Trip Preparation - Holiday Rambler Imperial 2008 Owner's Manual

Fuel Economy:
Driving style, wind resistance, terrain, vehicle
weight, and engine-driven accessories are some
of the factors that affect fuel economy.
Guidelines to Help Increase Fuel Effi ciency:
When starting out, apply 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, but also increases
rolling resistance and fuel consumption.
Keep the engine at a low to mid operating
range of 1100 to 1500 RPM, which
requires less fuel than a higher RPM.
Avoid using full throttle when ascending
a long hill. This wastes fuel and
increases engine operating temperature
from incomplete combustion. Manually
shift to a lower gear and use less throttle.
Fuel will burn more effi ciently.
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.
(idling engine) incomplete combustion
occurs, causing carbon build-up and
raw fuel to wash lubricating oil from the
cylinder walls and dilute the crankcase
oil. Excessive idling (more than 10 or 15
minutes) can clog fuel injectors, damage
the emission system, and 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.

TRIP PREPARATION

The following suggestions are general
guidelines to follow when preparing for a trip:
Tool Box & Emergency Road Supplies
Items to Carry:
An emergency road kit
containing a fl ashlight, road
fl ares, warning signs and a fi re
extinguisher.
Local, State and National Maps,
as well as a "Motor Carrier" road
atlas (for refueling station and
truck repair facility locations).
Hand tools, a 12 Volt DC test
light, a 120 Volt AC polarity
tester, battery hydrometer,
an assortment of blade fuses,
mini fuses, and alternator belt.
20 0 8 I M P E R I AL
Potable and non-potable water hoses,
a water pressure regulator and various
termination connectors for sewage.
Inspection:
Ensure all exterior items are stowed or
secured (i.e. TV antenna, ceiling vents
and windows).
Check belts, hoses, battery and engine
fl uid levels. Inspect the engine,
transmission and generator per the OEM
manuals.
Evenly distribute and secure cargo. Store
heavy items near the rear axle and lighter
items toward the front to prevent uneven
stress and handling problems.
Check all tires outside the motorhome
for accurate pressure and physical
condition. Look around, above and under
020064b
the motorhome for obstruction or leaks.
Test all exterior lighting: headlamps,
taillights, brake and clearance lights.
Inside the motorhome store and secure
heavier objects in the lower cabinets to
maintain a low center of gravity for sway
reduction. Secure loose items to prevent
weight shifts. Store lighter items in the
overhead cabinets. Close and secure all
cabinet doors and drawers, shower and
090333f
Test Light
pocket doors. Turn off interior lighting.
Adjust exterior mirrors and check dash
gauges for proper operation.
GARDNER BENDER, INC
INFORMATION:
For chassis maintenance details refer to
OPEN
GROUND
OPEN
NUETRAL
OPEN HOT
the chassis section.
HOT/GRD
REVERSE
HOT/NEU
REVERSE
CORRECT
020062
Polarity Tester
DRIVING & SAFETY — 2
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