Set-Up Procedures - Holiday Rambler Imperial 2008 Owner's Manual

DRIVING & SAFETY — 2
The driver should receive directions only
from the co-pilot. When the co-pilot is guiding
the driver, only fi ve clearly defi ned signals
should be used, with only one signal given at a
time. Flailing arms with indecisive signals only
confuse the driver. Signals should be given with
purpose and confi dence. Directional signals are
directing travel of the rear of the motorhome.
If the desired direction is left, the co-pilot
points left. For example: The co-pilot will
use his/her right arm and forefi nger pointing
distinctly left with arm and fi nger held on a
horizontal plane, indicating desired direction
of travel of the rear of the motorhome. The
directional signal given should remain steady
until the desired movement is complete.
Five Directional Signals:
1. Co-pilot uses left hand and arm held
horizontal, with forefi nger pointing
right, to direct rear of motorhome to
the right.
2. Co-pilot uses right hand and arm held
horizontal, with forefi nger pointing left,
to direct rear of motorhome to the left.
3. Co-pilot uses both arms and hands
parallel with thumbs pointing up and to
rear in a waving vertical motion. This
signals driver to maintain a straight
back direction.
4. Co-pilot holds arms horizontally, hands
open with palms facing one another.
Start with a wide separation, gradually
closing distance of hands in a rate
appropriate to vehicle speed to indicate
amount of distance to the stop point.
5. Closed fi sts and crossed arms indicate
STOP.
26
Backing Up Trailers:
Towed vehicles using a tow bar or tow dolly
have more than one pivot point and are not
suitable for backing. Attempting to back up
the motorhome while connected to a tow bar
or tow dolly can jack-knife the tow device
causing the wheels of the towed vehicle to
move in a forward "sideways" motion that will
cause irreparable and expensive damage. If
necessary, disconnect the tow vehicle to avoid
a backing up situation.
2 00 8 I MP E R I A L
Trailers have one pivot point and may be
backed up. The same rules for backing a
motorhome can be applied to backing a trailer.
When preparing to back the trailer into a space,
maneuver the motorhome sweeping wide. Turn
back to the opposite direction to maneuver the
trailer into the space. Keep the bottom of the
steering wheel in the desired direction of travel
for the trailer. For example: If the desired
direction of the trailer is left, rotate the bottom
of the steering wheel left.
If the trailer moves in an undesired direction,
pull forward just far enough to align the trailer
with the space. The co-pilot should stand safely
at the left rear corner of the trailer within view
of the driver in the roadside mirror, using the
fi ve hand signals for guidance.
CAUTION:
Tow bars or car dollies are generally
made to travel in a forward direction
only. Most towing equipment of this
type is not designed for backing. Never
attempt short back up distances with
a tow bar or tow dolly. Damage to the
020083b
motorhome, vehicle or towing device
will result.

SET-UP PROCEDURES

If the site for the motorhome provides full
hook-ups, use this quick reference as a guide
only. This information is an overview on
hooking up the utilities and preparing appliances
for use. Specifi c information on slide room,
awning and leveling system operations is
discussed in detail in other sections.