Gulf Stream 8404 WFD, Owner'S Manual

10

When storing your recreational vehicle for long periods 
you should completely unload the vehicle so that a 
minimum weight will be placed on the tires.  Make sure 
the tires are inflated to the recommended operating 
inflation pressure.  Avoid moving the vehicle during 
extremely cold weather.  Move the vehicle at least 
every three months to prevent ozone cracking in the 
tire bulge area as well as “flat spotting” from prolonged 
strain of sidewall and tread deflection.  Make sure you 
check the inflation and adjust to the recommended 
operating pressure before putting the vehicle back into 
service. 
 

Emergency Towing of the Motor Home 

   Extreme care must be taken in the event the unit 
must be towed as a result of a break down or accident. 
   NOTE: THE USE OF A “DOLLY” TYPE TOW 
DEVICE THAT TOWS THE VEHICLE WITH ITS 
FRONT WHEELS SECURED ON A SMALL 
PLATFORM FITTED WITH ITS OWN SET OF 
WHEELS, OR A WHEEL-LIFT TOWING DEVICE 
THAT CARRIES THE MOTOR HOME’S FRONT 
WHEELS IN A “CRADLE” OR “SLING” ARE THE 
ONLY METHODS RECOMMENDED.   USING OTHER 
METHODS MAY CAUSE SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE 
MOTOR HOME.  PLEASE REFER TO YOUR 
CHASSIS MANUAL FOR FURTHER DETAILS ON 
TOWING PROCEDURES. 

DAY-TO-DAY OPERATION 

 
Driving Techniques 

   With just a few miles under your belt, you will find 
that your new GULF STREAM handles much 
differently than a typical car or truck.  You must take 
into consideration that the vehicle is much longer, 
higher and heavier than any car or light truck. 
   Always be mindful of your vehicle’s height when 
approaching underpasses, awnings, parking garages, 
drive-in facilities (banks, food, fuel) and carport-type 
overhangs.  Remember: your vehicle’s height can be 
different than what the manufacturer lists depending 
upon any additions you have added to your roof. 
 
   NOTE:  WHEN  APPROACHING  AN  OVERHANG 
THAT IS APPROXIMATELY THE SAME HEIGHT AS 
YOUR UNIT, USE EXTREME CAUTION.  PAVEMENT 
DIPS/RISES AND NEW LAYERS OF ROAD 
SURFACE CAN MAKE OLD CLEARANCE SIGNS 
OBSOLETE.  “WHEN IN DOUBT…STAY OUT.” 
 

Ground Clearance 

 
Just as overhangs can produce problems, so do dips 
and rises in pavement.  Be extremely cautious when 

entering and leaving the main roadway (drives, parking 
lots, side roads, etc.).  Become familiar with the rear 
overhand characteristics of your individual unit.  This 
will help you avoid damage to the undercarriage 
behind the rear axle.  The nature of your unit is such 
that you will not be able to access as many areas as 
easily as you would in a car. 
 

Warm weather/high climate operation 

 
Although Gulf Stream vehicles are designed and tested 
in a variety of hot and cold situations, you must take 
precautions when driving in hot weather or high 
climates.  Always read your chassis owner’s manual 
section on driving techniques.  When driving in hot 
weather keep your engine speed up, not your road 
speed.  In other words, as the coach slows down, 
manually downshift the engine.  This will keep the 
engine rpm’s up and the coolant flowing at a high rate 
at all times.  On diesel models, by shifting from sixth 
gear down to fourth gear on uphill climbs you can 
decrease your engine temperature by up to 15 degrees 
(depending on humidity and road conditions), and yet 
you can still maintain 55 mph if your load or the road 
allows. 

Aside from driving habits, always make sure that your 
radiator is clean of debris and bugs.  Using a power 
washer to clean out your radiator will noticeably 
increase its cooling capacity.  Also make sure that the 
coolant is a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze/coolant and 
water.  Adding more coolant than water will not 
increase the cooling capacity of the radiator.  Engine 
coolant is formulated to provide optimum cooling at an 
equal 50/50 mixture. 
Driving in higher elevations (above 5,000 ft) will allow 
your coolant to boil at a lower temperature.   
 

Driver Controls 

Your chassis operator/owner manual will contain most 
information of driver controls such as Tilt steering, 
cruise control, dash instruments, transmission gear 
selection, braking, and other essential driving 
functions.  Please review your chassis manual 
thoroughly, and familiarize yourself with all chassis 
controls before your initial trip. 
 

Brakes 

As mentioned previously, your vehicle is much larger 
than an automobile and, though equipped with well-
engineered brakes, is likely to take more distance to 
stop than you have been accustomed to in the past 
with autos.  Learn how quickly your vehicle will stop 
from your normal cruising speed with the loads you