Thermostat; Air Conditioner; Water Heater - forest river Travel Trailer Owner's Manual

APPLIANCES

Thermostat

Many factors influence the ambient temperature inside
your RV. The purpose of a thermostat is to keep the air
temperature at the level you have selected.
There are several things you can do to help manage the
inside temperature to avoid over-stressing your heating
and cooling appliances.
Heating
1. Check to be sure there are no gaps in windows or
doors that would allow loss of heat.
2. Park the RV so the front or rear of the unit takes the
brunt of wind force.
3. Have your furnace checked to ensure it is operating
at its highest capacity.
4. Keep all vents free of obstruction.
Setting the temperature and leaving the thermostat on
AUTO will allow the device to detect changes in tempera-
ture. While some people lower the temperature at night or
when leaving the RV, when you return and reset the ther-
mostat, the furnace or air conditioner has to run longer to
reach the new temperature you set. It is recommended to
set it at a comfortable temperature and leave it.
Cooling
1. Park the RV in a shaded area.
2. Use window shades, blinds or curtains.
3. Keep windows and doors shut or minimize usage.
4. Avoid the use of heat producing appliances.
5. Installing window awnings will reduce heat gain by
removing direct exposure to the sun.
Starting the air conditioner in the morning and giving it a
head start on the expected high outdoor ambient tem-
perature will greatly improve its ability to maintain the
desired indoor temperature.
Whether using the HEATING or the COOLING function
of your thermostat, condensation is always an issue.
Keeping your RV at a constant temperature helps keep
condensation at a minimum. For more information on the
effects of condensation on your RV, refer to Living Quar-
ters section.
For more information, please consult the individual own-
er's manual or on-line at www.forestriverinc.com.

Air Conditioner

Your recreational vehicle may be equipped with an
optional roof-mounted air conditioner. It operates on
120VAC power and is located in the living/dining area
and also in the bedroom area of some models. Your RV
may have come factory equipped with the wiring and
necessary bracing for the insertion of an air conditioner
even if it was purchased without the air conditioner
installed at the factory. Check with your dealer for addi-
tional information.
Refer to the air conditioner manufacturer's users' manual
for complete operating and service instructions. Effi-
ciency when using the air conditioning can be increased
by closing all windows and curtains and parking your RV
in the shade. Air conditioning consumes a large portion
of the electric power available in the recreational vehicle
and efficient operation can be an important
consideration.
Even though your recreational vehicle is equipped with
30 or 50 amp capabilities, be aware that some camp-
grounds may offer less than 30 amp service. Check with
the campground before utilizing excessive power, which
may create a fire hazard or trip breakers, in either the
recreational vehicle or the outside power source.
NOTE:
Always turn off the air conditioner (and all electrical appli-
ances) before disconnecting the RV from its 120VAC
power source.
NOTE:
If you cover the outside portion of your air conditioner
during periods of storage, be sure to remove protective
cover before reusing.

Water Heater

NOTE:
Carefully follow the water heater manufacturer's detailed
instructions regarding the correct operation of your water
heater. Failure to do so could void your warranty.
NOTE:
Water heaters require very little care. However, the most
common cause of problems with your water heater is ini-
tiating operation before the tank is filled with water. Even
running it for a brief period of time without water will
damage the electric heating element.
NOTE:
Prior to operating the RV's water heater for the first time,
be sure there is water in the water heater tank. Be sure
that the water heater bypass valve, if installed, is open to
allow water flow into the tank. Next, connect the RV to a
water source or turn on the onboard water pump. Open
a hot-water tap and wait until water is flowing with no air
in the line. When water is flowing from the tap, the water
heater tank is full, and it is safe to operate the water
heater.
42