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18 ____________________ _
EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM
OCCUPANCY
'(our motor home was designed primarily for recrea-
tional use and short term occupancy. If you intend to
occupy the motor home for an extended period, you
should understand that the additional wear will cause
premature deterioration of structure, interior finishes,
fabrics, carpeting, drapes, appliances and fixtures. You
should also be prepared to properly manage and control
condensation and the humid conditions that may be
encountered. The relatively small volume, and tight,
compact construction of modern recreational vehicles
mean that normal living activities of even a few occu-
pants will lead to rapid saturation of the air, and the
appearance of visible moisture, especially in cold
weather.
Just as moisture collects on the outside of a glass of cold
water during humid weather, moisture can condense on
the inside suriaces of your motor home during use in
cold weather when humidity of the interior air is high.
Water vapor will condense on the inside of the windows
and walls as moisture, or in cold weather as frost or ice.
It may also condense out of sight within the walls or the
ceiling where it will manifest itself as stained panels.
Appearance of these conditions indicates a condensa-
tion problem. When you recognize the signs of exces-
sive moisture and condensation, you should take action
to minimize their effects.
Ventilation And Controlling Condensation
You can reduce or eliminate interior condensation dur-
ing cold weather by taking the following steps:
Ventilate with Outside Air
Partially open one or more roof vents and one or
more windows to provide controlled cross flow
circulation of outside air into the interior. While
this ventilation will increase furnace heating load,
it will greatly reduce, or eliminate, condensation.
Even when itis raining or snowing, outside air will
be far drier than interior air and will effectively
reduce condensation.
Install Storm Windows
The interior suriace of the storm window will be
warmer, reducing moisture condensation. DO
NOT COVER THE EMERGENCY EXIT WIN-
DOW. This window must be left accessible at all
times for emergency exit.
Reduce Moisture Released Inside the Motor Home
Run the range vent fan when cooking and the
bath vent fan (or open the bath vent) when
bathing to carry water vapor out of the motor
home. Avoid making steam from excessive boil-
ing or use of hot water. Remove water or snow
from shoes before entering to avoid soaking the
carpet. Avoid drying overcoats or other clothes
inside the motor home.
CAUTION
DO NOT HEAT THE MOTOR HOME INTE-
RIOR WITH THE RANGE OR OVEN. Open
flames add moisture to the interior air. Do
not use an air humidifier inside the motor
home. Water put into the air by the humidi-
fier will increase condensation.
Ventilate Closets and Cabinets
During prolonged use in very cold weather, leave
cabinet and closet doors partially open to warm
and ventilate the interiors of storage compart-
ments built against exterior walls. The air flow will
warm the exterior wall suriace, reducing or elimi-
nating condensation and preventing possible ice
formation.
Install
A
Dehumidifier Appliance
During prolonged, continuous use, a dehumidify-
ing appliance may be more comfortable and
effective in removing excess moisture from the
interior air. While use of a dehumidifier is not a
"cure-all", and ventilation, storm windows, and
moisture reduction continue to be important, op-
eration of the dehumidifierwill reduce the amount
of outside air needed for ventilation. Heating load
on the furnace will be reduced, and the interior
will be less drafty.
Ventilate while driving
Positive air ventilation will help reduce the build-up of
moisture while driving. The movement of the motor
home at highway speeds can cause a partial vacuum
inside. This vacuum can draw in odors or dUst from the
outside through the windows or vents. Setting the dash
heater/air conditioner controls to "VENT" or "FRESH
AIR" will help create the positive air pressure needed to
force out excessive moisture, odors or airborne dust.
FIRE SAFETY
The hazard and possibility of fire exists in all areas of life,
and the recreational life-style is no exception. Your motor
home is a complex machine made up of many materials
- some of them flammable. But like most hazards, the
possibility of fire can be minimized, if not totally elimi-
nated, by recognizing the danger and practicing common
sense, safety and maintenance habits.
The fire extinguisher furnished with your motor home is
rated for Class B (gasoline, diesel fuel, grease, flam-
mable liquids) and Class C (electrical) fires since these
are the most common types of fires in vehicles. Read the
instructions on the fire extinguisher. Know where it is
located and how and when to use it. Remember that
portable fire extinguishers are appliances intended for
use by the occupants of a building or area that is
threatened by fire. They are most valuable when used
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