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premature deterioration of structure, interior finishes,
fabrics, carpeting, drapes, appliances and fixtures. You
should also be prepared to deal with 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 occupants will lead to rapid
saturation of the air, and the appearance of visible
moisture, especially in cold weather.
Justas moisture collects on the outside of aglass of cold
water during humid weather, moisture can condense on
the inside surfaces 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 circulation of
outside air into the interior. While this ventilation
will increase furnace heating load, it will greatly
reduce, or eliminate, condensation. Even when it
is raining or snowing, outside air will be far drier
than interior air and will effectively reduce con-
densation.
Install Storm Windows
The interior surface 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 airflowwill
warm the exterior wall surface, 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,
operation of the dehumidifier will reduce the
amount of outside air needed for ventilation.
Heating load on the furnace will be reduced, and
the interior will be less drafty.
FIRE SAFETY
The hazard and possibility offire exists in all areas ollife,
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 eliminated, by recognizing the danger and prac-
ticing common sense, safety and maintenance habits.
The fire extinguisher furnished with your motor home is
rated for Class B (gasoline, grease, flammable liquids)
and Class C (electrical) fires since these are the most
common types offires in vehicles. Read the instructions
on the fire extinguisher. Know where it is located and
how and when to use it.
Fire Safety Precautions
Explosive fuel clouds may be present at fuel filling
stations.
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