Owners Handbook 2003 Motorhomes
All the illustrations and descriptive matter in this handbook are intended to give a general idea of the Motorhome. Changing market and supply situations may prevent us from maintaining the exact specification details in this handbook and we therefore reserve the right to alter specifications as materials and conditions demand. Please check current details with your dealer and inspect the motorhome to ensure it is satisfactory before purchase.
Explorer Group on the Net www.explorer-group.co.uk Whilst we make every effort to include all the necessary information required within our owners’ handbook, from time to time the information may change or be updated. If you have any queries that are not covered the following options are available: 1. Visit the Explorer Group on-line at www.explorer-group.co.uk you will find that the site has a comprehensive guide to all of the models we produce as well as other useful information that is regularly updated.
CONTENTS Introduction Water Ingress 1 2 Motorhome Code On Site On the Road Safety Recommendations 3 3 3 4 Preparing for the Road Weights explained Loading & Distribution of Weight Roof Racks and Loading Before Moving Off 5 5 5 5 6 On the Road Pulling Off Motorhome Handling Motorway Driving Changing a Wheel Bicycle Racks 7 7 7 7 7 7 Safety & Security 8 Arrival at Site Selecting a Pitch Levelling Connection of Services Water System Gas System Bottles Regulator Types of Gas Precautions 9 9 9 10 10 1
INTRODUCTION WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF MOTORHOMES You are now the owner of a quality Motorhome. The Owners Handbook has been prepared for your guidance to help you derive the greatest amount of pleasure from the use of your Motorhome. It is recommend that you read the pages of this Handbook thoroughly so that you are fully conversant with all the Motorhome systems. If there is anything you wish to know which this Handbook fails to cover we are sure that your Authorised Dealer will be pleased to help.
INTRODUCTION WATER INGRESS CODE OF PRACTICE CONSUMER GUARANTEE We at The Explorer Group Ltd. want our customers to be sure that in buying one of our products, you are buying the very best. We would like you to continue to believe this for a long time after you have made your purchase. We are confident that our new products, built with innovative manufacturing techniques and tested materials, make water ingress concerns unnecessary.
MOTORHOME CODE The purpose of introducing a Code of Conduct for Motor Caravanners is to be seen to be doing all we can as an industry to ensure that motor caravans are looked on sympathetically by legislators and other opinion formers. The main elements should cover such things as responsible camping, safe and considerate driving, parking, and other areas where a motor caravanner could cause abuse or nuisance if he or she is not careful.
SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS GENERAL SAFETY In order for you to get the most out of your new Explorer Group caravan it is necessary for you to be aware of the following. 1. Do not obstruct ventilators. 2. Inspect the flexible gas hose regularly for deterioration and renew as necessary, with approved type, and in any case no later than the expiry date stated on the hose. 3.
PREPARING FOR THE ROAD THERMAL INSULATION AND HEATING CLASSIFICATION LOADING AND DISTRIBUTION OF WEIGHT IN THE MOTORHOME All caravans manufactured by the Explorer Group Limited are classified as Grade 2, in accordance with BSEN 1645 part 1, for thermal Insulation and heating. This will allow the Interior temperature to be maintained at 20 °C when the exterior ambient temperature is 0 °C.
PREPARING FOR THE ROAD UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WALK ON THE OVER CAB SECTION. 3. Leave all curtains and blinds open to aid rear visibility. Calypso Roof Loading On the Calypso model the roof loading area extends only to the roof light, to step beyond the roof light line may damage the roof and cause personal injury. 4. Check that gas cylinders are securely fastened and turn off all gas appliances, also ensure that the gas locker door is securely fastened.
ON THE ROAD PULLING OFF MOTORWAY DRIVING Engage the clutch smoothly. Speed Limits (UK) Where a speed limit is not in force, your motorhome can be driven up to 70mph on motorways and dual carriageways. Avoid wear and tear on clutch transmission by taking extra care. and Change gears smoothly. Try not to jerk the clutch. MOTORHOME HANDLING Do not bump kerb with wheels. When passing other vehicles allow more than the normal clearance. Allow longer to get up speed to pass. Do not suddenly swing out.
SAFETY & SECURITY SECURITY MINDER MOTORHOME THEFT FORD ALARMS/DEAD LOCKS BEWARE: Your motorhome is fitted with MINDER, the security scheme operated by HPI Limited. The theft of a motorhome can occur in the most unlikely circumstances; from a motorway service area, even from an owner’s driveway. Secure all windows and doors when your motorhome is unoccupied even if only for a short length of time.
ARRIVAL AT SITE CHECK SITE REGULATIONS SITING YOUR MOTORHOME When siting your motorhome please keep to the roadways unless otherwise directed. Obey the speed limit; it should be noted that the speed limit is generally 10 mph. Only a person in possession of a current driving licence may drive on the site. It is also worth remembering that stopping distances on grass are considerably greater than on tarmac. SELECTING A PITCH Carefully select where you wish to place your motorhome.
CONNECTING SERVICES - WATER WATER Comet Elegance submersible water pump is supplied with each motorhome. Connection to the motorhome is made utilising either a Carver Compact or a Carver Crystal 3 water system. To determine which model you have, please refer to the equipment chart contained in your Owner’s Information Pack. Ensure all taps are in the off position and the 12v water pump switch, located on the electrical control panel, is off.
CONNECTING SERVICES - GAS GAS Your motorhome is designed to operate using either propane or butane liquefied petroleum gas at 30m/bar. Gas can be obtained from your motorhome dealer. Always ensure that the new filter cartridge is pushed fully home into the housing. CARVER COMPACT Connect the fresh water hose directly to the Carver Compact inlet. Finally put the “pump” switch on the control panel to “on” and turn the cold tap on until water flows.
CONNECTING SERVICES - GAS FACTS ABOUT LPG LPG is not poisonous. Bi-products are harmless. LPG is dangerous if all air and oxygen is excluded. (Ventilation holes must be clear at all times). LPG has been given a smell by the manufacturers in order to identify leaks. The gas is heavier than air and therefore sinks to the lowest point. Hoses should be made from Neoprene, which is black, and should conform to BS 3212. Rubber hosing should never be used.
CONNECTING SERVICES - ELECTRICITY ELECTRICITY MAINS SUPPLY IN CASE OF DIFFICULTY CONSULT AN APPROVED ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION CONTRACTOR (WHO MAY BE THE LOCAL ELECTRICITY BOARD). IT IS DANGEROUS TO ATTEMPT MODIFICATIONS AND ADDITIONS YOURSELF. Your motorhome’s main electrical installation is designed to run on a 230v 50hz a.c. supply. ON ARRIVAL AT CARAVAN SITE 1.
CONNECTING SERVICES - ELECTRICITY WIRING OF CONNECTING CABLE AND MOTORHOME MAINS INLET condition obtained as prescribed in the Regulations for Electrical Installations, published by the Institute of Electrical Engineers. Note: Connection to a mains voltage supply OVERSEAS requires particular attention. Care must be taken when connecting supplies abroad since the supplies can be of REVERSE POLARITY.
CONNECTING SERVICES - ELECTRICITY MAINS UNIT The Mains Unit replaces the conventional fusebox. Similar, but larger ones are often fitted in new houses. The unit gives overload and earth leakage protection for the 230v electrical supply in your motorhome. For normal operation all switches on the unit need to be in the ON position. The switches on the left of the unit are known as M.C.B’s (miniature circuit breakers). These take the place of the conventional fuse but are more convenient.
CONNECTING SERVICES - ELECTRICITY 12V ELECTRICAL SUPPLY N.B. The information provided in this Guide relating to fitted equipment is only intended as a quick reference. Comprehensive details of maintenance and fault finding charts where appropriate can be found by referring to the accompanying manufacturers’ literature. If any doubts still exist about the operation of the equipment qualified personnel or your motorhome dealer should be consulted.
CONNECTING SERVICES - ELECTRICITY CONTROLS The mains protection devices are located to the right hand side of the unit, and consists of a 25 amp RCD (Residual Current Device) which will rapidly break the mains circuit should a fault occur. At the left hand side of the RCD are two MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) which protect the individual mains circuits within the motorhome against overloading. Situated above the RCD is an illuminated ON/OFF switch which turns the Battery Charger/Power Supply ON or OFF.
CONNECTING SERVICES - ELECTRICITY FUSES GENERATORS Replacement fuses must be made only with fuses of equivalent values, and of the same type as the originals. Correct values of each fuse are clearly marked on them. When using a generator to supply the P C.II ensure that the actual output voltage does not exceed the rated generator output voltage, and the rated input voltage of the P.C.il, otherwise internal damage to the P.C.11 unit could occur.
CONNECTING SERVICES - ELECTRICITY AUTOSTRATUS/CASTAWAY CONTROL PANEL “PC-200” 13) It shows the connection to the 230V net. 14) It shows that the minimal voltage device has switched on. 15) It shows the drink water tank test, the blinking means empty tank alarm. 16) The blinking shows the full waste water tank. 17) It shows the unit of measure: U=Volt, I=Internal temperature, E=External temperature. 18) It shows the temperature unit of measure. 1) Main switch (see minimal voltage control).
CONNECTING SERVICES - ELECTRICITY SUNSEEKER CONTROL PANEL AUX MULTIFUNCTION DISPLAY Switching the ‘aux’ switch on (position 1) will provide a 12-volt supply to the axillary socket in the motorhome. CLOCK PUMP The pump switch acts as a master switch for the water system. When the switch is on the water pump will provide water for the sink units and shower on demand. Should the pump keep cutting in and out during the night, then turning the pump off will disconnect the 12-volt supply to the pump.
CONNECTING SERVICES - ELECTRICITY EXTERNAL TEMPERATURE Pressing the ‘ext temp’ button will cause the LED to light at the side of the button and the display will show the external temperature, in degrees centigrade. WATER LEVEL GAUGE Pressing the ‘water level’ button will cause the LED at the side of the button to illuminate and display the amount of water in the water tank as a percentage. This should vary between 0 100.
MOTORHOME EQUIPMENT Run This is the green indicator light. When the pump switch is on and the pump is running this light should be on. When the pump is not running the light should not be on. Note: this indicator only works with the internal pump. Waste This is the red indicator light. When the onboard waste tank is becoming full and requires emptying this light will come on. Once the tank is empty the light will go out.
MOTORHOME EQUIPMENT N.B. If only the cold water system is being used the heater tank will still be filled with water and to avoid frost damage it should always be drained as described below. GAS OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS Control Panel (Gas Operation) Switching off DRAINING THE WATER HEATER Switch the heater off using the slide switch (a), draining it if there is a risk of frost. 1. Disconnect the water pump and switch off power supply where appropriate. 2. Open all hot and cold water taps. 3.
MOTORHOME EQUIPMENT ELECTRICAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS WARNING: Never operate the water heater without water in it. The electrical water heating element is controlled by the on/off switch on the control panel. The indicator light should b illuminated when the panel is on. N.B. The water temperature is not adjustable using the mains heating element. The temperature is set at 70°C. Mains and gas operation can be used together for faster warm-up.
MOTORHOME EQUIPMENT MICROSWITCH REPLACEMENT account should the old cartridge be used again as the sterilising agent will have saturated the filter bed. 1. Carefully remove lever cap. A recess at the back of the lever cap is provided to assist with this. After fitting the new filter flush the system for around 30 seconds to remove any loose particles of carbon.
MOTORHOME EQUIPMENT 1 2 OPERATION CLEANING OF ALL TAPS These taps are operated by turning the separate hot and cold taps. To get the desired water temperature turn on both hot and cold taps. It is recommended that a non-abrasive damp cloth be used for cleaning the Elegance taps and showers. PLEASE NOTE 3 5 4 A. When only the hot water tap is turned on the temperature of the water can be very high. B. For winter storage the taps must be left in the fully open position.
MOTORHOME EQUIPMENT temperature is regulated by the amount the tap is turned. By removing the tap nozzle, a shower attachment with a 1/2 inch thread, can be screwed on. THE KERAMIK ‘COLOR’ TAP The Keramik ‘COLOR’ tap (Fig. 3) is a singlelever mixer tap. The volume of water is controlled by lifting up the control lever. Moving the lever anti-clockwise increases the water temperature whereas turning it clockwise will produce cold water. THE ‘CHARISMA’ TAP The CHARISMA’ tap (Fig.
MOTORHOME EQUIPMENT 3. Setting the switch when on 12 volt battery then using mains electric supply (230 volts). TO ADJUST THE PRESSURE SWITCH: 1. With the system properly primed, close all taps and showers. 2. Leave the pump run switch (located on the 12 volt distribution panel) turned on. 3. Tighten the adjusting screw clockwise. The pump should now be running. 4. Partly open one cold tap to allow water to flow at about 1 pint in 15 seconds. 5.
MOTORHOME EQUIPMENT e.g. Chempro SDP or similar. Then flush the system through with clean water for approximately 30 seconds. 4. If the pump fails to deliver water, the most likely cause will be air in the system. Switch off the pump and shake the pump assembly in the water. Then switch on again. WATER FILTER SYSTEM CARVER CRYSTAL 3 FILTER SYSTEM The Carver Crystal 3 Filter is designed to bring water into your motorhome in a convenient and efficient manner.
MOTORHOME EQUIPMENT 3. Connect waterline to water inlet on side of caravan. 4. Turn on waterline 5. While the waterline is in use the pump switch on the control panel must remain in the 0 position. 6. Ensure that you return the tap next to the tank to the inline position when you wish to return to using the inboard tank. REFRIGERATOR Your motorhome is fitted with either a refrigerator or a refrigerator/freezer combination.
MOTORHOME EQUIPMENT SPACE HEATER Your motorhome is fitted with a Space Heater. FOR FULL OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR SPACE HEATER, REFER TO MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS FOUND IN THE OWNER’S INFORMATION PACK AND IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT THESE INSTRUCTIONS ARE READ THOROUGHLY BEFORE OPERATING THE APPLIANCE. WARNING: Aerosols and highly flammable materials must NOT be stored in the compartment behind or adjacent to the heater.
MOTORHOME EQUIPMENT AIR CONDITIONING ROOFLIGHTS BLIZZARD 1500 AIR CONDITIONING UNIT Your motorhome is fitted with at least one type of rooflight. STARTING AND FUNCTION SELECTION 1. Internal temperature control thermostat. THE OMNIVENT (12V) ROOFLIGHT The Omnivent is a double glazed rooflight constructed from a synthetic ultra-violet screened material. Its side operating mechanism allows a completely free central opening with built-in fixed ventilation when closed. 2. Two speed fan switch. 3.
MOTORHOME EQUIPMENT THE HEKI 2 ROOFLIGHT 1. To open to the tilted position: a) Press the knob in the toggle catches on either side of the glass and turn through approx. 90°. b) Grasp the metal bar in the middle, snap it out of its holder, swivel down and press the glass dome upwards. (Glass dome is held by the two gas springs after approx. 150mm), c) Swivel the metal bar towards the glass down and snap into its holder. d) To close the glass dome, proceed with steps (a-c) in reverse order. 2.
MOTORHOME EQUIPMENT BLINDS AND FLYSCREENS BLINDS Pull blind down by its centre catch. Do not pull down by one side of the blind. This will inevitably lead to problems. Do not allow blinds to spring back freely. Always control them by hand. FLYSCREENS To operate the flyscreen, either pull the screen fully down, fully up or across, dependant on type of window fitted.
MOTORHOME EQUIPMENT Now remove the battery cover by pressing in firmly and sliding out of its case. Connect the flying lead to the battery, fit it into the space provided and replace the battery cover. Refit the control box onto its mounting plate and slide down until it ‘clicks’ into position. Finally check that the key switch on the control box is turned clockwise, otherwise the alarm will not work.
MOTORHOME EQUIPMENT power pack (located in a top locker near to where the aerial is situated) and the LED will light. 3. Check that the gain control switch on the power pack is set to normal -’NML’. This may be adjusted depending on the local television transmissions. 4. Turn on the television set and tune in. This may be necessary at all new locations. INTERFERENCE PROBLEMS & POSSIBLE REMEDIES 1.
CARE OF YOUR MOTORHOME CLEANING EXTERIOR PAINTED BODYWORK Part of the exterior of your motorhome, usually the side walls, is acrylic finished aluminium, which is extremely durable and easy to clean. It is recommended that a proprietary brand wash and wax shampoo with plenty of cold water is used. be translucent, opaque or coloured, flat or shaped, thin or thick. The exposed surface of a GRP component on a motorhome is always a gel coat surface. This gives the laminate its colour and surface finish.
CARE OF YOUR MOTORHOME Road grit, dust, sand, flies, lime tree secretions, bird droppings etc., should be ‘swilled off’ using plenty of cold water. Any remaining dirt should be washed off using a soft cloth and warm water. Under NO circumstances should any abrasive cleaning agents, household detergents or proprietary cleaning fluids be used. Wash the window again using only cold water and dry off with a chamois leather.
CARE OF YOUR MOTORHOME 9. On no account should garden hoses be used to fill water tanks. SYSTEMS 1. Drain down the system. (Open all taps to allow air in, enabling the system to drain quickly.) 2. Remove any water filters fitted, and replace with a short length of hose or empty filter cartridge (this will ensure the filter is not affected by the disinfectant/ sterilant solution). 3. Fill the system by using the pump with a disinfectant/sterilant solution.
WARRANTY THE EXPLORER GROUP LIMITED ("EXPLORER GROUP") 3 YEAR MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY Congratulations on selecting your new Explorer Group product. Subject to the conditions set out on the following page, your purchase is backed up by a manufacturers warranty for 3 years from the date of purchase at no additional cost to you the customer. We sincerely hope you will never have cause to complain about your purchase.
SERVICING MOTORHOME ANNUAL SERVICE RECORD Your motorhome needs servicing at least once a year. Whether you use your motorhome for short journeys or for touring at home or abroad, regular servicing will help to ensure that you can enjoy it to the full. The Annual Service offered by your Dealer will include the following work and it is our recommendation you have your motorhome serviced to this standard annually. Your Dealer will complete the record in this handbook to show the work has been carried out.
SERVICING ANNUAL SERVICE RECORD MOTORHOME MODEL ............................................................................................................................................................................... VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ................................................................................................................... YEAR ..........................
SERVICING 7th SERVICE 8th SERVICE 9th SERVICE DATE: DATE: DATE: DEALER’S STAMP DEALER’S STAMP DEALER’S STAMP I/We certify that an annual service has been carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s and National Caravan Council recommendations. I/We certify that an annual service has been carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s and National Caravan Council recommendations.
WARRANTY IF YOU HAVE A “WARRANTY” PROBLEM We sincerely hope you will never have cause to complain about your motorhome. However, if things do go wrong, the course of action for you is to contact your dealer and explain the difficulty you are having. We are confident they will do their utmost to resolve the problem to your complete satisfaction. The dealer from whom the motorhome is purchased is liable for warranty repairs.
EQUIPMENT LIST AUTOSTRATUS/CASTAWAY FRIDGE RM 6505 HEATER TRUMA S 3002A AUTO INTERNAL BLOWN AIR SYST TRUMA ULTRAHEAT WATER HEATER TRUMA ULTRASTORE 10LTR SINK & DRAINER SPINFLO ARGENT OVEN UNIT MIDI PRIMA HOB UNIT SPINFLO ARGENT TAPS KITCHEN REICH CHARISMA SHOWER EQUIPMENT REICH AT MIXER TAPS VANITY REICH KAMA WATER FILTER/PUMP UNIVERSAL LIGHTS 12V CEILING/LOCKER CROWN / PEARL / NOVA LIGHTS 12V READING MICRO LIGHTS CONTROL PANELS CBE PC-200 ELECTRIC FITTINGS CBE / CLIPSAL CASSE
EQUIPMENT LIST AVANTGARDE / AUTOQUEST SUNSEEKER FRIDGE RM 4230 FRIDGE RM 6271 HEATER TRUMA S 3002P PIEZO HEATER TRUMA S3002A AUTO INTERNAL BLOWN AIR SYST (OPTION ONLY) TRUMA ULTRAHEAT INTERNAL BLOWN AIR SYST TRUMA ULTRAHEAT WATER HEATER TRUMA ULTRASTORE 10LTR WATER HEATER TRUMA ULTRASTORE 10LTR SINK & DRAINER SPINFLO TOP FIX SINK & DRAINER SPINFLO TOP FIX OVEN UNIT (OPTION ONLY) CAPRICE 20 20 OVEN UNIT CAPRICE 20 20 HOB UNIT 20 20 MINI GRILL HOB UNIT AS ABOVE (COMBINED UNIT) T
AUTOSTRATUS/CASTAWAY TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 2003 Base Vehicle No. of Berths/Designated Passenger Seats Exterior Length Overall Width Overall Height Maximum Headroom Interior Width Tyre Pressure Front Rear Bed Sizes Option 1 Maximum Front Axle Weight Maximum Rear Axle Weight M.T.P.L.M. Mass in Running Order Essential Habitation Equipment Maximum User Payload RG RB FB PEUGEOT (330) 2.8 4/1 7350mm (24’1.5”) 2400mm (7’10.5”) 2850mm (9’4”) 1975mm (6’5.5”) 2224mm (7’3.
AVANTGARDE/AUTOQUEST TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 2003 100 200 300 400 400RL Base Vehicle No. of Berths/Designated Passenger Seats Exterior Length Overall Width Overall Height Maximum Headroom Interior Width Tyre Pressure Front Rear Bed Sizes Option 1 PEUGEOT (290SWB) 2.0 4/3 5833mm (19’1”) 2200mm (7’2”) 2895mm (9’6”) 2145mm (7’3”) 2074mm (6’9”) 44psi 44psi O/Cab Double 2085 x 1200mm (6’9” x 3’11”) 1 x Double 1850 x 1190mm (6’1” x 3’10”) PEUGEOT (290 SWB) 2.
SUNSEEKER TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 2003 Base Vehicle No. of Berths/Designated Passenger Seats Exterior Length Overall Width Overall Height Maximum Headroom Interior Width Tyre Pressure Front Rear Bed Sizes Option 1 Bed Sizes Maximum Front Axle Weight Maximum Rear Axle Weight M.T.P.L.M.
2003 BUCCANEER Base Vehicle No. of Berths/Designated Passenger Seats Exterios Length Overall Width Overall Height Maximum Headroom Interior Width Tyre Pressure Front Rear Bed Sizes Option 1 Bed Sizes Maximum Front Axle Weight Maximum Rear Axle Weight M.T.P.L.M. Mass in Running Order Essential Habitation Equipment Maximum User Payload Option 2 kgs kgs kgs kgs kgs kgs CARAVEL CLIPPER COASTER COMMODORE FORD 5/3 6295mm (20’8”) 2360mm (7’9”) 3090mm (10’2”) 2107mm (6’11”) 2119mm (6’111/2”) 3.
AUTOSTRATUS/CASTAWAY INTERNAL 12V & 230V WIRING 54
AVANTGARDE/AUTOQUEST INTERNAL 12V & 230V WIRING 55
SUNSEEKER INTERNAL 12V & 230V WIRING 56
The Explorer Group Limited Explorer House, Delves Lane, Consett, Co Durham. DH8 7PE Tel: 01207 699000 Fax: 01207 699001 www.explorer-group.co.
