Power & Water Systems General Information

Power Systems

The electrical power supply provided for the recreational vehicle is a dual system, operating with 110 volt AC and/or 12 volt DC.

The 110-volt power may be provided by either connecting the recreational vehicle to an outside power source when parked, or by use of a recreational vehicle generator. When the 110-volt system is operational, power also passes through a system converter, allowing the full use of all 12-volt functions in the recreational vehicle.

The 110-volt functions in the recreational vehicle include the refrigerator, ice-maker, roof-mounted air conditioner(s), TV and VCR, microwave oven, converter, outlets for 110 volt operated conveniences, and some lights. The refrigerator also has the option of running on LP gas when 110-volt power is not available. All other electrical functions in the unit are supplied with 12-volt power.

When it is not possible to access 110-volt power, the auxiliary batteries can supply the 12-volt system functions.

The auxiliary batteries are recharged by the power converter when the recreational vehicle is attached to an outside 110-volt power source, or by the generator when it is running.

Connecting to an Outside Power Source
A 30-amp shoreline power cord is provided to attach the recreational vehicle to a grounded power source. The electric utility service connection is located on the driver's side of the recreational vehicle near the rear, in various locations depending on the model that you have. The power cord is stored inside the electric utility service compartment. The electric utility service door has a slot with a cover that can be moved to the side, allowing the power cord to be used and the door to be closed.

Never use a two-wire extension cord, a cheater adapter with the ground pin removed, or put a lower amperage plug on your power cord in place of the molded plug.

Some models may be equipped with a 50-amp service (Paradise Pointe, CrossTerrain) instead of a 30-amp service (Cruiser).

Warning: Connecting a power cord to a non-grounded or improperly grounded power source can result in a dangerous and possibly fatal electric shock. Because of the potential danger in failing to heed this warning, the recreational vehicle manufacturer cannot be responsible should damage, injury, or death result from failure to connect the power cord to a properly grounded source.

Water Systems

Fresh Water System
Fresh water is provided from external pressurized sources, or from the fresh water storage tank.

External Hookup
Water provided from outside the recreational vehicle is pressurized by the system from which it is delivered. When you connect your recreational vehicle to an outside source, the fresh water tank and the water pump are kept separate from the remainder of the system by in-line check valves.

To connect the recreational vehicle to an outside source of water:

1. Remove the cap from the fresh water inlet on the side of the recreational vehicle.
   
   
2. Attach one end of the fresh water hose to the outside source of water.
   
   
3. Connect the other end of the hose to the recreational vehicle city water inlet.
   
   
4. Turn the outside source of water on. Open the various faucets in the recreational vehicle gradually to clear the air from the lines. Close the faucets when the water flows freely.

Note: Do not turn the water pump on when using water from an external supply.

To disconnect from the outside source of supply:

1. Shut off the outside source of supply.
   
   
2. Disconnect the hose from the supply valve and the recreational vehicle inlet.
   
   
3. Reel in the hose and store.
   
   
4. Reinstall the cap on the recreational vehicle inlet.

Fresh Water Tank
When an outside source of water is unavailable, water can be drawn from the fresh water storage tank for use in the recreational vehicle. The tank is filled through a gravity-controlled water fill spout on the side of the recreational vehicle.

Note: Always fill the tank with clean drinkable water from a known safe source. Make sure to close the fill spout when the tank is full. Also, always fill the system with a hose or bucket that you know is clean, and is used only for this purpose.

To fill the fresh water tank, proceed as follows:

1. Remove the water fill spout cap and the vent plug.
   
   
2. Water can now be added directly to the tank through the fill spout by use of a known clean hose or bucket, used only for this purpose.
   
   
3. When the tank is full, replace the water fill spout cap and vent plug.
   
   When traveling, you may want to drain the tank or keep the quantity of water in it to a minimum. This reduces the total weight of the recreational vehicle for travel. Make sure when draining the tank that the water pump has been turned off. The fresh water tank drain valve is located below and near the fresh water fill spout. Turning the drain cock perpendicular to the recreational vehicle body can drain water in the tank. To close the valve, turn the lever parallel to the recreational vehicle body.

Water Pump
When using water from the fresh water tank, the system must be pressurized. A self-priming 12v DC pump is provided to handle this function. A pump on-off switch is located on the monitor panel; there may also be an additional switch on the wall in the bathroom.

When initially starting up the self-contained water system, follow this procedure:

1. Make sure the tank is filled with water.
   
   
2. Open all the faucets in the recreational vehicle, both hot and cold.
   
   
3. Place the pump control switch in the ON position.
   
   
4. Allow time for the hot water tank to fill. Shut off each faucet as the flow becomes steady and free of air. When the last faucet is shut off, the pump should also shut off.
   
   
5. The system is now ready for use.
   
   The self-contained water system is a demand system. This means that the water pump will run whenever there is a need for water.

Note: When filling the system, you may want to add additional water to the tank to replace the water used when filling the hot water tank and water lines.

Sanitizing the Fresh Water System
Sanitize the system before initial use, after extended periods of non-use, at least once a year during continuous use, and whenever there is suspicion that the system has been contaminated.

To sanitize the system, use the following procedure:

1. Prepare a chlorine solution using a gallon of water and ¼ cup of liquid household bleach (5% sodium hypochlorinate solution). Use one gallon of solution for each 15 gallons of tank capacity.
   
   
2. With tank empty and all faucets and drains closed, pour the solution into fresh water tank.
   
   
3. Complete filling the tank with fresh water.
   
   
4. Switch on the water pump. Open all faucets one at a time until all air is purged, and the water flows freely.
   
   
5. Again, add fresh water to the tank until the water level reaches the fill spout.
   
   
6. Allow the system to stand undisturbed for a few hours (at least three).
   
   
7. Drain the system by opening all faucets and the fresh water tank drain valve, while flushing the system with water of drinking quality.
   
   
8. Continue flushing the system, allowing the water to flow for several minutes.
   
   
9. Close the tank drain valve and faucets. Refill the system with water of known drinking quality.

Waste Water System
The waste water system in your recreational vehicle can be described as two separate systems. A gray system that consists of the drain lines and holding tank for waste water from the sinks and tub, and a black water system which includes the holding tank and drain for toilet wastes. In CrossRoads products, the Cruiser CT28FB and CF25RS have one 40 gallon gray tank. All others have two 40 gallon gray tanks. Each system is self-contained, and allows disposal of waste water at designated dump stations at your convenience.

Holding Tanks
Both holding tanks are located approximately beneath the bathroom area. Drain valves and drain hose storage are located on the driver's side. The tanks are made of strong, light polyethylene to minimize both weight ad maintenance. Some models may have two gray water tanks and one black water tank.

Each tank has a separate drain line and dump valve, which permits dumping tanks individually or together. Each tank should be emptied often at dump stations designated for this purpose. Most national, state and private campgrounds have dumping facilities. Many have hook-ups at the campsite, while some have portable dump collectors. Many service stations, particularly along interstate highways, also have these facilities. Many campground directories list dumping station locations across the nation.