Dry Camping Tips - Holiday Navigator 2003 Owner's Manual

Driving & Safety
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DRY CAMPING
TIPS
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• Hook a potable water hose to the city water connection in the
service center. A water pressure regulator is built in. Turn the hand
valve so the pointer indicates "city water."
NOTE: A water pressure regulator attached between the city water
faucet and the potable fresh water hose will protect the hose from
swelling or bursting under high city water pressure. Securing the
pressure regulator to the hose with pliers will prevent the regulator
from being misplaced.
• Hook-up the sewer hose. Sewer drain pipe diameters are generally
either three or four inches. Proper sewer hose adapters will ensure
against leaks or spillage. With the sewer hose properly connected
open the grey water valve (small valve). The black water valve
(large valve) remains closed until the tank is full or until time of
departure.
Plan ahead and conserve resources while dry camping. Dry camping
requires fully charged and properly maintained batteries (corrosion cleaned,
terminals tightened, cables checked, etc.). If battery water is low, fill the
batteries with distilled water only. Water containing a high concentration of
minerals will alter the battery's chemistry reducing battery capacity and
performance. Before arriving at your destination, fill up with fuel for the
generator.
Begin with a full fresh water tank and empty waste holding tanks. When
the fresh tank is low, the waste holding tanks will more than likely be full.
Empty the waste holding tanks before refilling the fresh water tank.
Solar panels are a valuable addition to help charge the batteries. If the
motorhome is equipped with two panels, the first panel will offset the parasitic
loads. The second panel (and adding a third if possible) will charge the
batteries during daylight hours. Clean the solar panels regularly for optimum
performance. Dust, dirt, grime and pollution from the road and air will
decrease their efficiency. Clean the solar panels with window cleaner and a
soft cloth.
Most dry camping locations can accommodate motorhomes of various
lengths. Confirm that the facility you plan on visiting can accommodate your
motorhome's length and size. Arrive during daylight hours to properly set-up
the motorhome and prepare for the night ahead. Getting to a site on narrow
and winding campground roads takes skill and patience. Avoid low hanging
limbs, tree trunks and barriers lining the roadway. Have the co-pilot or the
campground host provide assistance when maneuvering the motorhome around
curves and bends.
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