02 Safety Instructions

Safety Considerations

Prior to using your motorhome, especially for the first time or after a long period of nonuse, please read thoroughly all the instructions in the Owner’s Manual and the chassismanufacturer’s manual before attempting to operate your motorhome. There are several safety considerations which you should realize and follow while your Cahaba 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 should be taken every time the motorhome is to be used on the road. These precautions include:   

•          Only seats with seat belts should be used while the motorhome is in motion; those seat belts should be worn by all people (driver, 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 inside should ever stand or kneel on seats (e.g., young children).   

•          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 extinguisher(s) should be inspected on a monthly basis to assure that each extinguisher is properly charged and ready for operation.   

•          Any smoke and/or carbon-monoxide (CO)/liquid propane (LP) alarm(s) should be regularly inspected and tested. If being used for the first time, the smoke and/or                 CO/LP alarm should 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 alarm(s).   

•          While the motorhome is moving, the sleeping facilities are not to be used.   

•          In the event of an emergency, be sure to be familiar with all escape exits (doors, escape 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 “check list” designed to assure your safety while driving:    

 

 

 

•   Clean all windows, mirrors, and light lenses (front, back, side) to assure thatyou can “see” and “be seen.”  Reposition any mirrors or other fixtures to provide an              unobstructed view (front, sides, and back) 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 interior storage-compartment doors to make sure they are properly latched. If need be, check inside all interior compartments to make sure that all cargo and    equipment are properly secured so they won’t work loose and become hazards during sudden starts and stops.     
•  Check tires for proper inflation (i.e., cold inflation pressure: 100 psi). 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 tiremanufacturer’s literature to determine appropriate “hot inflation” pressure) is maintained. All tire pressures should be within 1-2 pounds (psig) of each other.      
• Examine wheel lug nuts to assure their proper tightness. If any lug nuts were found to be loose, first check the fit of the wheel to the hub to make sure the wheel is mounted properly. If the wheel is improperly mounted it could cause the wheel to wobble when the motorhome is in motion, 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 assure 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—in most instances, substitutions are not acceptable and may void warranties.      
• Prior to starting the motorhome engine, make sure all lines (e.g., water, sewer) and electrical power cords are disconnected and properly stowed.      

Driving Safety

Figure 2-1 shows the driver side dashboard and instrument console.

Various adjustments need to be made to assure 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 should be familiar with all gauges, instruments, switches, and  indicators on the instrument panel prior to driving.   

•          Do not operate the cruise-control function during any extreme weather situations (e.g., snow, ice, sleet, heavy rain) or when road conditions are hazardous (icy,                       snowy,  winding roads, city traffic) or when a constant speed of the motorhome is not possible or if traffic conditions don’t 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 another.   

•          Know the limits of operation of the motorhome. Don’t try to achieve excessive speeds, climb overly steep hills, traverse overly long grades, attempt to use the                         motorhome as an “off the road” (OTR) motorhome, 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.         

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIGURE 2-1: DRIVER SIDE DASHBOARD

Fuels for the Motorhome

  

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

•   Anytime the motor fuel tank is to be filled, the motorhome engine is to be turned OFF and all appliances should be turned OFF.   

•   A NO SMOKING policy should always be observed when refilling the fuel tank.  

•   NEVER use an open flame to examine the fluid levels in the fuel tanks. 

•   NEVER use any other “burning” equipment (e.g., charcoal grills, wood stoves, butane lights, propane lights) inside the motorhome. Doing so may cause fires and/or                  asphyxiation.   

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. We recommend 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 front ventilation inlet grill clear of obstructions at all times. Do not occupy a parked vehicle with engine running for an extended time and do not run engine in confined areas, such as a garage.  

Your motorhome is equipped with a Carbon Monoxide alarm, which has a sensor that is designed to detect carbon monoxide gas fumes resulting from incomplete combustion of fuel. It will detect carbon monoxide gas from any combustion source such as from the furnace, oven/ range, water heater, refrigerator, chassis engine and generator engine.  

  

Figure 2-3: Carbon Monoxide

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 2-3) 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 such was not performed during the pre-delivery inspection.     

If the alarm persists in re-arming and giving further alarms, ventilate the motorhome by opening doors and windows and then check for possible LP gas leaks.  If the leak cannot be readily found SAFELY, then close the main valve to the LP tank and turn “off” all gas appliances and then take the motorhome to a qualified service technician after the ventilation process is concluded and the doors and windows again shut.  

This single compact system provides a powerful combined alarm that detects both

Carbon Monoxide (CO) and explosive gases 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 petroleumbased products (e.g., gasoline, diesel fuel, propane, butane; among others). Since many of the appliances and the engines associated with the motorhome produce CO in their normal operations, it is necessary to assure that CO levels do not rise to dangerous levels within the motor home.  In sufficiently high concentrations, CO can kill in minutes.  

     The most susceptible people 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.    

Should any of these symptoms be experienced in the motorhome, you should

IMMEDIATELY evacuate the motorhome and seek medical help.  Shut down the motorhome and do not attempt to operate it again until the source(s) 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, ignition sources), there will exist the possibility of fire. Tiffin Motorhomes 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. Accordingly, it is in the best interests of the owners, users, and their guests to be aware of basic fire-safety practices and procedures and those particular features that Tiffin Motorhomes has provided for fire safety.

 

Fire Extinguisher

The Cahaba is equipped with a fire extinguisher located behind the PS seat. The extinguisher is rated for Class A, B and C (i.e., trash, wood, paper, grease, gasoline, diesel fuel, flammable liquids and electrical). Read and understand the accompanying owner’s manual on that 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 assure 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.  Do not test a fire extinguisher by partially discharging the unit—this will cause a loss of pressure and may 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 (one can call any fire department for information on having an extinguisher recharged in that particular locality). DO NOT wait a long time to recharge an empty fire extinguisher; you’ll never know when it may 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 such is available, 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 Cahaba motorhome is equipped with a battery-operated smoke detector (Figure 2-5) located on the ceiling in the living area of the motorhome. The smoke detector should 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 lowbattery condition, immediately replace the battery. It is suggested 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.

Figure 2-5: Smoke Detector  

 

Electrical

•       Careless handling of electrical components can be fatal. Never touch or use electrical components or appliances while feet are bare, while hands are wet or while                   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 SAFELY pans on the range, or free-standing 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 engine and radiator are still hot. Always check coolant level visually at 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 exact size, type, and load range.  

 

Emergency Exits

There are no emergency exits in the Cahaba. However, there are rear and passenger side doors.

 

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, external connections for power/water/sewage and also examine the area immediately above the parking site for obstructions like tree branches and limbs, signs, overhead wiring.     

If the motorhome is to be backed into the parking site, try to have that site be 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 providing guidance to help park the motorhome.   

When the motorhome is finally situated, shift the transmission into park, set the footoperated park brake, and then turn “off” the engine.

If the motorhome is to be powered externally, connect the 120 VAC power to the motorhome. 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.