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Bullwinkle65's avatar
Bullwinkle65
Explorer
Feb 17, 2022

owners manual

I am a newly retired 2003 Bonair hard body camper owner. I have one that has an awning, furnace, 3 piece bathroom, sleeps 4, single axle, and AC. It's beautiful to me...I'm not rich but this camper makes me feel that way. I've been camping since I was a child pitching a tent in my back yard some 57 years ago.
I don't know a lot about the hot water system, the 3 pc bathroom, the furnace,or the breaker panel. Is there any fellow campers who have an old copy of the manual? Or, could I buy the photo copies of the manual from you? Or, where on earth can find the Bonair website to get a copy of that manual? I've tried, but I cannot find that site. Many thanks to anyone who can help me. Just a reminder, I will PAY for that manual or the photo copies.
Much gratitude to anyone who can help me with this situation. Don
  • You may already have a list of the exact appliances and model numbers. First place to start looking is the inside of the wardrobe cabinet door. I think RVIA required manufacturers to put a document in there with the make, model, serial, appliance list, tire size, etc.

    Charles
  • Just a thank you to all for your suggestions,I will do my best to follow you leads. I will wait until it gets a little warmer, and get the specs on each service required. Furnace, shower, heater, etc etc...again follow campers, thank you. Don
  • Almost any RV manual is just a collection of the manuals that the appliance manufacturers put out and any other information is just about useless.

    We have a longtime member, Chris Bryant, now retired from his RV service business, who has generously provided a link to many manuals, both RV's themselves and appliances used in RV's, on his company website. You can check out the various categories on his site
    here.

    You would probably be best served by looking up the model numbers of the various items in your trailer and then searching for the manual for each item.
    Good luck. :)
    Barney
  • Collingwood eh? Just a quick zip down old #26, go see the guys at Stayner Travel Trailer, over the years I've had great service from them.
  • I want to thank Bobbo,Rob & Ken for the advice. I will take on this new project with your advice. Glad I found this site, I hope this will be a good year for all of us. (campers)
  • Manuals for older RVs, well they were not the best, even when new. Your best bet would be to make a list of all the appliances, stove, fridge, water heater, furnace etc. that are in your trailer. Get the make, model# etc and google search for the individual manuals.
    I've owned two Bonair popup trailers in the 80s and early 90s. Bonair was a smaller Quebec company that primarily made popup,s before trying the hard body trailers. Bonair closed their doors (out of business??) in the early 2000s.

    Gimme Shelter RV, Shelburne, ON , They were long time dealers for Bonair until Bonair's demise. Gimme Shelters owners Keith and Suzy, could probably answer any questions you need about Bonair,
    but for most of the RV issues, you will probably get all the answers here. Plumbing, wiring (12v and 120v) is similar in all trailers, just adapted for individual units. Converters, appliances etc are all manufactured by individual companies and then installed in the trailer by Bonair or other RV manufacturer.

    Ken
  • There's not really such a thing as an owners' manual for most towable RVs - especially one that old. You may be able to find PDF manuals for the appliances and other components by going to the manufacturer's web sites with the model numbers (i.e. furnace, refrigerator, stove, AC, etc.). The running gear (chassis, axle, bearings, hubs, etc.) are industry standard and any good trailer shop can work on those parts. You should have the bearings and brakes inspected and, if the tires are over five or six years old, replace them before you tow the RV.

    Otherwise, YouTube is your best friend. Folks have put videos out there to step you through almost any scenario imaginable. Bobbo's suggestion of having an experienced person come over and do "boot camp" with is also a great idea.

    Rob
  • Your best bet is to find a local RV owner who will come over and give you lessons.