Yep, I had to do it. I needed to get my thoughts together to figure out how this darn Class B motorhome works. So I created my own Dummies guide along with a checklist. Not sure if it is accurate but it allowed me to ask my husband how things worked and document it for myself.
Note: This is particular to the Leisure Travel Van Free Spirit – 2006/2007.
Dummies Guide for the Free Spirit
Free Spirit Specs:
Fuel Tank – 26 gallons
Fresh Water Tank – 26 gallons
Grey Water Tank – 21 gallons
Black Water Tank – 9.8 gallons
Hot Water Tank – 6 gallons
Propane Tank – 11.5 gallons (can only fill to 85%)
Types of Power
1) Engine Power (Vehicle Battery and vehicle alternator) – 12-volt DC
2) Coach Power (2 deep cycle batteries parallel approx 250 amps) – 12-volt DC
3) Shore Power (usually 30amps but can be 15, 20 or 50 amps and 120-volt AC) – Most parks have 30 and 50 amp for you to choose from. Need adapters for each. Our cable is for 30amp.
4) LP tank
5) Generator
1) Engine Power (recharges while driving)
Engine
Windshield wipers
Cab heat/air conditioning
Horn
Headlights
Dashboard lights
Radio/CD/DVD Player – if engine switch selected on dashboard
Power doors, mirrors, locks
Cigarette lighter (for Garmin)
*Charges both vehicle battery and coach batteries while driving
2) Coach Power (recharges while driving)
Interior Lights
Exterior Lights
Water Pump
Furnace (fan and controls)
Shower fan
Roof vent fan
Alarm systems (LP and CO leak detectors)
Radio/CD/DVD player – if coach switch selected on dashboard
Monitor panel
TV Antenna booster
12 volt appliances
TV (120 volt) but use with inverter to make it run on 12-volt – always powered by coach battery
Refrigerator – 3 way – Coach Power, Shore Power, LP tank (most efficient)
*coach batteries will eventually run out – nothing is charging them
3) Shore Power
Everything on coach power
Air conditioner/heat pump
Microwave oven
Hair dryer
Computer
Coffee maker
Refrigerator – 3 way – Coach Power, Shore Power, LP tank (most efficient)
Anything that plugs into a typical house receptacle
*Charges coach batteries while plugged into shore power (but not vehicle battery)
4) LP Tank – 11.5 gallons – need to refill at fuel stations
Stove
Refrigerator – 3 way – Coach Power, Shore Power, LP tank (most efficient)
Generator
Furnace heat
5) Generator (2800 watt or 2.8k watt) – Propane powered from LP tank
Supplies 120-volt power into RV
Charges coach batteries while running (but not vehicle battery)
Notes
An alternator is an electrical generator which generates alternating current.
A converter transforms 120-volt AC into usable 12-volt DC electricity.
An inverter turns 12-volt DC into 120-volt AC power.
Watts / volts = amps
Amps x volts = watts
Typical usage of 12-Volt items
Lamp bulb – 2 amps
Water pump – 5 to 8 amps
Air conditioner – 2,000 watts
19-in TV – 30 watts
Coffee maker – 1000 watts
Microwave – 900 watts
Furnace – 5 to 8 amps
Stereo – 50 watts
Electric kettle – 1500 watts
Fridge – 18 amps
Departure Check List
Inside
- Close all windows
- Open all curtains
- Close roof vent
- Close shower vent
- Ensure all items including breakables are secured in cabinets (or padded)
- Ensure all cabinet doors/drawers are locked
- Ensure all items including breakables are secured in refrigerator (or padded)
- Ensure refrigerator door is locked
- Switch refrigerator to Coach Power
- Ensure TV inverter switch is turned off
- Ensure mirror is shut tightly in bathroom
- Ensure bathroom door is securely shut and latched
- Turn off water pump (is only on if not connected to city water)
- Turn off furnace or air conditioner
- Lower TV antenna
Outside
- Ensure TV cable, phone, power, water, and sewer lines are unattached
- Ensure fresh water connection switch is set correctly (either to fill tank or to take from city water supply)
- Close all valves for black and grey tanks
- Ensure water heater switch (electricity or propane) is in the position you want
- Turn off LP gas supply (unless you want to run fridge on propane while driving)
- Ensure all doors/panels are shut and locked
- Collect all personal items from outside and store inside (chairs, picnic table cloths, glasses, rugs, tables, etc.)
- Ensure awning is closed and secured
- Stow leveling blocks
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