02 Safety Instructions

Safety Considerations

Before using your motorhome, especially for the first time or after a long period of non-use, read all the instructions in the Owner’s Manual and the chassis-manufacturer’s manual thoroughly. There are several safety considerations that you must be aware of and follow while your motorhome is in motion. These safety considerations, as well as others meant to preclude any damage to the motorhome, are listed in this chapter. Besides the driver, it would be helpful for the passengers to be familiar with these safety considerations and precautions too.

General Warnings

In general, there are several “common-sense” safety precautions that must be taken every time the motorhome is to be used on the road. These precautions include:

• Only seats with seat belts must be used while the motorhome is in motion; the seat belts should be worn by all people (driver and passengers) in the motorhome at that time.
• While the motorhome is moving, lock all seats in the forward-facing position to provide maximum safety for the users.
• While the motorhome is moving, no one (e.g., young children) inside should ever stand or kneel on the seats.
• In the majority of states, it is the law that seat belts must be used (fastened snugly about the chest and hip areas), anytime the motorhome is in motion, to provide desired protection in the event of a crash.
• Any fire extinguishers must be inspected on a monthly basis to ensure that each extinguisher is properly charged and ready for operation.
• Any smoke and/or carbon-monoxide (CO)/liquid propane (LP) alarms must be regularly inspected and tested. If being used for the first time, the smoke and/or CO/LP alarm must be properly activated and fresh batteries installed before the motorhome is placed into service. Never sleep in a motorhome not having functional smoke and/or CO/LP alarms.
• While the motorhome is moving, the sleeping facilities are not to be used.
• Be sure to be familiar with all emergency exits (doors, emergency window). Do not use the emergency window as a routine exit; this is strictly to be used for emergency purposes only.
• Movement inside the motorhome should be minimized while the motorhome is in motion.
• Never leave the driver’s seat unattended while the motorhome is in motion.

Pre-Departure Checklist

For your continued safety and convenience, the following is a representative “checklist” designed to ensure your safety while driving:

• ✓ Clean all windows, mirrors, and light lenses (front, back, and sides) to ensure that you can “see” and “be seen.”
• ✓ Reposition any mirrors or other fixtures to provide an unobstructed view (front, back, and sides) from the driver’s seat.
• ✓ Remove or secure all loose fixtures (e.g., awnings, flags, antennas, portable lights) to keep them from falling from the motorhome when the vehicle is in motion.
• ✓ Make a “walk-around” visual inspection of the motorhome to note any irregularities (e.g., loose trim) or problems (e.g., low tires); correct noted problems accordingly.
• ✓ Check all exterior storage-compartment and generator-compartment doors to make sure that they are properly latched. If need be, check inside all exterior compartments to make sure that all cargo and equipment are properly secured so that they do not work loose and become hazards during sudden starts and stops.
• ✓ Check the tires for proper inflation (i.e., cold-inflation pressure: 100 psig). If the motorhome has not been used, make sure that the “cold-inflation” pressure is maintained. If the motorhome has recently been used, make sure that the “hot inflation” pressure (see the tire-manufacturer’s literature to determine appropriate “hot inflation” pressure) is maintained. All tire pressures must be within 1-2 pounds (psi) of each other.
• ✓ Examine wheel lug nuts to ensure their proper tightness. If any lug nuts are found to be loose, first check the fit of the wheel to the hub to make sure the wheel is mounted properly, which would produce a “wobbly” wheel when the motorhome is in motion, and then tighten the lug nuts.
• ✓ Check all fluid levels (e.g., engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, power-steering fluid, brake fluid, battery fluid [if applicable], windshield-washer solvent) to ensure that correct levels are maintained. Fill any low reservoirs, as needed.
• ✓ DO NOT SUBSTITUTE any other fluids for specified oils, transmission fluid, brake fluid, or other hydraulic fluids—substitutions are not acceptable and can void warranties.
• ✓ Before starting the motorhome engine, make sure all lines (e.g., water, sewer) and electrical power cords are disconnected and properly stowed.
• ✓ Ensure that the leveling jacks are in the “travel” position and antennas are securely docked.
• ✓ After entering the motorhome, make sure that the electrically actuated, retractable step has properly operated to retract the step fully before starting the engine of the motorhome.
• ✓ Check all interior doors (e.g., shower, microwave, refrigerator, etc.) to ensure that they are locked and/or secure. Make sure that all large items are stored away and secure (e.g., coffee pots, corning ware, etc.).

Driving Safety

Various adjustments must be made to ensure the driver’s comfort and the safety of the motorhome before starting and moving the motorhome; these include:

• Do not attempt to adjust the driver’s seat while the vehicle is moving.
• Do not adjust the tilt steering while the vehicle is moving.
• The driver must be familiar with all gauges, instruments, switches, and indicators on the instrument panel before driving.

• Do not operate the cruise-control function during any extreme weather situations (e.g., snow, ice, sleet, heavy rain), when road conditions are hazardous (icy, snowy, winding roads, city traffic), when a constant speed of the motorhome is not possible, or if traffic conditions do not warrant such.
• Avoid driving the motorhome through any standing water. If deep enough, such water can wet the brake pads and cause fading of the brakes (i.e., loss of braking power) and lead to excessive sliding or pulling to one side or the other.
• Know the limits of operation of the motorhome. Do not try to achieve excessive speeds, climb overly steep hills, traverse overly long grades, attempt to use as an "off-the-road" (OTR), rapidly switch lanes, or rapidly accelerate or decelerate the motorhome. When in doubt about the handling characteristics of the motorhome, consult your chassis manual for information.
• The solar or blackout shade is operated by using a switch on the driver’s console. Depress the switch to lower or raise the shade. On the Allegro Red, the switch is labeled SOLAR SHADE or NIGHT SHADE. The time delay switch must be held for a few seconds before it is activated.
• NEVER drive the vehicle with a slide-out room extended.

Fuels for the Motorhome

Your motorhome is designed to use low sulfur fuel only for the engine used in the routine operation of the motorhome—these require prudent and safe handling to ensure safety of the motorhome and its occupants; namely:

• Anytime the motor fuel is to be filled, turn OFF the motorhome engine, all pilot lights, and appliances.
• DO NOT SMOKE when refilling the fuel tank.
• NEVER use an open flame to test for LP gas leaks or to examine the fluid levels in the fuel tanks.
• After filling any LP system, immediately replace and secure all protective covers and caps.
• After closing the LP valve, close and securely latch the LP door to prevent unintentional access or damage.
• NEVER connect natural gas to the LP gas system—LP gas and natural gas are not interchangeable.
• When lighting range burners, do not turn burner controls ON and allow the gas to escape before lighting.
• NEVER use any other “burning” equipment (e.g., charcoal grills, wood stoves, butane lights, propane lights) inside the motorhome. Doing so might cause fires and/or asphyxiation.

                

Liquid Propane (LP) Gas System (Optional)

Check the propane gas system for leaks yearly or as necessary. If you smell propane within the motorhome, quickly perform the following:

• Extinguish any open flames, pilot lights, and all smoking materials.
• Do not touch electrical switches.
• Shut off the gas supply at the tank valve or gas supply connection.
• Open doors, windows, and other ventilating openings.
• Leave the area until the odor clears.
• Have the propane system checked and leakage source corrected immediately.

A WARNING label such as the following is located near the LP gas container.

Any overfilling of the LP gas containers can result in uncontrolled gas flow—a prime condition for a fire or explosion.

The LP container (Figure 2-3) must be filled to only 80 percent of its capacity; the remainder of the cylinder space is an air space to contain expansion of the liquid when subjected to varying ambient temperature conditions.

Filling in excess of 80 percent of the liquid volume of the container reduces the air space and, thus, creates a condition for possible overpressurization of the container.

All LP appliances in your motorhome have been approved for use in motorhomes by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (i.e., UL and CSA certified). When properly used, LP gas is a cleanburning fuel, which can be dependably used. In actuality, the LP container contains liquid propane under high pressure.

The liquid, when it passes through the tank valve to a lower pressure, vaporizes into a gas, and then passes through a regulator to maintain a constant pressure. This gas, then, is the actual fuel distributed through the LP-gas manifold system to the LP-based appliances used in your motorhome.

LP-appliance lighting problems are typically caused by an improperly adjusted gas regulator. NEVER attempt to adjust or reset the gas regulator yourself. An authorized service technician is needed to make these adjustments. As a good preventive-maintenance activity, the regulator should be checked annually by a service technician and before every extended trip.

Even though the LP-gas system is leak-checked and verified at the factory at the time of manufacture, normal usage (travel vibrations, etc.) could loosen the fittings. Consequently, it is wise to check the gas fittings periodically for leak tightness.

You can wipe some leak-detector solution (e.g., a “liquid-soap”-like solution) on all the fittings, connections, and junctures when the system is under pressure. Should there be any leaks; small bubbles will appear at any leak sites.

Generally, loose fittings can be tightened to stop the leaks. If this process does not work, then you must shut off the main gas valve at the LP cylinders and immediately consult an authorized service technician to determine what repairs are necessary. Leaks may also be detected by noting a sulphurous odor (i.e., rotten eggs). DO NOT search for a leak by using a match or open flame.

LP Gas Regulator

The LP gas regulator (Figure 2-4) (All models except 440H) is the most critical element of the LP-gas distribution system. The regulator converts the high-pressure LP gas from the tank into a reduced-pressure LP-gas supply suitable for use in the various appliances in the motorhome.

You must regularly inspect the regulator system. If any damage or corrosion is noted, contact an authorized service technician to inspect and repair or replace the regulator.

Do not attempt to adjust the regulator yourself; the regulator has been pre-set at the factory. Only a qualified LP service technician using specialized equipment should adjust the regulator.

LP Distribution System

The primary LP distribution system in the motorhome is a steel manifold located underneath the motorhome. The secondary distribution lines running from this main distribution system are usually reinforced rubber supply lines.

If any of the gas lines break, do not attempt to splice them—always run new lines to maintain the safety of the motorhome. Tiffin Motorhomes recommends that only qualified service technicians perform this work.

Remember, the main valve at the LP gas tank must be closed whenever any gas appliance is to be installed, removed, or serviced—this process prevents LP gas leakage, which could result in a possible harmful explosion. If the odor of LP gas is ever detected, immediately discontinue use of any gas appliances and seek the services of a qualified service technician.

Recommended Practices

The following practices are recommended to ensure continued safety and reliability of the LP gas system. These are representative, and not exhaustive. In all cases, use common sense in the use of the LP system:

• Visually inspect the LP fill valve before any refueling operation for foreign materials or debris; remove, as necessary, to ensure a leak-tight connection.
• Before any refueling operation of the LP gas system, shut off all the pilot lights.
• NEVER, under any circumstances, check for LP gas leaks with any type of open flame; doing so would probably cause an explosion and subsequent fire.
• Annually and before any major trips, visually inspect the entire LP gas distribution system.

Should problems be noted, seek the services of a qualified service technician to make necessary repairs and perform any maintenance.

Carbon Monoxide Warning

A properly maintained engine exhaust and ventilation system is the best way to protect against carbon monoxide’s entry into the vehicle. Tiffin Motor Homes recommends that the exhaust system and body be inspected by a qualified motorhome service center:

• Each time the vehicle is serviced for an oil change.
• Whenever a change in the sound of the exhaust system is noticed.
• Whenever the exhaust system, underbody, or rear of the vehicle is damaged.

To allow proper operation of the vehicle’s ventilation system, keep the front ventilation inlet grill clear of obstructions at all times.

Do not occupy a parked vehicle with the engine running for an extended time, and do not run the engine in confined areas, such as a garage.

Your motorhome is equipped with a combination CO/LP Gas Alarm (Figure 0-2). This alarm combines a single compact system that detects both Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Propane (LPG) gas. It will detect carbon monoxide gas from any combustion source such as the furnace, oven/range, water heater, refrigerator, chassis engine, and generator engine.

CO/LP Gas Detector

Since LP gas is denser than air, the LP gas will naturally settle to the lowest point in an enclosed space. In the motorhome, this would be the floor. Because of this, the CO/LP gas detector (Figure 2-5) is necessarily mounted close to the floor.

To activate the CO/LP-gas sensor on this detector for the first time, remove the sensor activation strip, if it was not removed during the pre-delivery inspection.

If the alarm persists in re-arming and giving further alarms, ventilate the motorhome by opening the doors and windows. After the ventilation process is concluded, shut all the doors and windows, and then take the motorhome to a qualified service technician.

The CO/LP gas detector is a single compact system that provides a powerful combined alarm that detects both Carbon Monoxide (CO) and explosive gases, such as Propane (LPG) and Methane (Natural Gas). This detector uses the latest microprocessor technology combined with two electronic self-cleaning sensors that operate independently of each other. The combined unit can detect both CO and explosive gases simultaneously.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas which, when breathed, bonds to the hemoglobin in the red blood cells and, thus, drastically reduces or blocks the transfer of oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

In sufficient concentrations, CO kills by asphyxiation. In lesser amounts, CO makes the victim groggy, lethargic, and unable to think clearly or quickly.

CO is one of the products of combustion for many materials including petroleum-based products (e.g., gasoline, diesel fuel, propane, butane, etc.). Since many of the appliances and the engines associated with the motorhome produce CO in their normal operations, it is necessary to ensure that CO levels do not rise to dangerous levels within the motorhome. In sufficiently high concentrations, CO can kill in minutes.

The people most susceptible to CO poisoning are unborn babies, small children, pregnant women, senior citizens, and people with cardiovascular or respiratory problems.

Consequently, it is prudent to check the CO monitor regularly for normal operation and to remain aware of the symptoms of CO poisoning, which include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, muscular twitching, throbbing in the temples, incoherent thinking and speech, weakness, sleepiness, and intense headaches.

If any of these symptoms are experienced in the motorhome, IMMEDIATELY evacuate the motorhome and seek medical help. Shut down the motorhome and do not attempt to operate it again until the sources of the CO are located and fixed.

Fire Safety

As with any enclosed system containing the three required conditions for fire (i.e., combustible materials, oxygen, and ignition sources), there will exist the possibility of fire inside the motorhome. Tiffin Motor Homes has taken every precaution and design practice to minimize or negate this possibility, but the final determination rests with the owner and user of the motorhome. Hence, the owners, users, and their guests must be aware of basic fire-safety practices and procedures, and those particular features that Tiffin Motor Homes has provided for fire safety.

Fire Extinguisher

The motorhome is equipped with a fire extinguisher located in the entrance door stairwell (Figure 2-6). The extinguisher is rated for both Class B (i.e., grease, gasoline, diesel fuel, flammable liquids) and Class C (i.e., electrical) services.

Read and understand the accompanying owner’s manual on the extinguisher (found in your Owner’s Information Package) and remember the location of the extinguisher. These types of fire extinguishers are pressurized mechanical devices and require that appropriate care be used in their safe storage and use. The owner’s manual will provide necessary guidance for the proper storage, handling, and use of the extinguishers.

Prudent preventive maintenance suggests monthly inspection of any fire extinguisher to ensure that it is sufficiently pressurized (i.e., the needle on the gauge is in the “normal” zone) and that the mechanical components are not blocked in any way.

Safety

DO NOT test a fire extinguisher by partially discharging the unit—this will cause a loss of pressure and might lodge some fire-retardant materials in the valve mechanism and cause the extinguisher to continue to vent slowly down to zero pressure. If an extinguisher is ever partially used, continue its use until the unit is completely discharged. Then, have the fire extinguisher fully recharged at an appropriate service center (call any fire department for information on having an extinguisher recharged in that particular locality). DO NOT wait to recharge an empty fire extinguisher; you will never know when it might be needed. Should a fire occur inside or around the motorhome, evacuate the motorhome quickly and calmly—do not panic. In the event of heavy smoke or extensive flames, keep low (crawl if you must), and make your way to the nearest exit (door, emergency window) and leave. If the fire involves a fuel source (e.g., diesel fuel, LP gas), consider the probability of an explosion and move sufficiently far away to minimize personal harm. If possible, immediately place a call to the local fire department (or ask someone nearby to do so) to report the fire. Consider the cause and the consequences of the fire and the risks associated with possibly fighting the fire yourself before trying to extinguish it. DO NOT expose yourself or others to unnecessary danger.

Smoke Detector

The motorhome is equipped with a battery-operated smoke detector (Figure 2-7) located on the ceiling in the living area of the motorhome.

The smoke detector must be tested on a weekly basis, before each trip, and after any period of storage of the motorhome.

If a low-battery condition is noted or the alarm “chirps” to indicate a low-battery condition, immediately replace the battery. Tiffin Motor Homes recommends that you keep replacement batteries in the motorhome for any in-transit replacements so that the smoke-alarm capability is never compromised.

DO NOT disable the smoke detector for any transient, false alarm (e.g., cooking smoke, dusty furnace, tobacco smoke). Ventilate the motorhome with fresh air and the alarm will reset on its own.

Electrical

• Careless handling of electrical components can be fatal. Never touch or use electrical components or appliances while feet are bare, hands are wet, or standing in water.
• Improper grounding of the vehicle can cause personal injury.
• Do not attach an extension cord to the utility power cord.
• Do not use any electrical device that has had the ground pin removed.
• Avoid overloading electrical circuits. Replace fuses or circuit breakers with those of the same size and amperage rating only. NEVER use a higher rated fuse or breaker.

Loading

• Store or secure all loose items inside the motorhome before traveling. Possible overlooked items such as canned goods or small appliances on the countertop, cooking pans on the range, or freestanding furniture can become dangerous projectiles during a sudden stop.
• Be aware of GVWR, GAWR, and individual load limit on each tire or set of duals.
• Never load the motorhome in excess of the gross vehicle weight rating or the gross axle weight rating for either axle.

Maintenance

• Do not remove the radiator cap while the engine and radiator are still hot. Always check the coolant level visually using the see-through coolant reservoir.
• NEVER get beneath a vehicle that is held up by a jack only.
• Do not mix different construction types of tires on the vehicle. Replace tires with the exact size, type, and load range.

Emergency Exits

The living areas of the motorhome are equipped with emergency exit windows (Figure 2-8 and Figure 2-9). These windows are designed for emergency exits when it is not practical to exit by the door, which also is an emergency exit—in the front of the motorhome. These windows are readily noticeable by their red handles and the red EXIT label on the windows.

To use these windows as emergency exits, lift the handle and push outward on the window. As required, the window can be closed by pulling the window inward and then lowering the handle to latch the window back in place. When the motorhome is to be parked, note where these windows will be, so that the exits will not be blocked (e.g., against a tree, pole, or wall).

Parking Procedures

To park the motorhome in any unfamiliar terrain, examine the site for surface irregularities, slopes, or inclines, and other items such as stumps, rocks, or external connections for power/water/sewage, and also examine the area immediately above the parking site for obstructions like tree branches and limbs, signs, and overhead wiring.

If the motorhome is to be backed into the parking site, try to have that site on the driver’s left-hand side, as this will allow the driver to watch the rear of the motorhome. Back up slowly and use the side mirrors and the back-up camera as a guide or, better yet, have another person outside provide guidance to help park the motorhome.

When the motorhome is finally situated, shift the transmission into park, set the foot-operated park brake, and then turn OFF the engine. Activate the hydraulic levelling system to level and stabilize the motorhome. If the motorhome is to be powered externally, connect the 120 VAC power to the motorhome.

If the motorhome uses LP gas, turn ON the LP gas valve at the LP tank. Connect the fresh-water supply and sanitize the water systems as needed. Connect the waste drain hose to the external sewer hook-up. Start the refrigerator, water heater, and furnace, as warranted. Light the oven pilot light, as needed. Certain appliances, such as the refrigerator, will not work properly, if the motorhome is not level, so be sure to complete the motorhome-levelling process before activating any of the appliances.

Towing Hitch

The motorhome is fully capable of towing typical motor vehicles.

The Allegro Red is equipped with a 10,000 pound towing hitch (Figure 2-10), and associated wiring connector.

The towing hitch features a standard 7 pin wiring connector. If desired, a trailer brake actuator can be added. The plug for the actuator is located to the left of the steering column, underneath the dash.

The motorhome is capable of towing light loads, and instructions are in the chassis manufacturer’s literature in the Owner’s Information Package provided with the motorhome.

The total weight of the motorhome and any vehicle towed by that motorhome must not exceed the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).

The tongue weight must not exceed 10 percent of the towing capacity. Information related to the motorhome weight and GCWR can be found on a sticker inside the motorhome closet. Any vehicles to be towed by the motorhome must have adequate active braking.

Tiffin Motor Homes does not recommend using any type of hydraulic towing lift that attaches to the rear of the motorhome designed to carry motorcycles, scooters, golf carts, etc.

NOTICE. If drop hitch or receiver extension is added to coach, it reduces ton capacity by half.