Roadtrek 190 Popular 2016 User manual

Erwin Hymer Group North America, Inc.
PDF generated at: Fri, 22 Apr 2016 12:28:02 EDT
Owner's Manual
2016 190 Popular

Alarms and Warnings 70
Maintenance 72
Spare Tire Storage 76
Obtaining Service 78
Specifications 79
Warranty 80
Registration 84
Regulatory Notices 86
HOWTO: Monitor Panel 87
HOWTO: Setting Up Your Campsite 93
HOWTO: Shore Power 97
HOWTO: Potable Water Use 100
HOWTO: Waste Water Dumping 105
HOWTO: Cable and TV Reception 112
HOWTO: Propane System 117
HOWTO: Summer and Winter Mode 124
HOWTO: Water System Winterizing - Standard Edition 131
HOWTO: Water System Winterizing - Anniversary Edition 139
HOWTO: De-Winterizing - Standard Edition 148
HOWTO: De-Winterizing - Anniversary Edition 151

HOWTO: Monitor Panel 87
© 2016 by Erwin Hymer Group North America, Inc.
HOWTO: Monitor Panel
Monitor Panel with standard inverter and optional
gasoline generator
The monitor panel is located inside the side door, above the
doorframe. Depending on the options you have, there may be a
gasoline generator starter switch and hour run meter to the
right.
Battery Disconnect Switch
The battery disconnect switch turns the coach battery power off
and on. When off, it prevents your coach batteries from being
drained while the Roadtrek is not in use. The lights, the water
pump, the fan, the refrigerator control board, even the igniters
for the propane cooktop need 12 volt power from the batteries. If
something electrical in your Roadtrek doesn't work, the first
thing to check is to make sure the battery disconnect switch is
on.
The battery disconnect switch is on the bottom left corner of the
monitor panel. To its immediate right is a blue indicator light
which illuminates to show you when the switch is on.

HOWTO: Monitor Panel 88
© 2016 by Erwin Hymer Group North America, Inc.
Battery disconnect switch Standard inverter switch
You will hear a "clunk" as the battery disconnect switch is pressed - this is a big relay connecting the coach batteries to the
electrical loads.
If you hear a clunk-clunk, or nothing at all, it's possible that your batteries are depleted to the point where they cannot drive
the relay. The best way to charge your batteries in this situation is to start your vehicle engine and try again after it has
charged for a while. Once the relay is working, you can continue to charge with the generator or shore power.
Inverter Switch
Just as the battery disconnect switch powers the lights, fan, and other 12 volt electrical loads, the standard inverter takes 12
volt power from your coach batteries and changes it into 120 volt electricity. It powers some of the smaller 120 volt
alternating current loads, such as the TV and DVD player. This is the regular electricity you have in your house. With this
inverter, you can watch television or play a DVD while you are camping, without the need to plug into shore power or run
your generator.
The inverter is rated for 750 watts maximum output. Larger loads such as the air conditioner or microwave are too big to run
on the power produced by the inverter, and will not operate unless you plug in to shore power or start your generator. The
inverter will shut off if you try to draw too much power through it.

HOWTO: Monitor Panel 89
© 2016 by Erwin Hymer Group North America, Inc.
The inverter switch is on the left side of the monitor panel, above and to the right of the battery disconnect switch. It has an
indicator light inside it that comes on to let you it's on. If you are not using any 120 volt electricity, turn the inverter off to
conserve battery power, since it uses a small amount of electricity even when it's not powering any appliances.
The inverter will also shut off if the battery voltage falls below a certain level. This is to protect your batteries, wiring, and the
inverter itself from damage. Your battery voltage drops under load, so it is possible to have the inverter cut off under high
load when the battery voltage is normal with no load. If this happens, try turning off any power-hungry appliances and trying
again. Things like electric toasters, electric curlers and hair dryers, or anything else that produces heat are usually energy
hogs. Most appliances have the wattage indicated on a label somewhere on the appliance. With practice, you will learn what
you can and can't run within the 750 watt limit.
2500 watt inverter switch
Inverter Switch With Optional Engine
Generator and 2500 Watt Inverter
Instead of the regular inverter switch on the monitor panel, your
inverter switch will be back in the rear lounge area on the
passenger side, just to the right of the thermostat. The switch
has three positions: off in the middle position, power save auto
in the top position, and power save off in the bottom position.
In the power save auto setting, when you're not using anything
with 120 volt power, the inverter will put itself to sleep. In this
mode, it still uses a small amount of power. If you turn on a 120
volt appliance, it senses a load and will come back on in about
20 seconds. If you select power save auto you'll reduce the
electricity it takes to keep the inverter powered, and your
batteries will require less recharging.
Pressing the bottom of the switch selects power save off. When
this setting is selected, the inverter will be on continuously.
There is a shore power indicator light to the right of the switch to tell you the system is receiving shore power. There is also a
battery charging indicator light to tell you when the batteries are being charged by shore power.

HOWTO: Monitor Panel 90
© 2016 by Erwin Hymer Group North America, Inc.
Patio Light
On the monitor panel, the top left switch is the patio light switch. Press the top of the button to turn the lights on, and the
bottom to turn them off. These are LED lights and use very little power.
Patio light switch Water pump switch on (blue indicator
light lit)
Water Pump Switch
The centered switch to the right of the four leftmost switches is the water pump switch. It should be on only when you have
water in the fresh water tanks and wish to use the sinks, showers, or toilet. The pump should not be run without water. As
with the patio light switch, pressing the top of the button turns the pump on, and pressing the bottom turns it off.
Water Heater Switch
The water heater switch is to the right of the water pump switch. As with all the other switches on the monitor panel, the
battery disconnect switch must be on for the water heater to work. Even though the water heater uses propane to heat the
water, all the igniters and controls are electrical. Be sure that the water heater is full of water before turning it on - if water

HOWTO: Monitor Panel 91
© 2016 by Erwin Hymer Group North America, Inc.
comes out of the hot water faucets when they are opened, the water heater has water in it. After turning it on, the red light to
the right of the switch will come on for a few seconds, than go off as the burner ignites. If the light keeps going off and on,
your burner is not lighting. Make sure that you have propane in your propane tank and that the main valve is open. If the
stove burners light, your propane supply is good.
Water heater switch and red indicator
light
Tank level indicators
Tank Levels and Battery Charge Indicator
To the right of the monitor panel switches are the indicator lights for the battery charge level, the propane tank level, the
fresh water tank level for each of the two tanks, and the black and gray water tank levels. Press the button for each to see
the display. These will give you an approximate reading, to the nearest third, of how much is in each tank.
Roadtrek recommends that you keep a small amount of water in your gray and black tanks at all times. This will reduce the
likelihood of material sticking to the inside of the tank.
The four indicator lights for the battery are low, fair, good, and charging. Battery voltage dips under load; the greater the load
the greater the voltage dip. A battery under heavy load will show much lower state than one at rest.
The propane indicators will show full when the tank is at it maximum capacity. Because of the safety-related need for a vapor
space at the top of the propane tank, the maximum fill capacity is 80% of the volume of the tank. Your 38 liter/10 gallon

HOWTO: Monitor Panel 92
© 2016 by Erwin Hymer Group North America, Inc.
propane tank is full when it holds 30.4 liters/8 gallons of propane. There is another gauge directly on the tank that you can
see behind the propane fill door on the back bumper. This gauge has finer gradations and will give you more information
about your propane level than the indicator light display will.
Generator switch, prime/off position Generator hour meter
Optional Gasoline Generator Switch and Hour Meter
To start the generator, first push the bottom of the rocker switch for 5 seconds to PRIME, then push the top of the switch to
START. Allow the generator to run for a couple of minutes before turning on heavy loads such as the air conditioner.
To stop the generator, first shut down all heavy loads, let the generator run for a few minutes to cool down, then press the
STOP (bottom) side of the rocker switch.
The hour meter keeps track of how many hours your generator has been running. This is important for servicing intervals
such as oil changes, etc. See your Cummings/Onan generator service manual for details. There is a break-in oil change after
the first 20 to 50 hours of use. You also need to exercise your generator every month by running it for an hour under
moderate load.

HOWTO: Setting Up Your Campsite 93
© 2016 by Erwin Hymer Group North America, Inc.
HOWTO: Setting Up Your Campsite
What Do You Need To Hook Up?
In a Roadtrek, the answer to this question is - a lot less than you think. Rather than slog through the setup ordeal that Class
As and fifth wheels and other trailers go through, Class Bs are much more nimble. We travel light and can set up and pack up
in minutes. Let's look at the differences in these different types of units and see why.
Full hookups - electric, water, and sewer - plus lots of
company
Most big rigs and trailers don't really have a self-contained
philosophy - they're basically like sticks and bricks homes on
wheels, which require what campgrounds call "full hookups"
(electricity, water, and sewer connections at each campsite) to
function. Roadtreks have big fresh water and holding tanks that
the other types of RVs lack, so it's usually easier just to plug into
the electricity, and not bother with the water and sewer
hookups. This makes your hookup procedure a five minute
process - park in a level spot and plug in. Maybe hook up the
cable TV, too, if they have it at the campsite, but that's about it.
It's a different philosophy because most large RVs plunk down
and don't move once they get to a campsite. They have a towed
vehicle - or the truck they haul their trailer with - to take short
trips around the area. Since you don't have a tow vehicle like
the big rigs, you need to be able to head out to the store or go
sightseeing in your Roadtrek, so the less elaborate the set-up
and pack-up procedures, the better.

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© 2016 by Erwin Hymer Group North America, Inc.
Connected Fresh Water vs. Using your Tanks
Filling your tanks
There's no real advantage to leaving the water hooked up all the
time - it's easier just to get your hose out and fill your tanks, and
then put the hose away. No leaks, no hose to trip over, no need
to disassemble and store all that stuff when it's time to hit the
road again. In a campground with shower facilities, your water
supply will last for days, and when it runs out you just get the
hose back out, fill it up again, and you're ready for another few
days.
Sewer Hookup vs. Dumping
The advantage of using your tanks for fresh water over a more
permanent water hookup is that you're automatically reminded
of when your waste water tanks are full. When you're close to
running out of fresh water, that means it's time to dump your
wastewater tanks. With a more permanent hookup, the reminder
may be waste water backing up in your sink or toilet, which is
not nearly as pleasant. The tank level indicators only tell you to the nearest third what your tank levels are.
Since you have a waste water discharge pump, the big rig's semi-permanent giant sewer hose on an inclined pathway to the
dump won't work for you - you have to run the pump anyway, so why not just dispense with all that unsightly and potentially
hazardous plumbing? Full hookup sites have a handy sewer dump right at your campsite. When your fresh water runs low,
refill your fresh water tanks, dump your waste water holding tanks, and you're good to go, plus you can drive off anytime
merely by stowing your electrical cord.

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© 2016 by Erwin Hymer Group North America, Inc.
Why drive all the way back to town just to smell someone
else's woodsmoke? Camp where you are.
Simplify, Simplify
Campgrounds capitalize on the helplessness of
non-self-contained RVs by charging a premium for full
hookup sites. You aren't helpless. With an electric-only
hookup, you drive a short distance to the campground's
fresh water source and waste water dump every few
days. Do it on the way to the store or other trip that
you're going to take anyway, and it's no bother. In
addition to saving money, you'll also have a choice of
more campsites, since not all of them have full hookups,
or the even better choice of no campsite at all to take
advantage of the E-Trek's extended boondocking
capability. You can stay out there until you run out of
groceries if you want.
Freedom from hookups also opens up a whole range of
national and provincial forest campgrounds with limited
or no hookups to you. There is also dispersed camping in
national forests and crown lands and other boondocking
options, where you find your own campsite. There are rules for where you can and can't boondock, so check the forest
websites or drop in at the ranger station for information. Once you're out there, don't look around for those big rigs who are
dependent on hookups - they're all back in town. It's just you and nature, with the occasional backpacker.

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© 2016 by Erwin Hymer Group North America, Inc.
Leveling your Roadtrek
Leveling blocks
Roadtreks don't have or need the built-in leveling jacks and stands large
RVs have - it's usually easy enough to move back and forth in your
campsite until you're reasonably level. However, many Roadtrek owners
buy and carry leveling blocks for those places where finding a level spot is
difficult. These are available in most camping supply stores or can be
ordered online. They go under your tires, and can be stacked in various
combinations to lift the low corner or end of your vehicle enough to get
comfortable. Many Roadtrek owners install a small bubble level in an
inconspicuous place visible from the driver's seat to assist with the leveling
process.
How level is level? In general, if it's level enough to be comfortable for you,
it's probably good enough for your plumbing. If you have a choice, it's
better to have the front of the Roadtrek very slightly higher than the back
for air conditioner condensate drainage. If you're not running your air
conditioner, it doesn't matter.

HOWTO: Shore Power 97
© 2016 by Erwin Hymer Group North America, Inc.
HOWTO: Shore Power
Connecting To Shore Power
Your Roadrek has a shore power cord; depending on the model it may be removable or permanently attached. Refer to the
Electrical Secion in this manual for details.
The power cord is designed to fit into a standard 30A RV outlet.
Campsite Power Connections
Most RV parks and campgrounds have AC power of various voltages and amperages available at each site. The power will
typically be in a pedestal with a cover that flips up. If you cannot find your power pedestal or you're not sure how to open it,
ask the campground personnel.
50A outlet 30A outlet

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© 2016 by Erwin Hymer Group North America, Inc.
15A outlet Breakers
A typical campsite’s power pedestal will have three types of plug-in receptacles: 15 amp, 30 amp and 50 amp. The 15A
receptacle is typically the same as you would find in your home. The 30A and 50A receptacles are specific to the RV industry.
Other receptacles look similar but may not be wired the same. If in doubt, check with campground personnel.
The pedestal will also typically have individual breakers for the 15A, 30A, and 50A services. Many campgrounds turn off
unused breakers so check that the breaker for the plug you will be using is turned on.
Your Roadtrek is equipped with a 30 Amp cord. Most power pedestals have a 30 amp receptacle.

HOWTO: Shore Power 99
© 2016 by Erwin Hymer Group North America, Inc.
15A to 30A adapter 50A to 30A adapter
It is possible that a campground (or perhaps a friend's driveway) will not have a 30A receptable available for your use. You
can purchase a 15A to 30A adapter and connect to an ordinary 15A household outlet.
Be aware that in those situations, you will have limited power compared to a 30A circuit. You will be able to run a single large
appliance at a time; you may need to turn off your air conditioner if you want to use the microwave, for example.
If you exceed the current capacity of the receptacle you may pop the breakers in the pedestal. If this happens, turn off some
appliances and reset the breaker.
It is also possible that you will find a 50A receptacle. Again, you can purchase a 50A to 30A adapter. In this case your power
should not be limited as you will have the full 30 amps available. Although you are connected to a 50A service, you can only
draw 30A; there is no advantage to connecting to a 50A service if a 30A service is available.

HOWTO: Potable Water Use 100
© 2016 by Erwin Hymer Group North America, Inc.
HOWTO: Potable Water Use
Your Roadtrek can operate in either fully self-contained mode, or can be connected to a water supply such as a campsite's
faucet.
The city water connection is in the driver's side rearmost compartment. Unscrew the white plastic protective cap and connect
your clean hose to the water faucet and this connection point. Turn the faucet on and check for leaks, tightening the
connections as necessary.
Campgrounds and municipalities vary greatly in supplied water pressure. Before connecting to external water
supplies, purchase and install a pressure regulator inline with the water connection.
In a typical campground you may see the faucet with a backflow preventer attached. These look similar to a pressure
regulator but do not affect the pressure. The backflow preventor is there to protect the campground. You need the pressure
regulator to protect yourself from excess pressure.
Backflow preventer Typical water pressure regulator)
You can fill your tanks using the gravity fills.

HOWTO: Potable Water Use 101
© 2016 by Erwin Hymer Group North America, Inc.
You can connect to a city water connection when your Roadtrek is configured in the summer operation mode. The city water
inlet connection is located in the small compartment just in front of the driver's side rear tire.
Roadtrek recommends that you use a potable-water hose. These are usually white in color.
City water fill location City water valve in closed (handle
vertical) position
Attaching pressure regulator to city
water fill location
To connect the Roadtrek's water system to an outside source:
•• Turn the water pump off.
•• Close the city tank fill valve by turning the handle to the vertical position.
•• Close all interior faucets.
•• Flush old water and any contaminants out of the water supply faucet.
•• Connect your fresh water hose to the faucet.
•• Attach your pressure regulator to the Roadtrek's city water connection.
•• Attach a fresh water hose to the the pressure regulator.
•• Slowly open the faucet of the city water source.
•• The city water connection by-passes the water pump and fresh water tank. Therefore, the use of these items is not
necessary when connected directly to an external water source.

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Relieving water pressure by opening outside shower
faucet
To disconnect the city water connection:
•• Turn off the external water source.
•• Open a faucet to relieve the pressure in the system. Failure to
do so will not damage your vehicle, but may result in an
unexpected shower when you disconnect the hose. The
outside shower faucet next to the city water connection is a
convenient place to do this.
•• Make sure the the city tank fill valve is closed (handle
vertical).
•• Remove the hose from the city water connection, and replace
the cap on the fill connection.
•• Disconnect the hose from the supply faucet and stow it in your
storage compartment. Connecting the ends is a handy way to
prevent dirt or other contaminants from entering the hose
while stored.
If you hear your pump running and water pressure is
low inside the vehicle after disconnecting from an external
water source, it is because you have not properly positioned
the city water valve. Make sure the black plastic handle is
vertical, and perpendicular to the water line when your water system is in self-contained mode.

HOWTO: Potable Water Use 103
© 2016 by Erwin Hymer Group North America, Inc.
Two-Tank System in Self-Contained Mode
There are two fresh water tanks in your Roadtrek, the internal tank under the passenger side bench, and the external tank
under the driver's seat. Each has its own gravity fill on the rear door passenger side door frame and driver's door frame,
respectively.
Front (exterior) tank gravity fill Rear (internal) tank gravity fill
There is a manual valve to select which tank your water pump draws water from. There is also a water line connecting the
two tanks with a manual valve on it, so when this line is open water drains from the higher internal tank to the lower external
tank. In non-freezing weather, the easiest way to use the system is to leave the valve on the line connecting the tanks open,
and set the tank selector valve to draw water from the lower external tank. As you use water from this tank, water from the
internal tank replenishes it by gravity, so you can use all of the water from both tanks hold simply by filling them up and
turning on the water pump.
To access the tank selector valve and the tank isolator valve, look inside the water heater enclosure, on the floor just to the
left of the refrigerator. The tank selector valve has a long plastic covered handle, usually either yellow or red. When this
handle is pointed toward the front of the Roadtrek, the tank selector valve is drawing water from the internal tank. You want
it to be pointing toward the driver's side of the vehicle - that's the position where it's drawing water from the external tank.

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Tank selector valve in exterior tank
position
Tank isolator valve in open position
The tank isolator valve is just a couple of inches to the rear of the vehicle from the tank selector valve (to your left as you
look into this cabinet) at the base of the large black speaker, and is a smaller black plastic handle on a white water line. You
want this handle to be horizontal and pointed along the water line (open), not vertical and across it (closed). Set the tank
selector and isolator valves in these positions for warm weather operation, and simply fill up your tanks when they run out.
You don't have to change a thing until you need to operate in winter mode, or winterize the system. To see how to do that,
check out the HOWTO: Summer and Winter Mode and the HOWTO: Water System Winterizing - Standard Edition sections.
If you are driving for extended distances and don't want to carry extra water you don't need (33 gallons of water weighs 275
pounds, and it takes fuel to lug that much weight cross country), just put water in the front (exterior) tank at the driver's door
gravity fill, and leave the back (interior) tank empty. You will still have 17 gallons or so of water for use, and will travel lighter
with a better weight distribution since your rear axle will be about 85 pounds lighter. Every little bit helps. Of course, once
you get to the area where you're going to camp, fill up both tanks before you head out boondocking so you can stay out for a
longer time without running out of water.