Parking; Changing Tires - Damon Astoria Pacific Edition Owner's Manual

Chapter 3 - On the Road Safety

PARKING

CHANGING TIRES

2
side surface area, it is more easily affected by cross winds. Allow extra distances for
passing and stopping, and drive at a moderate speed, particularly in traffic and in gusty
wind conditions.
Driving on winding or mountain roads is not difficult if done with reasonable care. Observe
proper vehicle speeds when ascending or descending hills and always operate in the
proper transmission range. Downshift on hills to avoid overheating or undue engine
loads. Downshift before descending grades.
Road conditions, terrain, weather, and other driving factors are sometimes
unpredictable, and mountain driving or desert temperatures can put extreme demands
on drive train components, especially the transmission. Under extreme heat conditions
you may need to turn off the vehicle air conditioner to improve engine and transmission
cooling.
Allow for the extra height of your motorhome and avoid areas having low overhead
clearance. Check for low hanging tree branches or other obstructions wherever you
drive or park. Avoid low roof heights when pulling in for service. This may be particularly
important if you drive with the overhead vents open or if the motorhome is equipped
with a roof air conditioner, roof rack, or TV/radio antenna. Check the total height for your
particular motorhome and make sure that you are aware of it when driving under bridges
or underpasses.
When parking parallel to a curb, be sure to allow for poles or obstructions as the front
and rear portions of the motorhome will swing wider than an automobile. Remember
that your motorhome is larger than your automobile and will require more space. Be
careful your unit does not occupy road space or block driveways while parking. When
parking on an incline, turn the front wheels into the curb in the direction of the roll to aid
the parking brake. Always set the parking brake when parking.
Changing a tire on a motorhome is more difficult than an ordinary automobile. Motorhome
tires are larger and heavier than ordinary tires. Whenever possible, call for roadside
assistance to help you in changing your tires. This task should not be done alone due to
the weight of the unit. Motorhomes are extremely heavy. Changing a flat tire is best left
to a professional mechanic with the proper equipment.
If absolutely necessary, change the tire on a level and firm surface. If you are on the
roadside, activate the vehicle's hazard warning flashers. Apply the parking brake. Set
up flares and or warning lights. See the chassis manufacturer's owner's manual for
specific jacking and tire removal, and replacement instructions, which pertain to your
unit. Lug nuts vary from chassis to chassis, and the GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) of
your motorhome. (See Chassis Owner's Manual for specific instructions on tightening
lug nuts). After operating 50-100 miles, retighten to the same specification. If you don't
have proper equipment, stop at the nearest service facility and have the torque of the
lug nuts checked.
Never place the jack under a bumper or under the edge of the
sidewall. Always place the jack as specified by the chassis owner's
manual. Never use the rear differential as a jacking point. Use the jack only for changing tires.
NEVER get underneath the vehicle when using the jack; never start or run the engine while the
vehicle is on the jack.