Our helpful tools assist you before, during, and after you purchase
Whether you are new to RVing, or are looking for additional information to enhance your RV experiences, we have provided these helpful tools to assist you.
Below you will find answers to our customer’s most frequently asked questions, definitions to common terms you will see on pages on this website, links to our RV Finder, How-To Videos, and Trailer Life Tow Guides, as well as a payment estimator to estimate monthly statements for various scenarios.
Answers to our most frequently asked questions
Contact Information
Visit the Contact Us page to locate the contact information for the specific brand that you need customer service for.
P.O. Box 30
Middlebury, IN 46540
Parts, Chassis & Serial Number Information
Contact your authorized Prime Time Manufacturing Dealer.
The Prime Time dealer network is the exclusive distributor of Prime Time parts. Utilize the dealer locator to find the dealer nearest you. Your satisfaction is very important to us.
Should you need additional assistance in finding a dealer or experience difficulty obtaining the parts you need, please feel free to contact us via e-mail or at (574) 862-1025.
The Serial Number can typically be found on the following documents:
- Title
- Insurance Policy
- Bill of Sale
- Your Owner Registration Card (Supplied with new unit purchases only)
On the Recreational Vehicle, this varies by year but here are the most common locations:
Travel Trailers
- Stamped into the top of the A-frame in the front of the trailer.
- Stamped into a tag which is mounted on the top of the A-frame.
- Stamped in the entrance door frame (not the door) just above the striker plate. (Found when outside, facing the doorway, with the door open)
Fifth Wheels
- Stamped into the "Pin Box" frame. (Not the adjustable sleeve)
- Stamped into a tag which is mounted to the "Pin Box" frame.
- Stamped in the entrance door frame (not the door) just above the striker plate. (Found when outside, facing the doorway, with the door open).
- Stamped into a steel crossmember in the lower front
- Compartment (accessed from the front of the unit below the overhang i.e. the front jack leg area) on the driver's side.
Warranty & Roadside Assistance
Prime Time Manufacturing a division of Forest River, Inc., provides a One-Year Limited Warranty. We do not offer any other type of warranty on our products.
Many of the suppliers utilized by Prime Time Manufacturing warranty their own products, and some components may have a longer warranty through the actual component manufacturer.
Note: Most RV dealerships sell after-market “Extended Warranty Contracts” that have a variety of terms, conditions and time periods. These may be a viable option depending on your needs.
We encourage you to be sure to thoroughly read and understand the contract before purchasing.
Prime Time Manufacturing brands come with one year of Roadside Assistance included for the first year on most new towable Prime Time RVs*. Administered by Coach-Net®, this service provides you with 24/7 coverage for the following services:
- Towing
- Jump Starts
- Tire Assistance
- Delivery of Fuel and Emergency Fluids
- Locksmith/Lockout Service
- Winch Out
- Technical Support
- RV Mobile Mechanic
If you purchased your vehicle prior to 1/1/2019, please call the following number for emergency roadside assistance: 877-801-0333
If you purchased your vehicle on or after 1/1/2019, please call the following number for emergency roadside assistance: 866-209-2895
Click Here for More Information (PDF)
*See your dealer for details.
INTERIOR
Yes! This is the first sign of condensation. When there is excessive moisture inside the unit, it will attach itself to any surface that is cooler than the temperature of the components inside the RV.
The first hint of excessive moisture in the air can usually be seen on the windows. Outside air is cooling the window on the outside, inside air is warming the window on the inside, the moisture is attracted to that surface and the windows begin to sweat.
Condensation needs to be taken seriously! Ignoring it can damage the RV which is not warrantable and more importantly could lead to mold issues which could be a health hazard. The key to controlling condensation is ventilation.
A family in the course of normal use (breathing, bathing, cooking, washing dishes, wet towels/clothes, etc.) can put gallons of moisture (water) into the air. If that moisture is unable to escape the RV, you will experience condensation.
Tips to proper ventilation: Crack a window, crack the roof vents, utilize the roof fans when showering, use the range hood fan when cooking or washing dishes, avoid hanging wet towels/clothes inside to dry.
If these basic tips are unsuccessful in controlling condensation, it may even be necessary to consider purchasing a Dehumidifier.
The air conditioner in some models is designed to help circulate the air in your unit if desired. If you prefer to not have the additional circulation, you can change the fan settings on your thermostat to AUTO while in furnace mode.
Consult your Thermostat User Manual for instructions.
Exterior
Remove the termination cap outlet, connect the sewer hose (adaptor) to the termination end, place the other end into an approved dump station inlet, open the black (sewer) water termination valve first, once dumping slows down, open the gray water termination valve, once contents are dumped, close termination valves, flush sewer tank with water, open termination valves one at a time until empty, close termination valves, disconnect sewer hose and store, install termination cap, add approved chemical deodorant as per manufacturer’s instructions.
The roofs on most Prime Time units utilize 3/8” wood decking and are designed to be walked on by wearing soft sole shoes. Please, always use caution when working on top of any RV.
There will be a label on the side of the skirt metal stating LOW POINT DRAINS.
Not at all! During the manufacturing process, the glue used to secure the rubber to the wood decking goes through a “curing” process. In some instances, the glue continues to “cure” after the rubber is in place and the gas causes an air pocket.
Typically, they will never get any larger and do not pose any threat for leakage or structural problems. If your unit has an air bubble that is making you uncomfortable, have your dealer check it for your peace of mind.
Nothing! The only maintenance to the rubber roof itself is washing it a few times a year. Most standard household detergents are appropriate (avoid petroleum based solvents, harsh abrasives or citrus based products) to clean with warm water.
Keep debris cleared to help avoid stains.
Note:While the rubber itself is relatively maintenance free, any sealed openings in the roof do require periodic inspections & resealing.
Please review the Owner’s Manual for more information on the Care & Maintenance of your RV.
The bumpers/frames of Prime Time products were not designed to accommodate this type of accessory installation.
Use automotive/Marine grade “Non-abrasive” cleaners & waxes with a soft cloth. Avoid products with ammonia, caustic harsh cleaners and rubbing compounds. Avoid high-pressure washers, rotating brushes, etc. around graphics or painted areas. Do not “dry wipe” surfaces.
Prime Time does not prep any travel trailer for after-market installation of a ladder.
Electrical
12 Volt-Direct Current (DC) 12 volt is the type of electricity you would find in an automobile. Your battery is the foundation for the 12 volt system in your RV.
A fully charged battery will operate the 12 volt equipment (furnace, water heater, most lighting, range hood, monitor panel, roof vent fans, etc.) in your unit until the battery becomes discharged.
The level of discharge for operation to cease will vary by each piece of equipment.
120 Volt-Alternating Current (AC) 120 volt is the same type of electricity you typically find in a home. Plugging your shoreline cord into a power source (campground or other appropriate receptacle) is the foundation for the 120 volt system in your unit (optional generators produce 120 volt electricity as well).
Certain equipment (air conditioner, microwave, most televisions, etc) in your RV can only operate from 120 volt electricity thus require the unit be plugged in to a power source or a generator running.
Your unit is also equipped with a “Converter.” When the shoreline cord is plugged in at a campground (or other appropriate receptacle), this device “Converts” 120 volt electricity into 12 volt electricity.
Most 12 volt equipment in your unit will operate from this power source, even if your battery is discharged. The “converter” is also equipped with a “battery charger” which provides a “trickle charge” (slow, low amperage charging) to your battery as long as the shoreline is plugged in to a power source.
An "automotive" type battery, like in your car, is designed to provide a "heavy load" (required during starting) for a short period of time and to be recharged continuously.
A "deep-cycle" battery is designed to be slowly discharged (like during camping) and recharged over and over. While an "automotive" battery will work in an RV, the life expectancy is very short compared to the “deep-cycle” battery which was designed for this type of use.
Very Important! The battery in your RV is the foundation for the entire 12 volt system. Without a good battery, any 12 volt component in your RV can experience intermittent operational problems which can be extremely frustrating.
This continuous discharging & charging is very hard on your battery. Be sure the water levels are checked at least monthly and the connections are kept clean and free of corrosion.
Per Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) code, certain receptacles in every unit are protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) system. Try pushing the reset button on the receptacle itself.
The GFCI receptacles are typically located in the kitchen and/or bathroom. If the problem persists, try a different component in the receptacle.
If the problem goes away, it could be a problem with the component, if the problem still persists, there could be an electrical problem in the trailer. To be safe, have your local Prime Time dealer check it out.
The receptacles in the RV are protected by a circuit breaker and/or the GFCI system. Hair dryers, curling irons, toasters, coffee makers, etc. use a very high amount of electricity (amperage). Each circuit is rated at 15 amps.
Typically, any combination of two of these types of accessories will draw more than 15 amps which will cause the breaker to trip. It may be necessary to operate only one of these types of accessories at a time.
This section gives you running amps on components that are commonly used in Recreational Vehicles. Amperages may vary, check your individual products for exact amperage.
COMPONENT (AMP DRAW)
- Microwave (15 amp)
- Four-Slice Toaster (15 amp)
- Hair Dryer (12.5 amp)
- Water Heater on Electric (11.6 amp)
- Vacuum Cleaner (11 amp)
- Griddle (10.8 amp)
- 13.5k Air Conditioner (10 amp)
- Two-Slice Toaster (7.5 amp)
- Coffee Maker (7.5 amp)
- Printer (7.1 amp)
- Refrigerator (5.5 amp)
- 19" LCD TV (2.5 amp)
- Computer (1.7 amp)
- Flat Iron (1.4 amp)
- X-Box 360 (1.4 amp)
- Laptop (0.75 amp)
- Curling Iron (0.7 amp)
- DVD Player = 70 watts (0.6 amp)
- X-Box (0.6 amp)
- Satellite Receiver (0.5 amp)
- Play Station 2 (0.25 amp)
- LED Alarm Clock (0.2 amp)
The GFCI is a personal protection device that constantly monitors the flow of current through a protected circuit and senses any loss of current to an outside path.
If the current flowing into an electrical appliance or fixture differs by a very small amount from what flows back out, the GFCI instantly interrupts the current flow to prevent a sustained, lethal level of electricity from reaching a person.
The person may feel a painful shock but should be protected from electrocution.
If your unit is equipped with an exterior cable TV jack; hook the “Park Cable” to the exterior jack. Turn the TV Antenna power booster (located inside the unit) to the “off” position.
Turn the TV to the appropriate channels to receive cable. Note: depending on the TV set, it may be necessary to reprogram the TV from “Air” to “Cable”.
General Information
The Prime Time Owner’s Manual is located on this website and can be browsed or downloaded in its entirety as a PDF. Or, download our mobile app on your iPhone or Android device and have it with you wherever you go.
A hard copy of the manual can be ordered by sending a request via phone at (574)-862-1025 or mail at Prime Time Customer Service, 900 CR 1, P.O. Box 3030 Elkhart, IN 46515-3030
Note:For appliance owner’s manuals, contact the respective component manufacturer direct. See the list of contacts provided below in the "General" FAQs.
Prime Time Manufacturing does not publish schematics of our products. Should a technical concern arise, we would recommend contacting your local Prime Time dealer.
If you should need additional assistance, please feel free to contact us via e-mail or by calling our customer service department at (574) 862-1025.
AIR CONDITIONERS
2320 Industrial Parkway
Elkhart, IN 46516
3050 N. Saint Francis Street
Wichita, KS 67219
ANTENNA
3000 Kirk wood St.
Burlington, IA 52601
AWNINGS
2320 Industrial Parkway
Elkhart, IN 46516
3501 CR 6 East
Elkhart, IN 46514
AXLES
3501 CR 6 East
Elkhart, IN 46514
2900 Industrial Parkway East
Elkhart, IN 46516
FURNACES
1120 N. Main St.
Elkhart, IN 46514
JACKS
3501 CR 6 East
Elkhart, IN 46514
MICROWAVES
17880 Commerce Dr.
Bristol, IN 46507
REFRIGERATORS
2320 Industrial Parkway
Elkhart, IN 46516
7101 Jackson Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
STOVE/OVEN
1120 N. Main St.
Elkhart, IN 46514
TOILETS
2320 Industrial Parkway
Elkhart, IN 46516
WATER HEATERS
1120 N. Main St.
Elkhart, IN 46514
676 Broadway St.
Dayton, TN 37321
We also have a collection of component owner's manuals that may be downloaded for your convenience.
For a better understanding of the process, view the Prime Time Owner’s Manual or watch the how-to video on the website.
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the maximum permissible weight of the unit when fully loaded. It includes all weights, inclusive of all fluids, cargo, optional equipment and accessories.
For safety and product performance do NOT exceed the GVWR.
- GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) is the maximum permissible weight, including cargo, fluids, optional equipment and accessories that can be safely supported by a combination of all axles.
- UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) * is the typical weight of the unit as manufactured at the factory. It includes all weight at the unit’s axle(s) and tongue or pin and LP Gas.
The UVW does not include cargo, fresh potable water, additional optional equipment or dealer installed accessories.
*Estimated Average based on standard build optional equipment.
- CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity) ** is the amount of weight available for fresh potable water, cargo, additional optional equipment and accessories.
CCC is equal to GVWR minus UVW. Available CCC should accommodate fresh potable water (8.3 lbs per gallon). Before filling the fresh water tank, empty the black and gray tanks to provide for more cargo capacity.
**Estimated Average based on standard build optional equipment.
Each Prime Time Manufacturing RV is weighed at the manufacturing facility prior to shipping. A label identifying the unloaded vehicle weight of the actual unit and the cargo carrying capacity is applied to every Prime Time RV prior to leaving our facilities.
The load capacity of your unit is designated by weight, not by volume, so you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading your unit.
Not at all! This is a common miscalculation in the industry. In order to calculate the actual weight on the tires, it is necessary to subtract the hitch weight. The hitch weight is actually being carried by your tow vehicle not the tires on the trailer.
For example: If the tires are rated at 2000 lbs each x 4=8000 lbs and the unit weighs (or has a GVWR of) 9000 lbs with a hitch weight of 1200 lbs, the actual weight on the trailer tires is 7800 lbs which is within the weight rating of the tires.
This light will come on if there is a problem with the system; most generally it will come on if the water heater does not light after 3 attempts.
The value of a unit is determined at the “Retail” level. As a “Wholesale” manufacturer, we have no influence on the value of a unit. A few of the factors which can influence the value of any product are: the RV’s condition, geographic region and general market conditions.
Here is a link that is commonly used in the RV Industry which will provide a general guideline, NADA Guide, ultimately though, the true value would need to be determined at the dealer level.
View the Tow Guides provided by Trailer Life.
These guides do not attempt to provide all necessary information such as axle ratios, cooling systems, transmissions and any additional equipment required by the tow vehicle manufacturer to achieve the published maximum towing limits.
Please be sure to verify your particular tow vehicle manufacturers specifications. Your local Prime Time Manufacturing dealer will be glad to help you with questions.
Storing your RV under a roof type cover or within a building when the RV will not be used for an extended period of time is always a good idea when this option is available to you.
When you must store your RV outdoors during periods of non-use you also have the option of using a temporary cover that is draped over the RV, then fastened onto the RV tightly.
Many of these covers have a DuPont TTY® top or roof panel and polypropylene side panels.
Many RV owners prefer to cover their RV’s with the drape-over style covers to protect the surfaces and finish from UV breakdown, dirt, leaves, birds and other airborne contaminates.
On the other hand, many RV owners feel that to cover an RV with the drape-over style covers may lead to chafing and that chafing can lead to rubbing the decals off and other finishes.
In our opinion we would rather have the RV covered than exposed to the outdoor elements.
No - We do not sell factory direct. In order to assure the best possible experience, we encourage our customers to purchase their RV from their local dealership. This allows for the development of a meaningful relationship with a dealer in your area that will enhance your RV experience.
From a pre-delivery inspection and prep completed by the dealer prior to pick up, thorough product walk through and demonstration at the time of delivery, to assistance with product questions, user tips, and helpful information regarding RV use in your state or county… your buying and ownership experience will be well served through one of our authorized dealers.
By purchasing through your local dealer you are also better assured timely service appointments and warranty repairs should any be required. Forest River, Inc., dealers are independently owned and operated businesses so priority service and scheduling is at their discretion.
You can find your local dealer by selecting a product and entering your zip/postal code on our Dealer Locator.
Our RV Classifications, Commonly Used Terms And Weight Definitions
Product Make
The Product Make is a classification of recreation vehicle that has a substantial degree of commonality in construction of chassis, frame and body, which does not include level of décor, opulence, equipment and price range, and does not have a specific trade mark associated with it.
Class A Rear Diesel (RD) Motorhomes
Built on a rail (or bare) motor vehicle chassis powered by a rear diesel engine.
Class A Gas Motorhomes
Built on a rail (or bare) motor vehicle chassis powered by a front gas engine.
Class B Motorhomes
Built on an automotive manufactured van-type chassis.
Class C Motorhomes
Built on a cut-away automotive manufactured truck chassis (cab portion in place from chassis manufacturer).
Toy Haulers
Towable RVs mounted on frame and wheels and designed to be towed by a motor vehicle that is constructed with a roof, floor and sidewalls made of rigid materials with a rear garage type storage facility.
+ View Toy Haulers
Fifth Wheels
Towable RV mounted on frame and wheels and designed to be towed by a motorized vehicle by means of a towing mechanism that is mounted above or forward of the tow vehicle’s rear axle (typically a truck).
+ View Fifth Wheels
Travel Trailers (Including Destination Trailers)
Towable RV mounted on frame and wheels and designed to be towed by a motor vehicle that is constructed with a roof, floor and sidewalls made of rigid materials.
+ View Travel Trailers
Camping Trailers
Towable RVs mounted on a frame and wheels and designed to be towed by a motorized vehicle that is constructed with a collapsible roof and collapsible partial sidewalls that unfold and extend in the set up mode and fold back up for travel.
Truck Campers
Towable RVs designed to be placed in the bed of a pickup truck.
Range Brand
A Range Brand is the leading predominant common trademark or brand name of the respective Product Make and Product Line.
Product Line
A Product Line is a specific series of RV products identified by a common trademark or trade name and targeted to a market segment as determined by level of décor, opulence, equipment and price range.
Product “Lines” with the same trademark or trade name are not the same unless they also share the same product "Make."
Product Model
A Product Model is a specific offering within a Product Line and Make that is distinguishable by its length and interior floorplan. It typically will share all or most of the level of décor, opulence, equipment and price range characterized by other Models within the same Product Line.
Weight Specification Definitions
Towable
The maximum permissible weight of the unit when fully loaded. It includes all weights, inclusive of all fluids, cargo, optional equipment and accessories. For safety and product performance do NOT exceed the GVWR.
The maximum permissible weight, including cargo, fluids, optional equipment and accessories that can be safely supported by a combination of all axles.
The typical weight of the unit as manufactured at the factory. It includes all weight at the unit’s axle(s) and tongue or pin and LP Gas. The UVW does not include cargo, fresh potable water, additional optional equipment or dealer installed accessories.
*Estimated Average based on standard build optional equipment
The amount of weight available for fresh potable water, cargo, additional optional equipment and accessories. CCC is equal to GVWR minus UVW. Available CCC should accommodate fresh potable water (8.3 lbs per gallon). Before filling the fresh water tank, empty the black and gray tanks to provide for more cargo capacity.
**Estimated average based on standard build optional equipment
Each Prime Time RV is weighed at the manufacturing facility prior to shipping. A label identifying the unloaded vehicle weight of the actual unit and the cargo carrying capacity is applied to every Prime Time RV prior to leaving our facilities.
The load capacity of your unit is designated by weight, not by volume, so you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading your unit.
Motorized
The maximum permissible weight of the unit when fully loaded. It includes all weights, inclusive of all fluids, occupants, cargo, optional equipment and accessories. For safety and product performance do NOT exceed the GVWR.
The maximum permissible loaded weight of your motor home and any towed trailer or towed vehicle. Actual GCWR of this vehicle may be limited by the sum of the GVWR and the installed hitch receiver maximum capacity rating; see hitch rating label for detail.
The maximum permissible weight, including cargo, fluids, optional equipment and accessories that can be safely supported by each axle.
The typical weight of the unit as manufactured at the factory. It includes all weight at the unit’s axle(s), including full fuel, all fluids and LP Gas. The UVW does not include cargo, fresh potable water, additional optional equipment or dealer installed accessories.
* Estimated Average based on standard build optional equipment.
The amount of weight available for fresh potable water, cargo, passengers, additional optional equipment and accessories. CCC is equal to GVWR minus UVW. Available CCC should accommodate fresh potable water (8.3 lbs per gallon). Before filling the fresh water tank, empty the black and gray tanks to provide for more cargo capacity.
** Estimated Average based on standard build optional equipment.
Each Prime Time RV is weighed at the manufacturing facility prior to shipping. A label identifying the unloaded vehicle weight of the actual unit and the cargo carrying capacity is applied to every Prime Time RV prior to leaving our facilities.
The load capacity of your unit is designated by weight, not by volume, so you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading your unit.
Actual towing capacity is dependent upon your particular loading and towing circumstances, which includes the GVWR, GAWR and GCWR as well as adequate trailer brakes. Please refer to the Operator's Manual of your vehicle for further towing information.
Find The Perfect Fit
Need help finding the Forest River RV floorplan that is right for you? It’s easy! Select your RV Type, choose from a set of desired features, such as bunk beds, slide outs or construction type, set length or weight requirements and filter.
We’ll suggest a list of floorplans and products that are an exact match. You’ll find the perfect fit in no time!
+ RV Finder
Prime Time Manufacturing RV Component Owner's Manuals
Prime Time Manufacturing has partnered with some of the industry's top component manufacturers helping us become North America's Favorite RV Company. View Manuals for your RV's Components using the link below.
+ View Component Manuals
Towing Guidelines
When deciding which Prime Time Manufacturing RV is right for you, compare its weight shown in the specification chart to the towing limits of your tow vehicle. Because of the many variables, the process can be confusing.
These guides are provided for your convenience as a general reference. They list the model, engine and published maximum towing capacity for the corresponding model year.
These guides do not attempt to provide all necessary information such as axle ratios, cooling systems, transmissions and any additional equipment required by the tow vehicle manufacturer to achieve the published maximum towing limits.
Please be sure to verify your particular tow vehicle manufacturers specifications. Your Prime Time Manufacturing RV dealer will be glad to help you with questions.
+ TrailerLife.COM Tow Guides
How-To Videos For Your Convenience
We have created a variety of how-to videos to help you perform general maintenance and routine tasks on your Prime Time Manufacturing RV.
Additionally, we have partnered with some of our main suppliers to provide videos that are specific to their products being used in your Prime Time Manufacturing RV.
+ View Our How-To Videos
We Want To Make Your RV Buying Experience Simple And Stress Free
We also want to assist you in finding the ideal Recreational Vehicle that fits your budget. Should you be looking to finance your purchase, this Payment Estimator simply assists you in "running the numbers" to look at various scenarios to estimate your monthly payment.
We encourage you to contact your local Prime Time Manufacturing Dealer to assist you with your purchase decision or simply to answer any questions that you may have. Prime Time Manufacturing Dealers can be located through our Dealer Locator and will be happy to service your needs.