The answer is pretty basic really: know how to operate and service each item that makes up the rig. Surprisingly, or perhaps not, a large number of RV owners either do not thoroughly read the manuals, or do not retain much they are told or read. Time and time again we hear or read of people asking elementary questions, like, “How do I get the chrome wheel cover off the wheel on my motor home?” Also, one can not assume that a component on a new coach or trailer that appears similar to that of their last rig is, in fact, the same. Perhaps many believe they already know how each component operates or maybe they don’t read the manuals as they are waiting for the movie to come out.
Knowing how to operate and carry out simple servicing and care of each component is a necessity to get the full value and maintain each in top condition. To fully understand this requires the reading of each section of the manual, including those that seem most familiar, like the television set operation manual. This one I can relate to first hand. Back in October I purchased a digital TV converter for my rig, which is an ’07, built in ’06. Dah! It didn’t need one as the main installed set was already internally DTV ready. Hmmm… Oh, here it is in the manual. So, let’s look at what an RV vehicle manual includes.
The RV manufacturer’s owner/operator manual is primarily made up of a collection of individual supplier brochures, installation directions and operator manuals. Two of the largest and most complete of these mini-manuals will probably cover the engine and chassis. These contain both in-depth operation and required service details for each. Additionally, you will find each and every feature and component description and general operational guide.
Now, in all likelihood you will find new features and applications that you were not aware of, for even some of the simplest items. Additionally, you may enjoy the new understanding of how your RV works, not to mention the satisfaction of being able to perform some of the simple component maintenance.
So, are you up to the challenge? If you have not read your RV manuals, are you willing to jump in and check them out? If you have ordered or are going to purchase a new or used rig, are you willing to download and read the known manuals? For those of you that answered “Yes,” please advance to the top of the class and get at it. For those that responded with a negative, but can not honestly state that they have read them thoroughly, please give it a try. When you have completed each and every component piece, please let us hear your thoughts. Thoughts such as, “I didn’t know that;” “Awesome feature;” and “Glad I took the time to read and understand the entire operation;” will be common.
Well, there are two groups here. One will tend to answer, after an inappropriate control input, “I knew that!;” while the other will exclaim “Oops! Sorry, I got it right now”
So………………..RV owners and experts, how many have really read every manual in your collection?
With Some Manual Work For You – Lug_Nut – Peter Mercer