Erwin Hymer Group North America, Inc.

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2 Contents Introduction to Your Aktiv... 6 Disclaimer... 6 Copyright... 6 References... 7 Do s and Don ts... 7 Symbol Legend... 7 Regulatory Warnings... 7 Information, Cautions and Warnings... 8 Before You Head Out Coming Home Interior Living Space Cabinets and Drawers Lights Table Front Captain s Seats Second Row Seating Ventilation Window Treatments Optional Folding Mattress for Front Bed Bathroom Facilities Enclosed Bath Door Toilet Shower

3 3 Appliances TV and DVD Player Refrigerator Microwave Stove Outside Your Aktiv Awning Exterior Connections: Driver s Side Doors Side Sliding Door Screen Utilities Fresh Water City Water Water Pump Waste Water: Gray Tank Toilet Cassette Indicators Propane System Heating and Cooling Thermostat Electrical System Coach Batteries Battery Disconnect Switch Charging Your Batteries:... 38

4 4 Inverter Charger Underhood Generator Underhood Generator Watt Inverter Shore Power Outlets Monitor Panel Power Sources Volt DC Power Inverter Other Switches: Patio Light Water Heater Switch Tank Charge Indicators Distribution Panel AC Breaker Panel Volt Fuse Panel Alarms and Warnings Propane and CO Alarm Maintenance Tires Cargo Carrying Capacity Owner Maintenance Checks When You Stop for Fuel or Weekly Every Other Week... 49

5 5 At Least Monthly At Least Every Three Months At Least Twice a Year At Least Once a Year Other Maintenance Checks Spare Tire Storage Rear Door Spare Tire Specifications Hymer Limited Warranty Roadside Assistance Plan Registration Regulatory Notices HOWTOs Disclaimer... 61

6 6 Introduction to Your Aktiv Congratulations on the purchase of your Aktiv and welcome to the Erwin Hymer Group North America family. The information included in this manual is meant to help and guide you using of your vehicle so that you know how to properly use the many functions your Aktiv has to offer. Please keep this manual in your RV as a reference for when you are travelling. If you have any questions or comments on information found in this document, please contact us at manuals@erwinhymergroupna.com. Disclaimer This owner s manual was created to help owners with general use, maintenance and care of their RV. Erwin Hymer Group NA conducts ongoing product development and uses photos from multiple brands and vehicles to create these instructions. The included images may not reflect exact makes and/or models however, the information remains relevant and useful. These instructions are provided as general guidelines only, as certain add-ons or customization to an RV may change the manner these operations are performed. Copyright Erwin Hymer Group North America, Inc. (hereby known as Erwin Hymer Group NA) reserves the right to make changes at any time, without notice in colors, materials, equipment, specifications and models. The information contained in this manual is intended as a guide only, as continuous improvements are ongoing. Please visit the most up to date manuals available. Some motorhomes may be shown with equipment that is optional. Accessories shown in any photographs may not be included. This manual is released under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 International License [1]. In summary, you may: Copy any portion of this manual in any form for personal use; Distribute this manual complete with all of its original unmodified content; Modify this manual for your own personal, non-commercial use. You may not: Use this manual for any commercial use whatsoever; Modify this manual except as provided for in the full license and then distribute the resulting work; Charge for this manual other than reasonable media and shipping costs.

7 7 All images used in this manual remain the property of Erwin Hymer Group NA. They are for illustrative purposes only and may or may not be representative of the upfits in your Hymer. Contact Erwin Hymer Group NA for alternate licensing arrangements if you want to use or distribute this manual commercially. References [1] Do s and Don ts Symbol Legend Information: Useful information and knowledge. Warning: Not following this instruction may lead to negative results. Caution: You should follow this instruction. Danger: Do NOT perform this action. Doing so may result in injury, severe damage, or death. Regulatory Warnings LEVEL ITEM INSTRUCTION Danger Do not place propane cylinders inside the vehicle. Propane cylinders are equipped with safety devices that relieve excessive pressure by discharging propane to the atmosphere. Propane gas is highly flammable. This action can lead to fire or explosion and result in death or serious injury. Warning Warning Do not use gas cooking appliances for comfort heating. Can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which can lead to death or serious injury. Gas cooking appliances need fresh air for safe operation. Open vents or windows slightly or turn on exhaust fan prior to using cooking appliance. Gas flames consume oxygen, which should be replaced to ensure proper operation. Improper use can result in death or serious injury.

8 8 Warning Danger Danger Do not fill propane containers to more than 80% of their capacity. A properly filled container contains approximately 80 percent of its volume as liquid propane. Overfilling propane container(s) can result in uncontrolled propane flow, which could lead to a fire or explosion and result in death or serious injury. If you smell propane: 1. Extinguish any open flames and all smoking materials. 2. Shut off propane supply at the container valve(s) or propane supply connection. 3. Do not touch electrical switches. 4. Open doors and other ventilating openings. 5. Leave the area until the odor clears. 6. Have the propane system checked and leakage source corrected before using again. 7. Ignition of flammable vapors could lead to a fire or explosion and result in death or serious injury. Vehicles and equipment powered by internal combustion engines and placed in recreational vehicles can cause carbon monoxide poisoning or asphyxiation, which could result in death or serious injury. Do not store, transport, or dispense fuel inside this vehicle. Information, Cautions and Warnings LEVEL ITEM COMMENT Seat Belts Use only forward facing seats equipped with factory installed seat belts while the vehicle is in motion. All passengers must be seated in these seats only, with the seat belts fastened while the vehicle is in motion. TV Turn the TV off and stow it while the vehicle is in motion. TV TV Propane Propane The flat screen TV should not be stored inside the Aktiv in cold temperatures. Remove it to reduce the chance of damage from the cold. Check the Owner's Manual for the TV for storage and operating temperatures. To remove the TV, release the bracket on the back of the TV mounting bracket and remove the RCA cables, power supply cable and antenna cable. Do not store propane tanks inside your vehicle. Propane tanks are equipped with safety devices which relieve excessive pressure by discharging gas to the atmosphere. Do not refuel the propane tank to more than 80% of its capacity. Propane The propane tank valve must be closed and all pilot lights, appliances and their igniters must be turned off during refueling of the motor fuel tank and/or the propane fuel tank. Only qualified personnel should refuel your propane tank.

9 9 Propane Propane Propane Leak Detector Propane Leak Detector Flammable Liquids and Gasses Heating Heating Heating Carbon Monoxide Leak Detector Carbon Monoxide Leak Detector 110 V Electrical Servicing Exterior Access Doors Awning Dining Table Extra Counter Space Purchase propane from a reputable propane facility. Contaminated propane is a common cause of system failure and is not covered under any warranty. The BBQ quick disconnect is regulated to 10 P.S.I. Please ensure that all devices connected to this are either rated for high "pressure" or have their own regulator. Many grills sold in the United States are "low pressure" (1/2 P.S.I.) and will require an additional regulator to step the pressure down to a useable level. If hooked directly to the BBQ quick disconnect they will be a severe fire hazard. Do not block the air circulation in the area where the Propane Leak Detector is located. Battery disconnect switch must be in the "ON" position for the propane detector to function. Do not store gasoline or other flammable liquids inside your vehicle. Never use cooking appliances or unvented propane heaters for space heating purposes. They need fresh air for safe operation. The heating furnace provides its own outside combustion air and exhausts to the outside. Portable fuel burning equipment, including wood, charcoal, and liquid fuel grills and stoves, should not be used inside your vehicle. Use of this type of equipment inside your vehicle may cause a fire or asphyxiation. Do not block the air circulation in the area where the Carbon Monoxide Leak Detector is located. Battery disconnect switch must be in the "ON" position for the Carbon Monoxide Leak Detector to function. Prior to servicing any 110 V, unplug the output lead from the power inverter. Ensure the shore power cord and city water supply lines are disconnected and in their stored positions before the vehicle is put in motion. Close the sliding side door prior to opening or closing the awning. When storing the dining table, secure in place using the snap-on strap. Make sure the stove is off and has cooled prior to lowering the stove cover.

10 10 Battery Battery Generator Waste Water Storage and Dumping System Freezing Electrical Servicing Battery acid can burn your skin and damage clothing. Protective eye wear and gloves should be worn while handling batteries. Effective June 2010 all Erwin Hymer Group NA installed batteries are sealed AGM batteries that do not require the addition of water. Disconnect the inverter/charger prior to disconnecting the auxiliary battery. The Aktiv is supplied with an AC generator located underneath the engine. Never submerge the generator. Use a spotter when launching a boat or crossing streams. Close the gray water gate valve before using the waste water system. Under moderate subfreezing conditions, antifreeze is required in the exterior fresh water tank, toilet cassette and gray waste water tank. Use RV antifreeze in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. This unit has a 12VDC, 110VAC and potentially 36 volt solar system. These systems need to be disconnected before working on them. Before You Head Out Your new Aktiv is ready to go with just a little bit of preparation. To prepare for your first trip, you should: Read this manual. Contact your dealer with any questions. Plan your trip. Then use this quick checklist: The day before your trip: o Charge your batteries by plugging in overnight. o Cool your refrigerator by turning it on. o Chill any beverages in your home refrigerator. o Fill your fresh water tank with clean tap water. The day of the trip: o Load the refrigerator with cold food (from your home refrigerator).

11 11 Coming Home When you come home, there are a few maintenance tasks you should do to get your Aktiv ready to go for next time. Refer to other sections in this manual for the procedures listed here. On your way home, dump the gray tank and toilet cassette at a convenient facility. See the HOWTO: Waste Water Dumping on the consumer website for a concise description of the procedure to do this. Some RV parks and gas stations will let you dump for a fee, some city wastewater plants will let you dump for free but there is no real pattern, so local knowledge is vital in locating dump stations. The website is a good resource. The maps for each state and province are Especially helpful: At home, flush the water tank and fill it with fresh chlorinated water if you will be using it in the next few days. Otherwise, drain the tank. Don't let water you are planning to use sit in your tank for more than a week or so, and don't let any water sit in your tank for more than two weeks, whether you plan on using it or not. Over time, the chlorine goes away and the microbes come out to play. To flush the tank, fill it using the fill port in the driver's side rear panel and open the fresh water tank drain under the tank at the rear of the Aktiv. Plug in overnight to fully charge batteries. Turn off and clean out the refrigerator and prop the door open to let it air out. Turn off two important switches on your monitor panel to keep from draining your batteries: o The battery disconnect switch. o The inverter switch. If you turn everything off and you have solar panels, the panels will keep your coach AGM batteries topped up while your Aktiv is parked. If you have the optional Lithium EcoTrek battery system, they will need to be left on to receive a charge from the solar panels. If you don't have solar panels, it would be prudent to check your coach battery state of charge every month or so and charge them if necessary. If you don't turn everything off, even with solar panels, you will probably come back to dead batteries.

12 12 Interior Living Space Cabinets and Drawers The cabinet latches in your Aktiv are different from the ones in your home and more like those on boats as they must stay closed when the vehicle is in motion. The cabinet doors have buttons to unlock and open them and then lock them once closed. Press the button in and it will pop out further to unlock, then open and close the cabinet and press the button back in to lock. The buttons on the drawers work the same way to lock and unlock. Simply slide open when unlocked and slide inwards to close. Picture 12.1 Immediately beneath the galley countertop there is a drawer to hold silverware and small cooking utensils. (Picture 12.1) The right panel directly next to it and above refrigerator is not a drawer and is for maintenance access only. The two drawers below the silverware drawer provide storage space for food and larger cooking utensils. There are movable dividers to optimize the organization or the compartments. There are additional cabinets above the galley for food and other storage. It is not recommended to keep large, round, and/or heavy objects in a cabinet unsecured as they may roll around and apply excessive pressure to the inside of the cabinet doors as you drive. The objects may shift position with vehicle motion and cause injury when the cabinets are opened. For this reason, Ewin Hymer Group NA recommends that you are aware of the objects that you store in overhead cabinets. Picture 12.2 Directly across from the galley (behind) there is a shelf with a slide up door. This is a great place to store spices and other food items. (Picture 12.2)

13 13 Lights All cabin lights use 12VDC and are powered by the coach batteries, so the battery disconnect switch must be on for any of these lights to work. Ceiling lights in main cabin area. Podium floor lights. Ceiling lights in rear of cabin. Picture 13.1 Bathroom lights. The main cabin lights turn on and off with their switches at one end of the galley, accessible right by the passenger sliding door. This includes the light for the bathroom. From the left, the first switch controls the two ceiling lights. The second switch controls the ceiling lights in the rear. There is an outlet plug then two more light switches. The first switch (on the second set, the right of the plug and first set) controls the podium floor lights close to the floor at the front of the coach, just inside the sliding door. The final switch controls the light to the bathroom. (Picture 13.1) There are additional lights in the cabin controlled by their own individual switches (there is a switch on each side of the light). These lights are located directly over the galley, one over the back-passenger seats by the window and finally one over each window (two total) over the bed in the rear of the cabin. (Pictures 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4)

14 14 Lights (Continued) Picture 14.1 Picture 14.2 Picture 14.3 Kitchen Galley Lighting Aisle and Rear Coach Lighting Dining and Second Row Step Up Lighting. Picture 14.4

15 15 Table The rear tabletop is stored in front of the back-passenger seating. It is folded in position behind the driver s captain seat and should remain secured while the vehicle is in motion, using the snap-on strap which is attached to the table. (Picture 15.1, 15.2) Before using the table and putting into place, be sure the front captain driver s seat is pushed forward or the table cannot fold out and be fully extended or used properly. To use the table, release the snap-on strap first, lift the table top and the leg underneath will snap into place adding stability to the table setup. There is a short snap strap on the right side (closest to the driver s captain seat) and extend the rest of the table top. (Picture 15.3) Picture 15.1 Picture 15.2 Picture 15.3

16 16 Front Captain s Seats The seats must be set as far forward as possible prior to swiveling, otherwise the plastic trim may get damaged. The two captain's seats in the front of your Aktiv are adjustable fore and aft by pulling up on the bar under the front of the seat and will swivel when the swivel tab (the black plastic lever on the side of the chair base) is pulled up. (Picture 16.1) Always return the seats to the forward-facing position when driving. They will lock into this position and stay locked until the swivel tab is raised again. To create a front lounge area, loosen the recline adjustment and move the backs of the seats to a vertical position. Do not attempt to pivot a reclined seat. Use the fore-and-aft adjustment while swiveling the seats to allow the sides of the chairs to clear the armrests on the vehicle doors, the engine cover, and other obstructions. Do not force the seats around. Swiveling the driver's seat may require you to loosen the tilt steering wheel adjustment and move the steering wheel as far forward and up as possible. Opening the front doors slightly will facilitate clearance of the door armrests. *Note Prior to swiveling the front chairs to their forward facing position, the front dinette table needs to be stowed completely. Second Row Seating There are two rear passenger seats. You can access them by the passenger sliding door. They are directly in front of the bathroom and behind the driver s seat. The cushion on them does lift and underneath them there are two removable wood panels that give access to the water heater. (Pictures 16.2, 16.3) Picture 16.1 Swivel Tab Picture 16.3 Picture 16.2

17 17 Ventilation Your Aktiv is equipped with a ceiling mounted ventilation fan. The fan has a cover that raises by turning the knob. As you turn the knob, the fan will automatically begin working. (Pictures 17.1, 17.2) There is also a fuse in the body of the fan, in addition to the fuse in the distribution panel. Check both this fuse and the one on the 12VDC fuse panel, if your fan stops working. If you remove the fuse from the fan, it will not operate. Remove fuse in case of emergency or defect in the operation of the fan. For more details, please refer to the fan owner s manual, especially for instructions on operating the fan with a remote. Picture 17.1 Picture 17.2 When the RV is unattended or the fan is not monitored, do not leave it on or objects may become obstructed.

18 18 Window Treatments The skylight window in your Aktiv can be covered using the pull shade, included below the skylight. On the other side, there is a pull screen. To open the skylight, pull the crank handle down and turn. This is also a source of mild ventilation, without a fan. Many of the side windows have similar shades. Pull the shade down and to lock it, it latches quite easily to the bottom runner/track. These are located on the windows at the sides of the vehicle and on the back. (Pictures 18.1, 18.2, 18.3, 18.4) Never attempt to attach any sort of fastener or track above the front doors. The airbag could deploy causing severe injury. Picture 18.1 Never use the shade locking latch to raise or lower the shades in your Aktiv. (Picture 18.4) Always use the grooved finger railing to lift and lower your shades. Picture 18.2 Picture 18.3 Picture 18.4

19 19 Sleeping Facilities Your Aktiv has a bed at the rear of the vehicle. While the vehicle is in motion, the bed needs to be latched in place using the barrier. (Picture 19.1) To use the bed, you must press the latch and bring down the bed frame. (Picture 19.2) To put the bed up, lift the bed frame and secure it in place with the latch. In the sleeping quarters at the rear of the cabin, there is a privacy curtain. This can be pulled to help block light or for privacy purposes. (Picture 20.3) There is additional storage in the rear, above and below the bed. The cabinets operate in the same way as the cabinets in the galley. (Picture 20.1, 20.2) Picture 19.1 Latch. Picture 19.2 Bed Board in Place.

20 20 Sleeping Facilities (Continued) Picture 20.1 Picture 20.2 Picture 20.3

21 21 Optional Folding Mattress for Front Bed Step 1 - Positioning the front swivel seats: With both the driver and passenger seats facing forward, lift the metal lever under the front of each seat, and place the seats as far back as possible. Pull the left plastic lever on the driver seat to place the seat-back in a vertical position. Pull the right plastic lever on the passenger seat to place the seat- back in a vertical position. Pull the right plastic lever on the driver seat to swivel the seat so that it is facing the passenger side. Pull the left plastic lever on the passenger seat to swivel the seat so that it is facing the driver side. Use the rotating knob to adjust the height of both driver and passenger seats to allow them to be at the same height as the rear seat. (Picture 22.1) Picture 21.1 Step 2 Placing the bed support slats: Place the short slat across the front seats. (Picture 22.2) Place the long slat across the rear seat. Be sure this slat extends all the way to the side panel on the passenger side for greatest support. (Picture 22.3) Picture 22.2 Picture 22.3

22 22 Optional Folding Mattress for Front Bed (Continued) Step 3 Placing the two bed base pieces: Place the first bed base part so that it is flush with the table and the rear seatback. Place the second bed base part so that the hook-n-loop strip lines up with the hook-nloop strip of the first piece. Secure the two bed base parts together by pressing along the hook-n-loop strips. (Pictures 22.1, 22.2, 22.3) Step 4 Placing the mattresses: Unfold the larger of the two mattresses and place on the rear most part of the bed base. The mattress should be placed so that the edges line up with the edges of the bed base at the two sides and rear of the base. Unfold the smaller of the two mattresses and place in the space remaining to complete the set-up. Picture 22.1 Step 5 Storing the bed: When not in use or when driving your Aktiv the bed should be disassembled and stored. The mattresses can be removed, folded up, and placed on the rear bed. The bed base is too long to be placed on the rear bed; it should be folded and placed in the aisle, along the floor at the rear of the Aktiv. Picture 22.2 Picture 22.3

23 23 Bathroom Facilities Enclosed Bath The sink may or may not be in position based on how you last used the bathroom. To lower the sink, push the tab on the wall to the right of the sink. While pushing the tab, lower sink with your other hand. Alternatively, to raise the sink while not in use or to have a shower, lift sink from the front until it is up as far as it can go and fully in position. (Pictures 23.1, 23.2 and 23.3) Picture 23.1 Picture 23.2 Picture 23.2 Push On Release Button to Lower Sink. Never pull on the sink to lower it. This will damage the latch mechanism for the sink..

24 24 Door The bathroom door is a sliding door. It has a magnetic seal to secure the door once closed. (Picture 24.1) Toilet The enclosed bathroom in your Aktiv contains a cassette toilet. To flush the toilet, press the button located behind the toilet. The toilet also swivels for additional room and comfort. See How To: Waste Water Dumping for dumping instructions for the toilet cassette. (Picture 24.2) Picture 24.1 Picture 24.2

25 25 Shower To take a shower, unscrew the drain stopper at the corner of the shower, closest to where the door seals. (Pictures 25.2, 25.3) The shower head is an extendable faucet from the sink. (Picture 25.1) You use the faucet handle to control the heat, just like you would while washing your hands. There are curtains in the shower which cover the mirror and sink while you shower. When finished, either air or towel dry the curtains and refasten the drain stopper to prevent the contents of the gray water tank from sloshing up into the shower area while driving. (Pictures 26.1, 26.2, 26.3) Picture 25.1 Picture 25.2 Picture 25.3

26 26 Shower (Continued) Picture 26.1 Picture 26.2 Picture 26.3 Shower Curtain in Stowed Position. Shower Curtain Extended Exterior View. Shower Curtain Extended Interior View.

27 27 Appliances TV and DVD Player The TV is located directly above the rear passenger seats. (Picture 27.1) The TV uses 110VAC current, so the inverter or shore power must be used. It is supplied with a remote control. The TV is mounted on a bracket which can swivel and change positions. To move the TV on its bracket, lift the knob at the back of the TV and move the TV into the desired position. The TV should be secured in place with straps. The TV can also be operated from the connections on the galley and outside of your Aktiv. The connections are available at the rear of the passenger side. The DVD player may be part of the radio in dash system or a separate Blu-Ray player may be installed in the cabinet next to the television set. (Please check your coach for proper configuration.) Picture 27.1 Controlling the Rear Speakers The rears speakers are controlled by the DVD player, which is installed in the dash or the Blu-Ray player if installed. (Please check for your proper configuration.) Hot Water The Aktiv is equipped with a 10 gallon water heater. The heater requires both 12VDC and propane or 110VAC for proper operation. The controls are located next to the monitor panel above the sliding door. Refer to the heater s owner's manual for maintenance and operation. Refrigerator The refrigerator is a 12VDC compressor model that runs on DC (battery) power or AC (shore/generator) power. It will switch automatically between the modes. For specific details of operation please refer to the refrigerator owner's manual.

28 28 Microwave The microwave is a standard microwave oven. (Picture 28.3) It operates much the same as the microwave at your house. By comparison to residential units, most RV microwaves are lower powered, so cooking times may need to be increased. You must have 120VAC power available to use the microwave. See Electrical System section of this manual for details. Stove The propane stove (Pictures 28.1, 28.2) needs fresh air for its safe operation. Make sure to open a window or the skylight and turn on the overhead fan (located in the bathroom) for proper ventilation. Refer to the stove s owner s manual for details of operation. Picture 28.1 Picture 28.2 Picture 28.3

29 29 Outside Your Aktiv Awning Your Aktiv has an electric awning. The control for the awning is located on the monitor panel, above the sliding door on the inside. (Picture 29.1) To open the awning push the rocker switch to out and hold and the awning will extend. Lower the supports on each side and secure them to the two attachment points on the side of the Aktiv. (Pictures 29.2, 29.3, 29.4) Refer to the awning manual for the proper way of securing the awning supports to the attachments. To stow the awning, detach the supports, stow them in the awning housing and retract the awning. Awnings are susceptible to damage from wind and for this reason should never be left extended when you are away from the vehicle. If a thunderstorm or other windy weather is imminent, stow your awning until the wind calms down. To retract the awning, press and hold rocker switch to in. Picture 29.1 The awning is only powered when the ignition switch is off. To use the awning, turn off the ignition. Picture 29.2 Picture 29.3 Picture 29.4

30 30 Exterior Connections Driver s Side Doors On the driver's side, there are 6 doors/openings that house items that you will use. Shore power, water heater, toilet cassette. Picture 30.1 City Water Intake, Toilet Cassette Tank. Picture 30.2 Furnace Exhaust, 30AMP Shore Hook Up, Cable TV Connection.

31 31 Exterior Connections (Continued) Picture 31.1 Picture 31.2 Fuel access. Dump valves. The first door directly behind the driver's door is the fuel access for use when refueling the vehicle. (Picture 31.1) Next to that door, going right towards the back of the vehicle is a TV hookup plug in. The one to the right of that is the shore power plug in. The next is a vent for the water heater/furnace and the final access door has the toilet cassette access. (Picture 31.2)

32 32 Propane Access Panel The propane access cover is located underneath the passenger sliding door. Flip the side latches to expose the tank valve and filler. (Pictures 32.1, 32.2) *Note Filling of your propane tanks should be done by a certified/authorized facility or retailer. Please refernce page 36 for more information regarding the RV s propane system. Picture 32.1 Picture 32.2

33 33 Side Sliding Door Screen In addition to the rear door screen, there is also a side door screen which will allow you to keep the side door open for ventilation. The side screen door may be operated by pulling the screen door forward. This will close the screen. To open, pull the screen door in the opposite direction. (Pictures 33.1, 33.2, 33.3) Be sure to keep tracks clear of dirt and debris for ease of use and optimal operation. While sturdy enough to keep insects out, neither the side screen nor the rear screen are designed to resist repeated and persistent attempts by pets to get out of the vehicle. Do not leave your pets unattended with the screen in place and the door open. Rear Door Screen The Aktiv has a rear screen which allows you to open the rear doors and get fresh air and a better view, without bugs coming in or pets going out. It operates similarly to the Side Door Screen but instead of running horizontally, the screen runs vertically and pulls down from the top. Picture 33.1 Picture 33.2 Picture 33.3

34 34 Utilities Just like your house, your Aktiv has fresh water, electricity, waste water disposal, heating, and cooling systems. In the Aktiv these systems are self-contained and travel with you. Your vehicle should be reasonably level to allow normal operation of the system. Fresh Water Fresh water is contained in a tank, located at the rear of the Aktiv, underneath the coach. Being outside the coach, it is exposed to the elements, so it is susceptible to freezing. * Note - For the protection of the plumbing system and the prevention of pipes freezing, please see How To s Winterize Your Coach Water Lines on consumer website.* To fill the tank, first place the isolator valve in the tank fill position. This valve is located at the rear of the driver s side bed. (Picture 34.1) Turn the valve lever all the way clockwise to fill the tank and all the way counter-clockwise to bypass the tank (typically you would bypass the tank when you are connected directly to a campsite). The tank fill port is located on the driver s side rear of the coach. Connect an approved fresh water hose to fill. The tank will overflow onto the ground beneath the coach when full, approximately 30 gallons. Erwin Hymer Group NA recommends that you use a dedicated single purpose potable-water hose. These are usually white in color. Buy a new one and use it only for filling your tank and connecting to city water. View any hose lying around a campground with extreme skepticism, especially if there's a wastewater dump nearby. Large RVs use hoses to flush their wastewater system. Always flush the faucet and hose thoroughly before use. City Water Your Aktiv can operate in either fully self-contained mode or can be connected to a water supply such as a campsite's faucet. Picture 34.1 The city water connection is the same as the one used for filling the tank. To open, turn the take isolator valve counter clockwise. Unscrew the white plastic protective cap and connect your clean hose to the water faucet to this connection point. Turn the faucet on and check for leaks, tightening the connections as necessary. For more details, please refer to the HOWTO: Potable Water Use section on the consumer website.

35 35 Water Pump To use the water in the tank, you need to turn on the water pump. The water pump is located beneath the back-passenger seats. To access for service, lift the seat and there are two wooden panel access doors. (Picture 35.1) Waste Water: Gray Tank Galley sink, bathroom sink and shower drain water into the gray water tank. The shower and sink have traps to prevent tank odors from entering the living space. Be sure to replace the screw-in plug in the shower floor after use to prevent gray water from sloshing up into the shower pan from the gray water tank while driving. Toilet Cassette The removable cassette contains toilet waste. Indicators The gray and fresh water tank level indicators on the control panel will give you an approximate indicator of your tank levels. When the gray water tank is at capacity, water will no longer drain down the shower and sink drain and you need to dump the tank before running any more water. If you see fluid below the toilet valve in the bowl of the toilet, your water toilet cassette is full and needs to be emptied before further use. To help with this process, there is a level indicator on the panel behind the toilet. Close the gray water gate valve before using the waste water system. It is possible for the valve to open slightly especially after extensive driving. The gray water dump valve is accessed through the driver side storage door. Picture 35.1 Grey and Black tank capacities vary by model and options.

36 36 Propane System Your vehicle is equipped with a propane system which, when properly handled and maintained, will provide trouble and worry-free operation of your propane fueled appliances. The propane tank is located on the passenger side of the vehicle, rear of the sliding door. To access the tank for filling and to turn the main tank shutoff valve off and on, lift the access panel. (Picture 36.1) You must close the tank shutoff valve when the vehicle is not in daily use. Further, you must close the shutoff valve when the vehicle is traveling. There is a BBQ quick-connect pigtail secured behind the access cover. This will allow you to connect a high-pressure grill or burner to the propane supply of your Aktiv. For further reading, including important safety and use tips, refer to the Propane HOWTO on the manufacturers website. Picture 36.1

37 37 Heating and Cooling Thermostat There are two thermostats in the Aktiv: 1. The first controls the heater and is located above the sliding door, beside the monitor panel. (Picture 37.1) 2. The second controls the air conditioner and is in the rear of the cabin, above the sleeping area on the passenger side. (Picture 37.2) Set the thermostat to "cool" and set the desired temperature. The third setting, "fan", recirculates cabin air using the fan inside the air conditioning unit. (Picture 37.3) For more operating instructions about this system, see the Dometic and Truma owner s manual for these appliances. Picture 37.1 Picture 37.2 Picture 37.3

38 38 Electrical System Coach Batteries The coach batteries in your Aktiv are standard sealed AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries or optional Lithium battery packs. Do not attempt to open them. There is no user maintenance possible on these batteries except keeping them charged. Refer to Power Management supplement on consumer website for more information. *Note For Lithium Battery optioned coaches, please follow this link to download our latest EcoTrek Operational System Instructions: pdf Battery Disconnect Switch The battery disconnect switch provides power to all 12VDC appliances, such as the water pump, the refrigerator and so forth. Even the propane cooktop uses 12VDC to run the burner igniters. This switch should be off when you are not using your Aktiv and on whenever you are driving or camping. The "Battery On" light next to it will indicate the position of the switch. Charging Your Batteries: Inverter Charger Your Aktiv is equipped with an 2,000 watt inverter charger which converts 110VAC (household current) to 12VDC when you are connected to shore power. This 110VAC power is used to power your 12VDC appliances as well as charge your batteries. Whenever you are receiving either source of 110VAC power, you are charging your batteries. When you are boondocking and you do not need 110VAC power in the coach make sure that your inverter is turned off at the panel. The inverter takes power to run so if it is left on it is using power from the batteries. Underhood Generator Your Aktiv is equipped with an underhood generator. It is mounted to the vehicle engine and is operated by running the vehicle engine. The added underhood generator charges the coach batteries whenever the vehicle's engine is running, which means you are also charging them as you drive. You will arrive at your camping destination with fully charged coach batteries. If your coach batteries are low, start the vehicle engine and let it idle until the batteries are sufficiently charged. Usually 30 minutes of idling are enough to restore moderately depleted coach batteries to a useful level of charge. Your charging time will vary depending on the amount of depletion. Always close the rear windows of the vehicle and turn off the roof ventilation fan when you are running the engine, to avoid exhaust from entering the vehicle's interior.

39 39 Electrical System (Continued) There is no required maintenance for the added alternator. Note, however, that your vehicle's serpentine belt (the belt which drives the vehicle's alternator, water pump, power steering, etc.) will be different than the one for similar vehicles without the added alternator, so carrying a spare belt may be prudent in case you have a serpentine belt failure while traveling. Your chassis engine alternator charges your chassis battery and is completely separated from the added underhood generator that charges the coach batteries. The systems are separate so that when using electricity in your coach you will never run down your chassis battery. This is important so that your chassis battery is always fully charged and ready to start the vehicle engine. Underhood Generator There is no required maintenance for the underhood generator. Note, however, that your vehicle's serpentine belt (the belt which drives the vehicle's alternator, water pump, power steering, etc.) will be different than the one for the underhood generator, so carrying a spare belt may be prudent in case you have a serpentine belt failure while traveling Watt Inverter The inverter provides 110VAC (household current) for the outlets in your Aktiv. It will also power the microwave and will run the A/C. The inverter is configured at the factory for the batteries and power sources in your Aktiv. Please do not change any settings without consulting the factory. To operate the inverter, use the switch located on the coaches monitor panel. Do not use the switch located on the inverter. If the switch on the inverter is turned on, it will override the switch control on the monitor panel and will be running at all times draining your batteries to an unsafe level.

40 40 Electrical System (Continued) Shore Power Shore power is the name for power supplied by a utility company that you plug into to provide power to your Aktiv. See HOWTO: Shore Power on our consumer website for a concise guide to plugging in and unplugging from shore power. The shore power cord is stored in the bed cabinet (underneath of bed) when not in use. Take the cord to the outside of the vehicle and plug into the receptacle on the driver s side of the van and the other end into the campground/power receptacle. (Pictures 40.1, 40.2) See the Outside your Aktiv section of this manual for location. The switchover from shore power to inverter is automatic. To connect to external (shore) power, plug the power cord into the campsite 30 amp power source. Outlets The outlets are operated from the inverter or shore power. Further, the outlets are protected by GFCI. All of the outlets are powered by the standard 2000 watt inverter. All electrical outlets have ground fault circuitry (GFCI). The protection system is located in the main distribution panel, located above the inverter in the rear passenger side cabinet (above the bed). If you are not getting power from an outlet, check and reset the GFCI button and breaker if needed. Picture 40.1 Picture 40.2

41 41 Monitor Panel The monitor panel is located above the side sliding door, inside the coach. (Picture 41.1) Power Sources The monitor panel controls two separate power sources; the 12VDC power and the 110VAC power via the inverter or shore power. (42.1, 42.2) 12 Volt DC Power The power to the 12VDC outlets and appliances is controlled by the battery disconnect switch to the lower left. On the bottom left is the battery disconnect switch, which supplies 12VDC battery power to the 12VDC light and other cabin appliances. This switch must be on for any of the 12VDC electrical devices to work. Remember to turn off two switches; the inverter switch and the battery disconnect switch when your Aktiv is not being used to avoid discharging the batteries. The battery disconnect switch has a blue indicator light to the right of it to show you when the battery power is on. Picture 41.1

42 42 Monitor Panel (Continued) Picture 42.1 Picture 42.2

43 43 Monitor Panel (Continued) Inverter The inverter provides 110VAC (household current) to the 110VAC appliances and wall outlets. *Note Always operate inverter from switch on monitor panel, do not use the switch on the inverter as this will override the monitor panel switch and place a continual drain on your battery system. Other Switches: Patio Light On the monitor panel, the top left switch is the patio lights switch. (Picture 43.1) 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. The lights are in/along the awning. (Picture 43.2) If the awning is not open, you will not be able to use the light successfully. Picture 43.1 Picture 43.2

44 44 Monitor Panel (Continued) Water Pump Switch It should be on only when you have water in the fresh water tank 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. See location in picture of the Monitor Panel on page 43. Water Heater Switch The water heater is a part of your heating system and has its own control screen labeled Truma. The water heater can be operated with propane or 120VAC power. Tank Charge Indicators In the center of the monitor panel are the indicator lights for the battery charge level, the fresh water tank levels and gray water tank levels. The battery disconnect switch must be on for this display to work. 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. The four indicator lights for the battery are low, fair, good and charging. (Picture 44.1) Picture 44.1

45 45 Distribution Panel The distribution panel is located inside the bed cabinet of the passenger side bed. The 120VAC breakers and 12VDC fuses are located behind the black plastic cover of the distribution panel. The identifying information is on each breaker and fuse with labels under the cover. Flip it to view. The 12VDC fuses are standard automotive fuses. Always replace the fuses with the appropriate amperage and never replace a blown fuse with one of a lower rating. When storing the Aktiv for the winter, turn off the battery disconnect switch and all the circuit breakers on this panel. AC Breaker Panel The 110VAC breakers are located below the monitor panel behind a black plastic cover. Flip the cover to the right and note the labels under the cover with the identifying information on each breaker. When storing the Aktiv for the winter, turn off the battery disconnect switch and all circuit breakers in this panel. 12 Volt Fuse Panel The 12VDC fuses are located to the right of the 110VAC breakers. The label on the cover has identifying information for each fuse. These are standard automotive fuses. Always replace the fuses with the appropriate amperage and never replace a blown fuse with one of a larger rating.

46 46 Alarms and Warnings Propane and CO Alarm Your vehicle has been equipped with a combination propane leak and carbon monoxide detection device for your protection. It is located near the floor in the aisle, across from the rear seats. (Pictures 46.1, 46.2) Picture 46.1 Picture 46.2

47 47 Alarms and Warnings (Continued) Be sure the detector is operating while using your vehicle, especially when you are asleep inside it. The detector runs on 12VDC and is operational whenever the battery disconnect switch is on. There is no separate switch for the detector. There is an indicator light on the detector so that you can tell whether it's working or not. For this reason, whenever the vehicle is occupied the battery disconnect switch should be in the on position. Coach power on the Monitor Panel must be on for detector operation. Make sure your battery disconnect switch is on. Do not disable, unplug or otherwise hinder the operation of this detector. The detector has a useful service life; beyond which it needs to be replaced. See manufacturer s owner s manual for other operating instructions or look for the sticker which is sometimes placed on the detector to see the replacement date. The detector may chirp if the coach batteries are running low. The detector requires no maintenance other than periodic replacement. See owner manual supplied with the unit for replacement intervals.

48 48 Alarms and Warnings (Continued) Smoke Alarm The smoke alarm is located on the ceiling, in between the galley and passenger seats. (Picture 48.1) It requires a 9V battery and periodic replacement. Please refer to the owner's manual for the unit in your vehicle. Fire Extinguisher The fire extinguisher is located just to the right of the front passenger seat. (Pictures 48.2, 48.3) It is a dry chemical fire extinguisher suitable for all fires. Before every trip, check to see that the needle on the dial is in the green range. If not, replace the fire extinguisher. Do not test your fire extinguisher by discharging it. The total discharge time is 8 to 12 seconds, so it will become rapidly depleted if you test it this way. Service life on fire extinguishers currently supplied is 12 years so replace the fire extinguisher if it is more than 12 years past the year of manufacture stamped on the base of the cylinder. Picture 48.1 Picture 48.2 Picture 48.3

49 49 Maintenance Tires See the automotive chassis manufacturer's owner's manual and documents for tire warranty information. Inflation pressure information is on the sticker inside the galley cabinet door. The current Ram Promaster manual recommends checking tire pressures regularly, at least every other week and before a long trip. Tire rotation intervals depend on wear and other factors but tires should be rotated at least every maintenance interval, defined as every 40,000 km/24,000 miles. Follow the tire rotation pattern for dual rear wheel models in your owner's manual. Cargo Carrying Capacity See the information labels attached to the driver door post. Owner Maintenance Checks Listed below are vehicle maintenance checks and inspections that should be performed by the owner or qualified service technician at the indicated intervals. Any adverse conditions should be brought to the attention of your dealer or qualified service technician for expert service advice as soon as possible. The owner maintenance checks are generally not covered by warranties and you may be charged for labor, parts and supplies used. When You Stop for Fuel or Weekly Check engine oil level. Look for low or underinflated tires. Every Other Week Check tire pressure on all tires and your spare. At Least Monthly Check coolant level in the coolant recovery reservoir. Check windshield washer fluid, brake fluid and power steering fluid levels. Check operation of all exterior lamps, including brake lamps, turn signals and hazard warning flashers.

50 50 Maintenance (Continued) At Least Every Three Months Flush water to the toilet cassette. Use a hose or bucket to fill the tank through the toilet and dump. Flush gray water holding tank. Use a hose or bucket to fill the tank through the galley sink and dump. Flush and sanitize fresh water tank. To flush the tank: o o Fill it completely using the city fill and drain using the fresh water tank drain underneath the tank. Sanitize by adding 1/2 cup chlorine bleach to the tank, fill with water, let sit for at least two hours, and drain. 1/2 cup vinegar added to the next tankful, which will also be drained before filling with fresh water for use, will help dissipate the chlorine smell. Refer to other sections in this manual for drain and fill locations. At Least Twice a Year Check windshield wiper operation. o Clean wiper blades with clean cloth dampened with washer fluid. o Wiper blades should be replaced at least once a year. Check radiator, heater and air-conditioning hoses for leaks or damage. Check for worn tires and loose wheel lug nuts. Check parking brake system and put the brake on and see if it will hold on a moderate hill. If not, get it repaired. Check head lamp alignment. o Shine your low beam headlights on a wall. The light patterns should be the same height. Measure headlight height at the vehicle with a yardstick and the light patterns should be the almost same height or slightly less with your vehicle level. If not, get the headlights aligned. Check lap and shoulder belts for wear and function. Replace any belts with frayed spots or that do not smoothly retract into their holders. Inspect appliance vents to ensure they are free from dirt, insects, spider webs and/or nests. Inspect gray water tank vent and remove any debris or other obstructions. The gray water tank vent is on the roof, passenger side and in the bathroom area. Clean air conditioner filter. See air conditioner manual for details. Thoroughly clean and wax the roof of the van. o To wash the solar panel, use a garden hose to rinse dirt off the panel. o Do not scrub it with a brush or otherwise apply any abrasive material to the solar panel surface. o Rinsing the panel two or three times a year to remove excess dirt is all you need to do to keep the panel operating at full output. With the tank empty, add one cup of mineral oil and one cup of hot water to the gray tank.

51 51 Maintenance (Continued) At Least Once a Year Lubricate all door hinges, locks and latches, especially the exposed hinges on exterior doors. These will freeze up and cause damage to the doors if neglected. Have appliances tested and cleaned. Wax and polish and protect exterior surfaces. The wheels are coated aluminum and there is no bare aluminum on the vehicle, so do not use aluminum polish on any surface of your Aktiv. To prevent water from entering your vehicle, avoid spraying water directly into exterior vents or grills. Do not use a power washer to clean your Aktiv because damage to the paint, removal of decals and water leaks will result. Hand washing or commercial car washes accommodating large vehicles are the best way to keep your Aktiv clean and shiny. Other Maintenance Checks Follow the maintenance for your appliances as per the appliance s manufacturer's manual.

52 52 Spare Tire Storage Optional Rear Door Spare Tire Supplied with your new Aktiv are two types of small keys. One is for the storage compartments and the other is to unlock the chrome surround on your continental spare tire kit. Find both keys, put one of each on your key ring and carry them with you whenever you drive your Aktiv. If you ever need to change a tire, you will need this key. If your new Aktiv still has the blue coating on the chrome spare tire cover, remove it as soon as you can. If left on for an extended period, particularly in the hot sun, it will become very difficult to remove. To open the driver's side rear door, you must lower the spare tire. (Picture 52.1) To lower the optional continental kit spare tire and gain access to the driver's side rear door of the Aktiv, unlatch the retaining spring and pull the pin out while supporting the top of the tire with your other hand. It helps to wiggle the tire back and forth to allow the pin to slide out. Place the pin where you won't lose it and grasp the top of the tire with both hands. Lower it into a horizontal position to allow the driver's side rear door to open freely. The tire will latch when horizontal. While the tire is spring loaded, it is still fairly heavy. Use proper lifting technique or get help. To raise the spare tire back into position, lift the guard over the cable mechanism enough for the catch to clear and allow the tire to be raised. Raise the tire back up into position and insert the pin. Flip the retaining spring over the end of the pin to secure it. To use the spare tire, lower the tire, unlock the chrome surround with the key supplied with your Aktiv, unbolt the tire from the carrier with your lug wrench and lift the tire off the carrier. Follow the Ram Promaster manual for instructions on the use of the jack and other tire change procedures. Install the flat tire on the spare tire carrier and reattach the chrome surround. Do not attempt to raise an empty tire carrier. If you change the tire, put the flat on the carrier before attempting to raise it. Never release the latch on a tire carrier without a tire on it. The spring will move the arm of the carrier upward with great force and speed. Picture 52.1