Eldorado User Manual
Safety Dangers and Precautions
It is vital that you review and follow all of the safety dangers and precautions listed throughout this manual, on safely labels applied throughout the vehicle, and those listed in the chassis and other component manuals.
As an owner/driver you are responsible for the safety of your passengers and the people around your vehicle.
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Safety Danger Symbols and Labels
Throughout this manual, we call attention to specific safety issues and hazards. Observe all safety danger operating parameters listed in this manual, as well as signs or labels that may be mounted throughout the bus.
The following boxes are used to tell you about items that could cause you or other people harm and/or result in death if the information or instructions are ignored.
Always pay special attention to this information.
NOTICE Information
The following blue-topped box with the word “NOTICE” is used to tell you about items that could cause harm to your bus and or its components if the information or instructions are ignored.
Failure to follow instructions provided in this manual as well as the chassis and component manuals could result in costly repairs that will not be covered under warranty.
Alterations or Nonstandard Components
The safety and/or performance of your vehicle could be adversely affected by the installation of nonstandard components or by making modifications or alterations to the current systems in your vehicle.
Please contact your Selling Dealer, your Chassis Manufacturer or FOREST RIVER BUS before making any alterations or modifications or adding nonstandard parts and components to the vehicle or the chassis.
Failure to do this could put your passengers in danger as well as void portions or your warranty.
Reporting Safety Defects
If you believe your vehicle has a safety defect that could cause a crash or could lead to serious injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying Forest River Bus.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation and if they find that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, they may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you and your dealer or Forest River Bus.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Contact Information
To contact NHTSA you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236 (or TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.safecar.gov; or write to Administrator NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20590.
You can also obtain other information about Motor Vehicle Safety from the website.
FOREST RIVER BUS Contact Information
To notify Forest River Bus in regards to the safety defect please call us at 1-800-348-7440 or 574-264-3112 press zero (0) for the operator and ask for Customer Service.
If you would prefer to write a letter the address is Forest River Bus Customer Service, 2372 Century Driver, Goshen, IN 46528 Attn: Customer Service Department
Vehicle Weight and Loading Information and Restrictions
Your Forest River Bus is designed to carry loads that are specified by the chassis manufacturer which allows for the reasonable weight of passengers as well as their luggage.
It is very important that you know the various weight limits/ratings of your bus. The driving ability and handling for the bus could be greatly altered or affected if your bus is overloaded.
Vehicle Safety Standard Certification Labels
The weight and loading restrictions are specified by the chassis manufacturer. These specifications are posted on the Vehicle Safety Standard Certification labels. Depending on the make and model of your bus the labels will be either affixed on the driver’s door or on the driver’s console.
These loads are defined by the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). The GAWR is the value of the load-carrying capacity of a single axle system. It is measured by the tire/ground interface, plus the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), which is the maximum permissible load/weight of the bus.
The labels provide the following information (see the location of information on tag below).
- Original Equipment Manufacturer of the Chassis Vehicle Identification Number (OEM VIN)
- Name of the body manufacturer (MFG. BY)
- Forest River Bus Production Number
- Date the Forest River Bus body was manufactured (DATE OF MFG.)
- Certification Statement
- Vehicle type
- Tire Information
- Weight and Loading Restrictions:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) This is the gross rated weight capacity of your vehicle. Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR Front) This is the rated weight capacity of the front axle. Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR Rear) This is the rated weight capacity of the rear axle.
Loading Procedures
The distribution of weight in your bus is very important. Having too much weight on one side or the other or having too much weight in the rear compared to the front axle can adversely affect the handling of your vehicle and in some cases result in overloading the tires or axle components. Always use care to assure that you maintain as much of an equal balance as possible when loading your vehicle.
Please note that a loaded bus can handle differently than an unloaded vehicle. When you are driving a
heavily loaded vehicle take extra precautions, such as reducing speeds and/or increasing your stopping distance.
Avoid stacking heavier items in overhead above a passenger seat. Whenever possible secure loose items; as passenger luggage, your tools, equipment or anything else that you may put into the vehicle can become airborne in the case of a sudden stop, turn, or in crash.
Weighing Procedures
Any loaded bus can have the potential of being overloaded and it may be necessary to remove some of the extra luggage or redistribute items to make the load even. The weight of the empty vehicle will vary based on the equipment and options installed on your bus.
An overloaded vehicle can alter the handling ability or cause the tires to overheat or air out resulting in an accident. Overloading can also cause parts to break and/or shorten the life of the vehicle.
It is your responsibility to weigh the bus from time to time to make sure you are staying within the weight limitations specific to your bus. It is important to weigh your bus at a location that can provide axle-end-specific weights. You should not expect to measure equal loads at both ends of the same axle. Your floor plan and the component location can vary the distribution of the weight.
It is very important that you read the chassis owner’s manual it will provide additional information on the complete procedures for weighing and loading your vehicle.
Tire and Rim Certification Label
The tires and rims supplied are designed to meet Federal specifications and to provide reliable and safe transportation. These labels are either located on the driver’s door or in the driver’s console area.
The label provides the following information (see the location of information on tag below).
- Original Equipment Manufacturer of the Chassis Vehicle Identification Number (OEM VIN)
- Vehicle ID (VIN #)
- Forest River Bus #
- Combine Weight of occupants and cargo that should not be exceeded (two areas)
- Seat belt supplied
- Caution Information regarding water and trailer towing (if applies)
- Seating capacity
- Tire and Rim information
- PSI information
Loading Procedures
The distribution of weight in your bus is very important. Having too much weight on one side or the other or having too much weight in the rear compared to the front axle can adversely affect the handling of your vehicle and in some cases result in overloading the tires or axle components. Always use care to assure that you maintain as much of an equal balance as possible when loading your vehicle.
Please note that a loaded bus can handle differently than an unloaded vehicle. When you are driving a
heavily loaded vehicle take extra precautions, such as reducing speeds and/or increasing your stopping distance.
Avoid stacking heavier items in overhead above a passenger seat. Whenever possible secure loose items; as passenger luggage, your tools, equipment or anything else that you may put into the vehicle can become airborne in the case of a sudden stop, turn, or in crash.
Reference Link
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