05 Major Appliances

Residential Refrigerator

Some coaches contain the optional 110 volt style residential refrigerator (Figure 5-1), 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.

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 5-2), 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 icemaker, lower the wire shutoff arm.
• • To turn OFF the icemaker, lift the wire shutoff arm to the OFF position (arm up) until it clicks.

NOTE: The icemaker must have RV antifreeze cycled through it for proper winterization.

Microwave Oven

The MIDAS contains either a microwave oven (Figure 5-3) or an optional convection microwave. All microwave ranges operate on 120-volt AC electrical power, supplied either by the external electrical hook-up or by the on-board 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 air 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.

Electric Cooktop

The MIDAS might be equipped with an induction cooktop (Figure 5-5) that requires 30-amp service, or the generator, to operate.

The control panel features options on operating the following settings:

HEATING — This is the default function of the induction cook top. When pressing ON/OFF, the heating light will illuminate and the cook top will heat the cookware at 1200 W. The heat can be adjusted by touching the UP or DOWN arrows. There are 10 levels of power, with 10 being the highest.

TEMPERATURE — When pressing TEMP, the induction cook top will begin setting the temperature and the TEMP light will illuminate. The default temperature is 248 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius). The temperature can be adjusted by touching the UP or DOWN buttons.

NOTE: The temperature range is 140 degrees to 464 degrees Fahrenheit (60 to 240 degrees Celsius).

TIMER — When pressing TIMER, the light of the TIMER and one of the lights on HEATING/TEMP will illuminate accordingly. The cook top will enter the Time Setting mode. Five seconds after setting, the window will automatically shift to the mode display of the corresponding function. To view the countdown time, press TIMER again. The display window will show you the remaining time.

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.

With Induction cooktop, some cookware is supplied. Any cookware used must be compatible with the induction cooktops

 

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 5-6), uses either the LP gas system or the 120 volt AC electrical system to operate the 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

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.

120 volt AC Electrical Operation

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 5-6) 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 5-7) 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.

Due to Tiffin Motorhomes’ commitment to continuous research and development, some units might also contain major appliances manufactured by other companies other than what is shown in the figures of this section. Refer to the information in your Owner’s Information Package for more information on your coach brands