Parking/Setup Sequence

[u649024]

When do you dump your air? We recently purchased a 2003 Monaco Diplomat 40 PBDD and I've searched, to no avail, the Owners Manual trying to determine the correct sequence for parking and setup. I've been told by others that I should:
1. Place Transmission in Neutral
2. Set parking brake
3. Turn engine off
4. Dump air
5. Extend Slides
6. Level (Front single first then back two)
7. Hook up utilities

Comments/suggestions greatly appreciated

[JimM68]

The procedure you have is correct from the book for my 08 knight.

That said, I generally level first and then extend the slides last, I've encountered no problems from this, no funny noises, no banging and popping, no giant windshield exploding out of the bus.

[Davdeb1]

Originally Posted by u649024

When do you dump your air? We recently purchased a 2003 Monaco Diplomat 40 PBDD and I've searched, to no avail, the Owners Manual trying to determine the correct sequence for parking and setup. I've been told by others that I should:
1. Place Transmission in Neutral
2. Set parking brake
3. Turn engine off
4. Dump air
5. Extend Slides
6. Level (Front single first then back two)
7. Hook up utilities

Comments/suggestions greatly appreciated

Well, I agree with 1,2,3,&4. Switch the position of 5 and 6 and everything else looks good. This is what I have learned on this site.

[Pairajays]

My 2 cents. A MH is designed to be square when at ride height. It is also structurally sound, therefor, that is when the slides should be deployed since there would be no binding. This applies with a hydraulic jack leveling systems. With air spring leveling it doesn't matter since the air springs are attached between the MH frame and chassis and it doesn't matter whether the MH is level or not. Also, you can't lift one corner with air springs, you must lift the back, front or one of the sides.

Jim E

[ahicks]

I use blocks under my jacks and keep them on the driver's side - in a compartment that's covered when the slide is out. Much easier to access the compartment with slide still in. After spotting the blocks I generally go ahead and hook up the utilities while I'm out there.

So 1, 2, 3, and 4 look good to me as well, but I hook up the utilities prior to leveling and extending the slide. Seems to minimize steps/work out best for me.

[deSanford]

There has been several "blogs" on this. deSanford

[sdennislee]

I have an 09 Safari Cheetah, according to my owners manual your sequence is correct. It clearly states slides out then level, when breaking camp it's jacks up then slides in.

The procedure varies by manufacturer. Call Monaco and ask if you can't find it in your manual.

It seems more MH are levelers down then slides out, but Safari eventually Monaco is opposite. I spent the first year going with levelers down then slides out. Slides began to drag and needed work. Monaco explained that I should never move the slides while jacks are down. No problems since I changed my sequence to match yours.

[rpasetto]

For some years now the Monaco procedure will specify that one move slides in/out only when at full ride height. That means put slides out, then level (dumping bags may be done before that or automatic on some coaches when the auto-level button is pressed.) Reversing the procedure... bring air up to full ride height then move slides in. Double check your Monaco manual or call Monaco Tech Support (877-466-6226); it could be different for your model.

[Davdeb1]

Will your motorhome start with slides out? I thought it would not because of safety, similar to the TV not operating.

[JimM68]

My 2008 Monaco DP will start with the slides out. It will even move, i do it all the time in my driveway, or to make a minor adjustment in a campsite.

The slides will not however move with the enigine running.

Several have moved the wire for that interlock to the ebrake sensor, and that's on my list as well. Pain to shut down the engine if u forget to put a slide in!

The powergear hydraulic jacks, again on my 2008 monaco, require the key to be on, engine not running, and ebrake on.

The behavior of my Monaco is different than, say, a fleetwood i used to have, i guess that's why this site has manufacturer specific areas.

[sdennislee]

Originally Posted by JimM68

My 2008 Monaco DP will start with the slides out. It will even move, i do it all the time in my driveway, or to make a minor adjustment in a campsite.

The slides will not however move with the enigine running.

Several have moved the wire for that interlock to the ebrake sensor, and that's on my list as well. Pain to shut down the engine if u forget to put a slide in!

The powergear hydraulic jacks, again on my 2008 monaco, require the key to be on, engine not running, and ebrake on.

The behavior of my Monaco is different than, say, a fleetwood i used to have, i guess that's why this site has manufacturer specific areas.

My Safari is identical. Sides will not move with engine running, levelers require key on but engine does not need to be running.

[walt2137]

Originally Posted by rpasetto

For some years now the Monaco procedure will specify that one move slides in/out only when at full ride height. That means put slides out, then level (dumping bags may be done before that or automatic on some coaches when the auto-level button is pressed.) Reversing the procedure... bring air up to full ride height then move slides in. Double check your Monaco manual or call Monaco Tech Support (877-466-6226); it could be different for your model.

Rick is 100% right Monaco came out in the early 2000 with that procedure after a bunch of us had cracked the windshield or poped them out, since I poped my windshield out yrs ago I have used the above procedure with no problem.

[deSanford]

As long as my E-Brake is on I can move slides with engine running. deSanford

[Davdeb1]

Are we talking about a Monaco with the RR suspension? I have a HR with Freightliner, I think I have to put the levelers down first before moving slides.