15 2027 Zephyr Driving Your Motorhome
POWER DRIVE STEERING COLUMN:
The Power Drive is an ergonomic tilt/telescoping steering column that assists the driver to avoid fatigue when operating the steering wheel and improves comfort and control. The Power Drive Steering Column (Figure 15-1) includes an adjustment knob, when pressed, that adjusts the for the column movement of tilt, and for the telescoping functions. The column locks down the desired position when the pedal is released. The key features of the Power Drive Steering Column include the following:
1. Electronically Controlled Variable Assist: The steering column system can adjust the level of power assist depending on motorhome speed, road conditions, and driver input. For example, at low speeds (like in parking lots), it provides more assist for easier maneuverability. At higher speeds, it provides less assist to give the driver a firm, more stable feel when driving the motorhome.
2. Improved Road Feedback: The steering column is designed to provide better road feel compared to traditional hydraulic systems, especially helpful when towing or driving on uneven terrain.
3. Enhanced Stability: The steering column helps improve stability during high-speed driving or while towing, reducing the effort needed by the driver to keep the motorhome in control.
What does the Power Drive Steering do in the motorhome?
1. Speed-Sensitive Steering Assist: At low speeds (like in a campground or during tight maneuvers), the system provides maximum power assist, making it easier to steer a large coach. At highway speeds, it reduces assist, giving the driver better road feel and directional stability.
2. Return-to-Center Functionality: After making a turn or correcting for a crosswind, the steering wheel automatically and gradually returns to center, reducing the amount of effort the driver needs to constantly apply to the wheel.
3. Crosswind and Road Crown Compensation: Power Drive can help counteract the pull that drivers feel due to road crowns or strong crosswinds, which is especially helpful during long highway stretches.
4. Reduced Driver Fatigue: Since the system reduces the effort needed to constantly correct steering on long drives, it helps drivers stay alert and comfortable, which is a plus for safety.
DRIVER’S MEMORY SEATING:
This memory feature assists the driver with a one-time setting the driver’s seat, brakes and gas pedals, and steering wheel to pre-set Entry/Exit positions. See following steps below:
1. When preparing to drive the motorhome, adjust the seat, pedals, and the steering wheel column to a desired Entry Position with the control knob located on the left-hand side of the steering column as shown in (Figure 15-2) and with the driver’s seat position control as shown in (Figure 15-3).
2. Press the “SET” button for ten seconds to set the desired position for driving the motorhome; see (Figure 15-4).
3. When preparing to exit the driver’s seat, adjust the seat, the pedals, and the steering wheel column to a desired position with the control knob and seat position control.
4. To set the second position as an Exit Position, Press the “SET” button for ten seconds to set desired position for exiting the driver’s seat.
5. When the driver is seated and prepares to drive the motorhome - Press the number ‘1” Button as shown in Figure 15-2. The driver’s seat, the pedals, and the steering wheel column adjust to the set ting of the 1 st memory position.
6. When the driver exits the driver’s seat - Press the number ‘2” Button as shown in (Figure 15-4). The driver’s seat, the pedals, and the steering wheel column adjust to the setting of the 2 nd memory position for exiting the driver’s seat. Note that there is an alternative setting for an additional driver – Set the 2nd memory position as an additional driver position.
PUSH-BUTTON IGNITION AND SMART KEY FOB:
Preferred Starting Method:
The motorhome comes equipped with a Push Button ignition (Figure 15-5) with a Smart Key Fob (Figure 15-6). The Push Button switch has four positions; see (Figure 15-7).
NOTE: Placing the Smart Key Fob close to the Push Button Ignition can lead to battery depletion of the Smart Key Fob. Avoid leaving the Smart Key Fob near the ignition button for extended time periods.
1. Start/Stop Engine Button
2 OFF
3. Accessory (ACC)
4. ON
5. A - Blue Light
Press the brake pedal with the transmission shifter placed in neutral. Press the START/STOP ENGINE button. If the wait to start lamp is active, press the Start Button, again.
NOTE: The engine will not start without the brake pedal being pressed. The button will change as follows: OFF – ACC – ON – OFF.
Alternate Starting Method:
The starting sequence mention above will not operate under the following conditions: The Smart Key Fob battery is dead, the Smart Key Fob is not working correctly, or the primary air brake tank is empty. Under these conditions an alternate starting method is required. Use the lock button end of the Smart Key Fob to contact the START/STOP button directly for no longer than one second, as shown in (Figure 15-6). One press of the START/STOP ENGINE Button with the Smart Key Fob will change as follows: OFF – ACC – ON – OFF.
Using this starting method, the engine will start without pressing the air brake pedal. For Safety, always press the air brake pedal before staring the engine.
No. 2 - Accessory (ACC) Position:
NOTE: If the START/STOP ENGINE button is in the ACC position for an extended time period, the battery may discharge because the engine is not operating.
To activate the ACC, press the START/STOP ENGINE button while the ignition is in the off position without pressing the air brake pedal the ACC indicator remains illuminated until the ignition switch moves to the next position.
No. 3 – ON Position:
NOTE: If the START/STOP ENGINE button is in the ON position for an extended time period, the battery may discharge because the engine is not operating.
To activate the ON position, do one of the following:
• Press and hold the START/STOP ENGINE button for more than one second while the ignition is in the OFF position without pressing the brake pedal.
• Press the START/STOP ENGINE button while the ignition is in the ACC position without pressing the brake pedal.
The ON indicator remains illuminated until the ignition switch moves to the next position. All the electrical systems are operable in the ON position.
No. 4 – OFF Position:
NOTE: Leaving the Smart Key Fob near to the Push Button Ignition Switch can lead to battery depletion of the Smart Key Fob. Do Not leave the Smart Key Fob near the ignition for extended time periods.
When the motorhome is parked, Press the START/STOP ENGINE button to turn off the engine and the electrical power. The OFF indicator illuminates for five seconds, then deactivates.
Smart Key Fob Range:
The location of the key fob and a metal structure (that may inhibit the signal) affects the operation range of the Smart Key Fob. The Smart Key Fob operates in the following distances shown below, when measured from the center of a given location outward without any object between the Smart Key Fob and the motorhome.
• In front of the motorhome – 125 ft (38m)
• Either side of the motorhome – 75 ft (23m)
• Behind the motorhome – 10 ft (3m)
Smart Key Fob Controls Buttons:
NOTE: The Smart Key Fob buttons are operational only when the ignition system is in the ACC or OFF positions.
(Figure 15-8) illustrates the Smart Key Fob control buttons. The following is description of the Smart Key Fob control buttons:
1. The front entry door lock – One press of the front entry door lock button commands the front entry door to lock.
2. The front entry door unlock – One press of the front entry door unlock button commands the front entry door to unlock.
3. The cargo door lock – One press of the cargo door lock button commands the cargo doors to lock.
4. The cargo door unlock – One press of the cargo door unlock button commands the cargo doors to unlock.
For more detailed information regarding the Push Button Ignition and the Smart Key Fob, refer to the Recreational Vehicle Chassis Operator’s Manual furnished by Freightliner Custom Chassis or visit online www.fcccrv.com.
INSTRUMENT PANEL:
The instrument panel (Figure 15-9) inside the Zephyr serves as a multi-function device. Not only does it provide information regarding fuel level and RPM, but it also provides tire pressure, leveling function and Mobile Eye information (Optional) and the ATC light.
Please refer to the chassis operator’s manual for details regarding the operation of these items.
CAMERA MONITOR SYSTEM:
The rear-view monitoring system (Figure 15-10) is provided to aid the driver in backing and parking the motorhome. A camera mounted on the rear of the vehicle feeds a televised view of the rear of the motorhome to the monitor located in the front near the driver.
If the switch is in the MANUAL mode, the monitor will be ON when the ignition switch is turned ON.
If the switch is in the AUTOMATIC mode, the monitor will display the picture from the rear-mounted camera only when the transmission is in REVERSE gear. To use this system effectively, refer to the owner’s manual for this system. This manual is in the Owner’s Information Package.
BASIC REAR VIEW CAMERA OPERATION:
1. Depress the POWER switch. The picture appears on the monitor. POWER indicator lights up green. To turn off the picture, press it again to release. The monitor moves to standby condition. POWER indicator lights up red.
2. Adjust the VOLUME control.
3. Adjust the picture contrast and brightness. The DAY/NIGHT selector switch must normally be kept in the DAY (released) position. When you view the picture at night or in a tunnel, etc., depress the switch to make the picture less bright (therefore in the NIGHT position). Thus, the picture will be easy to view even in a dark place.
When you set the gear level to the “R” position with the POWER switch released, the monitor is turned ON, and the picture from the camera connected to the CAMERA “A” connector appears irrespective of the INPUT knob setting.
SIDE-MOUNT CAMERA:
As an enhanced aid to driving, the motorhome features side-mounted cameras (Figure 15-11) on both sides of the motorhome. These side-mounted cameras are activated whenever the motorhome in transit begins to make a turn.
When the LEFT turn indicator is used, the left-side camera is activated and that camera displays on the back-up monitor a rearward-oriented view of the driver’s side showing that side of the motorhome and a limited panorama of what is alongside and immediately behind the motorhome as it begins to turn into that direction. In this manner, the typical “blind spot” of most motorhomes is drastically reduced or eliminated so that the driver can make those turns with great confidence. Similarly, the “right” turn indicator operates in the same manner to show a rearward view of the right side of the motorhome when a right-hand turn is made.
WINDSHIELD WIPER OPERATION:
The controls, shown in (Figure 15-12), operate the windshield wipers. These controls are located on the right side of the steering wheel. The wipers are not “automatic.” There are not activated when by water touching the windshield. These controls are manually operated. On occasion, there may be a slight delay in activation due to a time lapse built into switch.
CB RADIO SYSTEM ANTENNA CONNECTION:
As an option, the motorhome might come equipped with an antenna and coaxial cable connection to enable the owner to install a Citizens Band (CB) radio of choice and operate it conveniently from the motorhome. The coaxial-cable connection for the radio is found beneath the dashboard on the driver’s side. Accordingly, with an owner-provided CB radio, that radio can be used to communicate with other travelers on the road. To use your CB system of choice, follow the directions furnished with the CB radio.
AM/FM/ STEREO SYSTEM:
An AM/FM/ stereo system (Figure 15-13) is included in the motorhome. This system is powered by the 12-volt DC system of the motorhome and operates like any conventional car-stereo system. The coach is also SIRIUS XM compatible with a subscription.
XCITE RADIO SYSTEM:
Another option for the Zephyr is the Xcite Radio System. The Xcite System is equipped with AM, FM, and Sirius XM capabilities. It also comes standard with a Rand McNally Navigation System. The system comes with three monitors: the main monitor, the aux zone monitor, and the secondary passenger monitor. The main monitor and secondary passenger monitor have touch screen capabilities while the aux zone monitor does not.
DASHBOARD HEATING/COOLING CONTROLS:
The dash air conditioner/heater (Figure 15-14) is not designed to heat and cool the entire interior of the motorhome. It is intended only to provide heating and cooling for the cab area. A small amount of air will blow out of the defrost and dash vents regardless of the mode settings.
CAMERA MONITORING SYSTEM (OPTIONAL):
The cameras (Figure 15-15) associated with the Xcite system will be the default setting on the Aux zone monitor. However, you can access the camera system on your main monitor in one of two ways. One is by selecting the CAM button on the main monitor, and the other is by pressing MENU on the main monitor and then selecting Camera.
Once the camera is on the main monitor, you can change the camera view to the left camera, right camera, or rear camera (Figure 15-16). Making this selection will change both your main screen and your aux zone screen to this camera view.
Three Sixty (360) Camera:
The 360 Camera gives you the ability to view all sides of your unit and even the top (Figure 15-17). To activate the system, depress MENU and select HD CAM.
NOTE: When the turn signals are activated, the main monitor will show the camera corresponding to the turn signal that was activated. When the turn signal is deactivated, the main monitor will then return to its previous state.
SECONDARY PASSENGER MONITOR:
To change the default view of your Aux Zone monitor and/or your secondary passenger monitor (Figure 15-18), press the menu button on the main monitor, and then select the Aux Zone button. Once you are on the Aux Zone page, you will be able to toggle the views of the two screens with options, such as camera, HDMI, navigation, etc. For more information regarding the Xcite system, refer to the Xcite manual that is provided with the motorhome.
LEVELING ZERO-SET:
Leveling zero-set adjusts the level reference used when the vehicle is in AUTO or MANUAL leveling mode. This allows the system to level to the same level every time.
BRAKE-SYNC BRAKING SYSTEM:
The motorhome is equipped with the Brake Sync Braking System as shown in (Figure 15-19). This system will provide years of maintenance and adjustment-free service. This proportional braking system uses the air pressure from the motorhome’s brakes to apply the brakes in your towed car in the same manner. Low-profile design installs out of your way and is always at the ready. Please refer to the manufacture’s manual, which is a part of Tiffin Knowledge Base Owner’s Manual.
ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) WITH AUTOMATIC TRACTION CONTROL (ATC):
The chassis is equipped with ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) and ATC (Automatic Traction Control) as shown in (Figure 15-20). ACC works in conjunction with conventional cruise control to maintain the set cruise speed when the lane ahead is clear. The ACC will automatically adjust the motorhome’s speed when a vehicle is detected ahead. The ATC offers improved stability when driving/accelerating on low-friction surfaces, as well as improved traction under difficult conditions. If one wheel begins to spin at a different speed than the other, ATC momentarily applies the brakes until traction is regained. If both drive wheels are on a poor traction surface, engine power is reduced to attain optimum tire-to-road traction.
