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Setup & Pack down instructions

On arrival

Choose a level site and locate the electric and water service points, making sure to place the van as close to the service point as reasonably possible.  Before un-hitching ensure that the wheel blocks are securely under the wheels.

  1. Attach the jockey wheel into place on the trailer frame and tighten.  
  2. Place the wheel blocks behind the wheels
  3. Pull upwards on the trailer tow handle so that the locking lever is released and sits on the protruding small metal edge.
  4. Put on the hand break by pulling on the lever.  Ensure the small metal arm, attached to the underside of the lever, falls onto one of the metal groves to prevent the hand brake from slipping. 
  5. Wind up the jockey wheel and raise the vehicle off the tow ball.
  6. Once off the tow ball, disconnect to the electrics and safety chains.
  7. Move the towing vehicle away and park.
  8. Adjust height of jockey wheel to level out the van, place chocks underneath back wheels of van.
  9. In the front boot compartment, you will find a long metal winder used for extending the drop down legs.  It has a bolt end profile that sits over the bolt, located on each of the four legs. 
  10. Stabilize the van by winding down the four legs at each corner of the van, until the legs are touching the ground and providing a firm support (but not so much if lifts the van off – this would cause the legs to break).
  11. Plug in power cable and connect all hoses  - water and sullage, these are located in one of Be

Opening the Van

Before popping up the roof top of the van, the awning will need to be released a few feet to provide enough slack for the difference in the increase in van height.  The awning consists of two vertical white metal arms and the horizontal roller blind- which is actually fixed to the pop top part of the van. 

  1. During transport the vertical white metal arms of the awing are secured for extra support by two black Velcro straps.
  2. Take off the Velcro straps and secure to the side handles of the van. (Some vans do not have these).
  3. Release the white locking clips upwards and loosen the black awning knobs on both awning arms.
  4. On the roller part of the awning (at the top right hand side) there is a locking lever.  Push lever to open.   
  5. Dangling down from the roller (near the opening lever) there is a black strap.  Pull the strap down to lower the awning - approx. 2 feet.  The vertical arms will separate into two.  One will remain vertical and line up with the van, the other will extend at an angle away from the van (attached to the roller blind part).
  6. There is four roof clips that secure the roof to the van - (on the exterior of the van) release all four clips.  It is now safe to open the door and go inside.  
  7. Inside, keep the door open, there is two white metal bars at either end of the van. Push upwards on the bars to raise the ceiling (place one hand on the roof at the same time). Ideally one person on each end – to push up the roof at the same time.  Latch, the small metal lever to hold in place.  
  8. To open the ends of the van - begin outside. 
  9. Locate the two locking knobs and turn to open.  
  10. The outer panel will automatically release and rise up slowly. 
  11. In the front, the inner panel is now exposed and can be firmly pulled towards you to lower the bed. 
  12. In the back -  first unlock the metal latch (before opening the inner panel)
  13. Continue inside by first located the long metal bar (beneath the mattress) it has one straight and one bent end and is one metre long.  Place the circular end of the bar into the socket then push into the corresponding bracket in the roof.  Depress the metal tab until secure.  This props out the extended tent part of the van. 
  14. Remove the black straps from the folded mattress - Unfold the three part concertina mattress.
  15. Repeat the same procedure for the other end of the van.
  16. The van should now be sable secure and ready to use. ‘

 

Extending the awning out for use

  1. Make sure both white arm locking clips are still open……
  2. The black knobs are still loosened…..
  3. And the locking lever is still open.
  4. Pull on the black strap to fully extend and lower the awning.
  5. Slide the bottom of the vertical arm up and along angled arm. Keep sliding it along and upwards until it meets the roller where it will slot in and clock into place. 
  6. Do the same to the other side (ideally have one person on each side)
  7. To raise the height of the awning (keeping your back to the van and standing within the awning frame area).  Hold onto the white side handle and genteelly lift and slide the arm frame along itself until the awning reaches the desired height.  (Allow the small metal pin to slot into one of the desired holes, which will determine the height and or, pitch of the awning and secure into place. 
  8. Repeat this on both sides.
  9. Ensure that one end of the awning is lower than the other to help promote rain water run-off.
  10. Finally tighten the black know on the underside of the upper arm.  Apply de-flappers if required (a little windy).  In extreme wind please fold in the awning, as they are easily damaged. 

The awning can be extended so that arms unhook from the side of the van and become vertical legs instead.  This provided easier access under and around the awning area, although it is not necessary and does not affect quality of awning cover.

  1. First make sure the black knobs on the underside of the upper arms are loosened.
  2. Taking  hold of the white side handle, slide  to outer frame

Tips for putting the awning out…. Do not force anything – easily broken.

Retracting the awning

  1. Loosen the black knobs on the underside of the upper awning arms.
  2. Release the metal pin on the end of the awning arm – this enables the arm to slide back down the track.
  3. Using the white side handles pull out the release so that the awning lowers towards the ground the extended arm slides back down the track toward the van.
  4. Keep sliding until the small metal pin clicks into the bottom and the arm rests at a 90 degree angle.  Do the same with the other side
  5. Once both sides are down, flick the locking lever on the right (facing the van) to the closed position.
  6. The awning will automatically retract and roll up.  Hold onto the black strap to ensure it rolls slowly and evenly.
  7. The awning arm frame should now be flush against the van. 
  8. Finally, push down the white locking clips, tighten the black knobs and attach Velcro straps before you travel.  

Caravan fridges do not have a compressor, as such they operate by radiation from the cooling fins at the rear. 

 

  1. Caravan Fridges do not make any noise like your fridge at home. You will need to check periodically that your fridge is working by placing your hand inside the freezer compartment.
  2. Caravan Fridges take at least 24hrs to get cold (longer during summer). Run your fridge as follows:-

BEFORE YOUR TRIP: Plug refrigerator into 240v at home, 1 – 3 DAYS before you leave.

  1. During the Qld Summer, it can take up to 3 days to cool your fridge down.
  2. Run electricity to your van via a 15 Amp lead and 15 Amp power point at your home. A lot of people do not have a 15 Amp Power Point, so to get around this you can run a 240v 10 Amp extension lead out into the van and plug the fridge lead directly into the extension lead. Fridges are plugged into a 240v power point. This power point is generally located in a bench cupboard next to the fridge.

DURING YOUR TRIP: Disconnect the 12v plugs between your car and caravan if you are stopping for any longer than 10 minutes.

** UNLESS YOUR VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AN ISOLATOR SWITCH FOR YOUR TRAILER, THE FRIDGE WILL DRAIN YOUR CAR BATTERY VERY QUICKLY. **

FRIDGE SETTINGS: AT HOME (240v Power): AC on MAX – 24hrs (minimum)

                TRAVEL (12v Power): DC on 4

CARAVAN PARK: AC on 4

FREE CAMPING: LIGHT THE REFRIGERATOR ON GAS (Gas lighting Instructions are in the base of the refrigerator) The refrigerator temperature is governed by ambient temperature. I.e. if ambient temperature reaches above 30 degrees Celsius, it is beneficial to provide shade to your vents, while still allowing full air flow.

Water Tanks

Water tanks have isolation valves. In order to prevent airlocks, we recommend isolating one tank at all times.

Empty tanks when van is not in use. Constant flushing is required; each tank will have a drain plug, remove plug, and flush water through tanks. 

 

Batteries

Batteries installed should be kept in a charged state – especially when in storage.

To charge battery, plug van into 240v and turn battery switch to the "ON" position. It will take 5 days or more to charge the battery depending on its state of charge. Once charged, the battery switch should be turned "OFF" for storage. The battery switch is effectively an isolator between battery and transformer. Settings are as follows: -

USING BATTERY POWER: Battery Switch "ON"

CHARGING BATTERY: Battery Switch "ON"

NON USE / STORAGE: Battery Switch "OFF"

The transformer and other electrical devices on board your caravan draw power from your battery, even when not in use.

Gas/ Electric Hot water service (HWS)

The Electric element for the HWS runs via a regular 240v socket inside your van.

When plugging in your 15Amp lead during set-up, go to the vent where your HWS sits and drop the flap. Inside, you will find in the bottom left hand corner an ON/OFF Switch. Turn your HWS to "ON"

When packing up your van, do the reverse and turn your HWS Switch to "OFF"

 

Tips and Pointers

GAS BOTTLES Gas bottle/s with indicator in between bottles (if two are present). Whichever way the indicator points, that bottle is live (i.e. left or right)

 

CHECK LIST

 

INSIDE VAN

  • Cupboards and Overheads Locked
  • Roof Hatches Closed and Locked
  • Windows Closed and Locked
  • Pump Switch Off
  • HWS Switch Off
  • Stove Lid Down
  • Lights Off
  • T.V removed and packed safely
  • Microwave plate, Sink Cover etc. stowed safely
  • Shower door locked for travel
  • Refrigerator locked
  • Antenna / Wind-up antenna secured (DOWN FOR TRAVEL)
  • Battery switch in "OFF" position

 

OUTSIDE VAN

  • Roll out awning secured – Awning legs locked & Drum in "Closed" position
  • Turn Gas Off
  • Disconnect Power Lead, Water and Waste hoses & pack away
  • Lock all external compartments – Water filler / Mains water, Toilet, Access Hatches
  • Secure pro shades over front and rear windows
  • Front Boot locked
  • Wind up corner stabilizers
  • Campers and Pop top caravans - ensure roof is securely latched
  • Campers – "Re-Tension" cables once roof is down and locked
  • Expanda Caravans and Pop tops - ensure beds are secured & knobs tightened
  • Ensure coupling is securely fastened (CHECK, DOUBLE CHECK)
  • Ensure Weight Distribution Hitch is securely fitted and bars at correct tension (CHECK, DOUBLE CHECK)
  • Cross safety chains
  • Check all travelling lights (Stop lights, tail lights and indicators)
  • Disengage handbrake

 

LASTLY,

  • Switch Fridge over to 12v for travelling: DC on 4
  • Lock Caravan Door with keys

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On departure…

** Please note if you have purchased a set up and stay option – much of this information is completed for you.  Please attend to anything highlighted with an asterisk**

Before the van can be closed up and ready for travel on the outside.  The inside needs to be prepared. 

  1. Ensure that all articles are removed from the top of the cupboards and the fridge.
  2. Ensure all loose items are secured for travel.
  3. Make sure all door buttons are pressed down and locked.
  4. Close shower sky light.
  5. Lock shower door
  6. Close all windows (leaving 10 -15 cm gap at the top of each window – to enable the air to escape.
  7. Retract the TV aerial
  8. Turn the fridge to DC.
  9. ****Empty toilet (THIS NEEDS TO BE EMPTIED BY THE PERSON HIRING THE VAN – IN A SET UP AND STAY – THERE IS ADDITIONAL CHARGES FOR NOT EMPTYING THE TOILET.
  • Unlock the toilet compartment and lift the handle at the end and pull the toilet box out.
  • Undo cap and depress the air breather to empty into designated disposal area only in the van park.
  • Rinse with water to clean.
  • Replace back into compartment  and lock door (please note they do get stolen)
  • Check the level indicator of the flush tank and top up if necessary
  • Go inside  van and put toilet solution and add a little water (into the top of the toilet)

Before closing up the van for travel the awning needs to be partially out, by about feet. (The following instructions begin from a point that assumes the awning is rolled up).

  1. On the roller part of the awning, at the top right hand side, there is a locking lever – push the lever to open.
  2. Dangling down from the roller, near the opening lever, there is a black strap – pull strap down in the lower the awning about 2 feet.  (The vertical arms will separate into two.  One will remain vertical and line up with the van, the other will extend at an angle, away from the van, attached to the roller-blind part).
  3. Fold up the three parts of the mattress and secure the black straps.
  4. Release the metal bar that supports the roof of the extended “tent” sleeping area, and allow the canopy to collapse.  Stow away the metal rod underneath the mattress.
  5. Repeat at the other end of the van.
  6. Inside – check that nothing has been left on the tops of cupboards, fridges, or bunks.  *****

Unlatch the metal tab, Pull down on the bar at the back of the van first then do the front of the van. (Ideally use two people and perform at the same time).

  1. Outside – at the front of the van, push up the bed and then bring down the roof panel and secure with two locking knobs. At the back of the van, push the bed up, bring down the roof panel and secure with locking knobs.  (To open locking knobs – enter key into lock horizontally.  Holding onto the knob to prevent it from turning, twist the key a quarter turn anti-clockwise.  Once unlocked then turn the knob anti-clockwise to open.  Reverse the action to lock it up.
  2. Now secure the 4 roof clips on each corners of the van. 
  3. To now completely retract the awning for travel.  Ensure the locking lever is open, pull on the black strap to wind in the awning.  .  Then the locking lever will automatically click into the locked position.
  4. Finally push down the white locking clips of the awning arm from, tighten the black knobs and attach Velcro straps before travel. 
  5. Disconnect all leads and hoses and stow in the compartments,
  6. ******Turn gas off ***** at the bottle.
  7. Wind up all four stabiliser legs until fully retracted and place under pack securely in the compartment.

 

Tips for closing

Once closed, if the roof is not aligning well with the roof clips, open up the roof again.  Try closing the roof by pulling down the metal bar, starting from the opposite end.  This can have the effect of shifting the roof back into alignment (repeat if necessary until the van’s roof sits squarely.

Hitching up

Depending on the level of the trailer frame and the vehicle tow ball, the height of the jockey wheel may have to be adjusted so that the tow cup fits over the vehicles tow ball. 

  1. Back up the towing vehicle until the tow ball is directly beneath the trailer tow cup of the van.
  2. On the vehicle secure the hand brake and put it into park.
  3. Ensure the trailer tow handle is raised
  4. Wind down the jockey wheel, until the tow cup fully slots over the tow ball of the vehicle.
  5. Release and lower the tow handle to lock the trailer onto the vehicle tow ball
  6. Secure the safety chains from the trailer onto the vehicle.
  7. Connect the electrics braking system.
  8. Release the hand brake on the trailer.
  9. Remove the jockey wheel
  10. Remove blocks from behind wheels and stow.

Tips for hitching up….

  1. Always ensure the vehicle hand brake is on and the vehicle is in park mode.
  2. Never adjust the jockey wheel until you have full retracted the stabiliser legs – this will cause them to break.