Driving Tips - Holiday Rambler Imperial 2008 Owner's Manual

DRIVING & SAFETY — 2
The child safety seat can be positioned in two
places in the motorhome: the front passenger
(co-pilot) seat and forward facing permanently
mounted booth dinette seat.
WARNING:
DO NOT transport children unrestrained.
Infants must be placed in approved
safety seats - small children must be
restrained in child safety seats. DO NOT
use a single seat belt on more than one
child. Failure to comply with these rules
can lead to injury or death.
NOTE:
Individual states and Canadian
provinces may have laws that can
exceed the requirements as described in
this section. It is your responsibility to
know and comply with the laws in the
state or province in which you travel.
WARNING:
Because many styles of safety and booster
seats are available, refer to the safety
seat manufacturer's manual for proper
installation and how to properly install
and secure the safety or booster seat.
NOTE:
Use of a safety or booster seat in the
front seat may be prohibited in some
states and Canadian provinces.
Seat Belt Care:
Keep the belt clean and dry. Clean with mild
soap and lukewarm water. DO NOT use bleach,
dye or abrasive cleansers that may weaken the
belt material. Periodically inspect belts for cuts,
frays or loose parts, and replace damaged parts.
DO NOT disassemble or modify the system.
Replace the seat belt assembly after a severe
impact, even when damage is not obvious.
18

DRIVING TIPS

The motorhome is a complex vehicle that
requires increased driving awareness because
of its size and various components. Due to the
motorhome length the turning radius will be
much wider than that of a standard automobile.
Always pay close attention to the perimeter of
the motorhome including front, sides, rear, roof
and undercarriage. Ensure the surrounding area
is clear of obstacles. Utilize the driving mirrors to
observe traffi c conditions as well as the motorhome
exterior including tires, bay doors, blind spots, etc.
Use a push-pull method of steering, with both hands
parallel on the steering wheel.
The motorhome is heavier than an automobile
and has a higher center of gravity, which affects
reaction time of the motorhome. Swerving
and sharp turning, especially performed at high
speeds, could result in loss of control. Keep
the size of the motorhome in mind and drive
with extra caution to avoid situations that might
require quick momentum changes. Increase
reaction time by paying attention to traffi c and
road conditions 12 to 15 seconds ahead of the
motorhome's position.
The motorhome will travel safely and
comfortably at highway speed limits. However,
it takes more time to reach highway speed.
When passing another vehicle, allow extra time
and space to complete the pass due to the added
length of the motorhome.
The transmission and engine will help control
downhill speed and can extend the service life
of the brake lining. When descending a long
hill, manually shift to a lower gear and begin the
descent at a slow speed.
2 00 8 I MP E R I A L
DO NOT allow the
motorhome to gain momentum
before trying to slow down.
Use the engine brake in
conjunction with the service
brakes to help maintain a
slow, safe descent. Distance
required to stop the motorhome
is greater than an automobile.
Practice stopping away from traffi c to get the
feel of distance required to stop the motorhome.
Adjusting to road, weather and terrain
conditions is necessary to keep the motorhome
under control. Pay attention to road signs
that advise of local road hazards and driving
conditions. DO NOT operate the motorhome
when road, weather and terrain conditions
seem unsafe.
Keep the windshield clear of humidity in
the form of water or ice. Start the motorhome
and turn on the dash defrost and the overhead
blowers to help remove moisture from inside
the windshield. It may also be necessary to
use a clean cloth to wipe away moisture. Keep
windshield wipers in good working order at all
times. DO NOT operate the motorhome if the
windshield is not clear.
Check tonnage limits of bridges before
crossing to ensure they can support the weight
of the motorhome. Signs should be posted at
bridge entrances. Check the posted height of
all overpasses or situations where overhead
clearance is limited. Keep in mind that road
surfaces may be repaved or packed with snow;
therefore, the actual posted clearance height
would not apply in such conditions.
downhill.eps