5-3
1. Controls:
The motorhome driver controls are automotive
type and the steering and braking controls are
power assisted to help make driving as comforta-
ble as possible. However it must be remembered
that the motorhome is much higher, wider and
heavier than a family automobile.
2. Handling:
The motorhome power-to-weight ratio is lower
than that of the average automobile. Therefore
it is essential to compensate for less acceleration
when moving into trac or when passing another
vehicle. Allow extra room to turn a corner and to
change lanes. When going underneath a bridge
or similar overhang be sure you have sucient
clearance. Although you should check your vehi-
cle spec. sheets, if you have any questions meas-
ure the unit. Do not take chances. Leave at least 6
inches of clearance.
3. Mountain Driving:
When driving in hilly or mountainous terrain you
should employ dierent driving techniques than
those used when driving under at road condi-
tions.
a. Climbing a Hill:
The transmission is designed to down-shift
automatically when required during a longer
uphill climb. If you nd that the transmis-
sion shifts up and down rather frequently, it
is a good idea to select a lower gear for the
duration of the climb to prevent this repeated
shifting. This will prevent unnecessary wear
and tear on your transmission.
CAUTION
Observe the engine tempera-
ture carefully especially dur-
ing long climbs. If you notice
over-heating, pull o the road
and allow the engine to cool o
thoroughly before you continue.
Fill the recovery tank with cool-
ant if necessary.
5.6 DRIVING SAFETY TIP
1. When backing the motorhome, have a person
stand to the rear on the driver's side to guide you.
2. Before departing on the trip, check your routes.
Remember, some tunnels prohibit motorhomes
with LP gas systems.
3. While travelling, make sure all occupants use their
seatbelts.
4. While travelling, make sure all doors are closed
and locked and that cabinets, drawers, and loose
objects are secure.
5. Instruct your family on what to do in case of re,
and hold re drills periodically.
6. Maintain proper charge in the re extinguisher.
Inspect the re extinguisher periodically.
7. Carbon Monoxide and smoke detectors should
not be obstructed and should be in working order
at all times. Check battery every month.
8. Keep a well stocked rst aid kit handy.
9. Keep a tool box handy.
10. Check tire condition and pressure often while
travelling. Pay special attention to inside rear du-
als. Make it a habit to check tire pressures before
each trip, and each time you refuel.
b. Descending a Hill:
It is a good idea to select a lower gear on
your transmission when descending a hill to
avoid prolonged application of the brakes.
Extended application of the brakes can cause
unnecessary wear and tear and overheating.
Under extreme conditions this could cause
you to lose control of the vehicle.
5.5
DRIVING CHARACTERISTICS
COMMANDER / EMBASSY
A STANDARD RULE OF THUMB:
Use the same lower gear position when
descending a hill as you used while climbing
the hill.
5-3
1. Controls:
The motorhome driver controls are automotive
type and the steering and braking controls are
power assisted to help make driving as comforta-
ble as possible. However it must be remembered
that the motorhome is much higher, wider and
heavier than a family automobile.
2. Handling:
The motorhome power-to-weight ratio is lower
than that of the average automobile. Therefore
it is essential to compensate for less acceleration
when moving into trac or when passing another
vehicle. Allow extra room to turn a corner and to
change lanes. When going underneath a bridge
or similar overhang be sure you have sucient
clearance. Although you should check your vehi-
cle spec. sheets, if you have any questions meas-
ure the unit. Do not take chances. Leave at least 6
inches of clearance.
3. Mountain Driving:
When driving in hilly or mountainous terrain you
should employ dierent driving techniques than
those used when driving under at road condi-
tions.
a. Climbing a Hill:
The transmission is designed to down-shift
automatically when required during a longer
uphill climb. If you nd that the transmis-
sion shifts up and down rather frequently, it
is a good idea to select a lower gear for the
duration of the climb to prevent this repeated
shifting. This will prevent unnecessary wear
and tear on your transmission.
CAUTION
Observe the engine tempera-
ture carefully especially dur-
ing long climbs. If you notice
over-heating, pull o the road
and allow the engine to cool o
thoroughly before you continue.
Fill the recovery tank with cool-
ant if necessary.
5.6 DRIVING SAFETY TIP
1. When backing the motorhome, have a person
stand to the rear on the driver's side to guide you.
2. Before departing on the trip, check your routes.
Remember, some tunnels prohibit motorhomes
with LP gas systems.
3. While travelling, make sure all occupants use their
seatbelts.
4. While travelling, make sure all doors are closed
and locked and that cabinets, drawers, and loose
objects are secure.
5. Instruct your family on what to do in case of re,
and hold re drills periodically.
6. Maintain proper charge in the re extinguisher.
Inspect the re extinguisher periodically.
7. Carbon Monoxide and smoke detectors should
not be obstructed and should be in working order
at all times. Check battery every month.
8. Keep a well stocked rst aid kit handy.
9. Keep a tool box handy.
10. Check tire condition and pressure often while
travelling. Pay special attention to inside rear du-
als. Make it a habit to check tire pressures before
each trip, and each time you refuel.
b. Descending a Hill:
It is a good idea to select a lower gear on
your transmission when descending a hill to
avoid prolonged application of the brakes.
Extended application of the brakes can cause
unnecessary wear and tear and overheating.
Under extreme conditions this could cause
you to lose control of the vehicle.
5.5
DRIVING CHARACTERISTICS
COMMANDER / EMBASSY
A STANDARD RULE OF THUMB:
Use the same lower gear position when
descending a hill as you used while climbing
the hill.
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