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 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.

To use: turn 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 AutoRetract system is active when the awning power is on and disabled when the power is shut off. To turn on the system, press the power button ON at the master panel. 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 pre-set threshold for 2 seconds or longer, the system automatically retracts the awning to the slide-out position. The control panel provides four factory pre-set sensitivity values (threshold values). You may 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.

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.

In case of awning power failure or to manually close the awning:

• The Girard GG750 has a manual override to close the awning in case of power failures.
• Remove the endcap opposite the motor, by removing the 3 Philips head screws.
• Using a 13mm wrench, turn the square manual override shaft in order to close the awning, see Figure below. NOTE: The manual override is one-way, it can only be used to close the awning.
• Replace endcap using the 3 Philips head screws.
• Figure below is showing a right hand motor version of the GG750. If your coach is equipped with a left hand version, the manual override will be on the opposite side.
• Once power is restored, the awning will resume normal operation.

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.

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.