Itasca spirit User manual

TO THE OWNER
Congratulations! We welcome you to the exciting world of motor home travel and camping. You will
find it convenient and enjoyable to have all the comforts of home and still enjoy the great outdoors
wherever you choose to go.
Your motor home has been carefully designed, engineered and manufactured to provide dependability
as well as safety. Before sliding into the driver’s seat, take a few minutes to become familiar with opera-
tions and features. This manual was prepared to aid you in the proper care and operation of the vehicle and
equipment. We urge you to read it completely. In addition, spend some time with the dealer when you take
delivery, you will want to learn all you can about your new motor home.
Your new motor home is covered by a factory warranty against defects in material and workmanship.
This warranty should be validated at once and returned to the factory by your dealer.
Read and understand all instructions and precautions in this manual before operating your new motor
home.
Throughout this manual, certain items are labeled NOTE, CAUTION and WARNING. These terms
alert you to precautions that can involve risk to your vehicle or to your personal safety. Read and follow
them carefully.
NOTE: Indicates a special point of information.
.
CAUTION
Indicates that a failure to observe can
cause damage to vehicle or equip-
ment
WARNING
This symbol is used to alert you to
precautions that involve your per-
sonal safety as well as vehicle dam-
age. Read and follow them carefully.
132000-12-000April 1999

*LP Gas tank capacity shown is the usable “full” LP gas capacity, which is 80% of the tank manufac-
turer’s listed water capacity (w.c. shown in parenthesis). An LP tank must have at least 20% of tank
volume free to allow for expansion and proper vaporization of the liquid fuel. The tank is also equipped
with mandatory safety shut-off equipment that prevents filling above this level.
OWNER’S NAME
STREET ADDRESS
CITY AND STATE (OR PROVINCE IN CANADA)
MOTOR HOME SERIAL NUMBER
VEHICLE CHASSIS IDENTIFICATION NO. (VIN)
DATE OF DELIVERY TO FIRST RETAIL PURCHASER
VEHICLE MILEAGE AT TIME OF DELIVERY
SELLING DEALER NAME AND ADDRESS
TANK CAPACITIES
Chassis Fuel Tank
Chevy Chassis w/Gas Engine (22’ 24’ & 27’ Models)...................................................... 55 gal.
Ford Chassis, Short wheelbase w/Gas Engine (22’ Models).............................................. 37 gal.
Ford Chassis w/Gas Engine (24’, 27’ 29’ & 31” Models) ................................................. 55 gal.
Ford Chassis w/Diesel Engine (27’, 29’ & 31’ Models).................................................... 55 gal.
LP Gas Tank
22’, 24’, 27’ & 29’ Models........................................................................ 9.6 gal.* (12 gal. w.c.)
31’ Models.................................................................................................. 14 gal.* (18 gal. w.c.)
Fresh Water Tank
Models 322R & 322E......................................................................................................... 30 gal.
Model 324V........................................................................................................................ 40 gal.
Models 327P....................................................................................................................... 33 gal.
Models 329N & 331C......................................................................................................... 31 gal.
Water Heater - All Models ................................................................................................. 6 gal.
HT1 - Black Water Holding Tank
Models 322E & 324V (Toilet & Lavatory) ........................................................................ 30 gal.
Model 322R (Toilet & Lavatory)........................................................................................ 36 gal.
Model 327P (Toilet)............................................................................................................ 34 gal.
Model 329N (Toilet & Lavatory) ....................................................................................... 27 gal.
Model 331C (Toilet & Lavatory)........................................................................................ 34 gal.
HT2 - Grey Water Holding Tank
Models 322E & 324V (Galley & Shower)......................................................................... 36 gal.
Models 322R (Galley & Shower).......................................................................................30 gal.
Model 327P (Galley, Lavatory & Shower)......................................................................... 42 gal.
Model 329N (Galley & Shower) ........................................................................................ 40 gal.
Model 331C (Galley & Shower)......................................................................................... 32 gal.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
About This Manual............................... 0-1
Chassis Operating Guide ......................0-1
Owner’s InfoCase ................................. 0-1
Before Driving...................................... 0-2
Service Assistance ................................0-2
Warranty................................................0-2
Drinking and Driving............................ 0-2
Reporting Safety Defects...................... 0-3
Vehicle Certification Label................... 0-4
Exterior Feature Identification..............0-5
SECTION 1: SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
General Warnings..................................1-1
Driving.................................................. 1-1
Fuel & LP Gas ......................................1-2
LP Gas Leaks .......................................1-3
LP Gas Alarm .......................................1-3
Electrical............................................... 1-4
Loading................................................. 1-4
Maintenance.......................................... 1-5
Formaldehyde Warning.........................1-5
Carbon Monoxide Warning...................1-5
Carbon Monoxide Alarm...................... 1-6
Emergency Exit Window...................... 1-6
Fire Extinguisher................................... 1-7
Smoke Alarm........................................ 1-7
SECTION 2: DRIVING YOUR MOTOR
HOME
Before Entering..................................... 2-1
Before Driving...................................... 2-1
Keys ...................................................... 2-2
Fuel Selection ....................................... 2-2
Gasoline Fuel Fill.................................. 2-2
Chassis Fuel Tank Capacity.................. 2-2
Starting and Stopping Engine ............... 2-2
Fuel Pump Shut Off Switch.................. 2-3
Parking Brake ....................................... 2-3
Hazard Warning Lights......................... 2-3
Door Locks and Handles....................... 2-3
Entrance Step........................................2-4
Seats...................................................... 2-5
Seat Belts ..............................................2-6
Child Restraints..................................... 2-7
Mirrors .................................................. 2-7
Instrument Panel................................... 2-8
Comfort Controls.................................. 2-9
Air Conditioning, Automotive........... 2-9
Radio/Cassette Player........................... 2-9
Auxiliary Start Switch........................... 2-9
Auxiliary Battery Switch...................... 2-9
Slideout Room
(Model 331C/T).......................2-9 - 2-12
SECTION 3: IN CASE OF DRIVING
EMERGENCY
Hazard Flashers..................................... 3-1
Spare Tire.............................................. 3-1
Tire Changing
Safety Precautions.............................. 3-1
Wheel Nuts ........................................ 3-2
Recovery Towing.................................. 3-2
Jump Starting........................................ 3-3
Connecting a Battery Charger............... 3-3
Engine Overheat ................................... 3-4
SECTION 4: TRAVELING WITH YOUR
MOTOR HOME
Loading the Vehicle.............................. 4-1
Front Axle Tire Alignment ................... 4-1
Maximum Occupancy........................... 4-2
Roof Loading........................................ 4-2
Car or Trailer Towing ........................... 4-2
Pre-Travel Checklist ............................. 4-3
Travel Tips............................................ 4-3
Severe Weather Information ................. 4-4
Nighttime Driving................................. 4-5
Mountain Driving ................................. 4-6
Campsite Selection ............................... 4-6
Leveling ............................................... 4-6
Blocking................................................ 4-6
Effects of Prolonged Occupancy .......... 4-7
Humidity and Condensation ................. 4-7
SECTION 5: LP GAS SYSTEM
LP Gas Supply ..................................... 5-1
Safe Use of LP Gas System.................. 5-1
How LP Gas Works .............................. 5-1
Selecting Fuel Types............................. 5-2

TABLE OF CONTENTS
LP Tank System.................................... 5-2
Refilling Tank ....................................... 5-2
Air in the LP Gas Tank ......................... 5-3
Traveling with LP Gas.......................... 5-3
Regulator...............................................5-3
LP Gas Leaks........................................ 5-4
Winter Use of LP Gas........................... 5-5
SECTION 6: ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
110-Volt AC System .............................6-1
External Power Cord (Shoreline).......... 6-1
Power Center......................................... 6-2
Converter Charging Section.................. 6-3
Thermal Breaker ...................................6-3
110-Volt Circuit Breakers ..................... 6-3
110-Volt Receptacles (Outlets) .............6-4
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
(GFCI)................................................6-4
Auxiliary 110-Volt Generator
Operating Instructions................6-4 - 6-6
12-Volt DC System...............................6-6
Automotive (Starting) Battery ..............6-7
House Batteries..................................... 6-7
12-Volt Fuses ........................................ 6-7
Battery Access (Storage)....................... 6-8
Battery Maintenance............................. 6-8
Trailer Wiring Connector......................6-9
SECTION 7: PLUMBING SYSTEMS
Fresh Water System .............................. 7-1
Filling Water Tank ................................7-1
Fresh Water Tank Capacity...................7-1
Water Pump........................................... 7-1
Water Pump Switch............................... 7-1
Disinfecting Water Tank .......................7-2
External (City Water) Connector .......... 7-2
Shower Valve Pressure Bleed-Off ........7-3
Waste Water System.............................. 7-3
Dumping Holding Tanks.......................7-3
Using On-Site Sewer Hook-Ups...........7-4
Water Drain Valves ...............................7-4
Water System Winterization Valve ....... 7-4
Holding Tank Capacities....................... 7-6
Water System Drain Valve
Locations..................................7-7 to 7-9
SECTION 8: APPLIANCES AND
INTERIOR FEATURES
Refrigerator...................................8-1 - 8-4
Range and Oven.................................... 8-4
Microwave Oven................................... 8-5
Range Hood .......................................... 8-5
Monitor Panel ....................................... 8-5
Tank Leveling, Checking...................... 8-6
Water Heater ......................................... 8-6
By-Pass Valve ....................................... 8-7
LP Gas Furnace..................................... 8-8
Ducted Roof Air Conditioning .............8-8
Air Conditioner Selector Switch........... 8-8
TV Antenna......................................... 8-10
TV Signal Amplifier........................... 8-11
Cable TV Hook-Up ............................ 8-11
Video Control Center ......................... 8-11
Digital Satellite System Wiring .......... 8-12
DC-AC Electric Voltage Inverter........ 8-12
Exterior Entertainment Center ...........8-12
Sleeping Facilities
Overhead Bunk ................................ 8-12
Couch-Bed Conversion.................... 8-13
Dinette/Bed Conversion................... 8-13
Fresh Water Toilet............................... 8-13
Power Roof Vent ................................ 8-14
Slider Windows................................... 8-14
Day/Night Pleated Window Shades.... 8-14
SECTION 9: CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Roof ...................................................... 9-1
Underbody ............................................ 9-1
Exterior ................................................. 9-1
Waxing and Polishing........................ 9-1
Stripes and Decals, care of.................... 9-2
Interior Maintenance
Upholstery, Carpeting and
Draperies........................................ 9-2
Cabinets ............................................. 9-3
Vinyl Wallboard................................. 9-3
Tables and Countetops....................... 9-3
Stainless Steel Sink............................ 9-3
Bathroom ........................................... 9-3
Doors and Windows........................... 9-4
Window Roll-Up Shade Adjustment 9-4
Vehicle Maintenance
Chassis Service and Maintenance...... 9-4
Engine Access.................................... 9-4

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Engine Cooling System .....................9-4
Tires ................................................... 9-4
Suspension Alignment and Tire
Balance............................................9-5
Windshield Washers and Wipers........ 9-5
Lights ................................................. 9-5
Automotive 12-Volt Circuit Breakers 9-5
Awning Installation............................ 9-5
SECTION 10: STORING YOUR MOTOR
HOME
Preparing Vehicle for Storage............. 10-1
Cold Weather Storage
(Winterizing)..........................10-1 - 10-3
Remove from Storage......................... 10-3

INTRODUCTION
0-1
Congratulations on the purchase of your new
Itasca Spirit motorhome, which has been careful-
ly designed, engineered and quality built by
Winnebago Industries, Inc.
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
Please read this operator’s manual complete-
ly to understand how everything in your coach
works before taking it on its “maiden voyage.”
Thismanualisaquidetosafeoperation ofthe
features, equipment and controls in this coach.
Some equipment, such as the vehicle chassis and
certain electronic systems or appliances, have
their own comprehensive, manufacturer supplied
manuals or information sheets which describe
operation of these products in great detail. This
manual will refer you to the manufacturer’s in-
formation included in your Owner INFOCASE
whenever necessary.
SUBJECT ICONS - To make it easier for you
to find information you’re looking for, we have
placed convenient, pictorial symbols called
“icons” beside many of the subject headings in
this manual. The icons correspond to the subject
matter of the section. These icons were designed
similar to the familiar international symbols
which identify public facilities such as restrooms
and handicap access. There are several examples
of icons on this page.
PAGE ICONS - The icons at the upper cor-
ners of each page correspond to the primary con-
tent of each main section of the manual, such as
LP Gas, Electrical, Plumbing, etc. This means
you can flip through the manual either forward or
backward and know exactly which main section
you are looking for just by watching the icons at
the top of the page. This means less paging back
and forth.
We also urge you to read the complete
Chassis Operating Guide provided by the
chassis maker and all other operating infor-
mation provided by our equipment suppliers
and manufacturers. This is contained in your
Owner INFOCASETM.
This manual should be kept in the vehicle at
all times for personal reference. The operator’s
manual, INFOCASE and chassis operating guide
are to be considered permanent components of
this vehicle. They should remain in the vehicle
when sold to provide the next owner with impor-
tant safety, operating and maintenance informa-
tion.
NOTE: The descriptions, illustrations, and spec-
ifications in this manual were correct at
the time of printing. We reserve the right
to change specifications or design with-
out notice, and without incurring obliga-
tion to install the same on products
previously manufactured.
CHASSIS OPERATING
GUIDE
Throughout this manual, frequent reference
is made to the vehicle chassis operating guide.
The chassis guide is the operator’s manual pro-
vided by the manufacturer of the chassis on
which this motor home is built (i.e., Chevrolet or
Ford, etc.). Consult the chassis guide for operat-
ing safety and maintenance instructions pertain-
ing to the chassis section of the motor home.
OWNER’S INFOCASE
Your Owner InfoCase contains information
supplied by manufacturers of individual appli-
ances and equipment installed in your motor
home.
Consult this information regarding the opera-
tion and care of appliances, accessories and spe-
cial equipment.

INTRODUCTION
0-2
OPTIONS AND EQUIPMENT
This model is available in several sizes and
floorplans, so accessories and components may
differ slightly between models. Some equipment
described in this manual may not apply to your
coach.
BEFORE DRIVING
Before sitting in the driver’s seat, always
check around your vehicle to be sure you have
proper clearance for maneuvering. If necessary,
have a passenger help guide you out of a difficult
parking space.
Although your coach features automotive
conveniences like power steering and power
brakes, driving a motor home is different from
driving a car. A motor home is larger and heavier
than an automobile, so it requires more stopping
and passing distance, and more parking and ma-
neuvering space than a car does.
Always be mindful of the size of your motor
home. The added height of roof air conditioners,
TV antennas or luggage boxes may cause clear-
ance problems around some tunnels, canopies
and hanging signs. Know the height of your unit
so you can observe posted clearance limits. Also,
remember that some bridges, old ones in particu-
lar, may not support the weight of your motor
home. Know the weight of your unit and observe
any posted weight limits.
Remember: Alway use your seat belt and be
sure your passengers do so as well. We also ad-
vise making frequent rest stops while traveling to
relieve stress on yourself, your passengers and
your vehicle.
SERVICE AND
ASSISTANCE
Your dealer will be glad to provide any addi-
tional information you need, as well as answer
anyquestionsyoumighthaveaboutoperatingthe
equipmentin yourmotor home.Whenitcomesto
service, remember that your dealer knows your
vehicle best and is interested in your satisfaction.
Your dealer will provide quality maintenance
and any other assistance that you may require
during your ownership of this vehicle.
If you need warranty repairs while traveling,
however you may take your motor home to any
Winnebago or Itasca dealership and they will
assist you.
WARRANTY
Your new vehicle is covered by a factory
warranty against defects in material and work-
manship. This warranty should be validated
immediately and returned to the factory by your
dealer. For additional information, see your
“New Vehicle Limited Warranty” included with
this vehicle.
DRINKING AND DRIVING
Winnebago Industries supports the recom-
mendations of the Presidential Commission on
Drunk Driving.
·Exercise your good judgment and encourage
others to do the same.
·Know the legal limits and do not exceed
them.
·Also know your personal limits, which may
be lower than the legal limits.
·Should you ever exceed your limits, find al-
ternative transportation; call a cab, ask a
friend to drive you home or call a family
member to come and get you.
The presence of alcohol in significant levels
in the blood increases the probability that the
driver will be involved in an accident.

0-3
INTRODUCTION
REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS
If you believe that your vehicle has a defect
which could cause a crash or could cause injury
or death, you should immediately inform the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) in addition to notifying Winnebago
Industries, Inc.
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, your dealer, or
Winnebago Industries.
To contact NHTSA, you may either call the
Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393
(or 366-0123 in Washington, D.C. area) or write
to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation,
Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain
other information about motor vehicle safety
from the Hotline.

INTRODUCTION
0-4
VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL
This label contains vehicle identification and
other important reference information. The vehi-
cle certification label is located on thesidewall to
the left of the steering wheel, or on the driver’s
door. Never remove or destroy this label.
EXPLANATION OF DATA
1. Chassis manufacturer.
2. Chassis manufacture date.
3. Month and year of manufacture at Win-
nebago Industries.
4. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Total permis-
sible weight of the vehicle, including driver,
passengers, total cargo carried (including all
liquids) and equipped with all options.
5. Gross Axle Weight Rating: Total permissi-
ble weight allowed for the front, and rear
axles (listed in pounds and kilograms).
6. Suitable Tire Choice: Tires recommended to
meet handling and safety requirements.
When replacing any of the tires on your
vehicle, always replace with a tire that meets
these specifications.
7. Suitable Rim Choice: Wheel rims recom-
mended to meet handling and safety require-
ments. When replacing any of the rims on
your vehicle, always replace with a rim that
meets these specifications.
8. Cold Inflation Pressure: Inflation pressures
recommended (while Cold) for the tires orig-
inally equipped on your vehicle. These pres-
sure levels must be maintained to assure
proper handling, safety and fuel economy.
9. Intermediate* and Rear Axle Wheel Config-
uration: Single or Dual.
10. Serial Number: This is the serial number
assigned to the completed vehicle by Win-
nebago Industries.
11. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): This
number identifies the chassis on which the
motor home is built.
12. Type: States the NHTSA designated usage
classification for your motor home. MPV
signifies a Multi-purpose Passenger Vehicle.
13. Model: Lists the Winnebago product model
number of your vehicle.
14. Color: Signifies the color code number of the
decor used throughout the vehicle. This
number is necessary for ordering replace-
ment cushions, curtains, carpet, etc.
MANUFACTURED BY INCOMPLETE VEHICLE MANUFACTURED
BY MOTOR CORP.
MONTH AND YEAR OF MANUFACTURE:________
GVWR_______LB _________KG
SUITABLE TIRE AND RIM CHOICE COLD INFLATION
TIRE RIM PRESSURE
GAWR:
FRT______ LB______ KG________________ ________________ ______ PSI______ KPA SINGLE
RR. _______ LB______ KG________________ ________________ ______ PSI______ KPA______
THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY
STANDARDS IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE SHOWN ABOVE.
SERIAL NO. _________________________ VIN______________________________
TYPE ____________________ MODEL ____________________ COLOR__________
5
1
34
6789
10 12 11
13 14
2