1986 Fleetwood Southwind Owners Manual

The 1986 Fleetwood Southwind is a Class A motorhome featuring a durable fiberglass body, spacious interior living quarters, full kitchen with appliances, bathroom facilities, sleeping accommodations, and various onboard systems for comfortable recreational travel. Below are key sections for operation, maintenance, systems, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Vehicle Specifications 3. Driving and Operation 4. Living Systems 5. Kitchen and Appliances 6. Electrical Systems 7. Plumbing and Water Systems 8. Heating and Cooling 9. Maintenance Schedule 10. Storage and Winterization 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Fiberglass exterior body, Ford chassis with V8 engine, full living quarters, kitchen with refrigerator and stove, bathroom with toilet and shower, sleeping areas, electrical and plumbing systems.

FeatureDescription
Exterior Length29 feet overall length
EngineFord 460 cubic inch V8 gasoline engine
Fuel Capacity55 gallons
Fresh Water Capacity40 gallons
Gray Water Capacity30 gallons
Black Water Capacity25 gallons
LP Gas Capacity20 gallons
Electrical System12V DC and 120V AC systems
Refrigerator6 cubic foot LP gas/electric absorption refrigerator
Heating SystemForced air furnace with thermostat

Vehicle Specifications

Driving and Operation

Pre-trip inspection and driving procedures for safe operation.

  1. Pre-trip inspection: Check tire pressure, fluid levels, lights, and brakes.
  2. Starting procedure: Ensure parking brake set, transmission in Park, start engine.
  3. Driving tips: Allow extra stopping distance, be aware of height clearance.
  4. Parking: Level vehicle when parking for extended periods.
  5. Shutdown: Turn off all appliances, set parking brake.

WARNING! This vehicle is large and heavy; allow extra stopping distance and turning radius. Always check height clearance before proceeding.

Living Systems

Operation of interior living features and controls.

  1. Entry door: Key lock with deadbolt for security.
  2. Windows: Crank-operated with screens and privacy curtains.
  3. Ventilation: Roof vents with manual crank operation.
  4. Furniture: Convertible dinette and sofa beds.
  5. Storage: Overhead cabinets and under-seat compartments.

CAUTION! Secure all items while driving to prevent movement and damage.

Kitchen and Appliances

Operation of kitchen facilities and appliances.

ApplianceOperationNotes
RefrigeratorSet to LP gas or electric modeAllow 4-6 hours to cool initially
Stove/OvenTurn LP gas valve, ignite with match or lighterEnsure ventilation when operating
SinkTurn water pump on, use hot/cold faucetsUse biodegradable soap only
MicrowaveRequires shore power or generator120V AC operation only

Electrical Systems

12V DC and 120V AC electrical systems operation.

  1. House Battery: 12V deep cycle battery for interior lights and water pump.
  2. Converter/Charger: Converts 120V AC to 12V DC, charges house battery.
  3. Shore Power: Connect to campground 120V AC power.
  4. Generator: Optional onboard generator for AC power.
  5. Fuses: Main fuse panel located near entry door.

WARNING! Turn off main power before servicing electrical systems. Use proper shore power cords.

Plumbing and Water Systems

Fresh water, gray water, and black water systems.

  1. Fresh Water Fill: Connect hose to city water inlet or fill tank through gravity fill.
  2. Water Pump: Turn on switch for water pressure when not connected to city water.
  3. Water Heater: 6-gallon LP gas water heater with electric ignition.
  4. Toilet: Hand-operated flush with water saving feature.
  5. Tank Draining: Connect sewer hose, open gray and black water valves separately.

CAUTION! Always use drinking water safe hoses. Winterize system when temperatures drop below freezing.

Heating and Cooling

Climate control systems for comfortable living.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance tasks for reliable operation.

IntervalEngine/ChassisHouse Systems
MonthlyCheck fluid levels, tire pressureTest smoke and LP gas detectors
3,000 milesOil and filter changeInspect plumbing for leaks
6,000 milesLube chassis, check brakesClean refrigerator burner
AnnuallyFull mechanical inspectionWinterize/de-winterize systems

Storage and Winterization

Proper procedures for storing your motorhome.

  1. Cleaning: Thoroughly clean interior and exterior.
  2. Winterization: Drain all water systems, add antifreeze to plumbing traps.
  3. Battery: Disconnect and charge periodically or use maintainer.
  4. Tires: Inflate to proper pressure, consider using jack stands.
  5. Cover: Use breathable cover to protect exterior.

WARNING! Failure to properly winterize can cause extensive water system damage from freezing.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startDead battery, fuel issueCheck battery connections, fuel level, LP gas valve
No 12V powerHouse battery dead, fuse blownCheck battery charge, replace blown fuses
Water pump not workingEmpty tank, air lock, fuseFill fresh water tank, purge air, check fuse
Refrigerator not coolingLP gas off, leveling issueEnsure LP gas valve open, level vehicle
Furnace not ignitingLP gas empty, thermostat settingCheck LP gas supply, verify thermostat setting

Emergency Contacts: Fleetwood Customer Service: 1-800-444-4905

Roadside Assistance: Contact your insurance provider or AAA

1986 Fleetwood Southwind Owners Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025