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2. Wherever possible, place heavy articles in storage
compartments which are low and between the axles for
better weight distribution.
3. Use a "packing" technique of the articles in a compartment
to prevent shifting. If necessary, secure articles with straps
to prevent movement.
4. Be sure that containers holding liquids are capped and
cannot tip or spill. When glass containers (or dishes) are
transported, secure them well to protect against accidental
breakage.
5. Always lock latch on refrigerator door before getting under
way.
6. Exterior storage compartments may not be water-tight in all
climate conditions. Any articles which could be damaged by
water should be carried inside the motor home.
EFFECTS OF PROLONGED OCCUPANCY
Your motor home was designed primarily for recreational use
and short term occupancy. If you expect to live in the vehicle for
extended periods, be prepared to deal with condensation and the
humid conditions that may be encountered. The relatively small
volume, thin walls, and tight construction of a modern
recreational vehicle mean that the normal living activities of even
a few occupants will lead to rapid saturation of the air contained
in the vehicle, and the appearance of visible moisture, especially
in cold weather. Know the signs of excessive moisture and
condensation, and how to minimize their effects.
RECOGNIZING CONDENSATION SYMPTOMS
Just as moisture collects on the outside of a glass of cold water
during humid weather, moisture can condense on the inside
surfaces of your recreational vehicle during use in cold weather
when humidity of the interior air is high. This condition is much
greater in a recreational vehicle than in most houses because
the insulated walls of the vehicle are much thinner than house
walls, and the small size and tight construction of the vehicle
allow a quick build-up of high moisture levels in the inside air.
The air inside a recreational vehicle can contain a surprisingly
large amount of water vapor. Estimates indicate that a family of
four can vaporize up to three gallons of water daily through
breathing, cooking, bathing, and washing. Unless this water
vapor is carried outside by ventilation, or condensed by a
dehumidifier, it will condense on the inside of windows· and walls
as moisture or, in cold weather, as frost or ice,. It may also
condense out of sight within the walls or the ceiling where it will
manifest itself as stained panels. Appearance of these
phenomena indicates a condensation problem.
CONTROLLING MOISTURE CONDENSATION
You can reduce or eliminate interior moisture condensation
during cold weather by taking the following steps:
• Ventilate with outside air.
Partially open one or more roof vents and one or more
windows to provide controlled circulation of outside air into
the interior. While this ventilation will increase furnace
heating load, it will greatly reduce, or eliminate, water
condensation.
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