Living Quarters; Prolonged Occupancy; Condensation And Humidity; Propane - forest river Coachmen Clipper Owner's Manual

Living Quarters

Prolonged Occupancy

Your recreational vehicle was designed for recreational
use and short-term occupancy. If you expect to occupy
your RV for an extended period of time, be prepared to
deal with condensation and the humid conditions that
may be encountered.

Condensation and Humidity

Care of Your Vinyl Tent Fabric
Some tent fabrics are coated with vinyl to allow easier
cleaning of the exterior surface. Vinyl coated fabric can-
not breathe, and condensation may form on the fabric
side. The tent may appear to be leaking. This situation
can be corrected by opening the zippered windows
slightly to ventilate the interior of your camper, allowing
the condensation to evaporate.
Condensation
Recreational vehicles are built according to government
standards, which regulate the industry, and according to
RVIA standards, which are more severe than govern-
ment standards.
Follow these tips to help avoid excessive moisture in
your camper:
1. Open the roof vent when cooking and/or slightly
open the kitchen vinyl window.
2. Use the power vent when bathing or showering.
The power vent can also function as an attic fan to
recirculate the air.
3. Never use a humidifier. Vaporizer use should be
minimal.
4. Turn on the air conditioner briefly, after cooking or
bathing, to help eliminate moisture.
Condensation is a natural occurrence. The amount of
condensation will vary with the climactic conditions, par-
ticularly, relative humidity. Condensation occurs when
water vapor is present in the air. When the temperature
reaches the 'dew point', the water vapor in the air con-
denses, becoming liquid. Properly ventilating your RV
helps control condensation. Condensation causes damp-
ness, mildew, staining and, if left unchecked, may cause
damage to paneling, ceiling, fabrics, furniture, or per-
sonal belongings.
NOTE:
Condensation is not a result of a defect. Damage from
condensation remains the responsibility of the owner.
NOTE:
Always ventilate and dry tent (with bows and braces in
place), as soon as possible, after each exposure to mois-
ture. Mildew is always the result of negligence.
NOTE:
To avoid possible damage to the finish, do not use sol-
vents, rubbing compound or an abrasive cleaner or cloth
to clean your vinyl tent.
NOTE:
Do not use hand-held high pressure spray devices, such
as those at car washes, as they will damage the tape
and painted surfaces on the camper.
For heavily soiled spots, a very soft bristled brush can be
used. Before using any cleaner or chemical on the
camper, test a small area first. After washing, rinse the
entire camper thoroughly to remove any soap residue as
it can stain the paint. Use towels or a chamois to dry the
camper.
To avoid moisture from entering through breaks, possibly
causing problems with interior walls and components,
damage to fiberglass or aluminum should be taken care
of immediately. Cover breaks in the sidewall with plastic,
sealing the edges with tape until proper repairs can be
made.

Propane

General Information
The propane system in your tent camper furnishes fuel
for cooking, optional heating, and hot water. Propane can
also be used as an alternate energy source for refrigera-
tion. Propane is a clean, efficient, and safe form of
energy when proper handling and safety precautions are
observed. It enables you to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle
when other forms of energy are not easily utilized.
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