FMC Checklist

• Engine oil level.
• Onan generator oil level.
• Radiator water level.
• Fan and all other belt tightness. Especially power steering. Very tight.
• Power steering fluid level.
• Power brake level - brake fluid.
• Never start or stop Onan unless everything using power from Onan is cut off.
• Radio is not cut off by engine key, has to be turned off at knob. (??)
• Universal joints should be lubricated as noted in instruction book. Don't forget these - be sure they are all lubricated and none forgotten.
• All batteries checked for level
• Check batteries daily when in use on trip etc for charge. Motor battery by ignition key. House batteries by switch on dash.
• Be sure step is retracted when coach is in motion.
• If in one place, let step out and push button on dash so it remains out. Saves batteries.
• Don't let anyone step on step while step is in motion going in or out. Will blow fuse or screw up step.
• When parking be sure shift lever is in park and parking brake is on.
• When going around corner swing wide to left then to right as soon as coach is longer. Same as trailer and car.
• Keep gas tank reasonably full until you learn the gauge. It wobbles a lot.
• Be sure little battery switch by driver's door is straight.
• Check the choke control lever to be sure it closes for starting and doesn't stick. Periodically use carburetor and choke spray into the carburetor and on all the linkage before each trip.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the LP gas compartment, as well as behind the driver's seat, and in the back.
• Do not use silicon brake fluid. Check with Jim Black about this.
• Clean corrosion from battery terminals.
• Check battery water level and specific gravity.
• Turn the AC air conditioner off before switching the generator on or off. Don't power the generator up while the air conditioner is on.
• Fill LP Gas tank.
• Fill water tank.
• Empty sewage tank.
• Charge batteries.
• Fill gas tank.
• Fill windshield wiper fluid.
• Clean windows and mirrors.
• Put fresh water filling cap in place, as well as city water cap.
• Put sewage cap and hose in place, and close sewage valves.
• Make sure brake master cylinder is filled.
• Make sure water tank drain is closed.
• Close fan hatches in bedroom and bathroom.
• Make sure furnace air exhaust and intake vents are clear and free of dust.
• Make sure fuel tank filler cap is in place and tight.
• Stow 110 volt service line, extension cord, and adaptor.
• Auxiliary power unit and transmission oil levels are at or near "FULL" mark.
  Engine oil level is at or near "FULL" mark, power steering reservoir fluid is near top, and battery is filled with distilled water to split ring level.
• Radiator coolant level is no lower than 3.5 inches below top of filler neck.
• LPG fill cap is in place and secure, and shut-off valve is closed.
• Tires are free of foreign objects and are inflated to proper pressure.
• Passenger door step is up and under door sill.
• Brake red indicator light (BRK) is on when brake is on.
• Red engine stop indicator (ENG) is on.
• Windshield wipers operate.
• Brake operates freely, feels solid when depressed.
• Check emergency brake operation. Don't drive with it on.
• All exterior lights are working.
• Turn signals work in both directions.
• Brake lights work.
• Hazard lights flash when switch is on.
• Towing: Tow hooks at the front of the coach are provided to tow the coach should a breakdown occur. These hooks are located under the frame in line with the driver's door and are the ONLY points from which the coach can be towed. Do not allow any tow facility to wrap chains or ropes around front or rear bumpers as energy absorbers might be damaged. DO NOT lift coach to tow.
• Towing with transmission inoperative: tow coach only after disconnecting the propeller shaft at the differential. Tie disconnected end of propeller shaft securely to frame.
• Towing with transmission operative: The coach may be towed safely in "N" (neutral) at a speed less than 30 mph for distances up to 15 miles. Because the transmission receives lubrication only when the engine is running, disconnect propeller shaft (as described above) if coach is to be towed more than 15 miles.

Motorhome Checklist from FMCA

Automotive system preventive maintenance

• Check that fluid levels are normal:
  • Oil
  • Power steering
  • Engine coolant
  • Battery elecrolyte
  • Windshield washer
  • Transmission
• Check generator oil level, starting battery condition.
• Check operation of turn signals, emergency flashers, stoplights and backup lights.
• Check that headlight high- and low-beams operate.
• Check horn operation.
• Check fuel gauge.
• Start engine and chech gauges for signs of trouble.
• Check operation of foot brakes, emergency brake.
• Check tire pressure.

Generator preventive maintenance

• Cleanliness of the generating set and the compartment directly reflects the total operating efficiency of the unit. Consider the road conditions under which the unit has been operating. Keep the cooling system clean.
• Service the air conditioner as required by road conditions.
• Change the crankcase oil and filter more frequently when operating the generator in dusty or dirty conditions.
• Keep governor and choke linkage clean.
• Clean bottom of housing and inlet duct as necessary.
• Check air outlet screen for obstructions.
• Blow out the unit and the compartment with clean, dry, compressed air not to exceed 35 psi.
• Check your unit service manual to be sure you have performed scheduled maintenance at appropriate intervals of operation.

Refrigerator preventive maintenance

• Make sure burner and flue assembly on refrigerator are clean.
• Make sure all vents are open and clean and there are no restrictions in ventilation system.
• Check for the correct gas pressure.
• Check to see that control knobs on interior of refrigerator are not stripped and, therefore, causing a false thermometer reading.

Air conditioning preventive maintenance

• Check air conditioner circuit breakers.
• Clean air filters.
• Check to see that cooling unit coil is clean and free of lint.
• Check to see that air path to condensing unit is clean and free of obstructions.
• Keep in mind that proper operation of air conditioner depends on adequate line voltage. Low voltage causes motors to run hotter and reduced compressor motor life. Supply voltage in some campgrounds may not be as high as it should be, especially when there are heavy loads from other air conditioners. Check wall-mounted voltmeter if in doubt.

Is your coach ready? Before entering:

• Disconnect and stow electrical hook-up cord, phone hook-up cord, battery charger, sewer hook-up hose (flush-out) and water hook-up hose.
• Check all exterior lights for damage.
• Check wheel bolt lugs for tightness.
• Check that TV antenna is in closed position.
• Check that all external compartments and filler openings are properly closed and/or locked.
• Check that items stored on exterior of vehicle are secured and present no clearance problem.

Inside the coach

• Turn off water pump switch.
• Close windows and vents.
• Check that cabinet doors and drawers are closed.
• Chech that refrigerator door is fastened.
• Check that no heavy items are stored in overhead cabinets.
• Check that conter tops, range top, table tops and shelves are clear of unsecured items.
• Turn off interior lights.
• Secure and lock main door.
• Adjust exterior and interior mirrors.

Items you may want to take along

• Adequate supply of prescription medicines.
• Spare water purifier element.
• Camera and film.
• Stationery and stamps.
• Telephone list.
• Set of spare belts for engine-operated equipment.
• Spare parts for generator (spark plugs, oil filter, fuel pump, air filter, solenoid, generator oil).
• Professional type, double action tire pressure gauge.
• Emergency items: first aid kit, heating pad, ice bag, highway flared, flashlight or lantern with extra batteries, tool kit, replacement lamp assortment, replacement fuse assortment, trouble light with cord.
• Prescription sunglasses or reading glasses.
• Reading materials.
• Special pet supplies.
• Extra toilet chemical and toilet articles.

Thoughts to consider

• Be sure motorhome insurance is current. Avoid carrying cash while traveling: use travelers checks and credit cards.
• Confirm reservations well in advance.
• Make clothing checklist.
• Secure home and valuables before leaving.
• Discontinue appropriate home services, newspaper.
• Notify police of departure and return dates.

Just before driving away

• Check operation of appliances and special equipment, interior and exterior lighting, generator and wall outlets.
• Check that extinguisher is fully charged.
• Adjust driver's seat and rear-view mirrors.

Cold weather operation

• LP gas appliances, furnace and gas refrigerator are designed with sealed combustion areas. This is for your safety to prevent danger from carbon monoxide or depleation of oxygen.
• If frost or condensation accumulates in closets or cabinets during long periods of cold weather operation, leave doors to these areas ajar to provide air circulation.
• Be sure kitchen roof vent is open when using oven or burners.