Safety Belts; Fuel System - Thor Motor Coach 2011 Avanti Owner's Manual

Seat belts are an important safety feature of your vehicle. Each designated seat is designed
to carry passengers while the vehicle is in motion. Each Designated Seating Position is
equipped with either a type 1 (lap belt) or a type 2. (shoulder and lap belt) The number
of seats equipped with seat belts is to provide a choice of seating locations. This does
not necessarily mean that you may safely carry that many passengers. Refer to "Cargo
Carrying Capacity" (page 21) in the loading section for proper loading techniques.
To adjust your seat belt:
• Pivot the buckle at a right angle to the belt and pull to the desired length.
• Make sure the belt is not twisted, and press the tongue end into the buckle end. Be
sure the two are latched together, and adjust the belt snugly around your abdomen.
• To release, simply depress the button on the buckle and remove the tongue.
Child restraint seats may be used with the lap belts provided. Check the restraint seat
instructions for proper installation and adjusting. Child restraint seats are required to
a certain age. Check with the states in which you will be traveling for the proper age
requirements.
While the motorhome is in motion, passengers should be seated with
seat belts fastened. Do not allow passengers to occupy any position
that is not equipped with a seat belt.
Use only recommended fuel as specified by the chassis manufacturer. Do not overfill the
fuel tank, but allow for expansion of fuel (caused by rising temperatures) by stopping the
filling process when the pump automatically shuts off.
Modern fuel systems may build up vapor pressure within the tank as the
fuel warms during use, or in hot weather. Under certain conditions,
sudden release of this pressure when removing the filler cap can spray
fuel from the opening, causing a possible hazard. When removing the filler cap, rotate it slowly,
only far enough to allow pressure to release. After any hissing sounds die down, complete the
removal of the cap. To protect the gasoline system from excessive pressure or vacuum, or from
sudden release of pressure, replace lost caps with caps of the same design available from your
motorhome dealer.
When driving your motorhome, you're driving a large vehicle, and you should become
accustomed to the feel of the controls and the reference points from the driver's seat.
Become familiar with the position of the motorhome in traffic, and be cautious while
maneuvering to allow for the length and width of the vehicle. Always allow extra room to
corner and to change lanes. Learn to use the side mirrors to view the road behind. Check
them often.
Drive with consideration on the highway, observing all speed and safety regulations.
The best cruising speed of your motorhome will vary with road and weather conditions.
Remember that your motorhome is heavier than a car, making it less maneuverable and
harder to stop. Brake pedal pressure and travel may vary significantly from that of a car. Be
prepared to brake earlier than you normally would a car. Also, because of its greater side
surface area, it is more easily affected by cross winds. Allow extra distances for passing
and stopping, and drive at a moderate speed, particularly in traffic and in gusty wind
conditions.
Driving on winding or mountain roads is not difficult if done with reasonable care.
Observe proper vehicle speeds when ascending or descending hills and always operate in
the proper transmission range. Downshift on hills to avoid overheating or undue engine
loads. Downshift before descending grades.
Road conditions, terrain, weather, and other driving factors are sometimes
unpredictable, and mountain driving or desert temperatures can put extreme demands
Chapter 3 - On the Road Safety

SAFETY BELTS

FUEL SYSTEM

DRIVING
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