4-5
SECTION 4
TRAVELING WITH YOUR MOTOR HOME
When severe weather threatens, forecasters at
the local National Weather Service office inter-
rupt the broadcasts with storm warnings, either
recorded or “live” as the situation demands.
The frequencies used for NOAA Weather Ra-
dio (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin-
istration) nationwide are 162.40, 162.475 or
162.55 megahertz.
NIGHTTIME DRIVING
·
Make sure all running lights and signal lights
are clean and in working order. Have your
headlights periodically checked and adjusted.
·
Use care when passing other vehicles. Auto-
mobile drivers can easily tell when they are
clear of a vehicle they are passing. However,
drivers of long vehicles, such as your motor
home, may have a more difficult time making
that judgement. If possible, have another per-
son in the coach help you watch while pass-
ing another vehicle and when in heavy traffic.
MOUNTAIN DRIVING
Special techniques must be used when driving
in mountainous or hilly country. See the “Vehicle
Operation” section in your Volkswagen chassis
owner’s manual for specific instructions and in-
formation.
CAMPSITE SET-UP
Try to pick as level a spot as possible on which
to park your motor home.
Leveling the motor home is very important,
not only for your comfort, but for plumbing and
appliances as well. Some refrigerators are ex-
tremely sensitive to being off level. The ammonia
vapor cooling system used in most RV refrigera-
tors can “lock up” and permanently damage the
refrigerator if it is not level. This is both inconve-
nient and costly. Also, water and holding tank
level indicators may give false readings because
water level is greater at one side of the tank than
the other.
Blocking
A motor home can be leveled using several
methods, including sophisticated electronic-hy-
draulic systems. The most common and inexpen-
sive method, however, is “blocking.”
This is done is by stacking various lengths of
planking (blocks) into a ramp-like formation in a
low spot to drive the wheel onto, thus leveling the
coach as shown.
Wedge a pair of wheel chocks or similar de-
vices in front and back of a tire that is on the
ground as shown to keep the coach from rolling
forward or backward off the leveling blocks.
To provide extra firmness, you can place
inexpensive mechanical jacks, jack stands or
hydraulic “bottle” jacks under the frame to keep
the coach from moving on the suspension
springs while walking around inside the coach.
These devices are not intended to lift the coach;
only to hold it rigid and steady.
CAUTION
Observe the engine temperature
gauge more frequently than normal.
If overheating occurs, pull off to the
side of the road and allow the engine
to thoroughly cool before refilling the
radiator and restarting the engine.
True
Level
Blocks under
downside wheel(s)
