Frequently Asked Questions

Adjust the side-view mirrors on your RV by loosening the screw on the mirror head with a 3/16-inch hex wrench. Move the mirror head by hand until you have a clear view along the side and behind the RV, then tighten the screw to secure it in position.

Adjust both mirrors while the RV is safely parked before driving.

Remove the wheel cover to access valve stems. Rear dual tires have one valve stem per tire, positioned diagonally. Use an inflator with fittings on both sides of the hose. Tire pressure specs are on the driver-side door frame sticker. Visit a tire shop or truck stop if assistance is needed.

The electrical system in your RV has 12-volt (12V) and 110-volt (110V) systems. The 12V system uses the auxiliary batteries, which can be charged by the engine, generator or shore power. The 110V system operates when connected to shore power or using the generator.

Never run the generator while the RV is connected to shore power.

If the 12V system is not working, check that the AUX battery switch is on and that the auxiliary battery is charged. If the 110V system is not working, check the circuit breakers and fuse box.

The furnace in your RV uses propane to produce heat and 12-volt auxiliary battery power to operate. Set the thermostat to heat and select your desired temperature; thermostat controls may vary by RV model.

Warm air is distributed through vents near the floor. Because the furnace can drain the auxiliary battery, El Monte RV recommends checking the battery level about every 6 hours while the furnace is running and charging it when needed.

If the furnace blows cold air, check the propane level and make sure the propane tank valve is open. If the furnace does not turn on, check the AUX battery and fuse box.

Extend or retract the awning on your RV using the awning control button near the entry door. The awning extends from the passenger side of the RV.

Before extending the awning:

* Park the RV and engage the parking brake.
* Remove the keys from the ignition.
* Make sure the AUX battery switch is on.
* Check that the awning has enough clear space to extend safely.

Keep the area around the awning clear while it is moving. Fully retract the awning before driving and keep it closed during high winds or severe weather.

The refrigerator in your RV may operate on propane, 110-volt electricity or 12-volt power, depending on the model. The auxiliary battery must be charged and the AUX battery switch should be on for the refrigerator controls to operate.

Dometic refrigerators use Gas or Auto modes, while Norcold refrigerators may display Auto or use plug, liquid, green or red indicators. Many newer RVs have 12V refrigerators.

Park the RV as level as possible when operating the refrigerator. An empty refrigerator takes about 6 hours to cool. For best performance, avoid overfilling it and allow hot items to cool before placing them inside.

To change gears in your RV, pull the transmission/gear selector toward you, then move it up or down to the desired position.

Gear positions may include:

P (Park): Use when the RV is parked.
R (Reverse): Use when backing up.
N (Neutral): Use when the transmission needs to be in neutral.
D (Drive): Use for normal forward driving.
4: Limits the transmission to fourth gear or lower.
2: Limits the transmission to second gear or lower.
1: Keeps the transmission in first gear.

Use 1 or 2 on steep uphill or downhill grades when additional control is needed.

The Tow/Haul button is located at the end of the gear selector. We recommend using Tow/Haul mode only when towing.

Our RVs can get water in two ways: from the onboard freshwater tank or from a campground water connection. Which one you use determines whether the water pump should be on or off.

*Fresh Water: Use this connection to fill the motorhome’s onboard freshwater tank. When you want to use the stored water at the faucets, shower or toilet, turn the water pump on. The pump moves water from the tank through the motorhome’s plumbing.
* City Water: Use this connection when you have access to a water hookup at a campground. The campground water supply provides the water and pressure directly, so the water pump should be off. For the majority of our fleet, this connection does not fill the freshwater tank.
* Black-tank flush: This is not a drinking or general water-supply connection. It is used to rinse the black waste tank, which holds waste from the toilet. The connection may not be clearly labeled on every motorhome.

We advise renters not to drink water from the onboard freshwater tank.

The furnace in your RV uses propane to produce heat and 12-volt auxiliary battery power to operate. Set the thermostat to heat and select your desired temperature; thermostat controls may vary by RV model.

Warm air is distributed through vents near the floor. Because the furnace can drain the auxiliary battery, we recommend checking the battery level about every 6 hours while the furnace is running and charging it when needed.

If the furnace blows cold air, check the propane level and make sure the propane tank valve is open. If the furnace does not turn on, check the AUX battery and fuse box.

In the case that you are involved in an accident in your RV, follow the accident instructions provided in the glovebox. This includes obtaining a police report and contacting El Monte RV’s On Road Care Team within 24 hours of the accident. Additional steps are outlined in the instructions; we advise you to familiarize yourself with these instructions before setting off on your travels.  Also consider adding the On Road Care Team number to your phone contacts before your journey.

El Monte RV vehicles use unleaded gasoline only, never diesel fuel. Use gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. 85 octane is not recommended.

When you return your RV, the gasoline level should be the same as it was when you picked it up.

If your El Monte RV has a mechanical problem during your trip, contact the On Road Care Team for assistance. Any repair expected to cost more than $100 must be authorized by El Monte RV before the repair is carried out.

Contact On Road Care before approving or paying for repairs over $100 so the team can advse you on the next steps.

You may be eligible for a lost-use refund if repairs interrupt the use of your El Monte RV. To be eligible, contact the On Road Care Team, start a Customer Service Log and follow the team’s instructions, including any recommended troubleshooting or repairs.

Contact On Road Care when the problem occurs so the team can document the issue and advise you on what to do next.