13 Windows, Awnings, Vents, and Doors

Windows

Sliding windows are custom built for the motorhome and allow easy sliding access to open the coach to fresh outside air.

There might also be a reflective coating on the windows to reflect back a portion of the sunlight to reduce the heating of the motorhome interior and to reduce the effects of the sun’s “bleaching” of interior fabrics (curtains, upholstery).

Sunshades on both the driver and passenger’s sides can be deployed and moved at any time.

Windows throughout the coach are designated as “EXIT” windows in the event of an emergency.

To help make the windows slide more easily, we recommend using Plexus Plastic Cleaner, which can be purchased through the Tiffin Motor Homes Service Department.

Awnings

The unit is equipped with Girard awnings. The awnings run on 120 VAC. The awning control switch (Figures 13-1 and 13-2) is located in the front overhead cabinet above the driver seat. This switch is removable and may be removed from the overhead to operate the awnings. For the Zephyr, this switch also operates the exterior TV door. There are arrows located on the bottom left and right corners of the awning control switch. These arrows allow the user to select front or rear awning.

Note: The numbers range from 0 to 5, but 1 (front) and 2 (rear) are used for the awnings. Channel 3 will operate the exterior TV door.

 

Once the awning has been selected for operation, the light button activates the light on the awning. The arrows facing up and down on the right hand side of the switch allow the awning to extend and retract. The button in the center (that is a line) on the right side of the switch allows you to stop the awning at a desired location instead of fully extending or retracting. Please refer to Girard for more in depth awning questions.

Note: The awnings may also be operated from the awning control boxes located in the front cargo bay on the passenger side of the unit (Figure 13-3). To operate the awnings using the white control box, touch the arrows on the side of the control module to extend and retract the desired awning. There are two white control modules. Each control module operates a single awning.

Note: The light function is not available on the control module. The light can only be activated from the awning control switch.

For further detailed instructions on operation and maintenance, please refer to the manufacturer’s literature found in the Owner’s Information Package.

  

Note: There is a second awning control switch located in the front cargo bay on the passenger side of the coach.

 

Vents

The kitchen and the bathroom are both equipped with a 12-VDC exhaust vent fan (Figure 13-5). A three-speed switch controls the fan speed of both. The vent fan should only be left in the “on” mode when the motorhome is parked and in use. The fan will not operate until the vent is open.

 

Doors

The primary entrance door to the motorhome has a key lock and a dead bolt for additional security. When the door is fully opened, the door hinge automatically holds the door in an OPEN position.

In addition, a screen door allows increased air circulation when the entrance door is open.

Keyless Lock

The Zephyr is equipped with keyless lock entry. The keyless lock entry is essentially a numeric combination lock.

This type of lock for the motor home enables the owner to come and go without having to worry about whether the “house key” was with the owner or not. The keyless lock drastically reduces the inadvertent situation of being “locked out of one’s home” while on the road.

Also included with the keyless entry is a key fob that will lock and unlock the entrance door as well as compartment doors. The headlights and clearance lights will flash, indicating that the doors are locked when pressing the lock button on the key fob. When pressing “unlock,” the porch lights will be activated for 30 seconds.

As long as you remember the appropriate combination (settable by the owner to permit optimal remembering of a preferred numerical combination), you should never be “locked out” of the motor home under any circumstances.

Complete directions for setting your unique keyless lock combination can be found in the Owner’s Information Package.

As a further aid for nighttime access to the motor home, the handrail by the front door is made of transparent acrylic, which is lighted at night. This “night light” handrail permits the motor home owner easy and safe access to the motor home by providing a firm, easily seen handhold whenever entering or exiting.