Goldstream Storm Camper - how infuriating!

Submitted: Wednesday, Dec 10, 2008 at 22:14

ThreadID: 64174 Views:13631 Replies:5 FollowUps:10

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Member - Matt H (SA)

Hi All,
Fair Dinkum! Contacted Goldstream Campers recently to ask about getting my Storm upgraded with a 12 volt system.
I rang the manufacturer's direct, and the call went like this:
ME: Hi, I have a Goldstream camper, do you have a copy of the wiring diagram?
THEM: "Sorry, but we cant supply diagrams for the wiring"
ME: So, do you just guess what to do when installing the wiring in the trailers?"
THEM: Oh no Sir, our installers know what they're doing!"
ME: But you cant supply a diagram to show how it's all wired up?
THEM: "I'm afraid not".

Shortly after, the conversation ended.

So, my question is: Who out there has a Goldstream with the 12 volt battery option, and has circuit diagram of the layout?

Better still, what sort of battery charger (brand & AMP rating) are you using, and what sort of battery is fitted?

ANYTHING you can supply would be better than their response!

I believe it's as easy as changing the inverter with a decent 12 volt charger, but then again, I'm not 100% sure.

If any Goldstream agents see this - feel free to respond!

Regards, Matt

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Reply By: Member - John W (VIC) - Wednesday, Dec 10, 2008 at 22:34

Wednesday, Dec 10, 2008 at 22:34

Matt
I have a Star Two that is 2 years old, Gold stream probably do not have wiring diagrams, the wiring is very basic, The battery charger is connect direct to the battery by a fuse which is at the battery and does not go through the large rotary switch in the boot, the charger in mine is rated at 10 amps, off hand I cannot remember what make its, I do have a owners manual for it but it is in the camper, I am currently prepare it for sale or trade in and will be in it in the next day or two, I will MM you to let you know the make.
John

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Follow Up By: Member - Matt H (SA) - Wednesday, Dec 10, 2008 at 23:05

Wednesday, Dec 10, 2008 at 23:05

Cheers John,

I'm ok with the wiring, but it pusses me off that a Company such as Goldstream (who charge top dollar for their product) can't/wont supply a diagram. It looks like I'm going to give the multimeter a work out!

Maybe I've been working on aircraft toooooo long :-)

19 years on P3 Orions will that to a man, you know! :-)

Matt

FollowupID: 606683

Follow Up By: didiaust - Thursday, Dec 11, 2008 at 06:52

Thursday, Dec 11, 2008 at 06:52

Hi Matt

Maybe if you began the conversation with

" I am thinking of getting my Storm upgraded with a 12 volt system" and went from there.

I guess there are so many people copying everything on the market these days that people are suspicious why people want diagrams etc.

Did you at any stage say why you actually wanted a diagram?

I guess we lose a lot in phone conversations and often assume that the person on the other end knows exactly what we are thinking.

Good luck

FollowupID: 606694

Follow Up By: Member - Teege (NSW) - Thursday, Dec 11, 2008 at 08:08

Thursday, Dec 11, 2008 at 08:08

Hi Matt
on that theme I heard a story a couple of years back about a camper manufacturer (new to the industry) who was caught photographing various parts of opposition campers at the camping show. Needless to say he was given the hurry up!!! No names , no pack drill, but when I googled his company today I got nothing. Manufacturers have intellectual property in their designs and I can understand them being coy about it. I am sure if you went to a Goldstream dealer he would be quite happy to do the work for you - but to supply you with his designs for someone else to do, NO!!!
I don't think it's an unreasonable attitude.

teege

FollowupID: 606714

Reply By: Paul Grabonski. Vic - Thursday, Dec 11, 2008 at 08:23

Reply By: Member - Matt H (SA) - Thursday, Dec 11, 2008 at 08:26

Thursday, Dec 11, 2008 at 08:26

All,
Just to clarify; I did ask for a wiring diagram, not just whether they had a copy available.
I understand the intellectual property thing, however, if car manufacturers can supply them for their vehicles, why should caravan manufacturers be any different?
I just wanted one so I made sure that I didnt wire up anything incorrectly. Beats accidently burning the thing to the ground!

Cheers, Matt

AnswerID: 339181

Follow Up By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Thursday, Dec 11, 2008 at 09:23

Thursday, Dec 11, 2008 at 09:23

I agree, nothing to do with intellectual property, its hardly rocket science!! All you want is a diagram to fault find wiring problems.. I see no reason why they wouldn't supply you one if you have a van of theirs.. You should have asked him if they want to fix the wiring at no cost to you if they would not supply a diagram for you to fix yourself.. Even if they wanted to charge you $10 for the trouble, i think that would be ok.. I would be writing to the general manager and put your point to him. In any case, the wiring would be simple as..... Michael

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Follow Up By: DIO - Thursday, Dec 11, 2008 at 09:46

Thursday, Dec 11, 2008 at 09:46

..................'if car manufacturers can supply them for their vehicles, why should caravan manufacturers be any different? '

Is that so!

You try and get a Workshop Manual for a VZ Commodore or even a VE. There aren't any. Manufacturer has choesn to not release specific information to enable production of same. Although there is one exception, it is possible to obtain a CD from Holden (costs about $400 - $600) and once registered (can only be used on one computer) provides relevant information on vehicle and components.

Guess what it really means is that they don't want untrained people working on their vehicles and stuffing things up, then blaming the manufacturer !!

As stated by others, why would you need a wiring diagram for a caravan. Their layout is simple and straight forward. Can't imagine why anyone would think a manufacturer might be obliged to provide such information.

FollowupID: 606738

Follow Up By: Member - Matt H (SA) - Thursday, Dec 11, 2008 at 11:42

Thursday, Dec 11, 2008 at 11:42

Dio,

You're a classic mate......................

What you have just written actually agrees with the statement you were trying to shoot down! Think about it.

Michael,

I think I'll do what you suggested and talk to their GM. I dont mind paying for the info.

I'm well aware that the wiring is very straight forward, but since I'd like to add in some more 12 volt sockets and appliances (hard wired), it would be nice to know which wire was suitable to tap into. Not mention fusing issues also.

Goldstream can do the job for me, but at ~$1100 to add a battery, charger and a bit of wiring, I'd rather do the job myself.

FollowupID: 606747

Follow Up By: Angler - Thursday, Dec 11, 2008 at 13:42

Thursday, Dec 11, 2008 at 13:42

As said before it is certainly not rocket science, Fairly simple to do the wiring. Hardest part is finding a spot where you can cut into the system. Usually the best spot is at the trailer plug where the 12V is being used from the vehicle to light the van etc.

A good battery can be quite expensive however most of the cheaper sealed ones will be OK, just keep the charge up to them.

I would put in a switch to stop it being charged from the vehicle as most times there will never be enough voltage to get a full charge into the battery.

Use a smart charger about 10 or more Amps output and have it permanently connected to the battery so when you hook up at a park the battery is getting a charge.

The simplest battery installation I have seen was a guy using one of those jump starters with a van socket installed in it. When he stopped he just plunged the van into the jump starter. Probably would not last long as most of those things have only a 18Ah battery.

Pooley
www.bycompass.com

FollowupID: 606755