Holiday Navigator 2003 Owner's Manual page 36

Driving & Safety
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 • 3 6
Fuel Economy:
Many factors contribute to the amount of fuel consumed during driving.
Driving styles, wind resistance, terrain, vehicle weight, and engine-driven
accessories are some of the factors that affect the fuel economy. Use the
following guidelines to help increase fuel efficiency:
• When starting out, apply the throttle lightly and accelerate
gradually. Avoid using excessive throttle and accelerating quickly.
• Check the tire pressure. A low tire is not only a safety hazard, it
also increases rolling resistance which increases fuel consumption.
• While operating the motorhome, keep the engine at a low to mid
operating range of 1100 to 1500 RPM. This will use less fuel than
operating at higher RPM.
• Avoid using full throttle when ascending long a long hill. This
wastes fuel and increases engine operating temperature from
incomplete combustion. Manually downshift to a lower gear and
use less throttle. Fuel will burn more efficiently.
• Avoid extended idling to "warm-up" the engine. Start the engine
and wait for normal oil pressure to register. Engage the high idle
feature until the engine coolant temperature gauge raises. The
engine is now ready for travel. Whenever coolant temperature
is below 160° F (as in an idling engine) incomplete combustion
occurs. This causes carbon buildup and raw fuel will wash the
lubricating oil from the cylinder walls diluting the crankcase oil.
• Excessive idling (more than 10 or 15 minutes) can clog fuel injectors
and may eventually cause piston rings and valves to stick.
• Operate the transmission with the MODE function set to
Economy whenever possible; this allows for earlier shifts and
enhanced fuel economy.
• Follow the maintenance schedule for the engine, transmission and
chassis. Proper maintenance will lead to enhanced fuel economy,
motorhome performance, and overall longevity.
Refueling:
• Truck stops are good refueling points for motorhomes.
• Know which side the fuel port is on. There may not be adequate
space to turn around in the parking lot to reposition for the pump.
• Check overhead clearance heights before pulling through the
fuel island.
• Be aware of the concrete/steel posts installed around the fuel
island.
• Avoid running over the fuel hose as it can get hung up on the
motorhome, causing body damage.
N A V I G A T O R 2 0 0 3