preparing for the road on the road fire & safety …€¦ · 1 contents towing code preparing...

1

CONTENTS

TOWING CODE

PREPARING FOR THE ROAD

ON THE ROAD

FIRE & SAFETY

SERVICES

ELECTRICS

FITTED EQUIPMENT

AL-KO CHASSIS & TYRES

GENERAL DATA

Venus Handbook 2015

2

INTRODUCTION

Lunar Caravans Ltd welcomes you as youjoin the ranks of owners of Venus Caravans.We hope you will enjoy your caravan and thishandbook tells you how to look after it so thatit may give you years of pleasure andenjoyment.

Remember that it is a vehicle and thus callsfor a small amount of regular maintenance.

You are requested to contact your dealeron all enquiries in order to ensuresatisfaction. You will only experiencedelays if you bypass the normal channels.

Your Venus Caravan has been EuropeanCommission Whole Vehicle Type approvedvia LuxControl and has also been inspectedby the National Caravan Council (NCC) toensure your new caravan is compliant andsafe to use.

Your Venus caravan has been built andapproved to EN1645 which applies to a largenumber of features such as:

• sizes of beds• escape factor i.e. windows and exterior

door• materials• design and construction

• insulation is grade 3 classified which isable to achieve an average temperaturedifference of 35 degrees centigradebetween interior and exterior when theexterior is -15 degrees centigrade

• electrical equipment, both 12 volt and230 volt

• chassis• undergear• drawbar• jockey wheel• wheels and tyres• installation of gas• ventilation• awnings and channel• fire notices• handbook

Touring caravans are designated by theirmodel year which runs from 1 September to31 August. A new year model can only beregistered by CRIS from 1st Septemberonwards.

This caravan has been security marked andrecorded under the Caravan Registrationand Identifications Scheme that is organisedby the Caravan Industry.

Your Touring Caravan Registration Documentwill include a 17 character V.I.N. (VehicleIdentification Number), which is alsochemically etched on eye level windows.

INTRODUCTION

Disclaimer: The contents of this Handbook book are as accurate as possible at the time of going to print. Lunar Caravans reserve the right to altermaterials and specifications without prior notice. Venus Caravans is a brand of Lunar Caravans Ltd.

To protect yourself and your touring caravan,never leave the Registration Document in thecaravan. For security reasons keep it in asafe place.

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TOWING CODE

TOWINGCODE

Scope of Code ........................................................ 4

Caravan Terms ........................................................ 4

Weights ................................................................... 4

Towing Vehicle Terms .............................................. 4

Measurement of Noseweight .................................. 6

TOWING CODE

4

User Payload (UP)

The difference between the MIRO andMTPLM (excluding potential MTPLMupgrade). The user payload allows for itemscommon to all occupants, such as food,cutlery, pots, pans, clothing, footwear,bedding, sports equipment etc. The userpayload also includes an allowance for theauxiliary battery.

The UP is calculated by the followingformula:

10L + 10N + 50.

L is the body length of the caravan in meters.

N is the number of berths.

50 is for normal equipment carried in thecaravan, a sample list is given below.

TV ........................................................... 3kg

Kettle .................................................... 0.5kg

Bed linen ................................................. 6kg

Crockery .................................................. 5kg

Saucepans .............................................. 3kg

Wastemaster ........................................... 6kg

Aquaroll (empty) ...................................... 5kg

Waste bin ................................................ 1kg

Cutlery ..................................................... 2kg

Toilet fluid etc ....................................... 2.5kg

Battery ................................................... 16kg

THE CARAVAN TOWING CODE

Industry Payload Standard for UK touringCaravans

This standard has been prepared by theNational Caravan Council and formulatedwith input from Industry Experts. Thestandard applies to UK specification TouringCaravans and will applies for the NCCcertification from 2011 onwards model yearTouring Caravans.

For the 2012 model year the method ofcalculating the Mass in Running Order(MRO) and user payload figures are in linewith European Vehicle Directives andprovides for the requirements for EuropeanWhole Vehicle Type Approval EWVTA, 2007/46/EC (The Framework Directive) and thedirectives referenced therein.

DEFINITIONS

Maximum Technically Permissible LadenMass (MTPLM)

The fully laden mass of the caravan in themanufacturer’s standard specification whichis stated in the manufacturer publications bythe manufacturer for tow car matching. Thismass takes into account the specificoperating conditions including factors suchas the strength of the materials, loadcapacity of the tyres etc, and can be foundon a plate affixed to the caravan, usuallynear the entrance door.

Please note: The MTPLM is the maximumweight that the caravan can be loaded to,this mass must NOT be exceeded. Howevermost models can have the MTPLM upgradedin capacity; this must be approved by LunarCaravans Ltd via the dealership. Pleasecontact your dealership for further details.

Mass In Running Order (MIRO) or (MRO)

This is the weight of the caravan as it leavesour factory (inclusive of the electrical hook-upcable at 6kg and the winding handle at 1kg)plus the following:

8kg allowance for gas bottles.

9kg of water in the water heater.

2kg of water in the toilet holding tank as thisis the maximum recommended by Thetford.

5

TOWING CODE

THE CARAVAN AND TOWINGVEHICLE RATIO

This can be determined by calculation and isequal to:

actual laden weight of caravan

kerb weight of towing vehicle

THE LAW REQUIRES THAT CARAVANS &THEIR TOWING VEHICLES & THE LOADSTHEY CARRY MUST BE IN SUCH ACONDITION THAT NO DANGER ORNUISANCE IS CAUSED.(Regulation 100 of the Road and Vehicles[Construction and Use] Regulations 1986).

IMPORTANT NOTICE:Your caravan has been designed andmanufactured for towing behind normal roadcars. Additional care should be taken whentowing with a 4x4 due to the 'off-road' natureof the suspension. Caravans are not suitablefor towing behind commercial vehicles.

POWER TO WEIGHT RATIO:

No hard and fast rules can be stated but,here is a general guide.

(a) Conventional petrol engines with acapacity up to approximately 1500 ccshould be adequate for towing a caravanweighing around 85% of the kerb weightof the towing vehicle.

x 100%

Optional Equipment Payload (OEP)

Items made available by the manufacturerover and above the standard specification forthe caravan in addition to the user payload.

Personal Effects Payload (PEP)

A mass specified for the items which a usercan choose to carry in a caravan and whichare not included as an essential habitationequipment or optional equipment.

Optional Item Additional Weight

R/C Alarm/Awning Light ......................... 1 kg

AL-KO Secure wheel locks (per lock) .... 2 kg

AI-KO ATC Trailer Control ...................... 2 kg

Air Conditioning .................................... 30 kg

Please note: Any options fitted by retailerwill reduce the overall payload available tothe customer.

REGULATORY AND SAFETYADVICE

WARNING: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCESSHOULD THE MAXIMUM TECHNICALLYPERMISSIBLE LADEN MASS (MTPLM) BEEXCEEDED. PLEASE TAKE CARE TOENSURE THAT YOU HAVE ALLOWED FORMASSES OF ALL ITEMS YOU INTEND TOCARRY IN THE CARAVAN e.g. Optionalequipment and personal effects such asclothing, food, pets, bicycles, sailboards,sports equipment etc.

THE MASS OF THE CARAVAN INRUNNING ORDER (MIRO) CONTAINSPROVISION FOR THE MASSES OFLIQUIDS, GAS ETC. PART OF THISPROVISION CAN ALSO BE UTILIZED ASADDITIONAL PAYLOAD IF FOR EXAMPLEYOU WISH TO TRAVEL WITH NO GASCYLINDERS.

TOWING CODE

6

MEASUREMENT OF NOSEWEIGHT

Towing noseweight should be a minimum of50kg and heavier for twin axle models. Thismay be measured using a proprietary brandof noseweight indicator. Such equipment isobtainable at your Venus Caravan Dealer.

Another simple method is to use bathroomscales under the coupling head with a pieceof wood fitted between the coupling headand the scales, of such length that thecaravan floor is horizontal with the jockeywheel raised.

(b) Above 1500 cc such engines shouldmanage a caravan weighing up to 100%of the kerb weight of the towing vehicleand still give adequate performance.

Note: The towing vehicle manufacturer’slimit is, in some cases, less than the kerbweight.

Vehicles with automatic transmission mayneed an oil cooler to be fitted or the SAErating of the gearbox oil increased whentowing. The advice of the vehiclemanufacturer should be sought.

7


PREPARING

FOR THEROAD

Checklist ................................................................. 8

Loading and Distribution ........................................ 8

Stability ................................................................... 9

Pre-Tow Checklist ................................................ 10

Stabiliser .............................................................. 11

Wheel Lock .......................................................... 13

Breakaway Cable ................................................. 17

Tyres .................................................................... 18


8

PRE-LOAD CHECKLIST

Caution: Never enter the caravan withoutfirst lowering the four corner steadieswith the brace provided.

CHECK THAT:- loose articles are stowed securely. Do

not stow tins, bottles or heavy items inoverhead lockers prior to towing.

- all lockers and cupboard doors areclosed and secured.

- all bunks are secure.- all rooflights are closed and secured.- main table is stored in its transit

position.- fridge is on 12v operation and door

lock is set.- all windows are fully closed and

latched. Never tow with windows onnightsetting. Leave all curtains andblinds open to aid rear visibility.

- gas cylinders are correctly positioned,secured and turned off.

- battery is secure.- wheelnuts for tightness.- tyre pressures and condition of tyres.

LOADING AND DISTRIBUTION OFWEIGHT IN THE CARAVAN

Do not exceed recommended maximumloading for your caravan.

1. Load heavy items low down near thefloor and mainly over or in front of theaxle(s).

2. Load evenly right to left.

3. Do not load items at the extreme rearsince this can lead to instability due tothe ‘pendulum effect’.

4. Load remainder to give a suitablenoseweight at the towing coupling.

5. Check noseweight. (Lunar Caravans aredesigned to be towed with a minimumnoseweight of 50kg and heavier for twinaxle models) (See page 4).

Sensible loading:

How to apportion it

Note: Do not load car boot heavily.

LIGHT MEDIUM HEAVY

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STABILITY

The most common causes of poor stabilityinclude:

(a) Incorrect tyre pressures on car orcaravan.

(b) Worn springs or loose spring fixings onthe towing vehicle.

(c) Towing vehicle shock absorbers too soft.

(d) Insufficient noseweight.

(e) Nose of caravan is towing too high.

(f) Incorrect loading

Stabilisers. There are many proprietarybrands of stabiliser available. Your Lunardealer will be pleased to advise you of themost suitable. They are an aid to stability andshould not be considered as a cure for astability problem.

Note: It is expressly forbidden by thechassis manufacturer for holes to bedrilled into the 'A' frame to accommodatea stabiliser bracket. A clamp must beused. Similarly, holes should not bedrilled into the coupling head.

Towing vehicle’s rear suspension

It is important that the towing vehicle’s rearsuspension is not deflected excessively bythe noseweight on the tow ball. If it isexcessive the steering and stability will beaffected.

The greater the towing vehicle’s tailoverhang (the distance between the rearaxle and the tow ball) the greater the effectthe noseweight will have on the towingvehicle’s rear suspension.

After trying out the caravan it may befound that stiffening of the rearsuspension is necessary — but note that thismay give the towing vehicle a firmer ridewhen not towing.

There are a number of suspension aidsavailable and advice should be sought onwhich to use and how to fit.

It is important to ensure that the caravan istowed either level or slightly nose down.

Illustration of excessive deflection of vehicle’s rear suspension


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PRE-TOW CHECKLIST

1. Check that the hitch is securely coupledonto the towball and connect thebreakaway cable. Your hitch heightshould be around 440mm (17") to thecentre of the towball when the towingvehicle and caravan are coupled andladen.

2. The Jockey wheel should be raised andtightly clamped or removed completely ifdesired.

3. Corner steadies must be wound up fully.

4. Plug in the electrical connection to thecar, keeping the cable clear of the roadand check the operation of lights.

5. Release the handbrake. “Failure toensure that the handbrake is completelyoff, can result in overheating of thebrakes and failure of the bearings”.

6. Check tyre pressure with cold tyres (seespecification). Wheel bolt torque settingsshould be 88Nm (65lbs/ft) for steelwheels. Alloy wheels should be 115Nm(85lbs/ft).

7. Adjust the tyre pressures of your tow carto the manufacturers recommendationsfor full loads.

8. Engage the stabiliser, if fitted.

9. Fit towing mirrors to your car.

11


AKS STABILISER(where fitted)

This model of stabiliser has 4 special frictionpads, which suppress both snaking andpitching. It is essential that the tow ball iskept completely clean as contaminated padswill reduce its effectiveness.

Operating instructions

• Using the coupling handle, put the AKSon to the towball. Push the black handledown and check the green indicatorbutton is showing (Fig. 1).

• Press the red stabilising lever down. TheAKS is now ready for the road (Fig. 2).

Safety indicators

If the green indicator is visible then you knowyou have correctly coupled your AKS to yourtowing vehicle (Fig. 3).

Wear Indicator

For Coupling mechanism and front/rearfriction pads. (Fig. 4)

Fig. 1 Fig. 2

Fig. 4Fig. 3


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• Wear of the coupling ball and mechanismcan be easily monitored. If the greensection is visible (when coupled to yourtowball) then the front/rear friction pads,coupling ball and mechanism are inorder.

• If the red lower section obscures thegreen section then you need to checkthese parts immediately.

Fig. 5

Fig 6

Fig. 8

Fig 7

Fig. 9

Friction pads in goodorder

Friction pads worn out andneed replacing

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Friction Pads Replacement

• Unscrew the 2 screws which are underthe soft dock by using the special torxtool (UK version only). (Fig. 7)

• Remove screw from back plate. (Fig. 8)

• Remove friction pads. (Fig. 9)

Loading Capacity

The AKS can be utilised to tow vehicles up toa gross weight of 3000kg and a maximumnose load of 100kg.

AL-KO SECURE WHEEL LOCK

You must register your key, should you fail todo this you will not be able to order a sparekey or obtain lost or stolen keys.

This is how it works:

• On the Al-Ko Secure registration cardyou will find an exclusive securitynumber.

• Please register your key by telephoning0870 7576788 or 0044 1926 818500.

• You will be required to provide thechassis number of the caravan.

• You will need to provide us with apassword and supply answers to threesecurity questions.

• Make a note of your password and keepit in a safe place.

• Also keep your registration card safe.

• Take your registration card with youwhen you are travelling with the caravan.

• Always keep your registration cardseparate from the lock.

Safety Information

• Always secure the caravan againstmovement (chock the wheels, couple totowing vehicle).

• Never leave Secure parts (key, lockingbolt, registration card) in the caravan.

• Always remove Al-Ko Secure beforemoving the caravan.

• After any attempt at theft has been madeon a locked Al-Ko Secure, the caravanmust be inspected in an Al-Ko ApprovedService Workshop.

• Always keep the key in a safe place.

• Keep the lock set and registration cardseparate from the keys.

• The lock parts and key do not have aregistration number, therefore keep theregistration card in a safe place.

• Caravans with twin axles have two locks,keep each lock set in a separate place.The sets are not interchangeable!

Note: Read the operating instructions andact in accordance with them. Keep theoperating instructions for general use.Follow the safety instructions as well asthe warning information.


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ASSEMBLY

We recommend the use of a side-lift jack foreasier fitting of Al-Ko Secure when used on atandem axle caravan. (Order No. Al-Ko JackSet 1389235).

• Align the wheel so that the receiver canbe seen in the centre of the rim opening.DO NOT use the rim opening in whichthe tyre valve is fitted. (Fig. 1)

• Unscrew the plastic cap from the receiverand store in the tool kit box. (When Al-KoSecure is not in use, always screw theplastic cap in place). (Fig. 2)

• Insert the locking bolt into the rim specificinsert. (Fig. 3)

• Insert the locking bolt socket key. (Fig. 4)

• Line up the locking bolts and assemblywith the receiver. (Fig. 5)

• Tighten the locking bolt socket using thewheel spanner provided (or torquewrench as shown) to wheel torque. (Fig.6)

• Remove the locking bolt socket key.(Fig 7)

• Insert barrel lock. (Fig. 8)

• Hold the lock fast and lock. (Fig. 9)

• The Al-Ko Secure is now fitted. (Fig. 10)

Fig. 1 Fig. 2

Fig. 4Fig. 3

15


Fig. 5 Fig. 6

Fig. 9Fig. 8

Fig. 7

Fig. 10


16

TWIN AXLE CARAVANS

Fit the front lock first by aligning the wheel sothe receiver can be seen in the centre of therim opening. Chock front wheel and oppositewheel. Jack the caravan (preferably usingthe Al-Ko side lift jack) until the rear wheel isclear of the ground. Fit the second lock byaligning the wheel as described previously

Note: Lost components phone 00441215050400.

In the event of attempted theft report topolice and your insurance company.

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SECONDARY BRAKING CABLE(Break away device)

Purpose - To apply a trailer’s brakes if itbecomes separated from its towing vehicle.Having done this, the cable assembly isdesigned to part, allowing the trailer to cometo a halt away from the towing vehicle.

Construction - A thin steel cable, possiblyplastic coated, and fitted with a means ofattachment for connection to the towingvehicle.

Operation - In the event of the main couplingof the trailer separating from the towingvehicle, the cable should be able to pull tight,without any hindrance, engaging the trailer’sbrakes.

NOTE: The breakaway cable should neverbecome taut during normal use.

Correct procedure for use:

Regularly check the cable and clip fordamage. If in doubt, contact your dealeror service agent.

Make sure the cable runs as straight aspossible and goes through a cable guideunderneath the trailer coupling.

Determine whether or not the towbar hasa designated attachment point (i.e. a partspecifically designated by itsmanufacturer for a breakaway cable).

Where a designated attachment point isprovided on the towbar:

Either:

a) Pass the cable through the attachmentpoint and clip it back on itself (Fig 1).

Or:

Where no designated attachment pointhas been provided on the towbar:

Fixed ball - Loop the cable around the neckof the towball. If you fit the cable like this, usea single loop only. (See Figs. 2 and 3).

Detachable ball - You must seek guidanceon procedure from the towbar manufactureror supplier.

Fig 1 Fig 2 Fig 3


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TYRES

All tyres used on Lunar caravans, wheninflated to the pressures recommended, areadequate for speeds up to 130 kph at themaximum specified laden weight of allmodels.

Note: Maximum permitted speed in theU.K. is 60 mph and in the interests of roadsafety speeds above this are notrecommended.

Tyre tread

A caravan is subject to the same criteriaapplied to car tyres, namely; a minimum of1.6 mm tread pattern depth throughout.

Tyre pressures

Caravan and towing vehicle tyres must beat the pressures recommended for towingor heavy loading. The pressures can befound in the towing vehicle handbook andunder the caravan specification in the servicehandbook.

Note: Pressures should only be checkedwhen the tyres are cold, not after ajourney or if the vehicle has beenstanding in the sun.

Other means of attachment:

In some instances it may be possible toattach the cable assembly:

Either:

a) to a permanent part of the towbarstructure, as long as this meets theapproval of the towbar manufacturer/supplier,

Or:

b) to an accessory sold for the specificpurpose of breakaway cable attachment.

When the breakaway cable is attached,check to ensure:

a) that the cable cannot snag in use on thetrailer coupling head, jockey wheel, orany accessory, e.g. a stabiliser, bumpershield, cycle carrier, etc.

b) that there is sufficient slack in the cableto allow the towing vehicle and trailer toarticulate fully without the cable everbecoming taut and applying the brakes.

NOTE: For peace of mind you might wishto check the state of the cable bypositioning the trailer and towing vehicleat extreme angles before setting off.

c) that it is not so slack that it can drag onthe ground. If left loose, the cable may

scrape along the ground and beweakened so that it subsequently fails todo its job. The cable may also be caughton an obstacle when in motion thusengaging the trailer brakes prematurely.

Having followed this advice, should you feelthat a satisfactory coupling arrangementcannot be achieved, consult your trailer ortowbar supplier or service agent.

• It is a legal requirement that thesecondary break away cable is usedwhen towing.

WHEELS

Check wheel nut torques regularly andparticularly before a long trip for extra safety.

This service is available at all tyre servicedepots (inform them of the torque settings)

• The torque settings are:

ALLOY WHEELS 115Nm

STEEL WHEELS 88Nm

• Check wheel/tyres for signs ofdeterioration or damage.

WARNING: After a wheel has beenrefitted, always recheck the torque after20-30 miles use or 20-30 minutestravelling. Even if properly torqued up, itis occasionally possible for fixings toloosen should the wheel "bed in" on thehub.

19


To release the handbrake, push it forwardand down using your body weight.

Note: “Failure to ensure that the caravanhandbrake is completely off, can result inoverheating of the brakes and failure ofthe bearings”.

Ground Clearance

Care has to be taken to preventgrounding of the caravan when traversingramps and ground obstacles. If necessaryground clearance can be increased byremoving the jockey wheel whentravelling.

Number Plate

A trailer must carry a rear number platebearing the number of the towing vehicle andbe illuminated at night. The number plateshould conform to the same size and colourregulations as for cars. A reflective black andyellow plate may be used on a trailer towedby a vehicle with non-reflective plates andvice-versa.

Manoeuvring

When pushing or pulling the caravanalways use the grab handles correctly, donot snatch them and never push bodypanels, metal or glass reinforced plastics,as this can cause serious damage to thebodywork or mastic seals.

Mirrors

The driver of the towing vehicle must havean adequate view of the rear.

If there is no rear view through the caravan itis essential that additional exterior towingmirrors are fitted.

Caution: Any rear view mirror must notproject more than 200mm outside:

a) the width of the caravan when beingtowed.

b) the width of the towing vehicle whendriven solo.

Note: Any rear view mirror fitted shall be‘e’ marked and cover the field of view asstipulated by type approved requirements(Regulation 33 of the Road Vehicles[Construction and Use] Regulation 1986).


20

Road lighting

For your information the wiring diagram ofthe 13 pin connector is shown. These shouldbe checked regularly and if in any doubt aqualified electrician consulted.

Passengers

Passengers are forbidden to ride in acaravan with the exception of authorized testpersonnel.

13 pin plug wiring diagram

PIN No COLOUR DESCRIPTION

1 YELLOW LEFT IND

2 BLUE FOG

3 WHITE NEG FOR ROAD LIGHTS

4 GREEN RIGHT IND

5 BROWN RIGHT SIDE LIGHTS

6 RED STOP

7 BLACK LEFT SIDE LIGHTS

8 ORANGE REVERSE

9 BLUE/BROWN CAR +VE

10 RED/BROWN FRIDGE +VE

11 GREEN/WHITE FRIDGE -VE

12 EMPTY

13 BLUE/WHITE CAR -VE

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ON THE ROAD

ON THEROAD

Speed Limits ........................................................ 22

Pulling Off ............................................................. 22

Caravan Handling ................................................ 22

Motorway Driving ................................................. 22

Reversing ............................................................. 22

Changing a Wheel................................................ 23

Jacking Points ...................................................... 23

Stopping on a Hill ................................................. 24

Arrival on Site ....................................................... 24

ON THE ROAD

22

SPEED LIMITS

Normal road towing: 50mph

Motorways (including dual carriageways):60mph

PULLING OFF

Let the clutch in smoothly.

Allow more engine speed to produce thepower to move the additional weight of thecaravan.

Avoid wear and tear on clutch andtransmission by taking extra care.

Change gears smoothly.

Try not to jerk the clutch.

CARAVAN HANDLING

Allow for caravan being wider than car.

Do not bump kerb with caravan wheels.

When passing other vehicles allow morethan the normal clearance for driving solo.

Allow longer to get up speed to pass.

Allow for the vehicle being twice its normallength.

Do not suddenly swing out.

Carry out all manoeuvres as smoothly aspossible.

Use nearside wing mirror to check caravanhas cleared when overtaking.

Never let a ‘tail’ of traffic build up behind you.Always pull in to let others past.

MOTORWAY DRIVING

1. Caravans may not be towed in theoutside lane of a three or four lanemotorway. (Reg. 12(2) of the MotorwayTraffic [England and Wales] Regulations1982).

2. Reduce Speed:

i) In high or cross winds.ii) Downhill.iii) In poor visibility

3. High sided vehicles cause air buffeting soextra care must be taken when passingor being passed. As much space aspossible should be given.

Reversing

Proficiency at reversing can only be achievedwith practice and should be first attempted ina large open area.

Your caravan is fitted with an automaticreversing mechanism which allows you toreverse without the need to make anyadjustments. After reversing, the caravanshould be drawn forward at least 1 metreto restore the brake shoes to their normalposition before applying the hand brake.

Note: Reversing uphill will be difficult ifeither wheel brake or brake linkage isoveradjusted. You need to ensure that thebrakes have been disengaged beforereversing uphill.

1

2

3

23

ON THE ROAD

CHANGING A WHEEL

1. Leave caravan hitched to towing vehicle andensure handbrake is applied.

2. Lower corner steadies (as safety measure) onthe side that the wheel is being changed tostabilise the caravan.

3. Use wheel brace to slacken off wheel nuts onthe wheel to be changed.

4. Position jack under the axle at the appropriatejacking point (see fig. A).

5. Jack up the caravan until the wheel for removalis just off the ground.

6. Remove the wheel bolts, wheel trims andremove the wheel.

7. Fit spare wheel and reverse the aboveprocedure.

8. When replacing the wheels you should tightenthe nuts in rotation diagonally. Tighten all nutsequally, according to Fig. B, to 88Nm (65 lb/ft)

for steel wheels and 115Nm (85lbs/ft) for alloywheels using a torque wrench or havechecked as soon as possible.

Note: When changing a wheel ensure:

a) that the correct wheel fixings are used.

b) that there are clean, dry mating surfacesand clean, dry bolt/nut area.

NB: Special nuts are supplied with alloywheels and these can be used where asteel wheel is used as a temporary spare.

If replacing an alloy wheel nut, a nut to thefollowing reference should be purchased:M12 x 1.5 pitch, 26mm thread, 10.9 grade,60 degree conical fixing, 19mm hexagon bolthead.

IMPORTANTWhen a wheel has been removed andreplaced the torque of the wheel nuts shouldbe re-checked after approximately 15 milesof running.

JACKING POINTS

It is recommended that the jack is located inthe correct position i.e. on the axle tubeinside the chassis member (Fig. A). The re-inforced axle mounting plate can be used asan alternative but the chassis- member itselfMUST NEVER be used as a jacking point.

Alko Side Jack

The Alko chassis is provided with the facilityto fit an Alko side jack which can be fitted asan optional extra (Fig. C).

AXLE

CHASSIS 50mm”V” HEAD SCISSOR

JACK

Fig. A Jacking Point Fig. B Wheel Nut Tightening Fig. C Alko Side Jack

4 STUD WHEEL 5 STUD WHEEL

ON THE ROAD

24

ARRIVAL ON SITE

Note: Check and observe site regulations.

1. Selecting a pitch.

Do not pitch in such a position that your outfitwill obstruct others coming in.

Try to choose an area which is dry,reasonably level and preferably with a hardbase.

If you have no alternative but to pitch on aslope ensure that, for when you leave, youare facing down the slope.

It is good practice to chock the wheels of thecaravan when parked on a slope eventhough the caravan brakes are applied.

2. Siting/Unhitching

When you arrive at your site and have beenalloted a pitch:

Manoeuvre your caravan onto your pitch (ifyou have reversed read the notes on page20), apply the handbrake, remove the brakesafety cable, unplug the 13-pin plug andstore these in the sockets provided on the ‘A’frame cover.

Unclamp and lower the jockey wheel to theground. Re-clamp the jockey wheel after firstunscrewing slightly.

Free the coupling by winding up the couplinghead until it is clear of the 50mm ball.Replace the tow ball cover and then parkyour car.

3. Levelling the caravan

Levelling must be carried out in bothdirections in order for the refrigerator andother equipment to function correctly.

The positioning of the jockey wheel can beused to help level the caravan.

Lower the corner steadies until they are infirm contact with the ground. DO NOT usethe steadies as a jack they are only a meansof stabilising the caravan.

Levelling pads or boards should be usedunder the steadies where the ground is softor uneven. Stepped levelling boards caneasily be constructed (Fig. D).

In extreme cases where it is necessary toraise a wheel off the ground for levellingpurposes, further adequate support shouldbe applied so that the steadies do not takeany undue strain.

STOPPING ON A HILL

Pulling off again can sometimes present aproblem. The easy solution is:

(i) Carry a good sized wedge shaped pieceof wood with a rope or light chainattached.

(ii) Attach the other end of the rope to thenearside rear grab handle.

(iii) Place the wood behind the nearsidecaravan wheel.

(iv) Carefully reverse the car slightly backdown the hill, the caravan will stopagainst the wedge and turn.

(v) Drive forward since this attempt to moveup the hill will now not involve pulling thefull weight of the caravan until the carhas gained some traction.

Ramps

Take care to prevent fouling when traversingramps or other ground obstacles.

25

ON THE ROAD

Exterior Door

To prevent distortion of the body, the caravanmust be always correctly sited and levelled.Failure to site the caravan correctly mayprevent the exterior door from closingproperly.

Attention: Always disconnect the electricalconnector between the towing vehicle andthe caravan before connecting an LV supplyto the caravan and before charging thecaravan battery by any other means.

Fig. D Levelling Board

ON THE ROAD

26

27

FIRE & SAFETY

FIRE

&

SAFETY

In Case of Fire ....................................................... 28

Smoke Alarm ......................................................... 28

Carbon Monoxide Alarm........................................ 29

Fire Extinguisher ................................................... 29

Children ................................................................. 29

Ventilation.............................................................. 29

Security ................................................................. 30

Theft ...................................................................... 30

Chassis Number.................................................... 30

Additional Security ................................................ 30

Datachip Security Card ......................................... 30

FIRE & SAFETY

28

FIRE ACTION

1. GET EVERYONE OUT2. TURN OFF GAS VALVE3. RAISE THE ALARM AND CALL THE

FIRE BRIGADE4. DISCONNECT THE MAINS

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY5. TACKLE THE FIRE IF SAFE TO DO SO6. MAKE YOURSELF FAMILIAR WITH

THE INSTRUCTIONS ON YOUR FIREEXTINGUISHER AND THE FIREPRECAUTION ARRANGEMENTS ONTHE SITE

7. CHECK FIRE EXTINGUISHERSREGULARLY

8. CHECK GAS PIPING AND MAINSELECTRIC WIRING ANNUALLY

If you suspect a gas leak - never usea naked flame to search - always usesoapy liquid or - better still - call yourcaravan dealer.

Important

With any extinguisher, never use it on a panof fat - this is very dangerous - always use afire blanket.

To tackle a pan fire: First of all, if possible tryto turn off the gas. Make sure you are awareof the position of the gas isolating taps -usually placed in the sink unit cupboard.

Never throw a flaming pan outside, keepyour hands away from the flames andsmother the flame.

Try to remain calm.

Do not throw the blanket on the fire but placeover the pan paying particular attention tothe handle.

Fire Precautions

Make sure you are aware of the operationand location of escape windows and doors.

It is advisable to carry a fire extinguisher (adry powder is recommended) positioned asnear to the exterior door as possible.

A fire blanket approved to BS 6575 is alsoadvisable positioned as near to the cookingarea as possible.

Check the fire regulations on arrival at sites.

Do not leave pans on the stove unattended.

Do not leave matches within easy reach ofsmall children.

Never leave small children alone in thecaravan.

Do not smoke in bed.

Do not block up ventilators.

SMOKE ALARM

The Code of Practice requires that a smokealarm is fitted in your caravan. Every new

manufactured caravan has a smoke alarmfitted as standard equipment.

Connecting the battery

Your alarm requires one 9 volt battery topower the smoke detector portion of the unit.Under normal use, the battery powering thesmoke detector should last approximately oneyear. See label inside smoke alarm lid forsuitable batteries.

With a pencil, write the date of batteryinstallation on the inside of the cover toremind you when to replace the battery.

Lift battery from battery holder and snapbattery connectors to battery. They fit togetheronly one way.

Gently push battery into battery holder.

To close the cover match up snap-in hingesand gently press together until base andcover snap together.

IMPORTANT

When the battery is first connected thealarm may sound for 2–3 seconds.

THIS IS NORMAL.

It means the battery is connectedcorrectly.

Replacing the battery

Test the alarm for correct operation using thetest button whenever the battery is replaced.

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FIRE & SAFETY

When battery power is low and replacementis necessary, the alarm will ‘beep’ about onceper minute for at least 30 days. The batterymust then be replaced. Replace battery if thealarm does not sound when the test button ispressed. For maximum reliability, replacebattery at least once a year.

Testing the Smoke Alarm

It is recommended that you test the smokealarm once a week to be sure the unit isworking. It will also help you and your familyto become familiar with the sound of thealarm.

When you press the test button it simulatesthe effect of smoke during a real fire. So,there is no need to test the alarm withsmoke.

Press and hold the test button until the alarmsounds (it may take up to 10 seconds). Thealarm will stop sounding shortly after thebutton is released.

Cleaning the Smoke Alarm

Clean the smoke alarm regularly. Use a softbristle brush or the brush attachment of yourvacuum cleaner to remove dust from thesides and cover slots where the smokeenters. Keep cover closed while cleaning. Donot vacuum or brush inside the smoke alarm.To clean the cover, remove it completely anduse only mild soap and water. Dry coverthoroughly before replacing it.

Warning: Do not paint the Smoke Alarm.

Other than the maintenance and cleaningdescribed above, no other customerservicing of this product is required.

CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM

Your carbon monoxide alarm is located onthe underside of the offside or nearsidelocker. Under normal operating conditionsthe power pack will last for the lifetime of theproduct (7 years). Batteries for this productare non replaceable.

It is recommended that the alarm is testedweekly by pressing the test/reset button.

LED Indicators

Power. In normal operation the LED willregularly flash green.

Fault. If a fault is found in the sensor andcircuitry or the power pack becomes low thenthe detector will emit a single chirp once perminute and the fault LED will flash yellowonce per minute for 30 days.

Alarm. When sufficient carbon monoxide isdetected a loud audible signal will be emittedand the alarm LED will flash red once everysecond. When alarm is tested the LED willilluminate red.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER

It is recommended that a 1kg (2lb)minimum capacity dry powder fireextinguisher be carried inside yourcaravan at all times. (NCC recommendtypes marked 5A34B).

When using a dry powder extinguisher it issuggested that the caravan beevacuated until the powder has settled, toavoid inhalation.

A fat pan fire should not have a fireextinguisher aimed at it. It should besmothered with a fire blanket.

Children

Do not leave children alone in the caravanin any event. Keep potentially dangerousitems out of reach, as at home e.g. matches,drugs etc.

FIRE & SAFETY

30

Bunks

Where fitted, the foldaway bunk has beentested to 70kg (11 stones) and has arecommended limit of 57kgs (9 stones).Safety features are included but care shouldalways be taken, particularly if the child isunder 3 years of age. Bunks are not suitablefor children under 6 years old withoutsupervision.Solid (fixed) bunks have a recommendedlimit of 75kg (12 stones).

Ventilation

All caravans comply with BritishStandards EN1645. The ventilation points onyour caravan are fixed points of ventilationwhich are stated by the British Standards.

Ventilation is provided at floor and ceilinglevel and care should be taken to ensurethese remain clear of debris by regularcleaning.

Under no circumstances must thesevents be blocked or obstructed.

It is advised that fixed ventilation pointsare checked and cleaned (if necessary) on aregular basis.

Additional night time ventilation isobtained by releasing the window catchesand placing them in the second groove onthe frame catch.

You must maintain adequate spacing ofcombustible materials from sources of heat(eg heater)

Do not use independent gas appliancesinside the caravan.

We advise that the user instructions for thefitted appliances are studied in addition tothe information in this handbook.

Petrol/Diesel Fumes

The fitting of a tail pipe to your car exhaustwill reduce the possibility of fumes enteringyour caravan through the front fixedventilation points.

SECURITY

Caravan theft

The theft of a caravan can occur in themost unlikely circumstances; from amotorway service area, even from anowner’s driveway.

Secure all windows and doors when yourcaravan is unoccupied even if only for a shortlength of time.

Vehicle Identification Number (V.I.N.)

Record your caravan V.I.N. which can befound on any of the eye level windows.

31

SERVICES

SERVICES Water ..................................................................... 32

Gas........................................................................ 38

Electricity ............................................................... 42

SERVICES

32

Surge Damper

The surge damper prevents water hammerand also reduces switch hunting on and off.

The surge damper is a completely sealedunit and requires no servicing, however, aswith water systems, the complete systemshould be drained in the winter.

The Filter

The filter attaches directly to the pump andincorporates a non- return valve designed toprevent dirt and grit from entering the pumpvalves as this will cause pump failure. Thefilter is fitted during installation to protect thepump.

Pressure Switch

The pressure switch is operated by theopening and closing of the taps/shower.When a tap is opened the pressure in thesystem is altered which activates thepressure switch supplying power to theselected pump.

STANDARD WATER SYSTEM

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SERVICES

WATER PUMP

The separate plug-in pump assemblyconsists of a Crystal Maxi pump, hose andplug. The plug provides connection of bothwater supply to the caravan and 12V dcelectric power to the pump. A dust cover isfitted to the connecting dual hose to preventcontaminants falling into the water container.

The Crystal Maxi pump is a completelysealed unit designed for intermittent use. It isNOT self-priming and therefore to ensureproper performance, the pump MUSTALWAYS be fully submersed in waterBEFORE plugging into the wall socket.

Maintenance

Poor pump performance may be anindication that the filter has become blockedby debris. The filter is easily removed forinspection and cleaning:

• Remove circlip and unscrew filter from

pump.

• Pull two halves of filter apart to expose the

strainer mesh.

• Remove any debris and replace strainer

mesh in position.

• Ensure the rubber seal is correctly seated in

the groove on the outlet side of the strainer

before pushing the two halves firmly

together.

• Attach to the pump and replace the circlip.

• See arrow on pump housing for flow

direction.

Care of your Submersible Pump

Care should be taken to ensure that thepump is not allowed to run dry forappreciable periods. Whilst the design willallow some dry running, such as when thetank requires refilling, the pump life will beappreciably lengthened if care is taken tominimise dry running.

Aquaflow Caravan Filler

There is a special filler fitted for use with theSubmersible Pump which not only provides arecessed, locking filler cap for water input,but also a polarised power take-off pointcomplete with input plug. This is part of theoriginal equipment for Delta models only.

The Water System for Delta Models

A submersible pump is used for pumpingwater from an external container into theinboard tank of the caravan.

To Operate The System

First ensure that the drain tap on the inboardtank is closed. Place the pump inside yourfilled container. Place the hose into the fillercap on the side of the caravan. Plug in the12 volt plug into the socket on the filler cap.When the water container is empty unplugthe 12 volt -do not allow the pump to run dry.

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34

Initial connection to fresh water supply

1. Fill the fresh water container and place italongside the wall socket located in theoffside external wall of the caravan.

2. Ensure the pump isolator switch at thecontrol panel inside the caravan isswitched off.

3. Open the ‘hot’ kitchen tap. Ensure allother taps are closed.

4. Place the pump into the water containeroutside the caravan, taking care toensure the pump reaches the bottom ofthe container.

5. Lift the lid of the wall socket and fit thepump assembly plug into the socket.Ensure it is pressed in fully.

6. Adjust the dust cover to fit over theopening in the water container to keepcontaminants out.

7. Switch on the pump isolator switch at thecontrol panel inside the caravan.

8. Wait until water flows freely from the ‘hot’kitchen tap. Allow to flow for a few moreseconds to ensure release of any trappedair in the water system, then turn the tapoff.

Repeat the same procedure with the ‘cold’kitchen tap.

If the system has been drained, the aboveprocedure MUST be repeated EVERY timethe water container is filled.

Switch on the pump isolator at the controlpanel.

Once it has been properly connected, and atap is turned on, the pump is activatedautomatically by a pressure switch.

Fault Finding

1. Pump runs very noisy but does not pumpwater. Likely to occur after watercontainer has been refilled. Pump is airlocked. Cure: unplug from socketallowing pump to flood, and reconnect byplugging in again. The correct sequencewhen refilling the container is to unplug,replace pump in container, thenreconnect.

2. Pump fails to deliver water. The mostlikely cause will be air in the system. Toremedy this, switch off the pump andshake the pump assembly in the water.Then switch on again. Alternatively, makesure the assembly is positioned fully intothe housing.

3. Pump does not run at all. If not due toblown fuse or faulty connections, thenmost likely cause is excessive continuousrunning. Cure: replace pump.

Never allow the pump to run dry.

Never allow the pump to run continuouslyfor more than 15 minutes.

Note: When refilling the water container, thepump assembly may be left plugged into thewall socket so that the pump can be kept offthe ground by inserting the hose into thegroove on the underside of the plug. But, thepump assembly MUST be unpluggedBEFORE replacing the pump into the refilledwater container.

STERILISING

When cleaning the water system at the startor the end of the season, it is advisable touse the sterilising fluid, e.g. Milton 2,Chempro SDP or similar. It is recommendedthat for this operation you use any emptyfilter body as the fluid reduces theeffectiveness of a new filter.

Flush the system thoroughly to remove theeffective fluid traces.

After sterilising the system at the start of theseason it is recommended that a new filtercartridge is fitted.

NOTES

• Never allow the pump to run dry. Alwaysensure that the pump is submerged inthe water or the life of the pump will bereduced.

• Before winter storage, the water systemmust be completely drained.

• Clean the water system at the start and

35

SERVICES

end of the season with sterilising fluid(see notes under sterilising).

Water System Winterisation

Caravans may be in use all year round, butwhen not in use, even for short periods, thisprocedure should be followed. One night offreezing temperatures is all that is requiredfor expensive permanent damage to watersystem components.

a. The whole system must be drained.

b. Open kitchen taps. Lever taps should belifted in central position, leave taps openpermanently after system drain down.

c. Open bathroom and shower taps(including shower on/off control rose) andleave open permanently after systemdrain down.

d. Shake the shower head to remove thewater held there and in the hose. At thispoint is is recommended to remove theshower head from the hose. Even thesmallest amount of frozen water canresult in the shower head cracking.

e. Remove cold water drain plug (if fitted),normally located under the caravan nearto the water inlet socket.

f. If possible remove any remaining waterfrom system plumbing at water inletsockets and in between in-line pressureswitch plumbing.

g. Disconnect cartridge or in-line filters fromplumbing.

h. Submersible pumps should be shakenout and stored in a dry place.

i. Drain the external shower bridgeconnection (including models withoutexternal shower) on the Ultraflow housingby inserting the shower connection oropen the valve by means of a tool topush on the black rubber pad of thevalve.

Cleaning the Water System andPortable Water Tanks

The water systems, and in particular storagetanks, in caravans are susceptible tocontamination by bacteria if care is not takenwith their use and cleaning. The symptomscaused by bacterial contamination are notpurely limited to gastro-intestinal diseases,but may also manifest themselves as ear,nose, throat, eye or skin infections. It istherefore important that you carry out thefollowing procedure prior to using thecaravan each time, even if you boil or filter allwater you use for drinking.

Water Containers

1. All water remaining in the containershould be disposed of so that thecontainer is empty.

2. The outside of the container should bethoroughly cleansed and washed down to

remove any dirt, dust or othercontaminants. Water at a suitably hottemperature containing an appropriatedetergent is recommended for thispurpose.

3. Water should be placed in the container,swirled around, then emptied out.

4. The container should then be totally filledwith water containing an appropriatedisinfectant/sterilant solution and allowedto stand for the recommended contacttime (e.g. Milton for 15 minutes).

5. The solution should be emptied from thecontainer.

6. The opening of the container should becleaned thoroughly with an appropriatepre-prepared wipe impregnated with adisinfectant/sterilant.

7. The container should be inverted whilststored overnight (if possible).

8. The container must be filled with mainswater only and mains water only shouldbe used for the above cleaningprocedure.

9. On no account should garden hoses beused to fill water tanks.

Water Systems

1. Drain down the system. (Open all taps toallow air in, enabling the system to drainquickly.)

SERVICES

36

2. Remove any water filters fitted, andreplace with a short length of hose orempty filter cartridge (this will ensure thefilter is not affected by the disinfectant/sterilant solution).

3. Fill the system by using the pump with adisinfectant/sterilant solution. (Check thatthe solution at full strength appears at alltaps/showers). Allow to stand for therecommended period of time.

4. Drain the system down using the watersystems internal flip switch located underthe front off-side bed.

5. Thoroughly clean the outside of all taps/connectors with a cloth soaked in thedisinfectant/sterilant.

6. Flush the system through with cleandrinking water until no traces ofdisinfectant/sterilant can be detected atany tap.

7. Replace the filter.

Suitable sterilising chemicals are availablefrom your caravan dealer, accessory shop,chemists or home-brew shops. It is not,however, recommended to use bleach orsodium metabisulphite.

Setting Up the Water System

1. Replace/close all drain valves.

2. Replace shower heads and tap spouts.

3. Close all taps.

4. Refit old filters:

a. Check all plumbing connections.

b. It is recommended at this point tosterilise your water container andflush the system through withsterilising fluid.

Note:Frost damage cannot be claimed underwarranty.

37

SERVICES

2. Leave the power supply turned on.

3. Tighten the adjusting screw (clockwise).The pump should now be running.

4. Partly open one cold tap to allow water toflow at about 1 pint per 15 seconds.

5. Now slowly loosen the adjusting screwuntil the switch starts to click. The switchwill then be properly adjusted.

Helpful Hints

a) If the pump will not run:

• Pump could be faulty or a wiredisconnected.

• Check that the pump isolating switch isturned on.

b) If the pump cycles on/off:

• Battery voltage may be too low (at orbelow 10.5 Volts). Adjust switch (see text)and/or recharge battery.

• Check for air or water leaks in taps andpiping. Re-adjust pressure switch.

• Non-return valve may be held open bygrit.

Study the exploded drawing and remove thethree assembly screws to gain access to thenon-return valve.

c) If a pump motor runs steadily and will notstop:

• Battery voltage may be too low (at orbelow 10.5 volts)

• Check all connections in the pipe-work.

• Remove the adjusting screw, if motor stillruns, pump is probably air locked. Turnoff the isolator switch and reprime thepump (see text).

PRESSURE SWITCH

Operation

The pressure switch detects the opening orclosing of any tap in the system and switchesthe pump on or off accordingly. It is locatednear the water heater.

To prime if fitted with a submersiblepump:

1. Trapped air in the submersible pump willnot allow the pump to prime. Air can bereleased by gently shaking the pumpunder water while the pump is in thewater tank but is switched off.

2. If an external submersible pump is used,place the pump in the water beforeconnecting to the side of thevan.

At normal flow rates the pump shouldoperate continuously — but at low rates thepressure switch will cycle on and off tomaintain back pressure in the pipework.

Adjusting the pressure switch:

If the battery voltage is not constant, cyclingmay occur. This can be minimised byadjusting the switch’s diaphragm sensitivityas follows:

1. With the system properly primed, closeall taps and showers.

Pressure switch

SERVICES

38

GAS

GENERAL INFORMATION

Gas BottlesBottled Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is themost convenient portable source of fuel foryour caravan.

Make sure that heating and cookingappliances and the gas cylinders areswitched off before you move the caravan.

Regularly check flexible gas hose, joints andconnections for tightness. Finally make surethat each gas appliance is working efficientlyto the recommendations of the appliancemanufacturers.

In all cases the cylinder contents are inliquid form under pressure from the gasabove it, and the pressure is onlydependent on the type of L.P.G. and itstemperature.

When gas is supplied the pressure in thecylinder is slightly reduced and liquid “boils”off to restore the balance. This action coolsthe liquid and the cylinder, and condensationor even frost may sometimes be observed onthe outside of the cylinder. The cylinder,when in use, is always cooler than thesurrounding air so allow plenty of circulationin cool weather and do not cover the cylinderwith a “cozy” in the winter.

Butane works satisfactorily at temperaturesdown to 2° C. Propane should be used fortemperatures below this, therefore for allyear round caravanners, Propane is ofgreater use.

There are different sizes of bottles availableand it is better to consult your dealer foradvice. Gas cannot be supplied from thebottle without an approved regulator.

Hoses connected from regulator to thecaravan supply should be made fromNeoprene and comply with EN1949. Hoseshave a limited life and should be inspectedregularly.

The gas cylinders have a recess in the gasbottle compartment into which the cylindersshould be restrained by means of the strapsprovided.

If cylinders are used outwith thiscompartment you must ensure 1) they areadequately supported b) ventilation is notblocked c) damage will not be caused tofixtures and fittings.

Never use a gas cylinder on its side - alwaysstand cylinders upright - keep them in thegas locker provided (Fig. A).

Please note that the Gas Locker Box is not awatertight compartment.

Fig. A Gas Bottle Compartment Fig. B Gas Regulator - Propane & Butane

39

SERVICES

If you should suspect a gas leak turn off thegas at the bottle and ventilate the caravan byopening the door and windows. Do notoperate anything electrical and removeeveryone from the caravan until the gas hasdispersed. It is part of your annual service toinspect all gas pipes and appliances.

Changing a Gas Cylinder

Before commencing to change a gas cylinderensure that the valve on the cylinder isturned fully off. Turn off all gas operatedappliances.

Remove the gas hose from gas cylinder.

Before refitting a gas cylinder, ensure that allgas operated appliances are turned off –particularly after winterisation. Ensure allconnections are secure.

The regulator

Your caravan is fitted with a regulator(capacity 1.5kg/hr) as standard equipment(Fig. B). This is located in front gas bottlelocker. The gas regulator has a workingpressure of 30mbar and is suitable for bothpropane and butane liquefied petroleum gas.

Note: Regulator valves should always be inthe ‘OFF’ position when towing.

The 30mbar bulkhead mounted regulatorfitted to the caravan requires a 'pigtail'connector for use with UK LPG cylinders,see your dealer for details.

To effect a safe connection with a Europeancylinder, you will need to obtain a 'pigtail'connector appropriate to the cylindersavailable in the country you are visiting.

DO NOT use the conventional cylinder-mounted 28mbar/37mbar regulators as thegas pressure is not compatible with theappliances installed in your new caravan/motorhome.

Hoses

Inspect flexible hose(s) regularly fordeterioration and renew, as necessary, withapproved type. In any case not later than theexpiration date marked on the hose. LPGhoses should be routinely replaced atintervals not exceeding 5 years or asrecommended in manufacturers' instructions.Any hoses that show signs of splitting, wearor damage should be replaced irrespective ofage.

If the gas supply hose is to be leftdisconnected for an extended period ensurethe open end is protected against the entryof dirt or insects.

TYPES OF GAS

ButaneButane is supplied in the U.K. in blue bottles.

Butane is suitable for use at temperaturesdown to 2°C, but will not work below thattemperature.

PropanePropane is supplied in red bottles whichhave a left-hand threaded connector.

Propane will work at temperatures as low as-40°C and is therefore suitable for wintercaravanning.

Make sure that heating and cookingappliances are turned off, and also theregulator at the gas cylinders beforetravelling.

Never allow modification of LPG systemsand appliances except by qualifiedpersons.

SERVICES

40

PRECAUTIONS

a) Never look for a leak with a match.Always use a soap solution or itsequivalent when testing connections.

Do not operate any electrical apparatuswhatsoever, especially light switches. Ifthe leak is not obvious, the caravanshould be evacuated and qualifiedpersonnel consulted.

b) Avoid naked lights when connecting orchanging a cylinder.

c) Check the flexible hose frequently.

d) The gas is heavier than air and thereforesinks to the lowest point.

e) Keep bottle gas containers outside (andprotected against frost). If they must bekept inside make sure they are well awayfrom heat.

Ventilation

Fresh air circulation should be allowed belowthe caravan when appliances are in use andwhen flues terminate below the floor to allowfree evacuation of the products ofcombustion. At least three sides of theunderfloor space should always be keptopen and unobstructed especially by snow.Do not make any additional openings in thefloor.

Fixed ventilation openings are sited undergas appliances in various locations in yourtourer.

WARNINGUnder no circumstances should fixedventilation openings or gas applianceflues be obstructed in any manner as thiscould lead to a build up of dangerouscarbon monoxide. Gas drop holes underappliances should also be kept clear at alltimes. Grilles and flues should be keptclean and free from dust.

All ventilation complies with BS EN1645 andvents should not be obstructed in anymanner as this could lead to insufficient freshair. In this case the confined atmospherebecomes depleted of oxygen which leads tothe formation of the highly poisonous gas‘carbon monoxide’. Carbon Monoxide isodourless, colourless and tasteless and willrapidly cause unconsciousness and deathwith little or no warning prior to collapse.THERE IS NO DANGER WHEN ADEQUATEVENTILATION IS PROVIDED.

GAS SAFETY ADVICE

Facts about LPG

LPG is not poisonous.

Bi-products are harmless.

There is danger if all air and oxygen wereexcluded. (Ventilation holes must be keptclear at all times).

LPG has been given a smell by themanufacturers in order to identify leaks.

Awning Spaces LPG Appliance Exhaust

There is no danger of pollution of anenclosed awning space by the LPG exhaustfrom a refrigerator venting into it.

Space heaters may produce sufficientexhaust to pollute the awning space, if it istotally enclosed, from a generalcomfort, smell and hygiene point of view.In the extreme case there could be a buildup of carbon dioxide to a dangerous level.

Caravan owners are advised to allow somefresh air circulation in the awning spacewhen such appliances are in use.

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SERVICES

Roof-mounted Flue installations

All flue installations should be inspectedonce a year throughout their length forcorrosion. Flues should be replaced if anysign of perforation is found. Ensure that thereplacement is of an approved type.

CONNECTION

Ensure that the gas regulator is correctlyconnected to the gas cylinder in gas bottlecompartment and that the hose is tight.Before turning on the gas supply, ensure thatall gas operated equipment in the caravan isturned off.

Safety Hints

It is advisable to TURN OFF THE MAINVALVE on the gas container when thecaravan is left unattended for a period oris on tow, except where continuousoperation appliances (such as arefrigerator) are in use. AVOID NAKEDLIGHTS when connecting or changing acontainer. Make sure all appliances areturned off.

Space Heating Appliances

Space heating appliances are to becompletely extinguished before the caravanis moved and are not to be used when thecaravan is in motion. Portable heaters shouldnot be used.

Manifold Locations

Heater and Water Heater manifold locatedunderneath front O/S bed towards bulkhead.

Cooker and Fridge manifold located withincompartment below cooker.

SERVICES

42

MAINS ELECTRICS

230V Mains Electric Equipment Usage

For your convenience and pleasure thistouring caravan is fitted with a 230V mainselectrical installation.

Please note: It is possible that all of the230V mains electrical equipment may not beable to be operated simultaneously. A typicalUK caravan park mains hook up pointprovides a maximum output of 16 amps,although 10 amps is more common and onsome continental sites the available outputmay be as low as 5 amps. If your loadingexceeds the site supply it may trip the park’scircuit breaker. Please check the availablemains output with your site operator.

The following items need to be addedtogether if used simultaneously.

230V mains equipment typicalconsumption figures:

Fridge 0.5 ampsCharger 1.0 ampsWater heater (max) 5.7 ampsBlown air heaters 4.8 ampsColour TV 2.5 ampsMicrowave 3.5 ampsAir conditioning 4.0 ampsTruma Ultraheat (max) 8.3 ampsKettle 3.2 ampsAlde central heating 10.0 amps

The mains wiring in Lunar caravansmanufactured in the UK complies with theIEE Wiring Regulations, 17th edition, and issafe for the use in the UK. In the UK the on/off switching is always positioned in the livewire. Therefore when the switch is off thecurrent is dead.

Correct polarity of the site supply shouldalways be obtained by the use of a non-reversible plug and socket for connecting thecable to the caravan inlet.

Reverse polarity on overseas use: A plug inpolarity tester is used to determine if thepolarity is reversed, if so and the siteconnector is of the two pin type with the twometal strips for the earth, then the plug maybe unplugged and inserted the other wayround which will then reverse the polarity.

Unfortunately the overseas practice is notalways to discriminate between live andneutral wires and the plugs are notnecessarily non-reversible. They can beinserted the wrong way round. Consequentlywhen switches are turned off the circuits arenot dead. People may touch connectionsthinking that they are safe and they may stillreceive a shock.

A residual current device is already fitted toyour Lunar Caravan. If a fault occurs andanyone makes indirect contact with a livelead the breaker should trip before adangerous voltage is apparent.

It is essential that you understand theworkings of each electrical circuit. Checksupply cable terminals are firm and secure.

Check supply cables for wear and damage.Do not attempt modifications to the caravanelectrical installation to accommodate adouble supply.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ELECTRICITYSUPPLY

On Arrival at Caravan Site

1. Before connecting the caravaninstallation to the mains supply, checkthat:

(a) the main supply is suitable for yourinstallation and appliances, i.e. 230volts AC, frequency 50 Hertz.

(b) your installation will be properlyearthed. Never accept a supply froma socket outlet or plug having onlytwo pins, or from a lighting outlet.

(c) any residual current device (earthleakage circuit breaker) in the mainssupply to the caravan has beentested within the last month.In case of doubt, consult the siteowner or his agent.

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SERVICES

Note: Always disconnect the electricalconnector between the towing vehicleand the caravan before connecting an LV(low voltage) supply to the caravan andbefore charging the caravan battery byany other means.

2. Ensure that your caravan mains isolatingswitch (RCD) is in the off position. TheMCB's are the breakers for the individualcircuits.

3. Remove any cover from the electricityinlet provided on the caravan, and insert the connector of the supplyflexible cable.

4. Remove any cover from the socketoutlet provided at the site supplypoint, and connect the plug (at theother end of the supply flexible cable) tothis. Switch on the main switch atthe site supply point.

IN CASE OF DIFFICULTY CONSULT ANAPPROVED ELECTRICALINSTALLATION CONTRACTOR (WHO MAYBE THE LOCAL ELECTRICITY COMPANY).IT IS DANGEROUS TO ATTEMPTMODIFICATIONS AND ADDITIONSYOURSELF, LAMPHOLDER PLUGS(BAYONET-CAP ADAPTORS) SHOULDNOT IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BE USED.

On Leaving the Caravan Site

5. Reverse the procedure described inParagraphs 3 and 4 above.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE MAINSWITCH AT THE SITE SUPPLY POINTSHOULD BE SWITCHED OFF, THESUPPLY FLEXIBLE CABLEDISCONNECTED, AND ANY COVERREPLACED ON THE SOCKET OUTLET ATTHE SITE SUPPLY POINT. IT ISDANGEROUS TO LEAVE THE SUPPLYSOCKET OR SUPPLY FLEXIBLE CABLELIVE.

Periodically

6. Preferably not less than once a year,the caravan electrical installationshould be inspected and tested and areport on its condition obtained asprescribed in the Regulations forElectrical Installations published bythe Institute of Electrical Engineers.

Never allow modification of electricalsystems or appliances except by qualifiedpersons.

Outlet sockets located within the tourershould only be used with a dedicatedappliance and not an independent unit.

No appliance shall be used outside whenconnected to an internal socket.

YOUR CARAVAN IS NOW SUPPLIEDWITH 25 METRES OF MAINS CABLE TOCOMPLY WITH BS EN1645.

FLEXIBLE WIRING

LIVE BROWNNEUTRAL BLUEEARTH GREEN & YELLOW

FIXED WIRING

LIVE BROWNNEUTRAL BLUEEARTH GREEN & YELLOW

SERVICES

44

45

ELECTRICS

ELECTRICS

Power Control System ......................................... 46

Battery .................................................................. 58

Use of Generators ................................................ 59

ELECTRICS

46

EC175 POWER CONTROL SYSTEM

1 INTRODUCTION

This section of the handbook will guide youthrough the operation of the electricalsystem.

Further technical details are contained laterin this document or in the supportingtechnical manual available fromwww.sargentltd.co.uk

For the safe operation of all electricalequipment within your Leisure Vehicle it isimportant that you read and fully understandthese instructions. If you are unsure of anypoint please contact your dealer / distributorfor advice before use.

The system has a number of keycomponents that you will need to be familiarwith before attempting to use the system,these are:

• The EC175 series Power Supply Unit(PSU) - a combined mains 230V / 12Vconsumer unit and controller located inthe front bed box.

• The EC360 or EC350 series ControlPanel (CP) -a remotely located usercontrol panel used to turn circuits on andoff and to display battery and water tankinformation.

2 USING THE SYSTEM

The PSU is located in the front offside bed box.

2.1 EC175 Power Supply Unit - Component Layout

47

ELECTRICS

2.2 Activating the System

The EC175 system has a shutdown featurethat should be used when the vehicle is instorage or is not being used for long periodsof time. This allows the leisure electronics tobe turned off when not required to savebattery power. When in the off state thealarm and tracking system supplies are stillactive, most other supplies are turned off.

Before using the system please ensure thesystem shutdown switch is in the on position(button in).

PSU - 12V Controls

The black system shutdown button is shownon the left. In is on and out is off.

The other two switches are for 230V.

2.3 Connecting to the Mains 230V supplyand Safety checks

For your safety it is IMPORTANT that youfollow these connections instructions eachtime your Leisure Vehicle is connected to amains supply. This section assumes that thesystem is complete and that a Leisure batteryhas been installed (see 3.3).

A) Ensure suitability of the Mains Supply.Your Leisure Vehicle should only beconnected to an approved supply that meetsthe requirements of BS7671 or relevantharmonised standards. In most cases the sitewarden will hold information regardingsuitability of supply. If using a generator youalso need to comply with the requirements /instructions supplied with the generator.Please note that some electronic generatorsmay not be compatible with your leisuresystem. Further generator operationalinformation is contained elsewhere in thismanual.

B) Switch the PSU internal Power ConverterOFF. Locate the green ‘Charger’ powerswitch on the PSU and ensure the switch is inthe off position (button out) before connectionto the mains supply.

C) Connect the Hook-up Lead. Firstlyconnect the supplied hook-up lead (orangecable with blue connectors) to the LeisureVehicle and then connect to the mains supply.

D) Check Residual Current Deviceoperation. Locate the RCD within the PSUand ensure the RCD is switched on (lever inup position). Press the ‘Test’ button andconfirm that the RCD turns off (lever in downposition). Switch the RCD back to the onposition (lever in up position). If the testbutton failed to operate the RCD see section3.1 & 3.8.

E) Check Miniature Circuit Breakers.Locate the MCB’s within the PSU (adjacentto the RCD) and ensure they are all in theon (up) position. If any MCB’s fail to ‘latch’ inthe on position see section 3.1 & 3.8.

F) Turn the PSU ON. Locate the black‘Shutdown’ button and ensure it is in the onposition (press button to change, button in =on, button out = off). Locate the green‘Charger’ switch on the PSU and turn to theon position (press button to change, buttonin = on, button out = off). The charger switchwill illuminate when turned on.

G) Check operation of equipment. It is nowsafe to operate the 12v and 230vequipment.

ELECTRICS

48

Lever type switch, far left - Residual CurrentDevice (RCD) and main 230V on/off switch.

Push button, far left - RCD test button.

3 x lever switches, right - Miniature CircuitBreakers (MCB). Note the lever colour and MCBrating may vary. See the safety and rating stickeradjacent to the PSU for further details.

Green push switch - Charger switch, this switchturns the 12V battery charger on or off. In is ONout is OFF.

Amber push switch - Heater switch, this switchturns the 230V supply to the space heater /combination heater / central heating system on oroff. In is ON out is OFF.

Note the far left 12V DC Shutdown switch iscovered in section 2.2.

PSU - 230V Controls 2.4 Operation while driving

The EC175 system is designed to shutdownparts of the system whilst the car engine isrunning. This is to meet Electro MagneticCompatibility (EMC) regulations and toensure the safe operation of the system.

Please ensure the system shutdown switchon the PSU is in the “on” (button in) positionbefore towing (see 2.2). This will ensure theelectronic system is active and will thereforebe able to control the charging process,supply the refrigerator and monitor othersystem circuits.

49

ELECTRICS

2.5 Control Panel - Component Layout

EC350 Digital Control Panel (LED display)

ELECTRICS

50

Power Button. Press the power button to turn the leisure power on. Press the button again to turn the power off. The adjacent LED willilluminate when the power is on, and also the voltage of the selected battery will be displayed on the screen. When the car engine isrunning this LED will flash to indicate the leisure battery is being charged.

Pump Button. With the power on, press the pump button to turn the water pump on. Press the button again to turn the pump off. Theadjacent LED will illuminate when the pump is on, and also the level of the water tank will be displayed on the screen (if the optionalonboard water tank is fitted).

Light Button. With the power on, press the light button to turn the main internal lighting on. Press the button again to turn the lights off.The adjacent LED will illuminate when the lights are on. The lights will be turned on and off automatically each time the power button isoperated.

Awning Light Button. With the power on, press the awning light button to turn the awning light on or off. The adjacent LED willilluminate when the light is on.

Select / Show Leisure Button. Use this button to select the leisure battery. If the battery is already selected the button will display thebattery voltage on the LED bar graph display.

The LED next to the button will turn on to show the battery is selected.

Select / show vehicle button. If the tow vehicle is connected and you need to use the vehicle battery, press this button to select it.

If the battery is already selected the button will display the battery voltage on the LED bar graph display.

The LED next to the button will turn on to show the battery is selected.

2.6 Control Panel Operation

Button DescriptionButton

51

ELECTRICS

3 System Technical Information

The following section provides furthertechnical information relating to the electricalsystem.

3.1 Residual Current Device & MiniatureCircuit Breakers

The Residual Current Device (RCD) isbasically provided to protect the user fromlethal electric shock. The RCD will turn off(trip) if the current flowing in the liveconductor does not fully return down theneutral conductor, i.e. some current ispassing through a person down to earth orthrough a faulty appliance.

To ensure the RCD is working correctly, the test

button should be operated each time the vehicle

is connected to the mains supply (see section

2.3)

The Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCB’s) operate

in a similar way to traditional fuses and are

provided to protect the wiring installation from

overload or short circuit. If an overload occurs

the MCB will switch off the supply. If this occurs

you should investigate the cause of the fault

before switching the MCB back on.

MCB Rating Description (cable colour)

1 10 Amps 230v Sockets (white)

2 16 Amps Combination water heater / central heating system (yellow)

Extra 230V sockets (white)

3 10 Amps Fridge (black) 12V Charger (internally socketed)

The table below shows the rating and circuitallocation for the three MCB’s

3.2 Battery Charger

The EC175PSU incorporates a fixed voltagebattery charger / power converter. Thebattery charger / power converter alsopowers the leisure equipment when themains supply is connected. This modulesupplies 13.8V DC to the leisure equipmentup to a maximum of 12 Amps (155 Watts),therefore the available power is distributedbetween the leisure load and the battery, withthe leisure load taking priority as per thefollowing example:

Leisure Available power for batteryload charging

3A 9A

6A 6A

9A 3A

12A 0A

WARNINGUnder heavy loads the power supply unitcase may become hot. ALWAYS ensurethe ventilation slots have a clear flow ofair. Do not place combustible materialsagainst / adjacent to the EC175. The PSUwill shutdown if overheated and willrestart automatically when cool.

ELECTRICS

52

3.3 Leisure Battery

3.3.1 Type / Selection

For optimum performance and safety it isessential that only a proprietary brandLEISURE battery is used with a typicalcapacity of 75 to 120 Ah (Ampere / hours). Anormal vehicle battery is NOT suitable. Thisbattery should always be connected whenthe system is in use.

The PSU is configured to work with standardlead acid leisure batteries, and in most casesis also compatible with the latest range ofAbsorbed Glass Matt (AGM) batteries.Before fitting non-standard batteries pleasecheck that the charging profile described in3.2 is suitable for the type of battery byreferring to the battery documentation orbattery manufacturer.

The battery feed is fitted with an inline fusebetween the battery and the electricalharness, and is usually located immediatelyoutside the battery compartment or within500mm of the battery. The maximum ratingof this fuse is 20A.

3.3.2 Installation & Removal

Always disconnect the 230v mains supplyand turn the PSU green charger switch to theoff position (button out) before removing orinstalling the battery.

When connecting the battery, ensure that thecorrect polarity is observed (black is negative

[-] and red is positive [+]) and that theterminals are securely fastened. Crocodileclips must not be used.

WARNING: Explosive gases may bepresent at the battery. Take care toprevent flames and sparks in the vicinityof the battery and do not smoke.

3.3.3 Operation / Servicing

Under normal circumstances it should not benecessary to remove the battery other thanfor routine inspection of the terminals and“topping up” of the battery fluid whereapplicable. Please see instructions suppliedwith the battery.

Note: Do not over discharge the battery.One of the most common causes of batteryfailure is when the battery is dischargedbelow the recommended level ofapproximately 10v. Discharging a batterybelow this figure can cause permanentdamage to one or more of the cells within thebattery.

To prevent over discharge, the EC175system incorporates a battery protect circuitthat warns the users and then disconnectsthe batteries when they fall below set values.

3.4 Generator Usage

Caution should be used before connecting agenerator to your caravan.

WARNING: Never start or stop thegenerator while electrical loads areconnected and switched on. Start theengine, let it stabilise and then connectthe electrical load. To stop the engine,disconnect the electrical load and letengine stabilise before switching off.

Whilst some generators use electronicinverter technology, others use a more basicprinciple to generate the 230V supply.Preference should be to choose a generatorwhich produces a consistent sinusoidal waveform with accurate voltage control.

The Reverse Polarity warning light on thePSU may illuminate when using a Generator.This is a normal side effect when using sometypes of generator. Instead of connecting theneutral conductor to earth, some generatorscentre tap the earth connection making bothneutral and live conductors 110V aboveearth. This 110V difference causes the neonpolarity indicator to illuminate.

In most cases it is safe to use a generator,but please consult the generator handbookfor further information.

3.5 Awning Light Operation

The awning light is controlled by the controlpanel awning light button. On some modelsthe awning light is also linked to the optionalalarm system to enable remote control withthe alarm fob.

53

ELECTRICS

Warning When Type

With pump turned on and fresh water level low

(less than 25% full)

Only available when an onboard tank is fitted

With control panel power on and leisure battery

selected (as active battery) and the voltage level

falls below 10V.

Message on screen and 30 second audible beep.

Message on screen (or flashing LED bar graph on

EC350) and 30 second audible beep.

Fresh water level low

Leisure battery voltage

low

Message on screen (or flashing LED bar graph on EC350)and 30 second audible beep. If no action taken after 30seconds then the system will switch the power off toprevent severe discharge of the battery.

Note: This is an emergency cut off level to protect the battery from severe damage. You should not rely on this cut offlevel during normal operation, but manage your power consumption to a discharge level of 11.5V or above.

This cut off only applies to power drawn from the battery by the leisure equipment that is controlled by the controlpanel power switch; it will not protect the battery from discharge by permanently connected equipment.

With control panel power on and leisure battery selected(as active battery) and the voltage level falls below 9V.

3.6 System Warnings

The system incorporates a number of warnings that are active at specific times. These are summarised below, and also covered by relevantsections of this manual.

Leisure batteryvoltage high

With control panel power on or off and leisure battery isselected (as active battery) and the voltage level risesabove 15.4V

Message on screen (or flashing LED bar graph onEC350) and repeated beeps from the control panel.The beeping will not stop until the fault is cleared.

.If the vehicle battery is selected instead of the leisure battery, then the same warnings described above for the leisurebattery are applied to the vehicle battery.

Vehicle batterywarnings

Engine running When the engine is started the system power will beturned off

Message on screen (EC360 only) and power buttonLED flashing indicating both batteries are connected forcharging.

ELECTRICS

54

3.7 12 Volt DC Fuses

WARNING: When replacing fuses alwaysreplace a fuse with the correct value.NEVER replace with a higher value/ratingas this could damage the wiring harness.If a replacement fuse ‘blows’ do not keepreplacing the fuse as you could damagethe wiring harness. Please investigate thefault and contact your dealer.

The table opposite shows the fuse allocationfor the 12 fuses fitted to the PSU. Pleasenote that fuses are dependant on PSUversions, so not all fuses may be present orused.

Fuse Rating Fuse Colour Description

1 10 Amps Red Water Pumps / Toilet

2 2 Amps Grey Permanent Supplies / Electronics

3 5 Amps Tan Heater Fans

4 10 Amps Red Lights

5 15 Amps Blue Fridge Element (during towing)

6 10 Amps Red Extractor fans

7 5 Amps Tan Ignitions

8 10 Amps Red Switched Lights

9 20 Amps Yellow Vehicle Battery

10 20 Amps Yellow Leisure Battery

11 10 Amps Red 12V Sockets

12 15 Amps Blue Charger

Fuse Rating Fuse Colour Description

Battery 1 20 Amps Yellow Fuse remotely located near battery

The following table shows details of the fuse(s) located at the Leisure battery.

55

ELECTRICS

Fault Possible Cause Proposed Fix

No 230 volt Connecting lead between Check and connect lead as per 2.3C

output from PSU the site and Leisure

Vehicle not connected

RCD switched off Reset RCD as per 2.3D

RCD not operating Check supply polarity; if the RCD continues to fail contact your Dealer as there is probably an equipment or wiring fault

correctly

MCB switched off Reset MCB by switching OFF (down position) then back ON (up position), if the MCB continues to fail contact your Dealer as there is

propably an equipment or wiring fault

No or deficient supply Contact site Warden for assistance

from site

Other fault Contact your Dealer.

Control Panel Control panel has no Backlight/illumination may have switched off. Press the power button or select button to reactivate the backlight.

problems display Check batteries and fuses, turn PSU shutdown switch and charger switch on and ensure mains supply is connected.

Check control panel connecting lead at PSU and behind Control Panel. Contact your Dealer

12v Power turns off Battery protect feature has operated to protect the Vehicle battery and or the Leisure battery. See 3.6

Engine has been started, all equipment has been disconnected to meet EMC requirements. See 2.4

Control panel locked/ Observe control panel handling instructions.

erratic function Control panel software may have crashed. Reboot control panel by turning off the PSU isolate switch. Wait 30 seconds then turn the

switch back on.

No 12 volt output No 230V supply Check all above.

from PSU Charger not switched on Turn charger switch on, switch will illuminate

Battery not connected and Install charged battery as per 3.3.

/ or charged

Power button on control Turn power on at control panel

panel not switched on

Battery flat / Battery fuse Recharge battery, check fuses, check charging voltage is present at battery.

blown

Fuse blown Check all fuses are intact and the correct value fuse is installed as per fuse table

Equipment switched off / Check equipment is switched on and connected to the 12V supply.

unplugged

3.8 Common Fault Table

ELECTRICS

56

Fault Possible Cause Proposed Fix

PSU overheated / auto Reduce load on system. Allow PSU to cool down. PSU will automatically restart when cool.

shutdown operated

Other fault Contact your Dealer.

Fuse blown Replace fuse with correct value as per fuse table.

Pump turned off Turn pump on by pressing the pump button at the control panel.

Pump not working Setting incorrect Both the internal and external pump feeds are controlled from the control panel. To alter the setting of the pump switch see your dealer.

Ensure the setting matches your desired requirement.

3.9 Common Fault Table (continued)

3.11 Contact details

Sargent Electrical Services Limited, providea technical help line during office hours.Please contact 01482 678981 if you requiretechnical help. For out of hour supportplease refer to the tech support section ofthe Sargent web site www.sargentltd.co.uk.

4 EC350 Control Panel

In addition to the information contained insection 2.6 (Control Panel Operation), thefollowing section provides further detailinformation.

4.1 LED Bar Graph

The LED Bar Graph opposite displays thevoltage of the selected battery.

LED Colour Voltage reading

1 Red <9.5 (<9 LED Flashes)

2 Red 9.5 - 10.9

3 Amber 11 - 11.4

4 Amber 11.5 - 11.9

5 Amber 12.0 - 12.4

6 Green 12.5 - 12.9

7 Green 13.0 - 13.4

8 Green 13.5 - 13.9

9 Green 14.0 - 14.4 (>15.4 LED Flashes)

When the control panel power is on and the leisure battery is selected (Leisure battery button LED

on), pressing the leisure battery button will display the battery voltage on the bar graph.

When the control panel power is on and the vehicle battery is selected (Vehicle battery button LED

on), pressing the vehicle battery button will display the battery voltage on the bar graph.

57

ELECTRICS

5 TECHNICAL DATA & APPROVALS

5.1 Outline specification - EC175PSU & EC350/360 Control Panel

INPUT 230V 230 Volts / 0 to 16 Amps + / - 10%

OUTPUT 230V RCD protected, 3 x MCB outputs of 1 x 16A and 2 x 10ASeparate switched channels for water heater, spaceheater and charger

INPUT 12V 2 x 20A battery inputs via 2 x 4 way connectors

OUTPUT 12V 25A total output via multiple switched channels protectedby 12 fused outputs

Built in Input 220-240 Volts AC +/- 10%, Frequency 50 Hz +/- 6%,CHARGER Current 3A max.

DC Output 13.8 Volts nominal, Current 12 Ampsmax (155 Watts)

Signal INPUT 4 x Fresh water level, 1 x Engine running, plus multiple Fresh water negative sensedvehicle connections

Data IN / OUT Data communication and power to ControlPanel via 8 way connector

IP rating IP31

Operating Ambient 0 to 35º Centigrade Automatic shutdown and restart

temperature PSU case temperature with full load 65ºC Max if overheated/overloaded

EC175 PSU Overall size (HxWxD) 260 x 273 x 110mm Fixing centres 262 x 224mm

Clearances 75mm above, 20mm below, 50mm left & right Weight 2.2kg

EC350 & EC360 Overall size (HxWxD) 95 x 200 x 25mm Fixing centres 190mm

Control Panel Cut-out size (HxW) 82 x 178mm Weight 180g

ELECTRICS

58

GENERAL INFORMATION

BATTERY

For optimum performance and safety it isessential that only a good quality CARAVANbattery is used. A normal car battery is NOTsuitable.

WARNING

One of the most common causes ofcaravan battery failure is for the battery tobe discharged below the recommendedlevel of approximately 10.5 Volts andtherefore causing one or more cells to fail.

Provided the appropriate relay is fitted to yourcar and the connection is made via the 13 pinplug and socket, a small trickle charge isachieved from car battery to the leisurebattery when towing.

The auxiliary battery compartment is locatedon the offside of the caravan, with easy to fitand clearly identified positive and negativeconnectors.

It is recommended that a good quality leisurebattery is always in circuit when the system isin use.

A heavy duty 12v battery should bepurchased to provide power for lights andother electrical appliances. A proprietary

brand leisure battery with a 60, 90 or 110amp capacity is recommended. (It must havetube venting capability for internal batteryboxes).

It should be remembered that batteriessuitable for the electrical demands of acaravan differ in design from those for usewith a car, and whilst the system mayoperate with a car battery it is stronglyrecommended that only a caravan/leisuretype battery, maintained in good condition isused. The battery should be kept topped upat all times.

The battery should be positioned in thedesignated vented compartment andproperly secured. When connecting thebattery, ensure that the correct polarity isobserved (black is negative and red ispositive) and that the terminals are securelyfastened. (Crocodile clips are notrecommended.)

Under normal circumstances it should not benecessary to remove the battery other thanfor routine inspection of terminals and“topping up”.

The AC output of generators is often derivedfrom an AC alternator, rectified to DC theninverted back to AC. In essence this meansthe output sinewave may not be very smoothand may not run sophisticated electronics

efficiently. Some of the new wave of gensetsare more sophisticated in their production ofa sinewave output and are more suited to runelectronic equipment.

If in doubt consult your genset dealer ormanufacturer for advice.

WARNING

Explosive gases may be present at thebattery. Take care to prevent flames andsparks in the vicinity.

WARNING

Switch off all appliances and lamps beforedisconnecting the battery.

59

ELECTRICS

GENERATOR GUIDELINES

Lack of regular servicing can be the cause ofmost generator problems. Gensets under2kW are mainly dependent on engine speedfor output frequency and voltage, poor or noservicing may cause the engine speedgovernor to run the genset engine too fast.Therefore frequency and output voltage canrise above the specification of the machinedata plate, i.e. 240v at 50Hz, This maycause damage to electrical/electronicequipment (such as battery chargers).

A generator should always be run for a fewminutes prior to connection with the caravanelectrics, to allow it to warm up and theoutput to settle to a steady level.

SUPPORT SERVICE

Contact your local dealer.

ELECTRICS

60

61

FITTED

EQUIPMENT

Truma Combi Boiler ........................................................ 62Refrigerators ................................................................... 67

Dometic RMS 8500 ..................................................... 67Oven, Hob & Grill ............................................................ 74Thetford C-260 CWE Toilet ............................................. 78Awning Points ................................................................. 86Rooflight .......................................................................... 86TV Antenna ..................................................................... 87Wall Lights ....................................................................... 90Flyscreens/Blinds ............................................................ 91Door Flyscreen .............................................................. 91Body & Window Care .................................................... 92Condensation .................................................................. 92Badges .......................................................................... 94Bunk Beds ....................................................................... 95How to Maintain Furniture in a Caravan ......................... 97

FITTED EQUIPMENT

62

Note: Most proprietary items within thecaravan will have their own instruction book,the information within the Venus Handbook isan extract of the most relevant aspects.

IMPORTANT

In the interest of safety, replacement parts foran appliance shall conform to the appliancemanufacturer’s specifications and should befitted by him or an authorised agent.

To maximise the use and life of all fittedequipment in your caravan it is essential thatany accompanying manufacturers’ literatureis read fully. All recommended maintenanceand preparation procedures should befollowed. The information provided in thishandbook is only intended as a guide. If inany doubt consult your Venus appointeddealer, particularly before attempting toinstall EXTRA EQUIPMENT.

TRUMA COMBI BOILER

Introduction

The liquefied gas heater ‘Truma Combi’ is awarm air heater with an integrated hot waterboiler (10 litre volume). The burner operatesfan supported, which ensures trouble-freefunction even when on the move.

The heater can be used to heat the roomand water at the same time or just heat hotwater.

In warmer conditions the water contents areheated using the small burner. Once the

water temperature is reached, the burnerswitches off.

In winter or in lower temperatures the unit willautomatically select the required powersetting according to the temperaturedifference between the temperature set onthe control panel and the current roomtemperature. When the boiler is filled, thewater is automatically heated as well. Thewater temperature will depend upon theoperational mode and the heater output.

If the heater is not to be used when freezingconditions are expected, the water systemMUST be drained. NO warranty claim will beaccepted for cases of frost damage.

Before using the heating system for the firsttime please ensure that the 12v system isturned ON at the control panel over thedoorway and that the gas cylinder andisolation valve are turned on.

Fig. opposite shows the controls for theTruma Combi Boiler.

If the gas system is leaking or if there is asmell of gas:

• Extinguish all naked flames.

• Open all doors and windows.

• Close all quick-acting valves and gascylinders.

• Do not smoke.

• Do not activate any electrical switches.

• Ask an expert to inspect the entiresystem.

Repairs may only be carried out by a certifiedrepairer.

Any modifications to the unit, including theaccessories, exhaust duct and cowl, or theuse of spare parts and accessories that areimportant to the operation of the system thatare not original Truma parts and failure tofollow instructions will cancel any warrantyand indemnify Truma of any liability claims.

It also becomes illegal to use the appliance,and in some countries this even makes itillegal to use the vehicle.

The gas supply’s operation pressure (30mbar) must be the same as the unit’soperating pressure (see type plate).

The vehicle owner is always responsible forarranging periodic inspections.

Liquefied gas equipment may not be usedwhen refuelling, in multi storey car parks, ingarages or on ferries.

During the initial operation of a brand newappliance (or after it has not been used forsome time), a slight amount of fumes andsmell maybe noticed for a short while. It is agood idea to heat the device up severaltimes and to make sure that the area is wellventilated.

Heat-sensitive items such as aerosols orflammable liquids may not be stored in thesame compartment as the heater becausethis area may be subjected to hightemperatures.

TRUMA COMBI BOILER

63

TRUMA COMBI BOILER

WARM AIR & HOT WATERHEATING

A Truma liquid gas Combi warm-air heater,

with integrated hot water boiler, is fitted and

operates on LPG and/or 230V electricity

depending on the chosen mode of operation.

In winter operation the heater can be used to

heat the room and simultaneously warm

water. If only warm water is required, select

summer operation.

At a temperature of approximately 3 deg C

the automatic frost control safety/drain valve

will open and drain the boiler.

Three different options are available for

operating the unit.

Gas operation only: Propane/butane for

autonomous use.

Electrical operation only: 230V for stationary

use on camp sites.

Mixed operation: Gas and electrical operation

- only possible in winter mode.

Winter operation

In winter operation, the unit automatically

selects the required power setting according

to the temperature difference between the

temperature set on the control panel and the

current room temperature. When the boiler is

filled, the water is automatically heated as

well. The water temperature depends on the

selected operation mode and the heater

output.

All three energy selection options can be

used for winter deployment.

With gas operation the unit automatically

selects the output level that is required.

Depending on the fuse protection at the

camping site, power of 900W (3.9A) or

1800W (7.8A) can be manually selected for

electrical operation.

If more output is required (e.g. heating up or

low outside temperatures) gas or mixed

operation should be selected so that enough

heating power is always available.

With mixed operation, 230V electrical

operation is preferred if the power

requirement is low (e.g. for maintaining the

room temperature). The gas burner is not

enabled until the power requirement is

higher, and is the first to switch off during

heat-up operations.

Summer operation (boiler operation only)

Gas operation or 230V electrical operation is

used for hot water preparation. The water

temperature can be set to 40 degºC or 60ºC.

With gas operation the water is heated at the

lowest burner setting. Once the water

temperature is reached, the burner switches off.

Depending on the fuse protection at the

camping site, power of 900W (3.9A) or 1800w

(7.8A) can be manually selected for electrical

operation.

Note: Mixed operation is not possible. With this

setting the unit automatically selects electrical

operation. The gas burner is not enabled.

Before operation

Note: Heating is possible without restrictions

with gas, electrical and mixed operation, with or

without water.

Check to make sure the cowl is unobstructed.

Be sure to remove any covers that may be

present.

Turn on the gas cylinder and open quick-acting

valve in the gas supply line.

Check whether the power supply fuse

protection on the camp site is adequate for the

900W (3.9A) or 1800W (7.8A) that have been

selected using the power selector switch.

The cable drum must be fully unwound in order

to prevent the power cable from overheating.

64

TRUMA COMBI BOILER

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

The heater is controlled by the digital

operating display and control unit fitted above

the entrance door.

Initial operation or activation after a power

cut

After the operating voltage has been

connected, the unit will beep and the display

remains dark. To switch on, press the

key and the main screen will appear.

Function description

Note: More details regarding the operating

modes you will find in the operating

instruction of your Combi.

On/Off

- Display and heater is switched on and/or

off

- The clock is shown when the time is set

- After an interruption in the operating

voltage, the display and the heater are

switched off. If the time is shown, this

needs to be set.

Green LED shines when the heater is on

Green LED flashes when the heater is

after-running

Red LED shines when there is a

malfunction

Manual mode

- In manual mode, the heater is controlled

via the 4 keys below the display.

- It is not necessary to set the time

because the Truma logo is shown in the

display instead of the time.

Note: A pre-selection between summer/winter

operation must be made via the set-up.

Room temperature

When the menu is selected the yellow LED

shines.

The current set room temperature is

displayed and can be changed.

Selection key upwards to select functionsor set values

Selection key downwards to selectfunctions or set values

Selection key backwards to select values

Selection key forwards to select values

Main Screen

Roomtemperature: Display on when the heater is active.

Timer: Display on when the timer is active.

Clock: Only if the clock has been set, otherwisethe Truma logo will appear in the display.

Status of the heater:

H: Set room temperature (eg. 18ºC)

EG: Energy selection (E=Electro, G=Gas)

W: Set water temperature.

65

TRUMA COMBI BOILER

Key increases the room temperature

(max. 30ºC) by 1ºC

Key reduces the room temperature (min.

5ºC) by 1ºC

A change in the room temperature needs to

be confirmed with

Energy selection


shines.

Depends on summer/winter operation (see

setup).

- Use key or to select the energy

source and confirm with

- Bar shows current mode

Summer operation

230V - 4A (electro mode 230V, 900W)


Gas powered

Winter operation



Gas powered

230V - 4A and gas (mixed operation gas and

electro mode 900 W)

230V - 8A and Gas and gas (mixed operation

gas and electro mode 1800W)

Note: If electro or mixed operations are

selected and there is no 230V power supply, the

heating will not function.

Water temperature


shines.

During the heating-up phase, the set water

temperature flashes in the main screen.

- Use key or to select the water

temperature and confirm with

- Bar show current mode

Depends on summer/winter operation (see set-

up)

Summer operation

Water 40ºC

Water 60ºC

Winter operation

Water > 0ºC (heating without controlled

water temperature, heating

has priority)

Water 60ºC

Timer mode

- The heater runs in timer mode as soon as

one or both timers have been activated in

the setup.

- “Timer On” appears in the main screen.

- The heater is only active in the set time

window (active timer).

- Only the energy selection can be changed

in the case of an active timer.

- Only the energy selection can be changed

in the case of an active timer.

- A change in the room or water temperature

will automatically switch the control system

into manual mode.

Set up

In the main screen display you can enter the

setup menu via the setup key.

The following settings can be made:

Back (return to main screen)

Timer 1 on/off (select on/off wahlen)

Timer 2 on/off (select on/off wahlen)

Summer / Winter (select summer/winter)

Set clock

Set timer 1

Back (Return to main screen)

Start (Set start time)

Stop (Set stop time)

Water (Set water temperature)

Temp (Set room temperature)

The timer settings can be made every day until

the timer is switched off. If the room or water

temperature is changed outside the timer menu,

the timer is automatically switched off.

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TRUMA COMBI BOILER

Troubleshooting

Fault Rectification / Cause

Clock is not shown Set clock

Activated timer is not shown any more Power supply was interrupted

Room temperature is not shown Heater not active

Device does not react any more Interrupt power supply for 10 seconds

Heater / display does not react Check 12V supply voltage

If these measures do not rectify the problem, please contact the next Truma Service point

(see Truma service book or www.truma.com).

Set timer 2

Back (Return to main screen)

Start (Set start time)

Stop (Set stop time)

Water (Set water temperature)

Temp (Set room temperature)

The timer settings can be made every day until

the timer is switched off. If the room or water

temperature is changed outside the timer menu,

the timer is automatically switched off.

Buzzer on/off (select on/off)

Backlight (brightness levels 0-9)

Note: If no action is taken, the display switches

back to the main screen after a few seconds.

The lighting switches off after a short delay.

Further information

see operating instructions Combi 4E / Combi 6E

Maintenance

Clean the panel with a dry and fluff-free cloth.

67

REFRIGERATORS

Winter Operation - Dometic Refrigerators

Please check that the ventilationgrilles or the flue outlets are notblocked by snow, leaves etc.

DOMETIC REFRIGERATOR MODELRMS 8500

CleaningBefore starting up the refrigerator, it isrecommended to clean it inside and repeatthis at regular intervals. Use a soft cloth andlukewarm water with a mild detergent. Thenwipe out the appliance with clean water anddry thoroughly.

To avoid deterioration of materials:Do not use soap or hard, abrasiveor soda-based cleaning agents.Do not allow the door seal to comeinto contact with oil or grease.

Operating modes and use of therefrigerator

• This refrigerator is equipped to operateon three power modes: AC mains power(230V), 12V DC or gas (propane/butaneliquid gas).

REFRIGERATOR

• Select the desired power mode by theenergy selector switch (battery ignitertype models) or the MODE button (MES,AES). Appliances with automatic energyselection (AES) are additionally providedwith automatic mode function. The AESsystem automatically selects the bestenergy source for each particularsituation.

• The cooling unit is silent in operation.

Control elements of energy selections (BATTERY IGNITER, MES and AES)

Manual energy selection/manual ignition (RM 8500) battery igniter:

• The refrigerator works reliably on slopesof up to 6 degrees (5 degrees withmodels starting from 140 litres capacity).

• When the appliance is started for the firsttime, there may be a mild odour whichwill disappear after a few hours. Air theliving space thoroughly.

• The refrigerator will take several hours toreach its operating temperature in thecooling compartment.

A = Power On switch / Energy selector switch

B = Temperature selection

C = Manual igniter (battery igniter)

D = Gas operation indicator

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REFRIGERATOR

Explanation:

The refrigerator is equipped to operate onmains power, 12V DC or liquid gas. Selectthe desired power supply by turning theenergy selector switch A. The energyselector switch A has four settings: OFF, ACmains voltage, DC (battery), gas (liquid gas).

Electrical operation

Appliances with battery igniter (manual energyselection)

Switch on the appliance by turning the energyselection switch A clockwise to position:

230V operation,

12V operation

• In order to prevent discharge of the on-board battery, 12V operation should only be usedwhile the motor is running.

Gas operation (liquid gas)

The refrigerator must be operated using liquid gas (propane, butane (no natural gasor town gas). When using LPG gas, please consider that the burner needs cleaningat shorter intervals due to the gas combustion method (semi-annual recommended).

In Europe, gas operation is permitted while travelling only on the condition that thegas system of the vehicle is equipped with a hose rupture protection. The nationalregulations of the respective country must be observed.

For physical reasons, ignition faults could occur starting from an altitude above sealevel of approx. 1000m/3280 ft. (No malfunction!)

On the initial refrigerator start-up or after a cylinder change, air may be trapped in thegas line. To purge the air from the lines, switch on the refrigerator and any other gasappliances (e.g. stove) for a short time. The gas ignites without delay.

As a basic rule, gas operation is prohibited in petrol stations.

69

REFRIGERATOR

Prior to starting the refrigerator in gasmode:

• Open the gas cylinder valve.

• Open the shut-off valve for gas supply tothe refrigerator.

Appliances with battery igniter:

1. Turn the rotary selector switch A toposition .

2. Turn the temperature selector Bclockwise and push. Keep the controllerbutton depressed.

3. Then, press knob C of battery igniterdown and keep it depressed. The ignitionprocess is activated automatically.

4. Once the flame ignites, the pointer ofgalvanometer D begins moving into thegreen range. The refrigerator isoperational. Keep knob B depressed forapprox. 15 seconds and finally release it.

Each refrigerator with manual ignition isequipped with an automatic flame safetyvalve which interrupts the gas supplyafter approx. 30 seconds when the flamehas extinguished.

Door Locking

Open the door by pressing the locking buttonand pull open.

Shut the door again by pushing it to close.The snapping into the lock can be heard.

While the vehicle is parked, the locking hookmay be fixed to facilitate opening of the door.

70

REFRIGERATOR

Fixing and releasing the door lock hookwhen parking the vehicle

If the vehicle is parked for a longer period oftime, the locking hook may be clamped bymeans of a lockbar. The door may now beopened by just pulling it without need ofpressing the locking button.

Restore the original position by pushing thehook down.

As a basic rule, shut and lock therefrigerator door beforecommencing your journey.

Removable freezer compartment

To enlarge the cooling space, just removethe freezer compartment.

Unlock the freezer compartment on bothsides and pull it out.

Store the freezer compartment safely inorder to prevent damage.

Positioning the storage racks

The storage racks may be pulled out bysmoothly lifting them and may be positionedas desired.

Once the freezer compartment isremoved, an additional storage rack maybe installed. The storage rack is a pieceof extra equipment and may be obtainedfrom Dometic.

71

REFRIGERATOR

Exchange of the igniter's battery

Unlock the battery by depressing and turningthe button (C) approximately 90 degreesclockwise.

Remove cap and exchange battery (1.5VAAA / R3 / Micro). Observe correct polarity.

Shutting off the refrigerator

• For battery igniter models, set energyselector switch A to position ‘OFF’. Theappliance is switched off.

• Press the ‘MODE’ button to switch offMES and AES models. Keep button Apressed for two seconds. The displaydisappears and the appliance is fullyswitched off.

• Release the locking mechanism of thedoor lock by pushing it and shift it to thefront. If the door is shut in this position, asmall gap is neverthelesss kept open toprevent formation of mildew.

• If the refrigerator is to be taken out ofservice for an extended period of time,close the onboard shut-off valve and thecylinder valve. Lighting

If the door is open for more than twominutes, the sensor-controlled interiorlighting is automatically cut off (except formodels with battery igniter).

A

72

REFRIGERATOR

Troubleshooting

Before notifying the authorised Service Centre, please check whether:

The instructions in the section “Operating the refrigerator” have been followed.

The refrigerator is level.

It is possible to operate the refrigerator with any available power source.

Failure: The refrigerator does not cool sufficiently.

Possible cause Action you can take

a) Inadequate ventilation to the unit. a) Check that the ventilation grilles are not covered.

b) Thermostat setting is too low. b) Set thermostat to a higher level.

c) The condenser is heavily frosted. c) Check that the refrigerator door closes properly.

d) Too much warm food has been stored d) Allow warm food to cool down before storage. inside within short period of time.

e) The appliance has been running for only e) Check whether the cooling compartment a short period of time. works after approximately 4-5 hours.

f) Ambient temperatures too high. f) Regularly remove ventilation grilles.

Failure: The refrigerator does not cool in gas operation mode.


a) Gas cylinder empty. a) Change gas cylinder..

b) Is the supply shut-off device open? b) Open the shut-off device.

c) Air in the gas pipe? c) Switch off the appliance and start again. Repeat this procedure 3-4 times, if necessary.

73

Failure: The refrigerator does not cool in 12V operation.


a) On-board fuse defective. a) Fit new fuse.

b) On-board battery discharged. b) Check battery, charge it.

c) Engine not running. c) Start engine.

d) Heating element defective (please also d) Please inform the Dometic Customerrefer to failure indication). Services.

Failure: The refrigerator does not cool in 230V operation.


a) On-board fuse defective. a) Fit new fuse.

b) No connection to supply voltage. b) Establish power connection.

c) AES: gas operation despite connection c) Appliance switches to gas operation dueto the supply voltage? to insufficient supply voltage

(automatically switches back to 230Voperation).

d) Heating element defective (please also d) Please inform Dometic Customerrefer to failure indication). Services.

Maintenance

• Works on gas components and electricalinstallation may only be carried out byauthorised personnel. We recommend tocontact your Dometic Service Centre.

• EN 1949 stipulates that the appliance’sgas equipment and its associated fumesystem must be inspected afterinstallation and a certificate issued.

• Afterwards a qualified technician mustinspect according to EN 1949 every twoyears and a certificate issued.

REFRIGERATOR

74

OVEN, HOB & GRILL

SPINFLO DUPLEX COMBI OVEN

Using the Grill

(1) Ensure gas supply is connected andturned on.

(2) Open door, push in the control knob andturn clockwise to full rate - large flame ().

(3) Light burner with match, keeping thecontrol knob held in for 10 - 15 seconds -models with Spark Ignition the procedureis similar except burner ignited bydepressing the ignition button.

(4) Release knob and turn to required heatsetting.

(5) If burner has not lit within 15 seconds,release knob and wait at least 1 minutebefore repeating operations (2) to (4).

(6) To turn off, rotate the control knob untilthe line on the knob is aligned with dot onthe control panel.

• The pan supplied with the appliance ismulti-functional, for use either whilstgrilling or when using the oven.

• The pan handle can be removed orinserted whilst pan is in use. Alwaysremove the handle when the pan is inuse.

• The control tap on this applianceoperates both the Grill and Oven burners.To ensure safe operation it is not possibleto operate both burners at the same time.

WARNINGS

• The grill MUST only be used with thegrill door open.

• The heat deflector below the fasciashould be pulled out prior to lightingthe grill. Never adjust the heatdeflector position without using handprotection - ie oven gloves.

• When cooking always ensure youngchildren are kept away.

Using the Oven

(1) Ensure gas supply is connected andturned on.

(2) Open door, push in the control knob andturn anti-clockwise to gas mark 9.

(3) Light burner with match, keeping thecontrol knob held in for 10 - 15 seconds -for models with spark ignition theprocedure is similar except burner ignitedbe depressing the ignition button.

(4) Release knob and turn to required heatsetting.

(5) If burner has not lit within 15 seconds,release knob and wait at least 1 minutebefore repeating operations (2) to (4).

(6) Place the oven shelf in the requiredposition and close the door.

(7) To turn off, rotate the control knob untilthe line on the knob is aligned with thedot on the control panel.

Before first time use, heat the oven at gasmark 5 for 30 minutes to eliminate anyresidual factory lubricants, open windows toassist in removal of any unpleasant smells orsmoke.

Although the oven does heat up quickly, it isrecommended that a 10 minutes preheat beallowed. The oven should reach fulltemperature in 15 - 20 minutes.

75

The shelf has a raised bar to prevent dishesmaking contact with the back of the oven andto allow good circulation at the rear of theoven. To remove a shelf, pull forward until itstops, raise at front and remove.

Oven Temperature Control

The oven temperature is controlled by athermostatic gas tap and is variable over therange 130ºC to 240ºC. The temperaturesettings on the control knob refer to thecentre of the oven and at any particularsetting the oven will be hotter at the top andcooler towards the base. The variationbetween top and centre, and centre tobottom is approximately equivalent to onegas mark. Care should be taken not tooverload the oven, ensure adequate spacingwhen cooking more than one item to allowfree circulation of heat.

WARNING

Never cover slots or holes in the oven orcover a shelf with materials such asaluminium foil. Doing so restricts airflowand may cause carbon monoxidepoisoning.

DO’S AND DON’TS

DO read the user instructions carefullybefore using the appliance for the first time.

DO allow the oven to heat before using forthe first time, in order to expel any smellsbefore the introduction of food.

DO clean the appliance regularly.

DO remove any spills as soon as they occur.

DO use oven gloves when removing foodshelves and trays from a hot oven.

DO check the controls are in the off positionwhen finished.

DO NOT allow children near the cookerwhen in use. Turn pan handles away fromthe front so that they cannot be caughtaccidentally.

DO NOT allow fats or oils to build up in theoven trays or base.

DO NOT use abrasive cleaners or powdersthat will scratch the surface of the appliance.

DO NOT under any circumstances use theoven as a space heater.

DO NOT put heavy objects into open grilland oven doors.

OVEN, HOB & GRILL

LEAKS

If a smell of gas becomes apparent, thesupply should be turned off at the cylinderimmediately.

Extinguish naked lights including cigarettesand pipes. Do not operate electricalswitches. Open all doors and windows todisperse gas escapes.

Butane/Propane gas is heavier than air andescaping gas will collect at a low level. Thestrong unpleasant smell of gas will enablethe general area of the leak to be detected.Check that the gas is not escaping from anunlighted appliance.

Never check for leaks with a naked flame;leak investigation should be carried out usinga leak detector spray.

MAINTENANCE

This appliance needs little maintenanceother than cleaning. All parts should becleaned using warm soapy water. Do notuse abrasive cleaners, steel wool orcleansing powders. When cleaning theburner ring it is essential that the holes donot become blocked. The control knobs area push fit and can be removed for cleaning.

76

OVEN, HOB & GRILL

Thetford 3 Burner Hob

This appliance is designed for cooking food,any other use is incorrect and dangerous.Failure to install the appliance correctly orimproper use could invalidate any warrantyor liability claims and lead to prosecution.

Ventilation

The use of a gas cooking appliance results ina production of heat and moisture in a roomin which it is installed. Ensure that thekitchen is well ventilated. Keep naturalventilation holes open or install a mechanicalventilation device, (mechanical extractorhood).

Prolonged intensive use of the appliancemay call for additional ventilation, forexample opening a window.

The appliance must be positioned free from

draughts, which may affect the combustion ina manner that will prevent the accumulationof unburnt gas. When in use ensure that airvents are not inadvertently blocked or shutoff.

Burner Operation

The burners on the appliance have fixedaeration and no adjustment is required. Theburners should flame as follows:

Propane - The flames should burn quietlywith a blue/green colour with no sign ofyellow tips.

Butane - Normally on initial lighting, a smallamount of yellow tipping will occur and thenslightly increases as the burner heats up.

IMPORTANT

• Series 330 - will support 200mm Øpans on the outer burners and 180mmØ pan on the central burner.

• Avoid old or misshapen pans as thesemay cause instability.

• The lid must be opened fully prior tousing the hotplate burners.

1. Ensure gas cylinder/supply is connectedand turned on. In the event of a gas smellturn off at gas cylinder/mains and contactsupplier.

2. Flame supervision: Each burner iscontrolled individually and is monitoredby a thermocouple probe. In the event ofthe burner flames being accidentallyextinguished, turn off the burner controland do not attempt to re-ignite the burnerfor at least one minute.

3. To light: Push in the control knob and turnto full rate. Hold a lighted match or taperto the burner and push the control knobin and hold. It is necessary to hold theknob depressed after the burner hasignited for approximately 10 - 15seconds, to allow the thermocoupleprobe to reach temperature, beforereleasing the knob. Should the flame goout when the knob is released, theprocedure should be repeated holdingthe knob depressed for slightly longer.

4. For models fitted with optional SparkIgnition the procedure is similar:

Models with Auto Spark Ignition -pushing the control knob automaticallystarts the spark ignition circuit. To lightthe burner follow the procedure in (3)above, except that the burner can beignited by depressing the ignition buttonlocated on the fascia.

77

OVEN, HOB & GRILL

Models with Manual Spark Ignition -follow the procedure in (3) above, exceptthat the burner can be ignited bydepressing the ignition button located onthe fascia.

If the burner has not lit within 15 secondsthe control knob should be released andthe burner left for at least 1 minute beforea further attempt to ignite the burner.

5. For simmering, turn the knob further anti-clockwise to the low rate position.

6. To turn off: Turn the control knob until theline on the control knob is aligned withthe dot on the control panel. Alwaysmake sure the control knob is in the offposition when you have finished usingthe hotplate burners.

WARNING

The Glass lid has the tendency to snapshut towards the end of lowering. This iscaused by the travel lock action of thehinges as it is activated. Make sure allfingers are removed from appliance whenclosing the lid.

DO’S AND DON’TS

DO read the user instructions carefullybefore using the appliance for the first time.

DO allow burners to heat before using for thefirst time, in order to expel any smells beforethe introduction of food.

DO clean the appliance regularly.

DO remove spills as soon as they occur.

DO check that controls are in the off positionwhen finished.

DO NOT allow children near the appliancewhen in use. Turn pan handles away fromthe front so that they cannot be caughtaccidentally.

DO NOT allow fats or oils to build up in thebase of the hotplate.

DO NOT use abrasive cleaners or powdersthat will scratch the surfaces of the hotplate.

DO NOT under any circumstances use theappliance as a space heater.

LEAKS

If a smell of gas becomes apparent, thesupply should be turned off at the cylinderimmediately.

Extinguish naked lights including cigarettesand pipes. Do not operate electricalswitches. Open all doors and windows todisperse any gas escape. Butane/Propanegas is heavier than air, any gas escaping willtherefore collect at low level. The strongunpleasant smell of gas will enable thegeneral area of the leak to be detected.Check that the gas is not escaping from anunlit appliance. Never check for leaks with anaked flame; leak investigation should becarried out using a leak detector spray orsoapy solution.

78

THETFORD C-260 CWE CASSETTETOILET

INTRODUCTION

The Thetford Cassette Toilet is a high qualityproduct. The toilet forms an integral part ofyour caravan or camper bathroom, thanks toits functional design which combines modernstyling and ease of use. The C-260 CassetteToilet is manufactured from high qualitysynthetic materials which makes it a durable,user and maintenance friendly toilet.

The toilet is made up of two parts: apermanently fixed part and a Waste HoldingTank that is accessible from the outside. Theremovable Waste Holding Tank is locatedunder the toilet bowl and can be removed viaa door on the outside of the caravan orcamper. The Thetford Cassette Toilet is thesolution to the sanitary problem in yourcaravan or camper!

The operating instructions cover ThetfordCassette Toilet models C-260S, C-260CS(models connected to the vehicle’s centralwater tank) and C-260CWE (model with itsown flush-water tank). There are differencesin the use of these models. Please ensurethat you follow the instructions that apply toyour toilet model.

Standard C-260

THETFORD TOILETS

Optional features C-260

79

PARTS

a) Removable Seat and Lid

b) Swivelling Toilet Bowl

c) Blade Handle

d) Flush Button

e) Waste Holding Tank Level Indicator

f) Water Filling Door (only if toilet has ownflush-water tank)

g) Rotating Emptying Spout

h) Automatic Pressure Release Vent

i) Sliding Cover

j) Removable Mechanism

k) Vent Plunger

l) Pull-out Handle

m) Wheels

n) Blade Openener

o) Access Door to Waste Holding Tank

Optional Features

p) Electric Blade

q) Automatic Ventilator

r) Waste Pump-Out System

s) Waste Holding Tank Multi-Level Indicator

t) Flush-Water Tank Level Indicator (only iftoilet has its own flush-water tank)

Note: Optional features can be bought fromThetford dealerships.

Control panel (with optional features)

THETFORD TOILETS

80

Preparing for use (standard)

1. Open the access door on the outside ofyour caravan or camper.

2. Remove the Waste Holding Tank bypulling the safety catch (which holds thetank in place) upwards.

3. Pull the Waste Holding Tank outward tothe stop. Tip it slightly and take the tankfully out.

4. Place the tank upright and turn therotating emptying spout upwards. Theemptying spout ensures that the tank canbe easily and hygienically emptied.

5. Remove the cap, with the measuring cupinside, from the emptying spout and pourthe correct dosage of Thetford toilet fluid(see product label) into the holding tank.This avoids unpleasant smells and keepsthe inside of the tank clean. Next addapproximately 2 litres of water - enoughto ensure that the bottom of the WasteHolding Tank is covered. Far moreinformation on Thetford toilet fluids, seelast page of this manual. Screw the capback onto the emptying spout and turnback to its original position.

Note: The Emptying Spout Measuring Cap issupplied in the same packaging as thismanual.

WARNING: Never add toilet fluid directlyvia the blade or the toilet bowl as this

could damage the lip seal of the WasteHolding Tank. Always pour the fluids viathe emptying spout.

6. Slide the Waste Holding Tank back intoits original position via the access door.Make sure that it is secured with thesafety catch. Close the access door andlock it. Your Thetford toilet is now readyto use.

WARNING: Never use force if you cannotget the tank back into place easily. Thismay cause serious damage. If blockageoccurs, always check if the blade handleis in the correct (closed) position.

7. For toilets with own Flush-Water Tank:Open the water filling door and fill theflush-water tank with the correct dosageof Aqua Rinse. This Thetford toilet fluidkeeps the flush water fresh and improvesthe flushing. Next, fill up the flush-watertank with clean water (approximately 8litres) using a ferry can or hose. Yourtoilet is now ready to use.

THETFORD TOILETS

Preparing for use with OptionalFeatures

8. Automatic Ventilator: Open the accessdoor on the outside of your caravan andremove the Waste Holding Tank (asdescribed above).

9. Remove the filter housing cover and ifno filter is present, place a new filterinto the filter housing. Peel off thesticker lids on the filter. Place back thecover of the filter housing.

Using the toilet (standard)

10. Turn the bowl to the desired positionwith the lid closed and using bothhands.

11. To activate the control panel, press theflush-button once. The control paneldisplay will stay activated forapproximately 5 minutes. Run somewater into the bowl by pressing the flushbutton again briefly.

12. The toilet may be used with the bladeopen or closed. To open the blade, slidethe blade handle under the toilet bowlsideways. After use, open the blade (ifstill closed) and flush the toilet bypressing the flush button for severalseconds (if necessary re-activate thecontrol panel). Close the blade afteruse.

WARNING: If your toilet has its ownflush-water tank, please make sure that

81

you do not travel with a flush-water tankthat is too full. Do not travel with water inthe toilet bowl. Failure to adhere to thisnotice may result in water damage to yourcaravan or motor home.

Using the toilet with Optional Features

13. Electric Blade: Push the electric bladebutton on the control display toelectrically open or close the blade. In thecase of failure, you can manually open orclose the blade by sliding the smallhandle under the toilet bowl sideways.

14. Automatic Ventilator: The ventilatorautomatically starts when the controlpanel is activated (by pressing the flushbutton) and will automatically shut offafter approximately 5 minutes. TheAutomatic Ventilator Indicator will flashuntil automatic shut-off occurs. If youwant to stop the ventilator, press theAutomatic Ventilator button. If you wantto re-start the ventilator, press the buttonagain (the LED will start flashing again).

15. Flush Water Tank Level Indicator (only fortoilets with own flush-water tank): Whenthe Flush Water Tank Level Indicatorlights up, refill the flush-water tank, asonly about 1.5 litres of water is left in thetank, which is sufficient for approximately2 flushes.

Emptying

The Waste Holding Tank has a capacity of 18litres and requires emptying when the redlight (LED) on the toilet control display lightsup, when the Waste Holding Tank only hascapacity for approximately 2 more litres,which is no more than two to three furtheruses.

Make sure that the blade is closed. Open theaccess door located outside the vehicle, pullthe safety catch upwards and remove theWaste Holding Tank.

16. Place the Waste Holding Tank in anupright position (Pull-Out Handle at thetop, Wheels at the bottom). Slide thehandle sideways - to the front of the tank- until it snaps out of its locked position.

17. Pull the handle up and wheel the WasteHolding Tank to an authorized wastedisposal point.

18. Push the handle back into its lockedposition. Turn the emptying spoutupwards and remove the cap from thespout. Hold the Waste Holding Tank insuch a way that during emptying you canoperate the vent plunger with yourthumb. To empty the tank withoutsplashing, depress the vent plunger whileemptying the tank. After emptying, rinsethe tank and blade thoroughly with water.

WARNING: Do not seriously shake thetank or use high pressure water cleaners.This may cause damage to the tank’sinterior.

Note: The vent plunger should only bedepressed once the emptying spout ispointing downwards. Prepare the toilet forre-use if required. Slide the Waste HoldingTank into the toilet and close the accessdoor.

Emptying with Optional Features

19. Waste Holding Tank Multi-Level Indicator:The lower lamp indicates that the WasteHolding Tank is almost empty; the middlelamp indicates that it is more than halffull; when the upper lamp lights up, thetank needs emptying as it can only take 2- 3 further uses.

Note: The Waste Holding Tank LevelIndicator will flash when the holding tank isnot present. In this case the toilet will notflush.

20. Waste Pump-Out System: Whenactivating the control panel this featureautomatically lights up. When the WasteHolding Tank Level Indicator illuminates,press the Waste Pump-Out button topump out the waste from the holding tankinto the vehicle’s waste tank. The buttonwill flash while the waste is being

THETFORD TOILETS

82

pumped and will stop automatically (afterapproximately 5 minutes) when all wastehas been transferred. If the vehicle’swaste tank is full, the Waste Pump-Outlight will flash rapidly and no pump-outwill be possible until the central tank isemptied. (Check the level of the vehicle’swaste tank on the vehicle’s centralconsole). After the Waste Holding Tankhas been emptied, there will beapproximately 1.5 litres of waste left inthe tank. This is normal. Add 2 litres ofwater and a correct dosage of Thetfordtoilet fluids to the Waste Holding Tank.

CAUTION: It is vital that the correctamount of toilet fluid is added to ensurethe proper breakdown of the waste in theholding tank. Only use the system whenthe tank is full. Using the system toooften on an empty tank can causedamage to the pump, which could causethe system to fail.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

The toilet should be cleaned and maintainedregularly, depending on the amount of use.To clean Thetford toilets, we advise usingwater and Thetford Bathroom Cleaner.

Note: Never use bleach, vinegar or otherpowerful household cleaners that containthese substances. These may causepermanent damage to the seals and othertoilet components.

Toilet Bowl

- Squirt Thetford Bathroom Cleaner intothe toilet bowl.

- Flush the toilet bowl with water and wipedown the rest of the toilet with a dampcloth.

- Clean seat and lid The seat and lid caneasily be removed: Lift the seat and lidassembly and pull the round pins (insidethe assembly) outwards from the pinholes. After cleaning, replace the seatand lid by positioning the round pins infront of the pin holes and push the lid andseat downwards.

- To keep your flush water fresh and toprevent deposits from forming in yourtoilet bowl, add a correct dosage of AquaRinse in your flush water tank, if present,on your toilet.

Tip! For a really shining toilet, dry with asoft dry cloth after cleaning.

Waste Holding Tank

To keep your Waste Holding Tank fresh andclean, Thetford has developed a number ofdifferent toilet fluids. Thetford toilet fluidssuppress smells, reduce formation of gas,promote breakdown of toilet waste andincrease the life span of a mobile toilet. Weadvise a thorough cleaning of the WasteHolding Tank once each season. Next tousing Thetford’s Cassette Tank Cleaner, thepowerful cleaning agent for the periodicalcleaning of the Waste Holding Tank of yourtoilet, we suggest the following: -

- Remove the removable mechanism fromthe Waste Holding Tank by turning itanti-clockwise and rinse it under a tap.

- Remove the cover plate from theAutomatic Pressure Release Vent byprising it up using a small screwdriver.Use one hand to push the AutomaticPressure Release Vent open whileholding the float of the AutomaticPressure Release Vent on the inside ofthe tank with the other hand. Push thefloat upwards, turn it 180 degrees andremove it from below. Remove the rubberseal underneath the float. Rinse the floatand rubber seal under a tap. Replace therubber seal and float for the AutomaticPressure Release Vent using the samemethod in reverse.

THETFORD TOILETS

83

The rubber seals in the toilet (the lip seal, themechanism seal, the automatic pressurerelease vent seal and the cap seal) shouldbe regularly cleaned with water and treatedwith Thetford High Grade Seal Lubricant.This will ensure that the seals remain flexibleand in good condition. If the toilet is not to beused for any length of time, it is important totreat the seals with Thetford High Grade SealLubricant after cleaning.

Note: Never use Vaseline or any vegetableoil except olive oil. These may cause leakageor malfunction. The lip seal is a part of thetoilet that is subject to wear. Depending uponthe extent and manner of use, the seals willbecome less effective and will need replacingperiodically.

Cleaning and Maintenance for OptionalFeatures

- Automatic Ventilation: The filter of theAutomatic Ventilation needs to berenewed periodically. After approximately4 full weeks of use, the filter loses itsabsorption power.

- Pump-Out Waste System: To ensureoptimal functionality of the Pump-OutWaste System, periodical maintenance ofthe tube and pump is recommended.After emptying the Waste Holding Tankcompletely, fill it with clean water andempty it again. This will clean the pump

and the hose. Do this once every 3weeks when on holiday. This shouldensure proper operation of the system.

Winter operation

You can use your Thetford Cassette Toilet asnormal in cold weather as long as the toilet issituated in a heated location. If there is a riskof freezing we advise that the toilet is drainedby following the instructions under ‘Storage’.For environmental reasons the use ofantifreeze, such as that used in car radiators,is not recommended.

Storage

It is important that you follow the instructionsbelow if you do not expect to use yourThetford toilet for a long (winter) period.

- Activate the Control Panel by pressingthe flush button. Open the blade andpress the flush button until water stopsflowing into the bowl. Close the blade.Open the access door on the outside ofyour caravan or camper and empty theWaste Holding Tank at an authorizedwaste dump. Follow the instructions forcleaning and maintenance. To allow theWaste Holding Tank to dry, do not placethe cap back on the emptying spout ofthe tank.

21. If the toilet has its own flush-water tank,place a sufficiently large bowl under the

THETFORD TOILETS

drain tube to catch the remaining waterfrom the flush-water tank and remove thedrain plug. When no more water exits,put the drain plug on the drain tube, put itback in its original position and close theaccess door. If the toilet is connected tothe vehicle’s water tank, please followyour vehicle’s instructions for draining thecentral water system. If your toilet isoptionally featured with a WastePump-Out System, take out the WasteHolding Tank and completely clean it(see Cleaning and Maintenance). Aftercleaning, fill it with water, put it back andempty it via the waste pump-out system.Repeat this twice.

84

THETFORD TOILETS

85

THETFORD TOILETS

86

12 VOLT ROOF MOUNTEDEXTRACTOR FAN

The fan is a double glazed rooflight. Its sideoperating mechanism allows a completelyfree central opening with built-in fixedventilation when closed.

AWNING/ROOFLIGHTS

AWNING FIXING POINTS

In all Venus Caravans fixing blocks for theawning brackets are now fitted as per thediagram (position A). The centre block isdetermined from centre of wheel arch andjust below awning rail.

The end fixing points are just above windowheight front and rear, approximately 60mmlong x 40mm, 1528mm above the undersideof the floor (i.e. from top of skirt).

Care must be taken when fixing thebrackets and a suitable sealant used.

A A A

1528

mm

→

→

TILT & SLIDE ROOFLIGHT

To open - turn the handles to release therooflight. Push it upwards and slide it towardsthe front of the caravan.

Before travelling ensure the rooflight is in thefully closed and locked position.

A fully adjustable flyscreen and black outscreen are built into the frame.

60 x 40 60 x 40175 x 50

87

STATUS TV ANTENNA

OPERATING THE SYSTEM

Travelling

When positioning the Antenna Dome please

allow for the following:-

DO NOT TRAVEL:-

• With the Antenna raised

• With the Antenna set for vertical signals

To reduce the possibility of damage when

travelling, have the antenna pointing towards

the rear of your caravan/motor home.

Operating

1. Loosen the Mast Locking Collar and raise

the antenna.

2. Determine whether the TV transmissions

are horizontal or vertical and position

accordingly.

3. Switch On the Amplifier and the LED will

illuminate and check the gain is set to MIN

by rotating the button anti-clockwise.

4. Rotate the antenna.

RED - Poor signal - keep turning.

YELLOW - getting better - slow down.

GREEN - Signals located, ready to GO.

5. If there's no GREEN increase the Gain and

repeat the 360 degree rotation.

6. Once the transmitter has been located

increase the Gain to MAX.

7. Turn on your television set and tune in.

This will be necessary at all new locations.

8. Secure the Antenna by hand tightening the

Mast Locking Collar.

IMPORTANT

You may detect more than one transmitter.

Choose the position that gives you the most

channels when tuning in your TV.

In poor signal areas the LED may only glow

YELLOW.

In strong signal areas you may need to reduce

the gain by rotating the Control anti-clockwise.

Removing the Antenna

A permanently fitted Status can be easily

removed leaving only the Mounting Foot and

rubber gaiter.

1. Unplug the antenna lead from the Amplifier.

2. Loosen the Mast Locking Collar and lift off

whilst feeding out the mast, coaxial cable

and plug.

3. Push the Blanking Cap supplied into place.

IMPORTANT - The Blanking Cap is a temporary

seal and is not recommended for long term use.

ANTENNA

88

Signal Symptom Action

Very Poor No picture or sound, TV freezing, severe Check the amplifier gain is set to maximum (rotatepixilation, break up and picutre drop out clockwise). Check antenna alignment which must

be directed at the transmitter. Ensure thePoor Moderate pixilation and sound distortion antennas polarity is correct, whether horizontal or

vertical. Bypass the amplifier by following "ShortMedium Minor pixilation will not receive all channels Hook-Up Test 1"

Good Stable picture, good sound quality will N/Areceive all channels

Strong Possible pixilation, picture break up and Reduce the amplifier gain (rotate anti-clockwise).drop out. Rotate antenna AWAY from the transmitter.

Very Strong No picture or sound, TV freezing, severe Rotate antenna AWAY from transmitter.pixilation, break up and picture drop out. Switch 'OFF' the amplifier and turn the gain control

to maximum (rotate clockwise).

After performing any of the 'Actions' above you must re-tune your TV

Guarantee

The Status Antenna has a return to base guarantee against defective parts and workmanship for two

years or a period determined by the vehicle manufacturer. This does not include any malfunction

resulting from improper use, incorrect installation, accidental or malicious damage. To support your

guarantee claim a dated Proof of Purchase will be required.

This does not affect your statutory rights. Any queries concerning warranty please contact ourselves.

Fault Finding

The following are some of the key areas we

suggest you check which generally solve the

most common problems encountered with the

operation of the Status antenna.

Coaxial Connections

It is critical that all connections in the system

are fitted correctly and only quality plugs have

been used.

Coaxial Cable

Sharp bends, kinks and hot surfaces can easily

damage coaxial cable and should be avoided.

Coaxial cable, if placed in close proximity to

electrical cables, transformers or other pieces

of electrical equipment, may pick up electrical

interference causing picture quality to

deteriorate, especially in poor reception areas.

Excess cable should be removed and NOT

coiled as this may cause picture distortion. An

inspection of the routing of the cable is highly

recommended to ensure all is correct.

Gain Control

In normal use the button should be rotated

clockwise for maximum. In strong signal areas

the amplification may need to be reduced. To

reduce amplification rotate the button anti-

clockwise until picture quality improves. The

button rotates through 270 degrees from MAX

to MIN.

ANTENNA

89

ANTENNA

LED Light

Should the LED on the Amplifier not light, firstly

check there is power to the unit. Secondly

check the polarity is correct. Otherwise contact

ourselves for further assistance.

Short Hook Up - Test 1

This test isolates the wiring from the Amplifier

through to your TV/Radio points.

Unplug the coaxial plugs from the ‘TV’ sockets

of the Amplifier and using your TV fly lead with

Convertor 1 supplied. Connect your TV to the

Amplifier.

Please ensure the Antenna Dome is plugged

directly into the ‘ANT-IN’ socket of the Amplifier

and switch on. Tune in your TV for the strongest

signal.

If the picture quality improves the fault lies with

the wiring of the system between the Amplifier

and the TV outlet socket.

Short Hook Up - Test 2

This test isolates the Amplifier by connecting

your TV direct to the Antenna.

Unplug the Antenna from the Amplifier and

connector Connector 2 supplied to the plug on

the cable end. Using your TV flylead connect

the antenna directly to your TV. Tune in your TV

for the strongest signal.

If the picture quality improves the fault lies with

the Vision Plus Amplifier.

Antenna Dome Co-axial Cable

Check the routing of the coaxial cable from the

Antenna Dome to the Amplifier. Check to

ensure there are no kinks or trapped cable or if

there are loops of surplus cable which could be

affecting performance.

Customer Help Line

Should you still be experiencing difficulties and

require assistance, please do not hesitate to

contact us at the address below.

MAINTENANCE

Gaiter

We suggest you periodically check the gaiter for

any signs of damage or for wear.

If the rubber is caught by overhead obstructions

it may rip or tear which would allow water to

work its way into the fabric of the roof.

Over an extended period of time the gaiter will

wear at the contact area with the mast. Should

the gaiter begin to fail the signs will be small

amounts of water dripping down the outside of

the mast, however, the design of the Gaiter and

Mounting Foot ensures that water cannot work

its way into the fabric of the roof. Should this

problem occur contact ourselves for a

replacement unit.

Spares & Repairs

Should you require any parts for replacements

or repair please log on to www.gradeuk.co.uk or

contact ourselves on 0115 986 7151.

Vision Plus8 Finch Close

Lenton Lane

Nottingham

NG7 2NN

0115 986 7151

[email protected]

www.visionplus.co.uk

90

LED LIGHTING

LED lighting is non replaceable.

CD/RADIO/MP3 PLAYER

Your caravan is fitted with a Pioneer CD/Radio unit. Please refer to manufacturersmanual for further functionality & instructions.

LIGHTS, CD/RADIO/MP3

91

FLYSCREENS AND SUNBLINDS

Important: Blinds should be checked forholes and tears when you take delivery ofyour caravan. Failure to report a fault at thisstage will result in a claim under warrantybeing rejected.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Flyscreen

Pull the flyscreen fully down and gently pushthe crossbar towards the window so that itlocates in the retaining “cut out” within therear channel of the lateral guides. To release,gently pull the crossbar downwards andtoward you and allow the tension of thespring mechanism to rewind the flyscreenupwards.

DO NOT RELEASE THE HANDLE – causingthe flyscreen to “whiplash” upwards – as thiswill cause damage to the spring mechanism.

Sunscreen

The front channel of the lateral guides has anumber of “cut outs” to enable the sunscreento be retained at various heights – lookinside the lateral guides to locate these. Toraise or lower the sunscreen follow similarprocedure as with the flyscreen.

TENSION ADJUSTMENT

The tension adjustment clips are located atthe left side of the cassette – the top one isfor the flyscreen and the lower one for thesunscreen.

Insert screwdriver into tension clip, applygentle inward pressure and rotate tensionclip one or two clockwise turns to increasetension or anti-clockwise to reduce tension.Gently release the inward pressure to enabletension clip to re-engage into its internalratchet. Check tension and, if necessary,repeat until the crossbars return to their toppositions without too much tension orassistance. DO NOT OVERTENSION.

Note: It is not recommended that thewindow blinds are retained in the “down”position whilst the caravan is beingtowed.

WINTERISATION

The flyscreen/sunscreen should NOT be leftin the “down” position through the winter asthis may cause the spring mechanism to losetension.

However to rectify this, gently pull crossbardownwards and toward you then allow thetension remaining in the mechanism torewind, when it stops pull the crossbardownwards and upwards five or six times torestore correct tension.

Should the blinds not retract fully, pleasefollow Tension Adjustment instructions.

DOOR FLYSCREEN

1. To close

Pull handle/crossbar across door apertureuntil hook engages on closing profile.

2. To open

a) From inside: To release hook, pullhandle/crossbar slightly toward youthen, still holding the handle/crossbar,allow the tension to pull the flyscreenback into the cassette.

b) From outside: To release hook, pushhandle/crossbar away from you then,still holding the handle/crossbar, allowthe tension to pull the flyscreen backinto the cassette.

CAUTION: To avoid damage to the tensionmechanism DO NOT allow the flyscreen to“whiplash” back into the cassette.

3. Cleaning

Use a damp cloth and, if necessary, anormal household cleaner withoutabrasives or solvents.

FLYSCREENS & BLINDS

92

WINDOWS

The windows on your caravan are made fromacrylic. If you consider the instructions below,the windows will stay in good shape for along time. Windows also require periodicmaintenance and checking by your dealer atleast once per year.

Operation

When the vehicle is in motion allwindows must be fully closed.

Never use the blinds in direct sunlight.If you use the blind in direct sunlight,even for a short period, heat willaccumulate between the window andblind possibly causing damage to thewindow such as bending/ballooning.

Your windows are equipped with eitherhandles with buttons or handles with stays.Please observe the following operatinginstructions.

Handles with buttons - Always push thebutton when opening/closing the handle.

Stays in step version - You will hear clickswhen opening the window. Every clickrepresents the position in which a windowcan stay opened. When closing the window,you must open it till the end and then close.Do not try to close it without first opening itas wide as it goes, as this will damage thestays.

Stays with knob screw - Always make sureto unscrew the knob before closing thewindow.

Catches - The catchers enable threepositions of the window. The open position iswhere the handle is open placed on the outerpart of the catcher. If the handle is placed inthe middle of the catch, this is the position forventilating. The closed position is where thehandle is closed on the inner part of thecatch.

Cleaning

1. Cleaning window profiles

To clean coloured and anodized profiles, usea soft cloth and water without any aggressivecleaning solvents. The use of any chemicalsand abrasive cleaners could damage thesurface of the profile.

2. Cleaning windows

Never use abrasive or corrosive substancesor solvents on windows, such as turpentine,spirit or dishwasher detergents, as they willdamage the acrylic and/or print. Werecommend cleaning with a generousamount of water or mild cleaner intended foruse on acrylic. There are some specialistplastic cleaning agents such as Plexus orBrillianize which can be used if preferred.Cleaning with a dry cloth can damage theacrylic and leave scratches; always use a

moist sponge or moist soft cloth. Never cleanwindows with a high pressure washer. Pleasealso note that a carwash can cause scratchesor other damages.

Acrylic material can get scratched veryeasily. Please consider the aboveinstructions for cleaning, so that you willnot cause scratches or other damages.

Condensation

Condensation can appear on the window orbetween both panes. This is a normaloccurrence that appears because of differenttemperatures inside and outside, moistureand the properties of acrylic itself.Condensation will disperse after some time.This doesn't mean that there is somethingwrong with the window or that it is leaking.With a properly ventilated vehicle you can inmost cases prevent condensation.

How to overcome condensation

1. Improve ventilation

(a) Leave rooflight open or use a self-ventilating rooflight.

(b) Add to the ventilation by fitting moreimproved ventilators.

(c) Put windows onto night vent position.

(d) Leave doors open betweencompartments.

WINDOWS AND BODY

93

WINDOWS AND BODY

2. Help yourself tips

(a) Do not wash crockery last thing atnight, it creates more moisture in theair.

(b) Do not boil water last thing at nightand empty all water from kettles, etc.

(c) Remove flowers or vases containingwater from sleeping quarters.

(d) Keep temperature at night to aminimum (hot air contains watervapour).

(e) Increase ventilation to above normalin inclement or very wet weather.

Note: You cannot expect to eliminatecondensation completely but followingthe hints above will help towards a morecomfortable environment.

94

CLEANING THE CARAVAN BODY

It is wise to wash the caravan body regularlyin order to maintain its good looks. Do notuse aggressive cleaning materials as this willdamage the paintwork over time. ‘T Cut’ orother similar cleaning compounds shouldonly be used occasionally for stubbornmarks. We suggest that a good quality carwax, applied at least once a year, willenhance the paintwork and ease thecleaning operation.

ABS Panels

ABS components need to be washed, waxedand taken care of like a car. Most stains ormarks can be removed with mild detergent,but more stubborn marks may require a (finegrit) rubbing compound such as T-cut.

To help keep your ABS components lookingalmost like new, it is wise to wash the partsmonthly (or more frequently) using milddetergent, but avoid using strong alkaline(e.g. tri-sodium phosphate) or acidic cleanersor abrasives. Waxing the components onceor twice a year with a good grade paste waxwill help to maintain the colour and finish.

BADGES

Resin coated badges are now being widelyused within the caravan industry. Theirupkeep is simple, use soap and water only toclean them. Under no circumstances shouldabrasive cleaners or solvent based solutionsbe used on them.

ABS PANELS

95

BUNK BED ASSEMBLY

The following step by step guide illustrates how to assemble the bunk bed.

1. Pull the top edge of the bunk towardsyou.

2 & 3. With your left hand on the bottom edge, lift upwards and towards you, while your righthand keeps the bunk steady.

4 & 5. As the left hand passes the pivot point allow the right hand to slowly lower the bunk intothe rest position.

6. Fold the two part bunk into position.

BUNK BEDS

96

7. Fit the safety boards into position.

BUNK BEDS

97

HOW TO PROPERLY MAINTAINTHE FURNITURE IN A CARAVAN

About Humidity

Air contains moisture – this is calledhumidity. The higher the temperature of theair the more water it is able to hold. Air at20°C can hold a lot more moisture than air at10°C. The term ‘relative humidity’ describeshow much moisture air contains at a giventemperature. 100% relative humidity meansthe air is holding as much moisture as it canat that temperature.

The more humid the air is in your caravan,the more energy it takes to warm your vanbecause it is also warming the water in theair. This means it will be more expensive toheat!

A good range of indoor humidity for comfortand health is between 30-60% during coolermonths of the year. Mould is likely to occur ifthe relative humidity indoors is 70% or morefor long periods of time. Keeping humiditylevels under 50% also helps to minimise orcontrol dust mites.

It can be fun to buy a low cost humidity meterfrom a hardware store and track how humidthe air in your caravan is. You might besurprised at how quickly it can change, frommorning to night and as the weatherchanges.

About Condensation

When the humidity is high inside a van and itis cold outside the water vapour condenseson cold surfaces. What can causesdampness and condensation in your van?

• Lack of adequate ventilation and/orheating.

• Water coming in from the outside throughleakage, seepage or open windows

• High levels of moisture/water vapourbeing produced inside the caravan

Humid air and condensation can also begenerated by things people do on a dailybasis.

• Cooking Up to 3 litres per day

• Showers and baths 1.5 litres per person

• Washing dishes Up to 1 litres per day

• Unflued gas heater 0.5-1.0 litre per hourof use

• Breathing, active adult 0.2 litres an hourper person

• Breathing, adult asleep 0.02 litres anhour per person

Because your Furniture pieces are madefrom wood or wooden materials they requireattention and care to maintain their beautyover time.

Moisture in air can cause damage tofurniture. Wood expands or contracts with anincrease or decrease in the relative humidityin the air. A 40% -60% relative humidity istolerable. Beyond this level, woodcanexpand. The damages can be quitevisible if the relative humidity is higher then80% for a long time. To prevent damage,assure the relative humidity of air is not toohigh for a long time by ventilate the van,using dehumidifiers or water adsorbentsubstances.

When wood is wet, wipe it dry. Do not justwait for the sun to dry it. The longer the waterstays on the surface, the more damage it cando.

How to keep your caravan dry and avoidcondensation

There are lots of things YOU can do tominimise dampness and condensation inyour caravan.

The key actions:

• Provide ventilation and/or reduce relativehumidity of air by , particularly inmoisture-prone period of year (especiallywinter time) and when the moisture isproduced in the van (cooking, shower)

• Reduce the amount of moisture producedin the van

• Increase heating to raise the temperatureof the air and the cold surfaces

HOW TO MAINTAIN FURNITURE IN A CARAVAN

98

HOW TO MAINTAIN FURNITURE IN A CARAVAN

On dry days open some windows to allowhumid air to ventilate out of the van. It isbetter to open a few windows a littlethroughout the whole caravan. This helps theair to move through the caravan. Onewindow open wide may not be as effective.Try to do this as often as possible (at leastonce a week), but keep windows closed onwet days as damp air may increase indoorhumidity.

High temperature can also damage thesurfaces of your furniture. Protect them withprotective table pads or place-mats whenutilizing extremely hot utensils or dishes.

Do Not’s

• use detergents or chemical cleaners onyour furniture this may damage the finish,

• drop the pieces,

• expose the furniture to extreme hot, cold,rain, humidity or salinity,

• leave surfaces wet with beads of waterstanding

99


AL-KO

CHASSIS

& TYRESChassis ............................................................ 100

Running Gear ................................................... 100

Braking System ................................................ 100

General Maintenance ....................................... 103

Tyres ................................................................ 104


100

ALKO RUNNING GEAR

Coupling Head

The ball couplings are entirely automatic inoperation and designed for one handoperation to suit the 50mm international ballrecommended by the British StandardsInstitution, National Caravan Council and theSociety of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.It is expressly forbidden by the chassismanufacturer for holes to be drilled intothe 'A' frame to accommodate a stabiliserbracket. A clamp must be used. Similarly,holes should not be drilled into thecoupling head.

Operation of hitch head

Lift handle upward and forward. Place theunlocked coupling onto the towing ball andwith the slightest downward pressure it willlock onto the ball automatically. Ensurelocking trigger returns to its free position andindicator button shows green beforecommencing to tow.

CHASSIS & UNDERGEAR

The Chassis

The design of the chassis undergear issuitable for the sustained high speedspermissible on mainland Europe(130 k.p.h.).

The maximum static load at the couplinghead is 100kg.

The chassis is capable of carrying yourcaravan to the Maximum TechnicalPermissible Laden Weight as shown at theback of the service handbook.

The towing hitch (50mm dia. ball)operates on the over run principle; theapplication of the towing vehicle brakesautomatically, mechanically operatingthe brakes of the caravan.

No manual assistance is needed toactivate the auto reversing mechanismwhich automatically comes into operationwhen the towing vehicle starts to travel in areverse direction. No lock off device needs tobe used.

As the name implies, the corner steadies aredesigned to steady and stabilise the caravanwhen parked. They are not designed asjacks.

The AL-KO chassis is galvanised steel. Tomaintain protection to the steel, any rustingareas should be recoated using galvanisingpaint.

Uncoupling

Having lowered the jockey wheel to theground, operate the handle as previouslydescribed. Lift the coupling clear of thetowing ball either manually or by operatingthe telescopic jockey wheel.

BRAKING SYSTEM(AL-KO Automatic Reversing Brakes)

Forward Braking

In the free position, with the drawshaft fullyextended and the handbrake lever fullyforward “off position” the wheel brake shoesare clear of the drum and there is no friction.

During braking travel on the main shaft of theoverrunning device is transmitted via theoverrun lever, brake rod and bowden cablesto the expander mechanism inside the wheelbrake. The fully floating expandermechanism (2) forces the leading brake shoe(1) and by reaction the trailing brake shoe (3)into contact with the brake drum.

The friction between brake shoes and drumcreates a tendency for both shoes andexpander to move with the forward rotation(4) against the solid abutment of the adjusterbox (5) which ensures both shoes remain inthe braking position.

101


Reversing

During reversing the shaft of the overrunningdevice is subjected to its full travel which istransmitted in the normal manner to theexpander mechanism inside the wheel brake.

The expander (2) forces both brake shoes (1and 3) into contact with the drum as normalexcept with the backward rotation of thewheel the friction between brake shoes anddrum is relieved.

The initial friction between brake shoes anddrum ensures that both shoes plus theexpander mechanism show a definitetendency to move in the direction of rotationi.e. reverse. The pressure generated by thisaction is applied to the spring loaded reverselever (6) which is attached to the adjusterbox (5) causing it to collapse.

The collapse of the reverse lever virtuallyeliminates the friction between brake shoesand drum thus allowing easy reversing. Withonly slight forward movement, the reverselever returns to its normal position by virtueof the coil spring attached, and normalbraking is immediately available.

Parking — Handbrake Application

The AL-KO automatic reversing brakesystem incorporates a patented device foradded safety when parking on a reversesloping site or a steep hill.

A spring cylinder has been added to the linkbetween handbrake lever and centre brakerod.

Full application of the handbrake lever, i.e.as near vertical as possible, compresses acoil spring inside a steel cylinder and shouldany movement of the caravan occur followinguncoupling the energy stored in the spring isimmediately released to lock the wheelbrakes.

It should be noted that it is good commonpractice to chock the wheels of a caravanwhen parking on steep slopes, or underadverse conditions such as loose or slipperysurfaces.


102

AL-KO ATC LED OPERATION

Flashing Green - Simply the ATC is waiting

to detect movement. Drive a few metres andthe light will change to green.

Flashing Red - To provide further explanation if the constant RED light is showing: There are anumber of errors that the ATC logs and some are self repairable by the customer but some will

require the ATC to be monitored by the diagnostic equipment that is available and the AL-KOservice engineers are trained to use.

Display Colour ATC Condition Diagnosis What to do Outcome Status

Green ATC Active Everything OK

Green Flashing ATC Active Self test Drive forward Green Ready forincomplete to detect (Constant) journey

movement tocomplete selftest andrecheck LED

Red ATC Inactive Possible to Remove 12S Green Ready forcontinue journey or 13 pin plug journey

and wait fiveseconds.

Reconnect Red ATC faultplug detected but

can be driven

Red flashing ATC has Do not continue Remove 12S Green Ready fordetected a fault with ATC or 13 pin plug journey

connected and wait fiveseconds

Reconnect Red (flashing) ATC faultthe plug. detected cannot

be driven.Remove pushrod

103


GENERAL NOTES ONMAINTENANCE

Tyre Wear and Damage

The legal requirements for tread depth onmotor vehicles apply also to caravans. Inorder to equalise wear it is suggested that

wheels be balanced and changed aroundfrom time to time.

It is dangerous to neglect tyre damage and

should you detect a blister, rupture or cutexposing the casing, or if it has suffered aviolent impact (for example against a kerb),

such that there is a risk of internal damage, itis advisable to have it examined by a tyrespecialist as soon as possible.

Wheels

The condition of wheels should be checkedregularly particularly for distortion of flangesand the wheel dish. Wheels damaged or

distorted, or having wheel bolt seatingscracked or deformed must not be repaired.

Couplings

1. Clean and grease spherical seat, bearingparts and pivot pins regularly.

2. Thoroughly examine all moving parts for

wear and correct functioning.3. Couplings should never be drilled.

Towing Ball

The automobile towing ball should measure

50mm maximum and 49.5mm minimum (DIN74058). If the ball is found to be worn itshould be replaced immediately.

Overrunning Device

The device housing is packed with grease onassembly, but will require periodicmaintenance to ensure smooth operation of

the braking system.

1. Regrease the shaft bearings via thegrease nipples provided at 3000 mileintervals and before storage.

2. Ensure correct functioning of all pivotpins and levers and oil regularly.

Jockey Wheel

Lubricate wheel and screw thread

periodically.

Brake Linkage

All moving parts should be lubricatedperiodically to ensure their satisfactory

operation.

It is recommended that all brake linkagethreads are liberally smeared with grease forprotection and as an aid to future adjustment

of the system.

Corner Steadies

The screw and pivot pins should belubricated periodically to ensure theirsatisfactory operation.

Braking System

At 500 miles then every 3000 miles or 1 yearcheck and adjust brake linkage tocompensate for any stretch of the bowden

cables.

Check and adjust wheel brakes tocompensate for wear.

IMPORTANT: When replacing the wheelsyou should tighten the nuts in rotationdiagonally, taking care to tighten themequally.

The recommended torque is 88Nm(65lbs/ft) for steel wheels. Alloy wheelsshould be 115Nm (85lbs/ft).

CHECK THE WHEEL NUTS BEFORESTARTING EVERY JOURNEY

IMPORTANT NOTICE:The caravan is manufactured for towingbehind road cars and the 4 x 4 “off road” type

of passenger car derivative. THE CARAVANIS NOT SUITABLE FOR TOWING BEHINDCOMMERCIAL VEHICLES.


104

TYRES

PREPARATION

Tyres & Tyre Pressure

Safe driving and handling when towing acaravan is very important and one majorfactor which is frequently overlooked is thetyres. Look after your tyres properly and youwill improve the safety and behaviour of yourcar and caravan.

Check the Pressures

Whatever tyres are fitted to the towing carand caravan it is essential to the safety andstability of the combination that all tyres arecorrectly inflated. This is a ‘golden rule’ ofmotoring and of caravanning in particular.

Pressures should be checked when the tyresare cold, not warm during or just after a runwhen they will be higher. Never reducepressures when tyres are warm as theycould be too low when they cool down.

The tyres specified by the caravanmanufacturer are satisfactory for towing inthe UK and are rated up to 80mph (130kph)at the maximum design weight of thecaravan. In certain countries overseas it islegal to tow at higher speeds. If it is intendedto visit such countries and tow up to thehigher speed limits then it is important thatthe suitability of the tyres is first checked witha caravan dealer.

Tyres & Pressures

The tyres fitted, and the pressures needed,vary from model to model. Check the ServiceHandbook for specific recommendations foryour model.

The speed limit for towing a caravan in theU.K. is 60mph. If a tyre needs to be replacedyou must ensure that you refit a tyre of thesame specification. The correct pressure foryour car tyres will be found in the carhandbook.

Fit the Right Tyres

As with all road vehicles it is alwaysadvisable to have the same type of tyres onall wheels i.e. both on the towing vehicle andthe caravan but it is recognised thatcaravans and trailers will frequently have adifferent type from the towing vehicle.

If a wheel or tyre has been changed thereplacement has to be of the same type ofconstruction and size as on the other wheels.

General Recommendations

Because caravan tyres and wheels are rarelythe same as those on your car you must notattempt to use the car wheel on your caravanif you should have a puncture.

Check your tyres regularly but particularlywhen the caravan has not been used for along time. Vehicles such as caravans if notused in the winter should be thoroughlyinspected prior to re-use during the summermonths. Look particularly for any signs ofage deterioration in the tyres such assidewall cracking and carcass deformation.Tyres on a stationary vehicle, particularly ifparked in coastal areas, always age andcrack more quickly than those which are runfrequently and, if your caravan is going tostand for a long time it is a good idea tocover the tyres with old sacks, etc. to shieldthem from direct light and, if possible, to jackthe weight off the tyres. If in doubt at allabout your tyres have them checkedimmediately by a tyre distributor.

WARNING: Prior to any journey thecondition of the tyres should beinspected. The NCC recommend thattyres are replaced seven years from dateof manufacture at the very latest.

105

GENERAL DATA

GENERAL

DATA

Wiring Diagrams............................................... 106

Light Bulb Replacements ................................. 113

Security ............................................................ 113

Owners Club .................................................... 114

Owners Warranty ............................................. 114

Winterization Guide .......................................... 116

GENERAL DATA

106

107

GENERAL DATA

GENERAL DATA

108

109

GENERAL DATA

GENERAL DATA

110

EC175 Power Supply Unit Consumer Circuits - Roof

111

GENERAL DATA

GENERAL DATA

112

113

GENERAL DATA

SECURITY

Ensure that you lock all windows and doorswhen leaving your caravan. Fit a towbar hitchlock or a wheel clamp -consult your dealer onall safety and security recommendations.Keep your gascylinder locked when leaving yourcaravan.

Many devices are available to alarm yourcaravan. It is a good idea to mark yourcaravan in a secret place -this will helpthe police to identify it should it bestolen.

Caravans can be stolen from storagecompounds, motorway service areas andeven your own premises, so it is always wiseto be vigilant at all times. Ask your dealerabout details on all security aspects.

LIGHT BULB REPLACEMENT

Brake/side light .................................................. Twin 21W/5W, 12V

Front side light ................................................... 5W, 12V

Side light (white/red) .......................................... 5W, 12V

Indicator light ...................................................... 21W, 12V

Reversing light ................................................... 21W, 12V

Fog light ............................................................. 21W, 12V

High level brake light .......................................... 12V LED

Number plate light .............................................. 5W, 12V

Mains Reading Light .......................................... 10W, 12V Halogen

Ceiling Light ....................................................... 10W, 12V Halogen

Toilet ceiling light ................................................ 10W, 12V Halogen

Awning Light ....................................................... 12V LED Strip (None replaceable bulb)

Spot light ............................................................ 10W, 12V Halogen

Front interior corner light .................................... 10W, 12V Halogen

GENERAL DATA

114

OWNERS WARRANTY

Lunar Caravans Limited hereby warrants,subject to the terms, conditions andexceptions shown within the separateService handbook, that any failureof parts and components will be repairedor replaced by the approved dealer fromwhom the caravan was purchased.

We expect your new Venus caravan toprovide long and trouble free service, evenso, it is vital that you understand the contentsand follow the correct procedures, to ensureyou receive the full benefit of this protection.

Your legal rights are neither affected norprejudiced against the supplying dealer and/or the manufacturer.

All Venus Caravans are supplied with a 6year body shell intregrity warranty and a 3year manufacturers backed warranty fromthe date of purchase which is conditional onannual servicing being carried out within 60days either side of the anniversary of thepurchase date, except the third service whichshould be carried out prior to the 3rdanniversary date of the final year.

Validating your warranty

To validate your warranty, you simply need toregister your caravan purchase with us atwww.lunarcaravans.com. By registering yourdetails we will be able to assist you moreeasily should you make a warranty claim.

LUNAR OWNERS CLUB

Now you are the owner of a Lunar caravanwhy not join the Lunar Owners Club.

This is an independent club run andorganised by owners.

Lots of opportunities exist to make newfriends at social gatherings and Rallies bothRegional and National.

A leaflet regarding the Owners Club is withinthe wallet, if it is not please contact Lunarand a copy will be sent to you.

Alternatively for further information pleasevisit the Lunars Owners Club website at:www.lunarsownersclub.net

Before you register please make a note ofyour caravan's 17 digit VIN Number and your3 digit Registration Security Number.

The VIN number, beginning SGL, can befound on the windows. The RegistrationSecurity Number can be found on theThetford Model Label located inside yourfridge or oven. The Model Label has a SerialNumber or SER. NO. and the last 3 digits ofthis number will form your RegistrationSecurity Number.

Please note that your oven and fridge willhave different Serial Numbers to each other,but you can use the last three digits fromeither one to register your van.

Once your details have been submitted, youwill be sent email confirmation that they havebeen successfully received.

Additional equipment

If additional equipment (other than those onthe optional list of Lunar) is to be fitted youshould check with your dealer beforehand.The warranty may be invalidated.

Vermin

Vermin can gain access via the smallest ofholes. Venus fit grills and grommets toprevent this but the nature of some caravanstorage means it can happen, with upsettingresults. We advise setting a trap and/orpoison and regular inspection.

Vermin damage is not covered by warranty.

115

GENERAL DATA

CRiS

CRiS is the Central Registration &Identification Scheme that issues touringcaravan registration documents, equivalentto that of the V5 registration documentissued by the DVLA for cars. CRiS wasestablished in 1992 by The National CaravanCouncil and provides a method of registeringthe ‘keeper’ details of every tourermanufactured by NCC member companies tohelp prevent and detect caravan relatedcrime.

Why register with CRiS?

• Safety

• Security

• Warranty

Did you know…?

• You should not take a tourer abroadwithout a registration document. If yougo abroad your CRiS registrationcertificate provides the necessary proof,required by the police and otherauthorities, that you are its registeredkeeper.

• If you need to make a claim on yourinsurance, CRiS can help speed upclaims by providing details of your tourerand its purchase date to relevant parties.

• CRiS can help your tourer’smanufacturer contact you in the eventthat there is any kind of product recall orfault that could affect the safety of yourcaravan.

For help, support and advice, contact CRiS:

NCC CRiS LtdPO Box 445AldershotGU11 9SF

Tel: 0203 282 1000

www.cris.co.uk

Opening hours: Monday – Friday 8am to 8pm

Saturday 9am to 5pm

Sunday 10am to 5pm.

GENERAL DATA

116

CARAVAN WINTERIZATION GUIDE

If the caravan is to be stored for any lengthof time, the following procedure is advisable:

1. Location

If possible avoid siting the caravan beneathtrees or near dilapidated buildings, wherestrong winds may dislodge branches orslates that can damage the caravan. Inexposed conditions ground anchors may beadvisable. Be wary of low lying areas thatmay be prone to flooding.

2. Covers

Large polythene or tarpaulin sheets shouldnot, in the opinion of most experts, be usedto ‘seal’ the caravan against the elements.Condensation and mould growth may beencouraged and any flapping material or guyropes could scratch acrylic windows.

If you feel a cover is absolutely necessarybecause of where the caravan is parked,however, purchase one that is made of“breathable” material.

3. Ventilation

Caravan vents should be left uncovered toprovide adequate air circulation inside thecaravan; however if in an exposed or saltylocation the vents on the side of theprevailing wind and/or the ‘fridge vent maybe closed off for the winter. If you have

regular access to the caravan, you couldplace some moisture absorbing crystals incupboard corners to reduce the risk ofcondensation, but these will require fairlyfrequent changing.

4. Interior

To prevent possible mould growth over thewinter, clean and vacuum carpets, curtainsand upholstery and if possible remove thesoft furnishings and store in a warm, dryplace (eg attic). If not possible to remove thecushions, store on edge away from thecaravan walls, allowing air to circulatearound them and cover with an old sheet toprevent fading in the sunlight.

Walls and ceilings should be wiped over witha mild anti-bacterial solution (eg Dettox) andcan be polished afterwards if desired.Cupboards should be emptied, cleaned andvacuumed out. Small doors can be left ajar toassist ventilation, but larger doors should beclosed or they may warp.

The refrigerator should be emptied, cleanedwith a solution of bicarbonate of soda or anti-bacterial solution and the door left ajar.

The hob/oven should be thoroughlydegreased and cleaned. If using one of thestronger oven-cleaners on the market besure to allow plenty of ventilation whilstworking. If necessary burner jets can be

brushed over with a stiff brush, and blockagescleared with a high-pressure air line. Never tryto clear blocked jets with a piece of wirewhich can damage or enlarge jet holes.

Water heaters must be drained and care mustbe taken to remove any lurking pools of wateror frost damage may result. If possible blowair through the heater to push any waterdroplets through. Leave drain taps and inletsopen.

The water pipes can be flushed through witha proprietary sterilising agent and the wastepipes with a stronger disinfectant. Make surethe water pump is drained and remove thewater filter. Fresh and waste water containersshould be cleaned, drained and stored withcaps loose or off. Leave all water inlets andoutlets open, but they may be covered with afine mesh material (eg stocking) to prevententry of insects etc.

The toilet should be cleaned according to themanufacturer’s instructions, using a suitabledisinfectant for the holding tank. Rinse allsections thoroughly and store unsealed. Anyrubber seals or diaphragms can be lubricatedwith olive oil to prolong life.

117

GENERAL DATA

5. Battery

Unless powering an alarm system, the 12vbattery should be removed, wiped over, theterminals cleaned and smeared withpetroleum jelly. The electrolyte level shouldbe checked and topped up with distilledwater if necessary. Trickle charge from themains until you obtain a reading of 12.6v ona voltmeter or 1.27 on a hydrometer. Storethe battery in a cool, dry place and check thestate every 6-8 weeks. Top up the charge asrequired.

Electric clocks, smoke detectors etc, if fitted,should have their internal battery removed.Battery powered burglar alarms may benefitfrom a new set of batteries for the winter.

6. Awning

The awning should be spread out on drygrass or concrete and brushed with a broomto remove any mud. If the canvas is stainedtry removing the marks with a stiff brush andplain water. If this fails pure soap flakes canbe tried, which will mean re-proofing isnecessary afterwards, but never usedetergents. If stains are stubborn there areproprietary cleaners such as Fabsil UniversalCleaner, available from caravan accessoryshops, or contact Grangers International Tel:01773 521521. Any mildew spots can betreated with a weak solution of hydrogenperoxide – scrub into the affected area andallow to dry before re-proofing (spot test a

hidden area in case colour is affected). Suchsevere treatment will weaken the awningmaterial so live with stains if you can! Clearwindows can be cleaned with methylatedspirits if water doesn’t work, but nothingstronger. Examine seams and repair anybroken stitching and replace perished rubbertensioners. Give the awning a good shakeand pack it when completely dry, trying not toput too many creases in the window. Store ina dry, vermin free area.

Awning poles need little attention other thana wipe down with a damp cloth. Don’t oil orgrease them as this may get onto thecanvas. Pegs can be cleaned andstraightened and any badly damaged onescan be replaced ready for the next season.

7. Exterior

Your caravan is constructed through the useof several types of materials, paints andcoatings in the course of manufacture. Sidewalls have strengthening inserts in areaswhich are painted or coated, such materialsvary in their make up and over time reactdifferently in opposing areas to atmospheric,chemical and UV influences.

In some instances this can result in ayellowing or matting of components andfinishes to varying degrees. This UV orchemical yellowing in no way compromisesthe usability or performance of the product

and if desired, in most cases, can berestored by polishing with a compound suchas T-Cut (always follow the manufacturersrecommended guidelines). The caravan willalso benefit with regular thorough cleans witha car wash wax type of shampoo.

Look over the rubber window seals andreplace any that look perished. Coatserviceable rubbers with olive oil. If you havea damp meter check around the inside forany trouble spots and re-seal suspect joints.Any major damp penetration problemsshould be resolved before storage. Minorleaks might be cured using Captain Tolley’sCreeping Crack Cure. Major leaks requirecomplete renewal of the sealant; bothproducts should be available from caravanaccessory shops.

8. Chassis

The chassis should be brushed off, or ifexposed to corrosive elements, eg road salt,thoroughly washed down. Any surface rustcan be removed with a wire brush orsandpaper and the chassis and axle tubecan be painted with a rust inhibitor, suitablepaint (eg Hammerite) or Finnigan’s Waxoyl.The coupling and all winding mechanismsshould be degreased, examined for wearthen re-greased.

GENERAL DATA

118

9. LPG cylinders

LPG cylinders should be removed and storedin a cool, ventilated location. Some storagecompounds will insist they are removed tocomply with fire safety regulations. Theregulator and/or pipe end can be coveredwith a stocking or similar to prevent the entryof debris or insects that can block the gassupply.

10. Electrics

13 pin, 12N and 12S plugs should beinspected and cleaned and the pins coatedwith vaseline. WD40 should not be used as itmay ‘melt’ some plastics on contact. Theplugs should be protected from the weatherbut not fully sealed in polythene which willencourage condensation. Road lights shouldbe checked and any water ingress cured, fullinspection and cleaning can be done now orleft to the springtime service.

11. Axle stands

Ideally the caravan should be jacked up andsupported on axle stands with the wheelsclear of the ground. Wheels can be removedif desired and stored in a cool, dark place atnormal inflation pressure. Inspect tyrescarefully and make a note to renew anysuspect ones before using the caravanagain. The corner steadies should belowered and rested on blocks if they do not

reach the ground. The handbrake should beleft off and the wheels rotated from time totime to keep the bearings lubricated.

12. Security

Finally remove any valuables and documentsfrom the caravan to make it secure; thievesdo not hibernate for the winter!

Please note that neither Lunar Caravans Ltdnor The Caravan Club endorse any of thelisted products and you should satisfyyourself as to their suitability. As always,check that the installation of an after-marketaccessory does not invalidate your warranty.

119

AArrival on Site ......................................... 24

Levelling the caravan ........................ 24

Siting/Unhitching ............................... 24

Awning Fixing Points .............................. 86

BBattery .................................................... 58

Blinds ..................................................... 91

Breakaway Cable ................................... 17

Bulb Replacement ................................ 113

CCaravan Handling .................................. 22

Caravan Towing Code .............................. 4

Carbon Monoxide Alarm ........................ 29

Chassis & Undergear ........................... 100

AL-KO Running Gear ...................... 100

General Notes on Maintenance ...... 103

DDistribution of Weight ............................... 8

EElectrics ................................................. 42

13 pin wiring diagram ........................ 20

230V Mains Electric Equipment

Usage ........................................... 42

Instructions for Electricity Supply ...... 42

FFire Action .............................................. 28

Fire Extinguisher .................................... 29

Fire Precautions ..................................... 28

Flyscreens .............................................. 91

Fuses ..................................................... 54

INDEX

GGas ........................................................ 38

Gas Bottles ........................................ 38

Gas Safety Advice ............................. 40

Precautions ....................................... 40

Types of Gas ..................................... 39

General Data ........................................ 113

Lunar Owner’s Club ........................ 114

Security ........................................... 113

Servicing ......................................... 114

HHeater .................................................... 63

Hob

Thetford 3 Burner Hob ...................... 76

JJacking Points ........................................ 23

LLighting .................................................. 90

MMirrors .................................................... 19

Motorway Driving ................................... 22

NNoseweight .............................................. 6

Number Plate ......................................... 19

OOven

Spinflow Combi Oven ........................ 74

PPower Control System ........................... 46

Pre-load Checklist .................................... 8

Pre-tow Checklist ................................... 10

RRefrigerators .......................................... 67

Dometic Model RMS 8500 ................ 67

Reversing ............................................... 22

Road lighting .......................................... 20

SSecurity .................................................. 30

Vehicle Identification Number

(V.I.N.) .......................................... 30

Smoke Alarm .......................................... 28

Speed Limits .......................................... 22

Stabiliser, AKS2004 ............................... 11

Stability .................................................... 9

Stabilisers ............................................ 9

Sterilising ............................................... 34

TToilet

Cassette Toilet C-260 CWE .............. 78

Truma Combi Boiler ............................... 62

Tyres ............................................. 18, 104

General Recommendations ............ 104

Tyres & Pressures ........................... 104

VVermin .................................................. 114

WWarranty

Extended Warranty .......................... 114

Owner’s Warranty ............................ 114

Validation ......................................... 114

Water System

Helpful Hints ...................................... 37

Pressure Switch ................................ 37

Setting Up the Water System ............ 36

Wheel Changing .................................... 23

Wheel Lock ............................................ 13

Wheels

Torque ............................................... 18

Winterization Guide .............................. 116

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