Questions re: 2002 Jayco Swan Outback

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

ThreadID: 105591 Views:11535 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.