1988 Southwind Motorhome Manual

The 1988 Southwind Motorhome is a Class A recreational vehicle featuring a Ford chassis with 460 cubic inch V8 engine, automatic transmission, power steering and brakes, dual rear wheels, 35-gallon fuel capacity, 65-gallon fresh water tank, 40-gallon gray water tank, 40-gallon black water tank, 6.5kW generator, roof air conditioning, furnace, refrigerator, microwave, stove, oven, and sleeping capacity for 6-8 people. Below are key sections for operation, maintenance, specifications, systems, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Pre-Departure Checklist 3. Driving Operation 4. Specifications 5. Systems Operation 6. Living Area Features 7. Maintenance Schedule 9. Winterization 10. Storage Guidelines 11. Safety Information 12. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Ford 460 V8 engine, automatic transmission, dual rear wheels, generator, full kitchen, bathroom with shower, sleeping areas, water systems, electrical systems.

Feature	Description
Engine	Ford 460 cubic inch V8 gasoline engine
Transmission	3-speed automatic with overdrive
Fuel Capacity	35 gallons
Generator	6.5kW Onan gasoline generator
Fresh Water	65-gallon capacity
Gray Water	40-gallon holding tank
Black Water	40-gallon holding tank
Refrigerator	6 cubic foot absorption refrigerator
Air Conditioning	Roof-mounted 13,500 BTU unit
Furnace	30,000 BTU forced air furnace

Pre-Departure Checklist

Complete inspection before each trip for safety and reliability.

Engine compartment: Check oil, coolant, transmission fluid, belts, hoses.
Tires: Check pressure (80 PSI front, 65 PSI rear), tread wear, lug nuts.
Electrical: Test battery, generator, interior/exterior lights.
Water systems: Fill fresh water tank, check for leaks.
LP gas: Check tank level, test detector, check for leaks.

WARNING! Never operate generator while refueling. Check all systems before departure.

Driving Operation

Operating procedures for safe motorhome handling.

Starting: Allow engine to warm up 2-3 minutes before driving.
Shifting: Use overdrive for highway driving; disable for mountain terrain.
Braking: Allow extra stopping distance; use engine braking on downgrades.
Maneuvering: Be aware of wide turns and height clearance (11'6").
Parking: Level vehicle before operating living systems.

CAUTION! Height clearance is critical - always check overhead obstacles.

Specifications

Length: 29 feet
Width: 8 feet
Height: 11 feet 6 inches
Wheelbase: 178 inches
GVWR: 14,050 lbs
Engine: Ford 460 V8, 245 HP
Transmission: C6 3-speed automatic
Fuel: Gasoline, 35-gallon capacity
Electrical: 12V DC and 120V AC systems
LP Gas: 20-pound capacity

Systems Operation

Operation of motorhome systems and controls.

Electrical: Main breaker panel, converter/charger, generator start/stop, battery disconnect.

Water: Water pump switch, water heater (electric/LP), faucets, toilet operation.

LP Gas: Main shutoff valve, appliance valves, leak detector operation.

Climate: Furnace thermostat, air conditioning controls, roof vent operation.

Living Area Features

Cockpit: Driver and passenger seats, dash controls, instrumentation.

Kitchen: 3-burner stove, oven, microwave, double sink, refrigerator.
Bathroom: Toilet, sink, shower, medicine cabinet, ventilation.
Sleeping: Overcab bunk, dinette conversion, rear queen bed.
Storage: Overhead cabinets, under-seat storage, exterior compartments.

Tip: Secure all items before driving to prevent movement.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures longevity and reliability.

Engine oil: Change every 3,000 miles or 3 months
Transmission fluid: Change every 15,000 miles
Coolant: Flush every 24 months
Generator: Change oil every 100 hours of operation
Brakes: Inspect every 6,000 miles
Tires: Rotate every 8,000 miles
Water system: Sanitize every 6 months
LP system: Inspect annually

WARNING! Follow maintenance schedule precisely for safe operation.

Winterization

Protect systems from freezing temperatures.

Storage Guidelines

Proper storage procedures for extended periods.

CAUTION! Disconnect battery and empty all water tanks before storage.

Safety Information

Important safety guidelines for motorhome operation.

Carbon monoxide: Never operate generator with windows closed. Fire safety: Keep fire extinguisher accessible. Driving safety: Always wear seatbelts while vehicle is moving. LP gas safety: Test detector monthly.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Battery, fuel, ignition	Check battery connections, fuel level, spark plugs.
No power to appliances	Breakers, converter	Check main breaker, reset converter, test generator.
Water pump not working	Power, pressure	Check fuse, reset pressure switch, inspect for leaks.
Refrigerator not cooling	LP gas, leveling	Ensure LP gas valve open, check if vehicle is level.
Generator won't start	Fuel, oil, spark	Check fuel supply, oil level, spark plug.

Emergency: Roadside assistance 1-800-555-HELP

Service: Authorized Southwind service centers only