| ANSWERS |
| 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. |
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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 Monaco’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
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| 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 Coach Corporation. 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
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| 7- |
Does Monaco Coach offer
a roadside assistance program? Yes, Monaco Coach 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. |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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 |
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| 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 Coach
Corporation’s Technical Support. Prior to commencing any repair work,
have the repair technician contact us at (877) 466-6226. RETURN
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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 |
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| 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
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| 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 |
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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 |
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| 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
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| 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
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