1986 Escaper Manual I

The 1986 Escaper Manual I provides comprehensive documentation for the 1986 Escaper recreational vehicle, covering operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. This manual includes detailed information on vehicle systems, safety procedures, technical specifications, and routine maintenance schedules to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your Escaper RV.

1. Vehicle Overview 2. Safety Information 3. Operating Instructions 4. Technical Specifications 5. Control Systems 6. Electrical Systems 7. Plumbing Systems 8. Maintenance Schedule 9. Storage & Winterization 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting Guide

Vehicle Overview

Key components: Chassis, engine, living quarters, control panel, electrical systems, plumbing systems, and safety features.

ComponentDescription
ChassisHeavy-duty truck chassis with reinforced frame
EngineGasoline V8 engine with automatic transmission
Living AreaSleeps 4-6 people with kitchen and bathroom facilities
Control PanelCentralized monitoring for all RV systems
Electrical System12V DC and 120V AC power with converter
Plumbing SystemFresh water, gray water, and black water tanks
Safety FeaturesSmoke detector, LP gas detector, fire extinguisher
HVAC SystemForced air heating and roof air conditioning
Exterior FeaturesAwnings, storage compartments, ladder
Interior FeaturesConvertible dinette, overhead cabinets, refrigerator

Safety Information

Essential safety procedures for operating and maintaining your Escaper RV.

  1. LP Gas Safety: Always turn off LP gas when refueling or when not in use.
  2. Electrical Safety: Disconnect shore power before performing electrical work.
  3. Fire Safety: Keep fire extinguisher accessible and know how to use it.
  4. Carbon Monoxide: Never operate generator or engine in enclosed spaces.
  5. Towing Safety: Check weight limits and ensure proper hitch installation.

WARNING! LP gas is highly flammable. Always check for leaks using soapy water solution. Never smoke near LP gas equipment.

Operating Instructions

Basic operation procedures for your Escaper RV systems.

  1. Starting Engine: Ensure parking brake is set, turn key to start position.
  2. Leveling: Use leveling jacks on stable ground before extending slides.
  3. Slide-Out Operation: Clear area around slide-outs before extending.
  4. Generator Operation: Start generator with main breaker off, then turn on circuits.
  5. Water System: Fill fresh water tank, turn on water pump for pressure.

CAUTION! Always chock wheels and set parking brake before leveling or extending slide-outs.

Technical Specifications

Control Systems

Main control panel located near entrance door monitors all RV systems.

Panel Functions: Battery level indicator, water tank levels, LP gas level, interior temperature, system status lights.

Electrical: Main breaker, circuit breakers for individual systems, converter status. Plumbing: Water pump switch, water heater controls, tank monitoring. Climate: Thermostat for furnace and air conditioning, fan speed control. Safety: Smoke detector test, LP gas detector status, carbon monoxide monitor.

Electrical Systems

Dual electrical systems: 12V DC for RV systems and 120V AC for shore power.

  1. Shore Power: Connect to campground power with proper adapter.
  2. Generator: Provides 120V AC when shore power unavailable.
  3. Battery: Maintains 12V DC systems when disconnected from power.
  4. Converter: Charges battery and converts 120V AC to 12V DC.
  5. Inverter: Optional equipment for running AC appliances from battery.

Tip: Always turn off main breaker before connecting or disconnecting shore power.

Plumbing Systems

Complete water system with pressurized fresh water and waste water management.

  1. Fresh Water System: Fill tank, turn on pump for pressurized water.
  2. Water Heater: Electric and LP gas operation with temperature control.
  3. Toilet System: Uses water from fresh tank, waste goes to black tank.
  4. Shower and Sinks: Drain to gray water tank.
  5. Tank Draining: Connect sewer hose, open black valve first, then gray.
  6. Winterization: Use RV antifreeze in all water lines for cold weather.

WARNING! Never leave black tank valve open during camping. Always use plenty of water when flushing toilet.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures reliable operation and prevents costly repairs.

Storage & Winterization

Proper storage procedures to protect your RV during off-season.

Winterization Steps: Drain all water tanks and lines, add RV antifreeze to plumbing system, remove batteries for storage, cover tires, clean interior thoroughly.

CAUTION! Failure to properly winterize can cause thousands of dollars in damage from frozen and burst pipes.

Warranty Information

1986 Escaper comes with 1-year comprehensive warranty on all systems. Structural warranty covers 3 years. Warranty registration must be completed within 30 days of purchase. For warranty claims, contact authorized Escaper dealers with proof of purchase and maintenance records.

Troubleshooting Guide

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No electrical powerDead battery/main breakerCheck battery connections; reset main breaker; check shore power connection.
Water pump not workingEmpty tank/fuseFill fresh water tank; check fuse in electrical panel; listen for pump operation.
Refrigerator not coolingLP gas/levelingEnsure LP gas valve open; check that RV is level; allow 24 hours for cooling.
Furnace not ignitingLP gas/batteryCheck LP gas supply; ensure battery has charge; listen for blower motor.
Toilet not flushingWater supply/valveCheck fresh water level; ensure foot pedal moves freely; check for obstructions.

Emergency: For roadside assistance, call 1-800-ESCAPER

Service: Contact authorized Escaper dealership for all repairs and maintenance.

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