05 Major Appliances
LP/GAS REFRIGERATOR
Your coach might be equipped with a standard LP/gas refrigerator (Figure 5-1). When this refrigerator is in the LP gas mode, make sure that the main LP gas valve is in the ON position before attempting to start the refrigerator. Note that the refrigerator is equipped with a semi-automatic energy selector (AES) control system, which can set automatically to switch between a 120-volt AC system and an LP-gas operation system.
A 12-volt power supply (e.g., 12 VDC system of the motorhome, auxiliary battery, converter, or motorhome engine battery) is required for proper operation of the electronic control panel. For electrical operation of the refrigerator, either the external electrical power line must be connected to the motorhome or the on-board electrical generator must be running to provide the necessary 120-volt AC power. To operate the refrigerator in the LP-gas mode, the main LP gas valve must be open.
- To turn ON the refrigerator, press the main power ON/OFF button (ON position). Select operation mode (Auto or Gas). If necessary, adjust the thermostat by pressing the temperature selector button.
- To turn OFF the refrigerator, press the main power ON/OFF button (OFF position). The refrigerator can be shut off while in any mode of operation by pressing the main power ON/OFF button. This shuts off all DC power to the refrigerator, including the interior light. If the refrigerator will not be in operation for weeks, it should be emptied, defrosted, cleaned and the doors left ajar. The ice trays should also be kept outside the cabinet.
- Place a small level on the bottom of the refrigerator to make sure it is level before its operation.
For further operating and maintenance instructions, refer to the operating booklet found in the Owner’s Information Package
Residential Refrigerator (Optional)
Some coaches contain the optional 110 volt style residential refrigerator (Figure 5-2), which is powered from an outside source, or from the unit’s generator or inverter, which uses a 12 volt battery power supply. This unit operates as most home refrigerators do.
This unit operates as most home refrigerators do.
| NOTE: While traveling, the refrigerator will be powered by the inverter. |
For further operating and maintenance instructions, refer to the operating booklet found in the Owner’s Information Package.
| NOTE: While traveling, the 12 V battery is charged by the engine alternator. |
The inverter must be ON for the residential electric refrigerator to operate, if not connected to shore power, or if the generator is not running.
Ice Maker
Your ice maker (Figure 5-3), is equipped with an automatic shut off. As ice is made, the ice cubes will fill the storage tray, raising the shutoff arm to the OFF position. Do not force the wire shut off arm up or down.
- To turn ON the ice maker, lower the wire shutoff arm.
- To turn OFF the ice maker, lift the wire shutoff arm to the OFF position (arm up) until it clicks.
| NOTE: The ice maker must have RV antifreeze cycled through it for proper winterization. |
Microwave Oven
The Allegro contains either a microwave oven or an optional convection microwave (Figure 5-4). All microwave ranges operate on 120- volt AC electrical power, supplied either by the external electrical hookup or by the onboard electrical generator in the motorhome.
Touchpad controls are used for operating the convection microwave (i.e., cooking temperature, mode, power level, and cooking time). For basic operating instructions, care, and maintenance for the proper use of the microwave, refer to the specific manual in the Owner’s Information Package.
Air Filtration Fan
In the motorhome, the “exhaust” or air filtration fan (Figure 5-4) is built into the microwave, and its function is to filter the air and exhaust to the outside.
The air filtration fan must be used whenever cooking is performed to filter any airborne cooking residues and heated air.
The filtration system can be used as supplemental filtration of other odors and gases including tobacco smoke, candle fumes, and related vapors. It contains filters, which can be removed and cleaned or replaced to ensure normal operation. Consult the particular owner’s manual contained in the Owner’s Information Package for more information.
Cooktop and Optional Oven
The Allegro Open Road might be equipped with a standard recessed three burner cook top (Figure 5-5), or an optional, three-burner, recessed cooktop with oven (Figure 5-6).
To light oven for the first time:
- Light the oven (Figure 5-7) by turning the gas control knobs to the OFF position. Check that the main inlet gas valve is OPEN. KEEP THE OVEN DOOR OPEN for the full ignition process to view the pilot and burner until lit. Push and turn the gas control knob counterclockwise to position until pilot lights; you will hear a small clicking noise. If ignition does not occur in 5 seconds, turn the gas control knob off, wait for 2 minutes and repeat the lighting procedure. Once the pilot flame is lit, continue to hold the oven control knob in for 10-15 seconds, then release the knob and verify that the pilot stays lit.
- After the pilot flame is ignited and the control knob is released, then turn the control knob counter clockwise to the required temperature setting. Within 20 seconds of the pilot flame being lit, the main burner flame will automatically ignite, confirm with a visual inspection before closing the oven door.
To shut off your oven:
- Push the oven control knob and rotate clockwise to the OFF position. Extinguish all pilots when refueling or traveling. The fan will continue to run for 10-15 minutes after turning off the oven. Do not attempt to adjust the oven pilot light as it has been factory adjusted and factory set.
- To extinguish the oven pilot light when use of the oven is concluded, push inwards on the oven control knob and turn that knob clockwise to the OFF position.
To operate the three-burner cooktop:
- Ensure all cooktop knobs are turned clockwise to the OFF position. Push and turn the cooktop knob 90 degrees counterclockwise to the large flame icon. Push down on the cooktop knob and press the spark ignition button together to light the burner; continue to hold down the cooktop knob for 10-15 seconds to disable the safety cut off.
- The cooktop is fitted with a burner safety cut off. If a flame is not present, the gas supply will automatically shut off. If no spark is present when pressing the igniter, check or replace the AA battery. For your safety, never attempt to operate the cooktop with battery power exhausted.
Water Heater
Before the water heater is to be used, fill the fresh water system and purge the water lines to and from the water heater by opening all the hot-water faucets, until water steadily flows from each one and no spurting or hissing sounds are heard.
The water heater ( Figure 5-9), uses the 12 volt AC electrical system to operate the heater.
Motorhome models with a washer/dryer unit are supplied with a ten-gallon water heater. Motor Homes without a washer/dryer unit come with a six-gallon water heater.
Proper and safe operation of the water heater requires that all safety information provided in the owner’s manual be read and understood before placing the water heater in service.
Take the time to become familiar with this manual (provided in the Owner’s Information Package).
| NOTE: When you turn ON the switch for the water heater, the middle red button will light up. It will go OFF after several seconds—this means the water heater is lit. However, if the light stays illuminated, then that means the water heater has not ignited. |
LP Gas – Electronic Ignition Operation
1. On the Spyder Controls System panel, press the HOME icon (shaped like a house). This will bring up the controls for the water heater.
2. Press the GAS button under the section labeled WATER HEAT. The water heater will attempt to light. If it takes longer than 15 seconds, a FAULT message will appear. Make sure the GAS button is gray, indicating the system is off, and wait for 5 minutes.
3. Repeat Step Two until water the heater is lit.
4. For a complete shut-down and also before any servicing: a. Turn the GAS button, indicated by the grey button, OFF. b. Remove the red wire from the left-hand terminal of the ECO switch (ECO to valve) on the water heater.
5. If the water heater fails to operate because of high water temperature, the heater will go into a lockout condition (screen will read FAULT). When the water eventually cools, reset the system by turning the switch to the OFF position for at least 30 seconds, then turn the switch back ON.
6. If a lockout condition persists, contact your authorized dealer.
120 volt AC Electrical Operation
1. For electrical operation, use the ELEC button found on the Spyder Controls System panel, on the HOME tab under the WATER HEAT section.
2. Completely fill the water heater with water and purge the hot-water lines of any trapped air.
3. Turn the Water Heater switch ON.
| NOTE: Turning the power to the water heater ON without having previously covered the water-heating element with water might burn out the element and void the warranty. |
4. After a while, check the water heater for proper operation; the water temperature should be approximately 140°F (60°C).
5. If the manual-reset, high-temperature-limit switch should trip the circuit breaker; reset the switch by depressing the reset button--use a pencil or other non-metallic object to depress the reset button. If the high-temperature-limit switch should again trip the circuit breaker, contact an authorized service technician or an authorized dealer.
6. Both the electrical and gas operations of the water heater may be used simultaneously to reduce recovery time of heating water up to the desired temperature.
For detail information on the water heater or specific information about select steps in operating the water heater, refer to the owner’s manual for this appliance contained in the Owner’s Information Package.
Water Heater Storage
If the motorhome is to be stored during the winter months, the water heater (Figure 5-9) should be drained to prevent damage caused by freezing water contained in the water heater.
To drain the water heater, first turn OFF all electrical power, turn OFF the LP gas going to the water heater, then turn OFF the water pump. Open both the hot and the cold-water faucets to drain the water lines and open the drain on the water heater to drain the entire system.
When re-activating the water heater after the motorhome is taken out of storage, make sure that the entire water system, including the water heater, has been filled with water and the lines have been purged of any entrapped air before relighting the water heater. Failure to do so might allow the waterheating element to be turned ON before it is immersed in water; thereby, causing the premature failure of the heating element and voiding the warranty.
Pressure Relief Valve
The relief valve (Figure 5-9) for over-pressure and over-temperature conditions is located on the exterior of the water heater. This valve will operate if the water temperature reaches or exceeds 210°F or if the water pressure reaches or exceeds 150 psig.
Since the water system in the motorhome is a closed system when all water valves are shut, the water heating cycle can raise the temperature and, consequently, the pressure, of the water in the water heater; thereby realizing pressure increases approaching 150 psig.
Should this pressure (i.e., 150 psig) be reached, the pressure-relief valve will begin “weeping,” that is, there will be minor dripping or leakage from that valve until the pressure drops below 150 psig, at which time the pressure-relief valve will reseat itself and restrict the water flow. This is normal operation and should not be a cause for alarm. Do not obstruct or block the pressure-relief valve in any way, as this would keep the valve from functioning normally and protecting the hot water system.