13 Windows, Awnings, Vents, and Doors

Windows

Sliding windows (Figure 13-1) 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 (Figure 13-2). The awnings run on 120 VAC. The awning control switch (Figure 13-3 & Figure 13-4) is located in the front overhead cabinet above the driver’s seat. This switch can be removed from the overhead, and used as a remote control to operate the awnings. For the Zephyr, this switch also operates the exterior TV door

The awning control switch is designed to allow the user to control each awning individually.

To use:

Turn the system power ON at the control panel. The remote has a maximum operating range of 50 feet. Actual distance may vary depending on the specific installation and location of the receiver in the vehicle. The Auto-Retract system is active when the awning power is on and disabled when the power is shut off.

The Direct Response system detects awning motion caused by windy conditions. The motion sensor is located in the lead rail. The system operates by gauging the vertical motion of the awning’s leading edge. When persistent motion exceeds the factory preset threshold for two seconds or longer, the system automatically retracts the awning to the slide-out position. The control switch provides four factory preset sensitivity values (threshold values). You might have to experiment to find the best setting for your preferences.

There are arrows located on the bottom left and right corners of the awning control switch. These arrows allow you 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.

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 the user to stop the awning at a desired location instead of fully extending or retracting. Refer to your Girard dealer for more indepth awning questions.

NOTE: The awnings may also be controlled from the awning remote control (Figure 13-5), located in the front cargo bay on the passenger side of the unit.

 

 

Vents

The kitchen and bathroom are both equipped with a 12 VDC exhaust vent (Figure 13-6). The fans are controlled by the fan tab on the Spyder Controls System (Figure 13-7). A three-speed switch on each vent fan controls the fan speed.

 

IMPORTANT: The vent fan must be left in the ON mode only 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. (Figure 13-8). 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.