1981 Wanderlodge Forward Control (FC)

Year	1981
Type	Wanderlodge Forward Control
Engine	Caterpillar 3208 NA 210hp
Suspension	Ridewell Air Suspension
Generator	7.5kW Kohler Gasoline (31 & 33' models) 12.5kW Kohler Diesel (35' model)
Tires
Transmission	Allison 4-Speed HT 755 with Retarder
Brakes
Bathrooms
HVAC
A/C
Heating
Tankage
Diesel Fuel	xx gal.
Fresh Water	xx gal.
Gray Water	xx gal.
Waste Water	xx gal.
Propane (LP)	xx gal.
Dimensions
GVWR:	xx lbs
Length:	31', 33' & 35'
Width:	xx

Introduction

Contents

This section of your Owner's Manual contains general hints and recommendations for using your motorhome. Checklists and suggestions are offered which cover just about every phase of motorhome travel. The remaining sections of this manual, Sections II through XI, describe in detail the operation and use of the individual items and systems which comprise your motorhome.

We hope that this manual will answer any questions that may arise about the use, operation and maintenance of your motorhome. Any suggestions or recommendations that you might have for including or expanding on material of interest will be carefully considered for incorporation in periodic supplements. We are always interested in providing our coach owners with the most current and comprehensive information about our product. Your satisfaction is our assurance that we are fulfilling our responsibilities to our owners.

Checklists

A little preliminary planning will go a long way to help make your trips successful and enjoyable. As an aid to planning your travels, review the following checklists. If there are any additional items that you should be reminded of, add them where you see fit. These lists are only recommendations based on the experience and suggestions of sources well-versed in motor-coach expertise. You will eventually find that a short "walk-around" the coach, outside and inside, will be adequate and comprehensive enough to ensure that you're ready for travel.

Before You Leave:

• Store valuables and important papers in a safe place.
• Arrange care for your pets.
• Cover all food to keep out mice and insects.
• Store oil, gasoline, matches and other inflammables properly; get rid of newspapers, magazines and oily rags.
• Connect timers to several inside lamps and outside lights; keep some shades open for a lived-in look.
• Discontinues newspaper, milk and other deliveries; store trash cans and outside equipment.
• If weather permits, shut down hot water and heating systems; close main water supply.
• Ask the Post Office to hold your mail.
• Have your lawn, garden and house plants cared for.
• Arrange with the Telephone Company for discontinued or "Vacation Service".
• Lock all windows and doors securely.
• Leave your key with your neighbor; let him know your basic itinerary.
• Notify police.

Checkout Your Coach - Outside

• Disconnect and stow:
  • Electrical hook-up cord.
  • Sewer hose hook-up (flush out).
  • Water hook-up hose.
• Check all exterior lights for damage
• Check wheel lug nuts for tightness.
• Check tires for correct pressure.
• Check that all external compartments and filler openings are properly closed and/or locked.
• Check that items stored on exterior of coach are secured. (Be sure that these items present no clearance problems.)

NOTE If the trip you are planning will take the coach well past suggested maintenance intervals listed in Section VIII, it may be advisable to perform these procedures before leaving. This may avoid unscheduled stops or interruptions during your trip.

• Check that there are no obstacles to avoid above or under the coach. Be sure that there is sufficient clearance front and rear.

Check Your Coach - Inside

• Turn off water pump switches.
• Close windows and vents.
• Check that cabinet doors and drawers are closed.
• Check that refrigerator door is fastened.
• Check that no heavy items are stored in overhead cabinets.
• Store large items in base cabinets.
• Check that counter tops, range top, table tops and shelves are clear of unsecured items.
• Turn off interior lights; check that step is in closed position.
• Secure and lock the entrance door.
• Adjust exterior and interior mirrors.

Check You Automotive Systems

• Check that fluid levels are normal (oil, power steering, engine coolant, battery electrolyte, windshield washers, transmission, etc.).
• Check generator oil level, coolant level, battery condition.
• Check operation of turn signals, emergency
• flasher, stoplights and backup lights.
• Check that headlight high- and low-beams operate.
• Check horn operation.
• Check fuel gauge.
• Start engine and check gauges for signs of trouble.
• Check operation of foot brakes, emergency brake. (See that brake pressure builds up and steadies at about 90 to 105 psi.)
• Check tire pressure.

Before Driving Away

• Check operation of appliances and special equipment.
• Check that fire extinguisher is fully charged.
• Check operation of interior and exterior lighting.
• Start generator and check 120v ac system and wall outlets.
• Adjust driver's seat so that all controls are within easy reach.
• Make sure that seat is locked in position.
• Do not adjust driver's seat swivel or fore-aft mechanism while vehicle is moving or seat could move unexpectedly, causing a loss of control.
• Check that front passenger's seat is locked in position.
• Fasten seat belts. Belts should be placed as low as possible around the hips. This places the load of the body on the strong hip bone structure instead of around the soft abdominal area and prevents sliding out in case of an accident.
• Check that warning lights are lit when the ignition key is turned to ON or START position.

ITEMS YOU MIGHT WANT TO TAKE ALONG ON YOUR TRIP

• Spare water filter element.
• Adequate supply of prescription medicines.
• Prescription sunglasses or reading glasses.
• Camera equipment and film supply.
• Heating pads, jce bags, etc.
• Stationery, envelopes, stamps .
• Telephone number list
• Reading material.
• Special pet supplies.
• Extra toilet chemical and toilet articles.
• Spare belts for engine-operated equipment.
• Spare parts for generator: suggested spares include spark plugs, oil filter, fuel pump, air filter, solenoid. Four quarts of approved generator oil.
• A professional-type double-action tire pressure gauge.
• Under the heading of "Emergency Equipment", it is advisable to consider outfitting your coach with these items:
  • First-aid kit
  • Emergency highway flares
  • Flashlight or lantern (with batteries)
  • Tool kit
  • Replacement lamp assortment
  • Replacement, fuse assortment
  • A trouble light with a long cord

And Some Other Thoughts to Consider

• Automobile insurance to cover you and your family.
• Avoid cash. Use traveler's checks and credit cards wherever possible.
• Confirm reservations well in advance of arrival.
• Make a clothing check list for everyone.

Citizen's Band Transceiver

You might also bear in mind that your coach is equipped with a CB unit (Citizen's Band receiver-transmitter). In the event of an emergency situation which requires outside assistance, remember to call for help on Channel 9. This channel is restricted to emergency use only and it is monitored 24 hours per day! Be a "Good Buddy" - don't hesitate to use your CB if you see someone else in need of assistance. Remember that you will need a Canadian license to operate your CB radio during your travels in Canada.

Hot Weather Operation

Wherever possible, choose a shaded parking site so that the coach will be cooler during the hottest part of the day. The full-length side awning will be especially useful in lowering inside temperature. Roof-mounted air conditioners are indispensable in hot climates. Keep in mind that their proper operation depends on adequate line voltage. Low voltage causes motors to run hotter and reduces compressor motor life. Supply voltage in some campgrounds may not be as high as necessary, especially when there are heavy loads on the lines from other air conditioners. Check the wall-mounted voltmeter when in doubt.

Cold Weather Operation

LPG appliances, furnace, and gas refrigerator are designed with sealed combustion areas. This is for your protection to prevent danger from carbon monoxide or depletion of oxygen. Your motorhome is equipped with Lifeguard One, a highly accurate and sensitive propane gas detector. Heed alarm indications!

If frost or condensation accumulate in closets or cabinets during long periods of cold weather operation, leave the doors to these areas slightly ajar to provide air circulation. Be sure that roof vents are open when using oven or burners.

Campground Courtesy

Don't forget the "Golden Rule". Being considerate of your neighbors will help make friends. A few of the "Do's" and "Don'ts" are:

• Good housekeeping - put all litter in the proper receptacles and leave your site neat and clean.
• Don't allow your water or sewer hook-ups to leak.
• Respect your neighbor's desire to retire at an early hour.
• Avoid loud noises and bright lights after dark.
• Drive slowly through camp areas at any hour for the safety of pedestrians.

Operation

Figure 2-1. Driver's Compartment Instrumentation Panels

This section provides information on the operation and function of the controls, indicators, and gauges used in connection with the coach automotive systems. Figure 2-1 illustrates the driver's compartment, highlighting the instrumentation and panels covered in succeeding paragraphs.

Manuals

• 1981 FC 33 Owners Manual
• 1981-1986 Quick Reference Parts Catalog

Owner Walkthrough Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWXOq5ln0fc