Parking; Changing Tires; Tire Care - Thor Motor Coach 2011 Avanti Owner's Manual

Chapter 3 - On the Road Safety

PARKING

CHANGING TIRES

TIRE CARE

CHECK AIR PRESSURE
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on drive train components, especially the transmission. Under extreme heat conditions
you may need to turn off the vehicle air conditioner to improve engine and transmission
cooling.
Allow for the extra height of your motorhome and avoid areas having low overhead
clearance. Check for low hanging tree branches or other obstructions wherever you
drive or park. Avoid low roof heights when pulling in for service. This may be particularly
important if you drive with the overhead vents open or if the motorhome is equipped
with a roof air conditioner, roof rack, or TV/radio antenna. Check the total height for your
particular motorhome and make sure that you are aware of it when driving under bridges
or underpasses.
When parking parallel to a curb, be sure to allow for poles or obstructions as the front and
rear portions of the motorhome will swing wider than an automobile. Remember that
your motorhome is larger than your automobile and will require more space. Be careful
your unit does not occupy road space or block driveways while parking. When parking on
an incline, turn the front wheels into the curb in the direction of the roll to aid the parking
brake. Always set the parking brake when parking.
Changing a tire on a motorhome is more difficult than an ordinary automobile.
Motorhome tires are larger and heavier than ordinary tires. Whenever possible, call for
roadside assistance to help you in changing your tires. This task should not be done alone
due to the weight of the unit. Motorhomes are extremely heavy. Changing a flat tire is
best left to a professional mechanic with the proper equipment.
If absolutely necessary, change the tire on a level and firm surface. If you are on the roadside,
activate the vehicle's hazard warning flashers. Apply the parking brake. Set up flares and
or warning lights. See the chassis manufacturer's owner's manual for specific jacking and
tire removal, and replacement instructions, which pertain to your unit. Lug nuts vary
from chassis to chassis, and the GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) of your motorhome. (See
Chassis Owner's Manual for specific instructions on tightening lug nuts). After operating
50-100 miles, retighten to the same specification. If you don't have proper equipment,
stop at the nearest service facility and have the torque of the lug nuts checked.
Never place the jack under a bumper or under the edge of the
sidewall. Always place the jack as specified by the chassis owner's
manual. Never use the rear differential as a jacking point. Use the jack only for changing
tires. NEVER get underneath the vehicle when using the jack; never start or run the engine
while the vehicle is on the jack.
The most important factor in maximizing the life of your tires is maintaining proper
inflation pressure. An under inflated tire will build up excessive heat that may go beyond
the prescribed limits of endurance of the rubber and the radial cords. Over inflation
will reduce the tire's footprint on the road, reducing the traction, braking capacity, and
handling of your vehicle. An over inflated tire will also cause a harsh ride and uneven tire
wear.
To determine the correct air pressure for your tires, load your motorhome as you would
normally for travel, including water and fuel. Determine the correct air pressure for the
weight on each axle and adjust the pressure according to the Federal Certification Label
when the tires are cool or have not been driven for more than one mile. Never reduce the
air pressure in a hot tire.
Never let air out of a hot tire.
Now that you have found what the correct air pressure per axle needs to be for your
motorhome when loaded, you need to know when to check your air pressure. You should
check the air pressure every two weeks or at least once a month and before any major
trip. Your motorhome's air pressure should be checked every morning on long trips. On
short trips of a day or less of driving each way, your tires should be checked before you