfaces 7 Slippery when wet 7 Risk of falling 7 7 Traffic Rules Emergency vehicles 7 Traffi
Gearshift 14 Cruise Control 14 Tow / Haul 15 Parking brake 15 Emergency start / Battery boost 15 16 Motor Home Equipment Introduction 16 Keys and doors 16 Electrical System 16 12 Volt DC (auxiliary batteries) 16 Battery disconnect switch 17 120 Volt AC (on‐board generator or external power source) 17 17 Ground Fault Interrupter 17 Fuses and circuit breakers Monitor panel 18 Generator 19 Roof air conditioner (A/C) 20 Furnace / Heater 20 Microwave 21 Half‐time/Convection/Micr
Vehicle specifications 35 Rental location address listing 36 Los Angeles 37 San Francisco 38 Las Vegas 39 Denver 40 New York 41 42 Troubleshooting guide Electrical 42 Plumbing System 44 Propane System 45 Automotive 46 47 Index PLEASE LEAVE THIS RENTER’S MANUAL IN THE MOTOR HOME Page 49
