Questions re: 2002 Jayco Swan Outback

Submitted: Thursday, Dec 26, 2013 at 09:53

ThreadID: 105591 Views:12090 Replies:6 FollowUps:7

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Monomeeth

Hi everyone

We're now the proud owners of a 2002 Jayco Swan Outback.

I have some questions as the previous owners were a little ignorant of the whole setup and couldn't explain much more than how to physically set it up (they weren't the original owners and only used it a few times in the 8yrs they had it). Unfortunately there was no owners manual, and all the caravan stores aren't open again until the new year, so here I am.

Apologies for the long post and all the questions. Of course, if anyone has a way for me to access an owners manual for a 2002 model, then that'd probably answer all my questions! :)

POWER
Gas seems fairly straightforward, it can power the fridge and stove/grill.

I've also tested/charged the 12v batteries (2 x 40AH batteries, connected together to achieve 80AH) and they don't hold a charge, so it seems I'll replace them with a single deep cycle battery of 100AH or above (unless there's a reason it should be 2x batteries)?

There are also solar panels on the roof, and I think they're connected correctly as the regulator lights up during daylight hours to indicate "charging".

So that leads me to the 240v option. Am I correct in assuming this is only to power the fridge, the microwave and one element of the stove top? I assume the lights can only be run from the 12v battery power supply, is that right?

Also, I noticed on the outside of the camper there is a 240v outlet and 240v inlet. The outlet is straightforward with a standard 10amp socket. But the inlet seems to be a 15amp plug. So, can I assume this is just for caravan sites? Or can it also be used at home/other places if I buy a 240v 15amp extension lead and change the plug at one end so it can connect to a standard 240v 10amp power supply? I mean, is there anything in the camper that would actually draw 15amps and therefore cause a problem with what I'm suggesting?

Finally, to use 240v in the camper, how do I do this? I'm guessing there's a switch somewhere to select 240v but haven't found this anywhere. And if there is, will the lights still run from the 12v power supply, or do I need to select something to make sure the lights are always running from 12v?

TYRES
Since this is the Outback model, it is reasonably high off the ground. Is there a special jack I need to use, or can I use my car jack (assuming it reaches the height needed to change a flat tyre)?

WATER
It's hard to believe, but the previous owner didn't even know there was a water tank on the camper. The only times they used it were at Caravan parks where they just connected a hose. So, is there anything I should do to ensure the water tank is safe for usage, since it's been at least 8yrs since it's been used. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

ANYTHING ELSE
Is there anything else I should do? We'd like to go away for a week, but wanted to make sure it was all good to go first.

Thank you for any suggestions and advice.

Joe.

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Reply By: Doc - Thursday, Dec 26, 2013 at 10:20

Thursday, Dec 26, 2013 at 10:20

I don't know much about these campers, but some of your questions are more generic so I'll give it a go.

Power cord - you've opened a can of worms asking about using a 15 amp power cord with a 10 amp plug fitted. Many people have done this before, some may have started a fire. Some on here will tell you the world is going to stop if you do this. The largest power use in your camper will be the fridge (assuming from what you said that it's a 3-way) and the electric cooktop element (again assuming this from what you said above). If it was me I would use the modified power cord, but wouldn't use the cooktop & fridge together. You can get a commercial device that is legal, but it's your money.

In a typical caravan, each light has 2 switches & 2 globes - 1 for 240V & one for 12V. Not sure what you've got.

You'll need to test your jack on the camper - worst case you may need some blocks of wood to get the height needed. I'd be more worried about the tyres - if they are more than 8 years old they may be a safety issue.

Water - you can get water purification tablets, but I would remove the tank & give it a really good clean before using it. If you don't have time & want to get away now, just take water in another container & clean the tank later.

Anything else - I'd be looking closely at the running gear - tyres, wheel bearings, suspension, brakes, lighting, hitch etc. Nothing stuffs up a holiday more than a breakdown on the way, and there is also the safety issues.

AnswerID: 523525

Follow Up By: Monomeeth - Thursday, Dec 26, 2013 at 11:13

Thursday, Dec 26, 2013 at 11:13

Thanks Doc for your reply, that's really helpful! I have a couple of follow up questions.

The "commercial device that is legal" - what is this exactly and where would I buy one from? Any idea on what we're talking in $ terms? To be honest, I'm not sure how often we would use such a thing - but thought it was worth investigating.

I don't think our camper has both 12v and 240v lights, both bulbs light up when I flick the on/off switch, but I will investigate further.

As for cleaning the water tank, how would I do this? I mean, if I remove it, isn't it an enclosed unit? Sorry for my ignorance.

As for the running gear etc, it did have a safety certificate and I had to tow it 1300km to get it home, so all seems good. But I will definitely check everything again after having made the long trip.

Thank you so much for your help! It's very much appreciated!

Joe.

FollowupID: 804985

Follow Up By: Doc - Thursday, Dec 26, 2013 at 11:22

Thursday, Dec 26, 2013 at 11:22

I've never seen or used one, and certainly notr endorsing it, but a goole search finds this:

http://aussiervproducts.com.au/prod205.htm

There are also several previous threads on this site:

http://www.exploroz.com/Forum/Topic/88399/15amp_to_10_amp_adaptor.aspx

http://www.exploroz.com/Forum/Topic/90227/Connecting_Caravan_to_Household_power.aspx

I would remove the water tank & try and look inside it. I have a "snake" video camera, but a torch and maybe a dental type mirror may help. I'd flush it numerous times - having the tank out allows you to swish the water around inside. If it was too bad I'd replace the tank with a new one. I guess it depends if you want to drink the water or not - probably easier to take drinking water in 10L casks (from Woolies etc) and use the tank for washing up.

Water from a tainted tank has a very bad taste, and probably isn't very good for you.

Sounds like the running gear should be good - I didn't realise you'd towed it so far already.

Have fun with it.

FollowupID: 804987

Follow Up By: Monomeeth - Thursday, Dec 26, 2013 at 11:29

Thursday, Dec 26, 2013 at 11:29

Thanks Doc, will check with the wife on the water. It will probably be easier to just replace the tank as you suggest or use it only for washing up.

And thank you again for your help - you've been great!

:)

FollowupID: 804988

Follow Up By: rooster350 - Thursday, Dec 26, 2013 at 14:35

Thursday, Dec 26, 2013 at 14:35

A lot of trouble and expense to replace a not very old water tank , there are products on the market that would clean the the tank quite quickly and easily and leave no after taste...especially if flushed properly , for a start would be vinegar, it is cheap and does a good job.

FollowupID: 804998

Reply By: ken triton - Thursday, Dec 26, 2013 at 11:05

Thursday, Dec 26, 2013 at 11:05

Hello Joe,
I just had a look on the jayco site and you can download owners manuals from there. I could not find your exact model but found 2003 Eagle, all the Jayco campers are fairly similar in set up, just different sizes and layouts. I'm sure you will find this a great place to start. Basically your lighting is 12v aqnd runs from the batteries which are charged when you plug the camper into 240v or via a 12v hot wire from the car if the car has one.
Anyhow have a look at the Jaco site, good luck and enjoy your camper
Regards
Ken

AnswerID: 523526

Follow Up By: Monomeeth - Thursday, Dec 26, 2013 at 11:18

Thursday, Dec 26, 2013 at 11:18

Thanks Ken, I'll take another look. I did check earlier and couldn't find any owners manuals for download (not on the Australian site anyway), hence my asking about it.

Much appreciate you telling me that it's there somewhere.

:)

FollowupID: 804986

Follow Up By: ken triton - Thursday, Dec 26, 2013 at 12:58

Thursday, Dec 26, 2013 at 12:58

Joe, my mistake I was on the usa site, but still I think it would be a helpful manual to start. Here's the link http://www.jayco.com/pages/products/owners-manual/

Hope this helps,
Regards
Ken

FollowupID: 804994

Follow Up By: desray (WA - Thursday, Dec 26, 2013 at 13:02

Thursday, Dec 26, 2013 at 13:02

Hi I had one sold it last year, Use the power cable that comes with the van (15amp ends on it) . When power is going into the van the stove and power point are live, also the Battery charger. The battery charger is under the seats and powers the 12 volt lights and charges the aux batteries. I see you also have solar panels to charge the batteries, good when not on a powered site.

FollowupID: 804995

Reply By: Member - John and Lynne - Thursday, Dec 26, 2013 at 15:13

Thursday, Dec 26, 2013 at 15:13

If the camper has been standing around unused for a long period you should definitely get the tyres checked (they are probably well past their use by date) and the bearings and brakes serviced before travelling. The water tank is probably fine. Try flushing it out, filling it with about a litre of vinegar added to the water, letting it stand for a few hours, then flushing it out again. If the water tastes OK it should be all right. It would also be a good idea to have the winding and raising mechanism checked in the near future, after the holiday season. Probably worth taking it to a Jayco dealer for a service of these parts. Also put it up and check for leaks - your canvas/vinyl seams may have deteriorated when stored. They are a good unit and you should get years of happy use from yours! John and Lynne

AnswerID: 523531

Reply By: Ross M - Thursday, Dec 26, 2013 at 16:19

Thursday, Dec 26, 2013 at 16:19

Having been involved in helping some Jayco OUTBACK owners with broken axles on the LHS of the suspension IF you intend to take it on rough country, make sure you deflate the tyres to a suitable pressure so the tyres can absorb some of the instantaneous road shocks of the terrain.

The suspensions are not very compliant and too high a pressure in the tyres transfers those shocks to the axle which doesn't appreciate it for too long.

Everything in moderation. Less pressure means slower speeds too and that also assists in minimizing road shocks to the trailer.

AnswerID: 523535

Reply By: Member-Heather MG NSW - Thursday, Dec 26, 2013 at 20:32

Thursday, Dec 26, 2013 at 20:32

Hi Joe,
Congratulations on your new van. Hope you love it!

I suggest you drain and flush the water tank then refill it, and add a product called 'Water pure' which in our town is available in the camping Shop but similar products are also found in RV shops so have a look. If there isn't one with the van you'll also need a drinking water quality hose.

Also you will need to replace the tyres as they will have perished even if they don't look worn.

For connecting 240v power safely at home have a look at 'Amphibian 15 to 10 amp' device. We have occasionally had to use this in a rustic van park when there are no 15amp points.

Your fridge is most probably a 3 way and capable of also being run on 240v power as well as gas and 12v (for travelling only).

regards,
Heather

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AnswerID: 523545

Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Friday, Dec 27, 2013 at 08:42

Friday, Dec 27, 2013 at 08:42

If you need to plug the van into your household power supply, there are a couple of legal and safe ways of achieving this.

You could of course have a 240v 15 amp outlet circuit installed, but this is really only necessary if you intended to run an on board air conditioner, or some other device that exceeds a standard 10 amp household supply.

For a 10 amp to 15 amp device, you need to go no further than your local Jaycar store.
For $80 you can buy a legal and safe device to use, providing it is out of the weather.

10A to 15A Mains Plug RCD protected Adapter

For a weatherproof 10A to 15A device there is the Ampfibian, available through the ExplorOz Shop.
At just under $240, you would need to have a specific purpose in mind, such as connection to a generator, where a waterproof device is required.

Ampfibian

I use the $80 Jaycar device to connect my camper to a standard household supply power outlet, to enable charging of the on board battery bank (2 x 80Ah AGM batteries) through an on board charger.
It has a 10 amp plug on one end and incorporates RCD and circuit breaker protection for the 15A outlet. You then use a standard 15 amp lead to connect it up, the same lead you would use at a caravan park.