Fleetwood Flair 1979 User manual

®
" BY FLEETWOOD
1979

Welcome to the recreational·vehicle lifestyle' This
manual describes the many features of your recreational
vehicle and gives a few simple steps relating to use or
maintenance. Use these suggestions to help assure your
family of years of carefree, pleasant travel ing, or vaca-
tioning.
Your dealer's Service or Sales Department will promptly
handle any normal problem which might occur. Cus-
tomer service is of utmost importance to your dealer
and is just as important to the manufacturer.
I f, for some unusual reason, a problem is not handled to
your satisfaction, we make the following suggestions:
1. Discuss any warranty-related problems directly
with the General Manager or the Owner of the
dealersh·,p, g·,ving him an opportunity to help his
service
department resolve the matter for you.
2. Should a problem arise that cannot be resolved to
your satisfaction by your local dealer, contact the
factory service supervisor. The back page of this
manual has a factory listing. Please contact the one
nearest yo u.
3. The above steps are suggested because of our
sincere belief that your dealer and the factory re-
presentative will satisfactorily handle any problem
which might arise. Should you find their combined
efforts have not done so, please send a letter de-
scribing the circumstances to Fleetwood Enter-
prises, Inc., P. O. Box 7638, Riverside, California
92513. Please include the brand name and serial
number of your vehicle.
4. A toll free telephone number is listed on the bot-
tom of the warranty page which can be used if you
wish to call for warranty assistance.
Thank you for choosing our product. Your Dealer and
we, the Manufacturer, will continually strive to merit
your confidence.

FOREWORD
This manual describes the various design features and
operating procedures of your motor home to aid you in
understanding its capabilities.
Like all fine equipment, your motor home will require
care and regular maintenance in order to retain its max~
imum performance characteristics. This manual, along
with the Chassis Operator's Manual and the information
from other component manufacturers provided for your
use, defines the important areas of maintenance you will
want to follow. The few minutes spent reading and un-
derstanding these instructions will result in your having
a
good working knowledge of the unit. Knowing how to
use your motor home and how to keep it properly main-
tained will help you enjoy thousands of miles of motor-
ing pleasure.
Your motor home has been designed to conform with or
exceed the American National Standards Institute
Al19.2, ANSI/NFPA 501C motor vehicle standards as
applicable. These Standards established the plumbing,
heating, electrical, and other requirements for quality
and safety. Compliance with this Standard is indicated
by the seal installed just outside the entry door. This
seal is the.Dutward sign of internal quality.
Should you have any questions regarding operation,
maintenance or service, please contact your DEALE R
immediately so he can be of assistance.
NOTE: Some equipment and features described or
shown in this manual, may be optional at extra
cost.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREPARATION
PLANNING AND PREPARATION ............. 1
VEHICLE LOAD CAPACITY-WEIGHING ..... .4
READY TO LEAVE ........................ 5
Starting and Warmup ...................... 5
Safety Belts ............................. 5
ON THE ROAD ........................... 7
Driving and Parking ....................... 7
Overheating ............................. 7
Windshield Defrost - Comfort Control ........ 7
12-Volt Fuse Replacement ................. 7
Changing aTire .......................... 8
SERVICING .............................. 9
Motor Home Chassis Operator's Manual ....... 9
Engine Service ........................... 9
Battery Service .......................... 9
Main Vehicle Battery .................... 9
Optional Auxiliary Battery ............... 9
Generator Power Plant System Service ........ 10
Standard Automotive Air Conditioner
(optional) .............................. 10
EXTERIOR
EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT LOCATIONS ........ 11
INTERIOR
EQUIPMENT AND FURNiSHINGS ............ 13
Pedestal Dinette Tables .................... 13
Swing-Down Dinette Table ................. 13
Pull-Out (Gaucho) Beds .................... 14
Storage ................................ 14
SYSTEMS
PLUMBING ............................... 15
Fresh Water ............................. 15
External Water Supply .................... 15
Filling Fresh Water Supply ................. 16
Troubleshooting Water System .............. 17
Sanitizing Water Tank ..................... 17
Waste Water System ...................... 18
Waste-Water Draining ..................... 18
Winterizing The Water System ............... 19
Do's and Don'ts -WaSte Tanks .............. 19
ELECTRICAL ...................... " ..... 21
115-Volt System Power Converter (Inside) ..... 21
12-Volt System .......................... 21
12-Volt Fuses ........................... 21
Optional Auxiliary 12-Volt Battery ........... 21
Auxiliary Generator Power Plant (optional) .... 22
LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS SySTEM ....... 23
Using Your LP Gas System at Low
Temperature ............................ 23
Operation of LP Gas System ................ 24
Filling the Removable LP Gas Tanks .......... 24
Filling the Chassis-Mounted LP Gas Tank ...... 25
LP Gas System Leak Checks ................ 25

APPLIANCES
LP GAS APPLIANCES. .. ......... . ..... 27
Flow Through Furnace. . ..... " ........ 27
Forced Air Furnace ...................... 28
Water Heater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
...... 28
LP Gas/Electric Refrigerator ................ 28
Roof
Air Conditioner (optional) ............. 29
MAl NTENANCE
CARE AND MAINTENANCE ................. 31
Interior Cleaning ......................... 31
Wall Paneling .......................... 31
Linoleum ............................. 31
Carpeting . ..... . ................... 31
Fixtures .............................. 31
Windows ............................... 31
Locksets and Latches ..................... 32
Plumbing
............................... 32
Condensation
and Ventilation ............... 32
Exterior Care ............................ 32
Exterior Metal and
Trim ................. 32
Roof
................................ 33
Repairs
.............................. 33
Fire Safety
............................. 33
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FULL ONE-YEAR/15,OOO MILE
~--WARRANTY
COVERAGE PROVIDED
FOR MOTOR HOMES MANUFACTURED BY SUBSIDIARIES OF
flEETWOOD ENTERPRISES, INC.
Your new motor home, including the structure, plumbing, heating and electrical systems, and all appliance. and equipment
installed by the manufacturer, is warranted under normal use to be free from manufacturing defects in material or workman·
ship.
The warranty extends to the first retail purchase and his transfereehl and begins on the date of original retail delivary or the
date the motor home is first placed into service as a rental, commercial or demonstrator unit (whichever occurs first!. The
warranty extends for a period of one year from such date or until the unit has rea:!jved 15,000 total miles of use as deter-
mined by the mileage shoY'1Tl on the odometer {whichever occurs first}. Written notice of defects must be given to the selllng
dealer or the manufacturer not later than ten (10) days after the expiration of the applicable warranty period.
OWNER'S OBLIGATIONS
The owner is responsible for normal maintenance as described in the Owner's Manual.
If a problem occurs yJ,ich the ov.ner believes is covered by this warranty, the ov-mer shall contact the SELLING DEALER,
or other authorized dealer, giving him sufficient information to resolve the matter. The owner shall deliver the motor home
to the DEALER or manufacturing plant location for warranty service.
DEALER'S OBLIGATIONS
By agreement with the manufacturer, the dealer is obligated, at no charge to the owner, to repair or replace any parts neces-
sary to correct defects in material or workmanship.
WHEN THE DEALER DOES NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM
If the dealer is unable or unwiUing to resolve a problem which the owner is convinced is covered by the warranty, he should
contact the MANUFACTURING PLANT at the address listed below and provide the manufacturer with a description in
writing of the problem and attempts made to resolve it.
MANUFACTURING PLANT OBLIGATIONS
Upon receipt of notice of a claim. where the dealer was unable or unwilling to resolve the problem, the manufacturing plant
wilt repair or replace any parts necessary to correct defects in material or workmanship, or will take other appropriate action
as may be required.
WHEN THE
MANUFACTURING PLANT DOES NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM
If the representatives of the manufacturing plant are unable to resolve the problem and the owner is convinced that it is
covered by the warranty, the owner should call the toll-free number listed below to descrlbe the problem and the attempts
made to resolve it.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED BY THE EXPRESS WARRANTY
THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER:
1. THE AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEM (INCLUDING THE CHASSIS AND DRIVING TRAINJ. TIRES AND BATTER~
IES, WHICH ARE COVERED BY THE SEPARATE WARRANTIES OF THE RESPECTIVE MANUFACTURERS
OF THESE COMPONENTS.
2, DEFECTS CAUSED BY OR RELATED TO:
A. ABUSE, MISUSE, NEGLIGENCE OR ACCIDENT;
B. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH INSTRUCTIONS CONTAINED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL;
C.
ALTERATION OR MODIFICATION OF THE MOTOR HOME; OR
D. NORMAL DETERIORATION DUE TO WEAR OR EXPOSURE.
3. TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM DEALER OR MANUFACTURING PLANT LOCATION. LOSS OF TIME,
INCONVENIENCE, COMMERCIAL LOSS, LOSS OF USE, TOWING CHARGES, BUS FARES, CAR RENTAL,
INCIDENTAL CHARGES SUCH AS TELEPHONE CALLS OR HOTEL BILLS, OR OTHER INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEOUENTIAL DAMAGES.
SOME
STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUEN-
TIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
THIS WARRANTY
GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY
FROM STATE TO STATE.
THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY UNDERTAKING, REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY MADE BY
ANY DEALER OR OTHER PERSON BEYOND THOSE EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS WARRANTY.
Brand Name _____________________ Model __________ Serial No. _________ _
MANUFACTURING PLANT,
AUGUST 1978
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS,
Consumer Affairs Department
Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc.
P.O.
Box 7300
Riverside, California 92523
From California: (BOO) 442·4B04
From Outside of California: (BOO) 854·4755
printed in USA

NOTICE
Your selling dealer is responsible for performing a
complete predelivery inspection of the chassis and all
motor home components as specified in the predelivery
checklists supplied
by Fleetwood and the chassis
manufacturer. You should receive a copy
of these
completed checklists from your dealer when your
motor home is delivered to you.
FRONT END ALIGNMENT
As a part of the predelivery inspection procedure, the
dealer is to road test the motor home, noting and
correcting any steering performance problems before
delivery to the retail customer.
Therefore, Fleetwood and its subsidiaries will
not be
responsible for front end alignment after this required
predelivery inspection is made.

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1.
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
8,
g,
2 3 4
EngIne service hood
Hood support
Coolant recovery reservoir
Transmission dipstick and
filler cap
Radiator cap
Brake cylinder "reservoirs
Engine oil filler cap
Windshield washer reservoir
Mai n battery
5
WARNING
6 7 8 9
1
PLANNING
AND
PREPARATION
Plan your trip and organize all preparations before you
leave. Proper preparation can be the key to getting the
most enjoyment from your motor home. The following
suggestions are provided only as a guide. Review them
carefully before starting on your first trip. Refer to the
list when on trips and make note of items forgotten to
make subsequent trips even more enjoyable.
Plan your route carefully. Consult maps and guide-
,books (available at most bookstands or new-
stands) to become aware beforehand of any road
conditions, campsite availablity, or other circum-
stances.
BE SURE ALL EQUIPMENT IS SERVICED AND
READY FOR TRAVEL. Check the following
items,
a. Check all fluids including;
b,
c.
Motor home engine crankcase oil
Transmission fluid
Power steering fluid
Radiator recovery system reservoir level
Master
cylinder brake fluid
Electrolyte level of batteries
Windshield washer reservoir level
Inspect wheel lugs for tightness. Examine all
tires
for road damage, then inflate to the pro-
per pressures as recommended in the Chassis
Operator's Manual. In using your Chassis Op-
perator's Manual, note that tire pressures are
given for cold tires which are to be used un-
der normal driving and load conditions,
also for unusual operating or load conditions.
TURN OFF LP GAS MAIN VALVE IN ORDER TO
EXTINGUISH ALL PILOT LIGHTS BEFORE FILL·
ING GASOLINE TANKS.
Check oil level in the generator power plant
(if installed). Refer to instructions and main-
tenance manual provided by the generator
manufacturer for other pre-use service re-
quirements applicable to this equipment,
Check that extra oil and other service supplies
are provided for the generator power plant if
the motor home is to be used for extended
periods.

2
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d. Check that jack, jack handle, and lug wrench
are properly stowed.
e. Check that the 115-volt power cord is pro-
perly stowed in compartment. A power sup-
ply cord adapter will be required in some
camping areas. Be sure to use adapters which
provide proper electrical ground.
f. Check that a serviceable fire extinguisher is
secured in the mounting bracket.
g. Verify that all items you plan to take are on
board.
NOTE: Be sure the weight of passengers,
equipment, and supplies does not
cause your motor home to exceed
axle loads and overall vehicle loads
for which it was designed. If in
doubt, weigh the vehicle at a pub-
lic scale. See paragraph
on "WEIGH
ING".
h. Check that accessories, such as a sewer
hose with the necessary fittings and a water
supply line (such as garden-hose type appro-
ved for 125 psi) are on board. (It may be de-
sirable
to check ahead with specific campsites
where you plan to stop for any special ·adap·
ters which may be required.)
I. Fill fresh water tank, if required. (Refer to
Plumbing Section.)
Check to see that drain-line cap and holding-tank
knife valve(s) are closed and secured. Add a hold-
ing-tank chemical to a few gallons of water in your
body-waste holding tank. (Refer to Plumbing Sec-
tion.)
Check all stop lights, running lights, and other ve-
hicle safety items.
Put motor home contents in "travel condition"
a. Secure any loose objects which could
shift while traveling.
b. Secure refrigerator contents (place lids
on all containers holding liquids, for ex-
ample)
then secure locking latch on re-
frigerator door.
c. Be sure all cabinets have the contents se-
cured and the doors latched.
d. Be sure all exterior doors are closed and
locked.
Adjust the driver's seat to the most comfortable
position, then adjust the side-view mirrors for max-
imum visibility.
Fill
the fuel tank. Your motor home is designed to
use only the fuel recommended in the Chassis Op-
erator's Manual.
Fill
the liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuel tank(s) if
required.
Check for spare fuses of every size used in the ve-
hicle.

9 10 11
13
1. Headlight
switch
2. Speedometer, odometer
3. Fuel, temperature gauges and
turn signal indicators
4. Shift selector
5. Ammeter
6. Oil pressure gauge
7. Radio sound system
8.
Fuse block
9.
Turn signal, cruise control
lever
10. Parking brake
11 . Windshield
wiper/washer
12. Emergency flasher
13. Ignition
switch
14.
Oi mmer switch
15. Accelerator pedal
16. Heater control
17. Cigarette lighter
18.
Air conditioner control
19. Heater/air conditioner vents
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14
3
16 18 19
Take the time before leaving to become familiar with
the instrument control panel and the operation of all
items in the driver compartment. Check all instrument
controls include: two-speed wiper control, windshield
washer, lighter, emergency start (optional), three-speed
heater/defroster blower control, heat level control, fresh
air control, defroster control, and the under-dash air con
ditioner blower/temperature controls (optional). Also
located on the dash is the sound system. The cruise con-
trol (optional) is located on the turn indicator handle.
The emergency flasher control is located on the right
side of the steering column. Refer to the Chassis Oper-
ator's Manual or individual instructions from equipment
manufacturers for operation of equipment, both stan-
dard and optional.
It is recommended that the Chassis Operator's Manual
(provided in your Owner's I nformation Kit) be kept
readily available in the glove compartment. This will
prove invaluable as reference information.

4
VEHICLE LOAD CAPACITY
WEIGHING
Your motor home is designed to carry the loads defined
by the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) and Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) shown on the certifica-
tion tag posted on or near the left edge of the instru-
ment panel. These ratings are for a fully-loaded vehicle
including passengers and normal belongings.
Periodically weigh the motor home at a public scale to
determine axle loads. The following procedure is sug-
gested, although any method recommended by the scale
operator which correctly determines weight values is ac-
ceptable. During all measurements, it is important that
the vehicle be kept as level as possible.
1. Run only the front wheels onto the scale plat-
form and obtain a reading. (This first value
is the front axle Gross Axle Weight.)
2. Next, place the entire vehicle (both axles) on
the scale and obtain a reading. (This second
value is Gross Vehicle Weight.)
3. Drive forward until only the rear axle is on
the platform and obtain a reading. (This
third reading is rear axle Gross Axle Weight.)
4. Compare reading 2 with the GVWR of your
vehicle. If this reading exceeds the GVWR
rating, it will be necessary to reduce total
vehicle load.
5. If reading 2 is less than the GVWR of your
vehicle, check readings 1 and 3 to verify that
each is less than the GAWR on the certifica-
tion tag. If either exceeds the GAWR for the
axle, redistribute enough equipment from
front to back or the reverse to ensure that
loads on front and rear axles are within the
required limit.
Check vehicle weight periodically to obtain optimum
mileage from tires and improved handling. Tires should
always be inflated as recommended in the Chassis Man-
ufacturer's Instructions. See your Chassis Operator's
Manual.
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CAUTION
EXCEEDING THE GAWR OR GVWR OF YOUR
MOTOR HOME CAN CAUSE UNDESIRABLE
HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS AND MAY EVEN
CREATE A SAFETY HAZARD. MODIFICATION OF
YOUR VEHICLE BY ADDITION OF RACKS NOT
SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER TO CARRY
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT OR VEHICLES IS NOT
RECOMMENDED AND MAY MAKE YOUR WAR-
RANTY INAPPLICABLE.
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