Damon Astoria 2006 User manual

Owners Manual

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Congratulations on your recent purchase of a Damon Motor Coach Recreational Ve-
hicle. We sincerely thank you for choosing and putting your faith in Damon, and we
would like you to know that your satisfaction is of great importance to us. Our major
goal is to provide you with a quality recreational vehicle at a reasonable price.
Your unit has been designed to provide you with many years of carefree, comfort-
able travel and vacationing. We hope that it will bring you that, along with many years
of enjoyment and pleasant memories.
This manual will help you better understand the features and operating perfor-
mances of your recreational vehicle. Please read it and keep it in your vehicle for
future reference.
Our customers are extremely important to us, and we want to assure you that we will
always strive to do everything possible to continue to earn your trust and goodwill.
Welcome to the wonderful world of RVing and the Damon family.
Happy Travels!
Damon Motor Coach

The purchaser of a Damon Vehicle should complete and promptly return to Damon this registration
form. This form is not necessary in order to obtain warranty service. However, a purchase receipt or
other proof of date of original consumer purchase will be required before warranty service is rendered.
Federal law requires that Damon maintain records of the names and addresses of the owners of its
Vehicles and the respective identication numbers of such Vehicles. The information contained in this
and other forms will assist Damon in the prompt servicing of such Vehicles.
I have read, understand, and am fully aware of the terms, conditions and requirements of the Damon
Limited Warranty, and how to obtain warranty service under this Limited Warranty. I also have re-
ceived and read a copy of the Damon Owner’s Manual for this RV with a copy of the Limited Warranty.
Last Name _______________________________ First____________________________Mi
Address _________________________________________________________________
City ____________________________________ State Zip
Telephone ( ) __________________________ E-Mail _________________________
Damon Serial Number:_____________________________________________________
Chassis VIN: ______________________________________________________________
Date of Purchase: _________________________________________________________
Mileage or Kilometers (circle one) on Odometer: ___________________________________________
________________________________________ Signature of Purchaser: _________________________
________________________________________ Signature of Purchaser: _________________________
Selling Dealer:
City ____________________________________ State Zip
PERFORATED - TEAR HERE
DAMON MOTOR COACH
CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT
P.O. BOX 2888
ELKHART, IN. USA 46515-2888

FOLD HERE
FOLD HERE
DAMON MOTOR COACH
CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT
PO BOX 2888
ELKHART, IN. USA 46515-2888
TAPE-PLEASE DO NOT STAPLE
TAPE-PLEASE DO NOT STAPLE
PLACE
STAMP
HERE

I
INTRODUCTION
Introduction.....................................................................................1
How to use this manual..................................................................2
Reporting Safety Defects................................................................2
Major Equipment Suppliers............................................................3
WARRANTY – Chapter 1
Damon Limited Warranty................................................................5
Owner Responsibility......................................................................6
Owner Responsibility Checklist............................ ...........8
PLANNINGAND PREPARATION – Chapter 2
License and Insurance.................................................................11
Inspect and Maintain....................................................................11
Loading and Weight......................................................................11
Controlling the Motorhome...........................................................11
Pre–Travel Checklist.....................................................................12
Opening Checklist........................................................................13
Weights.........................................................................................14
Federal Certification Label............................................................14
Weight Ratings.............................................................................15
Capacity........................................................................................15
Weighing Your Motorhome...........................................................16
Weight Distribution .......................................................................17
Trailer Hitches and Towing...........................................................17
Towing and GCWR.......................................................................18
ON THE ROAD SAFETY– Chapter 3
Safety Belts..................................................................................19
Fuel System..................................................................................19
Driving..........................................................................................19
Parking.........................................................................................20
Changing tires..............................................................................20
Tire Care.......................................................................................21
Air Pressure..................................................................................21
SAFETY PROVISIONS – Chapter 4
Smoke Detector............................................................................23
Fire Extinguisher...........................................................................23
LP Gas Detector...........................................................................23
CO Detector..................................................................................24
Carbon Monoxide Precautions.....................................................24
LightingAppliances.......................................................................24
Emergency Exit Locations............................................................24
PLUMBING SYSTEMS - Chapter 5
Water Pump and Filter..................................................................25
Fresh Water Fill/Tank....................................................................25
City Water Hook – up....................................................................25
Low Point Drains..........................................................................26
Sanitizing the Fresh Water System..............................................26
Heated Holding Tanks ..................................................................27
Dumping the Holding Tanks..........................................................27
How to Prevent Blockage.............................................................27
Termination Compartment Fixtures ..............................................28
TECHNICALSYSTEMS - Chapter 6
Chassis Electrical.........................................................................29
Coach Electrical............................................................................29
DC System...................................................................................29
Converter / Inverter.......................................................................30
AC System....................................................................................30
GFCI.............................................................................................30
Battery Control Center (BCC).......................................................31
Generator.....................................................................................31
Monitor Panel...............................................................................32
RoofAir Conditioner.....................................................................32
LP Gas..........................................................................................33
LP Gas Tank.................................................................................34
LP Gas Regulator.........................................................................34
Home Theater Programming........................................................35
Home Theater Operation..............................................................36
Home Theater Trouble Shooting ..................................................38
INTERIOR SYSTEMS – Chapter 7
Automotive Dash..........................................................................39
Gear Selector...............................................................................39
Engine Block Heater.....................................................................39
Fuel Selection...............................................................................39
Dash Board Controls....................................................................40
Symbols of Switches....................................................................40
Steering Wheel.............................................................................41
Engine Brake Switch....................................................................42
Air Suspension.............................................................................42
Backup Monitor.............................................................................42
Heating and Cooling Controls.......................................................42
Parking Brakes.............................................................................42
Leveling System...........................................................................42
Storage above Cockpit.................................................................43
Front Television ............................................................................44
Interior StorageAreas...................................................................44
Entry Storage and Step Cover......................................................44
Under Bed Storage.......................................................................44
EngineAccess Panel ..................................................................... 44
Extending the Room.....................................................................44
Retracting the Room.....................................................................45
Hide-A-Bed Sofa...........................................................................46
Sofa Bed ........................................................................................ 46
Sliding Door and Latch.................................................................46
Day/Night Shade..........................................................................46
Furnace Thermostat.....................................................................46
Water Heater Switch.....................................................................46
Cabinets.......................................................................................46
Galley Drawers.............................................................................47
Pantry...........................................................................................47
Range...........................................................................................47
Refrigerator...................................................................................47
Microwave....................................................................................47
Sink...............................................................................................47
Faucet................................................................... .....................47
Dinette Bench Conversion............................................................48
Bath Vent......................................................................................48
Shower Head and Hose...............................................................48
Toilet.............................................................................................48
Washer/Dryer Combination Machine ............................................. 48
EXTERIOR SYSTEMS - Chapter 8
Main Entrance..............................................................................49
EntryAssist Handle......................................................................49
Electric Step.................................................................................49
Table of Contents

II
Compartment Doors.....................................................................49
Rear Ladder..................................................................................49
Awning..........................................................................................49
TV Cable and Telephone Hookup.................................................50
120 Volt Outlet..............................................................................50
120 Volt Cord................................................................................50
Generator Compartment...............................................................50
Furnace Door................................................................................50
Water HeaterAccess Panel..........................................................50
Refrigerator Panel........................................................................51
Automotive Fuse Block.................................................................51
Satellite Dish .................................................................................. 51
Dual Stage Gas Support Pistons .................................................... 51
Fantastic Power Vent ..................................................................... 51
CAREAND MAINTENANCE - Chapter 9
Batteries.......................................................................................53
Waste Water System....................................................................54
Fresh Water System.....................................................................54
Electrical System..........................................................................54
Generator Power Plant System....................................................54
LP Gas System.............................................................................55
ABS Plastic Parts.........................................................................55
MotorhomeAlignment...................................................................55
Awning..........................................................................................55
Motorhome Chassis......................................................................56
Doors and Door Locks..................................................................56
Exterior Lights...............................................................................56
Fiberglass Exterior........................................................................57
Wax...............................................................................................57
Graphics.......................................................................................58
Sidewalls......................................................................................58
Roof..............................................................................................58
Roof Vents....................................................................................59
Seals andAdhesives....................................................................59
Slide-Out.......................................................................................60
Tires..............................................................................................60
TVAntenna...................................................................................60
Satellite Dish.................................................................................61
Underbody....................................................................................61
Windows.......................................................................................61
Hydraulic Fluid .............................................................................. 61
Appliances....................................................................................62
Bath Fixtures................................................................................62
Bathtub Seal.................................................................................62
Bedspread / Draperies / Valance / Headboards...........................62
Carpet...........................................................................................62
Ceramic Tile .................................................................................. 62
Carbon Monoxide Detector...........................................................62
High Pressure Laminates.............................................................62
Hardware /Accessories / Light Fixtures.......................................63
Kitchen Fixtures ............................................................................. 63
Mini Blinds / Day Night Shades....................................................63
Table of Contents Sinks.............................................................................................63
Solid Surface Countertops............................................................63
Upholstery and Fabrics.................................................................64
Vinyl Cabinetry .............................................................................64
Wall Coverings..............................................................................64
Windows (Interior)........................................................................64
Wood Cabinetry............................................................................64
WINTER USEAND STORAGE - Chapter 10
Water Systems.............................................................................65
Food Storage................................................................................65
LP Gas System.............................................................................65
Heating.........................................................................................65
Condensation...............................................................................65
Winterization Procedures.............................................................66
Water Heater Bypass....................................................................67
Storage and Winterization Checklist.............................................68
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE...........................................................71
TRAVEL PREPARATION CHECKLIST ............................................. 72
SERVICE / MAINTENANCE RECORD............................................73
FUEL/ OIL RECORD..................................................................74-75
NOTES.............................................................................................77
TROUBLESHOOTING
RoofAir Conditioner.....................................................................81
Battery Control Center (BCC).......................................................81
Electrical Power............................................................................82
Electric Step.................................................................................82
Furnace........................................................................................82
Generator.....................................................................................83
Interior Lights................................................................................83
Leveling Jacks..............................................................................83
LP Gas..........................................................................................84
Microwave Oven...........................................................................85
Monitor Panel...............................................................................85
Outside Receptacle......................................................................85
Oven.............................................................................................85
Power Inverter..............................................................................86
Slide-Out Room............................................................................86
Water Systems.............................................................................87
Water Pumps................................................................................87
Refrigerator...................................................................................87
Coach Battery...............................................................................88
Running Lights..............................................................................88
Termination Valve.........................................................................88
TVAntenna .................................................................................... 88
Satellite Dish.................................................................................89
Waste Tanks.................................................................................89
Water Heater................................................................................90
ELECTRICALDIAGRAMS...............................................................92
INDEX.............................................................................................107

Introduction
This manual describes many features of your motorhome and provides a guide to operating procedures so that you can
obtain the best performance from those features. Your motorhome has been designed to conform with, or exceed, the
American National Standards Institute A 119.2, NFPA 1192, CANADIAN CAN/CSA-Z240 RV SERIES-99 (Canadian-
built or units built for Canada), and applicable motor vehicle safety standards. These standards establish the plumbing,
heating, electrical and other requirements for quality and safety. The seal attached just outside the entry door indicates
compliance with these standards. This seal is the outward sign of internal quality.
Like all automotive equipment, your motorhome will require care and regular maintenance in order to retain its maxi-
mum performance characteristics. This manual, along with the specific instructions provided by the leading appliance
manufacturers, are in your Owner’s Information Kit. The Chassis Operator’s Manual outlines important areas of service
and provides a maintenance schedule. Please follow them carefully to ensure a safe trouble-free service. Study these
instructions carefully. A good working knowledge of your unit and how to care for it will help you enjoy many miles and
years of recreational living.
If you have any questions regarding operation, maintenance, or service, please contact your dealer immediately so they
can assist you. Your dealer’s Service or Sales Department is equipped to handle most any problem that may occur.
Customer service is of the utmost importance to your dealer and is just as important to the manufacturer. This manual
contains a section outlining the warranty and explaining your rights and obligations, as well as the rights and obligations
of the dealer and manufacturer, under the terms of the warranty. Please read this section carefully. You will be better
informed in case you have a warranty related problem and your dealer will be better able to get you back on the road
again in a timely manner.
We sincerely believe that your dealer and the factory representative will be able to solve any problem which may arise. If
their combined efforts are not satisfactory, please send a letter describing the circumstances to:
Damon Motor Coach
Customer Service Department
PO Box 2888
Elkhart IN 46515-2888
You must include the dealer’s name, model and serial number of your motorhome. The Damon serial number is located
on the bottom of the federal sticker, which is located in the driver’s compartment area. Thank you for choosing our
product. Your dealer and we, the manufacturer, will continually strive to merit your confidence.
Some equipment and features described or shown in this manual may be optional on your model. This
instructional manual is of a general nature only. Because of the continuous process of product im-
provement conducted by Damon Motor Coach, it is possible that recent product changes
may not be included in this manual. Specifications may change without notice. This manual is accurate as of the date
of publication. The instructions included in this manual are intended as a guide, and in no respect extend the responsi-
bilities of the manufacturing subsidiary, parent company or affiliates beyond the standard written warranty as
presented in this manual.
Photographs or illustrations in this manual are representative of function and may or may not be specific in
their depiction of actual equipment, fabrics, interior or exterior decor, or design options as installed on or in your
motorhome.
This product is designed to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, or travel. Use of this
product for long term or permanent occupancy may lead to premature deterioration of interior finishes, fabrics,
carpeting, drapes, or components. Damage or deterioration due to long term occupancy may not be
considered normal, and may under the terms of the warranty, constitute misuse, abuse, or neglect, and may therefore
reduce or void certain warranty protection.

Introduction
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Your motorhome has been thoroughly inspected before shipment to the dealer. Your selling dealer is responsible for
performing a complete pre-delivery inspection of all motorhome components as specified in the pre-delivery checklists
supplied by the manufacturer. You should receive a copy of these completed checklists from your dealer when the mo-
torhome is delivered to you.
Should a problem arise, your first step is to contact your selling Damon dealer who will be glad to handle your situation.
This Owner’s Manual is not intended for use as a service manual, but rather as a guide to help you become familiar with
your motorhome.
This manual is not model specific, which means that it is used for a variety of different models that Damon manu-
factures. It is of a general nature, so the illustrations and descriptions may not be exactly as they are in your particular
motorhome.
If you are unclear or unfamiliar with any procedure that is described in this manual, see your Damon dealer for further
clarification before proceeding.
Damon Corporation uses the following notations to warn the user of possible safety concerns and to provide infor-
mation that will prevent personal injury to the user and/or damage to the motorhome.
A WARNING INDICATES AN INSTRUCTION OR PROCEDURE THAT YOU
MUST FOLLOW TO AVOID SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY.
A CAUTION INDICATES AN INSTRUCTION OR PROCEDURE THAT YOU MUST
FOLLOW TO AVOID DAMAGING EQUIPMENT OR COMPONENTS.
SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY COULD ALSO OCCUR.
A NOTICE INDICATES AN INSTRUCTION OR PROCEDURE THAT IS
IMPORTANT FOR PROPER SERVICE. A NOTICE CAN ALSO SUPPLY
INFORMATION THAT WILL HELP TO MAKE YOUR CAMPING
EXPERIENCE MORE PLEASANT.
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect, which could cause an accident, injury, or death, you should immediately
inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Damon Motor Coach.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of
vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems
between you and your dealer or Damon Motor Coach.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll free at 888-327-4236 (or 202-366-0123 in the
Washington DC area), TTY: 800-424-9153, or write to: US Department of Transportation, NHTSA, 400 Seventh Street
SW, Washington DC, USA 20590. You can go to the NHTSA website, www.nhtsa.gov. You can also obtain other in-
formation about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.

Introduction
MAJOR EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS
Please read your recreational vehicle warranty carefully. It is very important to know what Damon Motor Coach war-
rants, and what is warranted by other suppliers’ warranties. Damon Motor Coach does not warrant some items within
your vehicle. Below you will find a list of manufacturers who can help you with these components. Please contact them
should a need arise.
ACME / Dash Air Conditioning ..............................................................................800-522-2263
ASA / Audiovox / Backup Monitor & Radio ............................................................800-688-3135
Atwood / Water Heater & Furnace .........................................................................815-877-5700
Bob Gunn / Velvac / Exterior Mirrors & Backup Monitor & Camera .........................574-262-2518
Bristol Laminating / Corian / Countertops ...............................................................574-848-4461
Carrier Transport / Roof Air Conditioning ................................................................800-450-2211
Coachstep / Electric Step ...................................................................................800-451-9245
Dometic / Awning & Refrigerator ..........................................................................574-294-2511
Flair International / Furniture ..................................................................................574-295-5688
Freightliner / Chassis ...........................................................................800-FTL-HELP(385-4357)
Generac / Generator ............................................................................................574-293-6503
Hehr / Windows ...................................................................................................517-845-3061
Lippert Components / Slideout & Leveling Jacks ..................................................574-537-8900
Magnum Energy / 2000W Inverter .........................................................................425-353-8833
Midwest Sales / Microwave ..................................................................................574-287-3385
Norco / Slideouts ................................................................................................574-262-3400
Odyssey Group / TV’s .........................................................................................574-848-2277
Onan / Generator .................................................................................................800-888-6626
Progressive Dynamics / 80amp Converter ............................................................269-781-4241
Putnam / Hitch .....................................................................................................517-369-2165
Sealand / Toilet ..................................................................................................800-321-9886
Shaw Industries / Carpet .......................................................................................574-264-9687
Shurflo / Water Pump ...........................................................................................800-762-8094
Thetford / Toilet (Michigan Residents 313-769-6000) ...............................................800-521-3032
Trico (Alta) / Wipers .............................................................................................888-421-5874
Tristar / Microwave ...............................................................................................800-456-3340
Ventline / Range Vent & Monitor Panel ..................................................................574-848-4491
Westland Sales / Washer/Dryer ...........................................................................800-356-0766
Williamsburg / Furniture ........................................................................................574-773-7711
Winegard / TV Antenna & Satellite Dish .................................................................319-753-0121
This list may not be all inclusive. If you have any questions regarding other components, call Damon Customer Service
at 574-264-2900. A complete listing of all your unit’s appliances along with their corresponding serial numbers is located
on the wall inside your wardrobe. Please refer to this list if you need to contact the manufacturer regarding the ap-
pliance.

Introduction