Vehicle Electrical Requirements ........9 Charging the Caravan ............28 Brake Controller ..............9 Preparing for Bad Weather ........... 28 Correct Vehicle Wiring for MDC Caravans ....9 Packing Down Your Caravan......... 28 Trailer Lights ................ 10 Storage & Care ..............29 Charging Camper/Caravan While Driving ....10 Care and Maintenance of the Caravan ......
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Important Safety Notice ..........37 Resetting Breakers ............56 Brake Adjustment .............. 37 High Load Breakers ............56 Brake Cleaning and Inspection ........37 Medium Load Breakers ........... 56 Brake Lubrication .............. 37 Breaker Locations.............. 57 Magnets................. 38 Under Bed Beside Batteries .......... 57 Shoes and Linings ..............
BUILD DATE: TARE: ATM: TYRE SIZE: DEALER: DISCLAIMER: By receiving this handbook, you confirm there you have read and agree to all the terms and conditions and understood the use and maintenance care of MDC ® www.marketdirect.com.au Ph: 1300 494 494...
Off road caravanning is a rewarding way to travel and see our great country. Owning an MDC Caravan will afford you the opportunity to travel to remote places and stay in comfort. It is the intention of MDC for you to have the best possible owner experience and enjoy the great outdoors.
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Toe can be measured in linear units, at the front or rear of the tyre, or as an angular deflection. In the case of MDC products, the “toe in” is measured in millimeters at the front of the tyre from the chassis rail.
MDC Contact Details and Stores QUEENSLAND Brisbane Caboolture 3/711 Beaudesert Rd 4 Boeing Place Rocklea QLD 4107 Caboolture QLD 4510 NEW SOUTH WALES Sydney Newcastle 1/12 Avalli Road, Unit 1, 2364 Pacific Hwy Prestons NSW 2170 Heatherbrae NSW 2324 VICTORIA...
Caravan to sway and/or roll excessively left and right. The industry optimum ball weight on a caravan is between 9 and 11% of the total Caravan weight. MDC Caravans fit into this category and 10% should be used as the starting point.
Jacking Your Caravan Your trailer is fitted with purpose built jacking points and from January 2021 supplied with a suitable jack. An appropriately rated bottle jack is an acceptable alternative, however when using the jacking point beneath the trailing arm ensure the jack is of a retracted height that will fit under the jacking point when the tyre is deflated. A suitably rated “High Lift”...
Electrical Safety Warning Failure To Follow These Instructions May Result In Death Or Serious Injury! When working with electrical equipment or lead acid batteries, have someone nearby in case of an emergency. Study and follow all the battery manufacturer’s specific precautions when installing, using, and servicing the battery connected to the inverter.
To comply with national laws on breakaway systems, you must supply a maintenance charge to the battery/batteries that power the system should it be activated. In all MDC products, the breakaway is powered by the house batteries in the caravan. For this purpose and Anderson plug connection is fitted to all MDC caravans on the drawbar. Your vehicle will need to be fitted with a power supply to a 50 amp Anderson plug near the towbar so the trailer can be connected.
2. 50 amp fuse or circuit breaker at the battery Notes: The Projecta IDC25 DC to DC controller fitted in your MDC trailer is programmed to favour the solar panel input exclusively until it drops below a threshold voltage input. By providing accessory power to the number 12 pin, the trigger for the IDC25 will be set off to take power from both the Anderson plug and the solar panels.
Gas & Appliance Safety Gas Certification Your Caravan has been supplied gas tested and certified. Any additions or alterations to the gas system must be performed by an authorised person and will require re-certification and testing. Also note any alterations may affect your warranty on both the system and appliances.
Gas Appliance Safety • Gas appliances are certified and have a flame safeguard feature to stop gas flow in the event of the flame going out. Never interfere with this function or replace appliances with a non-certified type. • Slide-out kitchens with cookers should only be operated with an annex fully erected. Failing to do so may affect the safety and operation of the gas appliance.
Caution To use your inbuilt Truma hot water system, the external flue covers must be removed prior to starting the unit. Ventilation and Flues • Check all permanent ventilators, flues (if applicable) and vents to ensure they are clear, open and unrestricted. •...
Using the Caravan Weights and Payload Capacities The information plate attached to the drawbar of your caravan displays the relevant weights and weight capacities of the van. How to Load Your Caravan It is important to load your caravan correctly to distribute weight evenly and achieve a suitable ball weight load and prevent loading in a manner that can cause a Caravan to sway and/or roll excessively left and right.
Ball Weight When loading your caravan, the ideal ball weight once loaded is approximately 10% of the total weight of the caravan. Use a ball weight scale to identify the ball weight and load the caravan in a manner that achieves the desired 10%.
Pre-Trip Inspection Tyres Before any trip check the following • Correct tyre pressures • Tyres are in good condition free from damage and uneven wear. • Tread is of legal and acceptable depth. Wheel Nuts • Ensure wheel nuts are tensioned to the correct torque using a torque wrench. •...
Setting Up the Caravan Finding a Suitable Spot When choosing a spot to set up your caravan, start with a flat area with no overhanging trees. Birds and bats occupying trees can defecate leaving droppings on your caravan that can damage paint and leaves and sap can also stain the coating.
Awning The awning should be packed away in high winds. During rain one side must be lowered to prevent water pooling which can damage the awning. During rain, the awning should be lowered on one side as illustrated below. www.marketdirect.com.au Ph: 1300 494 494...
Kitchen Before sliding out kitchen, raise the pad bolt and turn to lock in the up position (Fig: 2) Push down blue latch on the slide mechanism and pull kitchen out. (Fig: 2a) When kitchen is extended fit the support leg into its receiver (Fig: 3) Extend support leg and secure locking screw (Fig: 3a) CAUTION CAUTION –...
Control Panel • Control panel with functions indicated. • Stereo Main Switch & Breaker • DC Outlet Switch & Breaker • Lights Main Switch & Breaker • Fridge Main Switch & Breaker • Water Pump Main Switch & Breaker • DC outlet & Breaker •...
Towing the Caravan Connecting the Hitch Here is a short guide on how to safely use your coupling to couple and uncouple the trailer from the towing vehicle. Make sure the handbrake is applied prior to coupling and uncoupling. www.marketdirect.com.au Ph: 1300 494 494...
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Make sure the dust cap is securely connected to the bump cover. This is done by locating the rear lip on the dust cap onto the groove of the bump cover and then pushing it in a downward motion until the dust cover is secure (there should be a slight click when it has been assembled correctly) Test if the dust cover is connected to the bump cover by applying a slight upward force to the dust cover, it shouldn’t separate.
Coupling STEP 1 Push down the button (1) and push the locking mechanism back (2). When the locking mechanism (2) is all the way back, release the button (1) locking the plate in place STEP 2 Offer up the tow pin to the coupling making sure the tow pin cover is removed and there is no visible debris on it. Locking plate should be in unlocked position as shown.
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STEP 3 Make sure the tow pin is seated inside the universal and the tow pin top is sticking out of the locking mechanism (see below). Press the button (1) to release the locking mechanism there will be an audible locking noise at which point the mechanism will return to the initial position as shown in step 1.
Uncoupling STEP 1 Push down the button 1 and push the locking mechanism back 2. When the locking mechanism is all the way back release the button while holding the mechanism to ensure it does not spring back to the locked position. STEP 2 Lift the coupling up off the tow pin.
Connecting the Breakaway The breakaway lanyard is connected to a simple switch on the drawbar. When connecting the lanyard to the tow vehicle it should be connected to a solid part of the vehicle. Do not incorporate its connection with the safety chains.
Connecting the Safety Chains Chains should be crossed over and connected with suitable rated shackles. Ensure they are connected in a way to prevent them dragging on the road but not too tight as to restrict the articulation of the vehicle and trailer combination. Connecting the Electrics When connecting ensure the electric cables to your tow vehicle cannot drag on the road or foul the coupling.
Charging the Caravan Mains Power You caravan will charge from mains power via the Projecta 7 stage charger. Ensure the charger is plugged into its dedicated outlet in its bay and is switched on. The factory batteries in your XT12 are AGM and the charger must be set for AGM batteries.
Storage & Care Long Term Storage To maximise the life of your caravan you should consider additional protection from the elements. UV light and moisture can have an adverse effect on materials when left unprotected outside. This section outlines some of the things you can do as an owner to protect your investment.
Care and Maintenance of the Caravan Protection of Finishes Paint: The paint coatings on your caravan are no different to that of your car in that they need regular care and maintenance. Washing: Only use mild detergents free of ammonia when washing your caravan. Always check the label to ensure the washing solution is nonabrasive, contains no ammonia or caustics.
Shade and screen care • Do not close blinds while window is open. Air pressure can dislodge the blind material from its guide damaging it. • Always open and close blinds and screens carefully and evenly with two hands ensuring screens and blind material feeds evenly through the guides.
Winegard Sensar III Antenna (optional Extra) Where fitted as an option the mechanism for your Winegard antenna should be lubricated according to the manufacturers specified schedule. www.marketdirect.com.au Ph: 1300 494 494...
Torque Settings Wheel Nuts Wheel nuts should be tightened to correct torque using a torque wrench. Never trust a “rattle gun” as these may over or under tighten. A quality torque wrench will ensure nuts are tightened correctly. It’s important to remember to check your wheel nuts at 50km, 500km and 1000km and periodically thereafter.
CAUTION Hand Brake Parking brakes are mechanically operated by cable means. The cable attachment occurs outside of the brake backing plate. Cable force applied to the parking lever creates a torque through the pivot pin and cam assembly. Torque transferred to the parking cam results in a spreading force between the primary and secondary shoes. The shoes in turn, move towards the drum until contact is made.
2020 Onwards Adjuster Automotive Type Adjusting the automotive style handbrake on later models is done as follows. To adjust the left and right side simultaneously: 1. Loosen locknut A 2. Turn shaft 1 clockwise, shortening the length exposed until desired adjustment achieved. 3.
Correct Use of Your Electric Brakes Your trailer brakes are designed to work in synchronisation with your tow vehicle brakes. Never use your tow vehicle or trailer brakes alone to stop the combined load. Your trailer and tow vehicle will seldom have the correct amperage flow to the brake magnets to give you comfortable, safe braking unless you make proper brake system adjustments.
It is important to replace both shoes on each brake and both brakes of the same axle. This is necessary to retain the “balance” of your brakes. Be sure to replace your shoes only with genuine MDC parts available from our outlets.
Wheels and Tyres Highway Your camper is fitted with 16” wheels and 265/75 R16 Goodride Tyres. The tyres are a “Light Truck” tyre with a mud terrain tread and a maximum load rating on single axle of 1550kg at 80psi. Recommended highway pressure at tare weight of the caravan is 31-32psi.
Electrical Systems Charging from your Vehicle To charge your caravan effectively while driving you will need to have 12-volt power supplied from your tow vehicle to a 50amp Anderson plug near your towbar. Wiring and supply should be compatible for 50 amps. A 12-pin trailer plug is also required.
Truma Rapid Hot Water System Operating Instructions General Safety *Read the included Truma operation manual supplied with you trailer. The use of upright gas cylinders from which gas is taken in the gas phase is mandatory for the operation of gas regulators, gas equipment and gas systems.
• Any work involving connection or interconnecting wiring must be carried out by a licensed electrician. If the mains cable (supply cord) is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent or similarly qualified persons in order to avoid a hazard. •...
Residues of frozen water can prevent filling if there is a frost. The water heater can be defrosted by switching on the heater for a short period (max. 2 minutes). Frozen pipes can be defrosted by heating the room. • If just the cold water system is being used, without water heater, the heater tank is also filled up with water.
Switching On Gas Operation Never operate the heater without water in it! If the wall cowl is positioned close to an opening window (or hatch) – in particular directly under it – the window must remain closed when the water heater is in use (see warning plate). Removing The Cowl Cover •...
Red Indicator Lamp “Fault” The red indictor lamp (a) lights up if there is a fault. For possible causes please refer to “Fault finding” on page 6. To unlock, switch off the appliance, wait 10 minutes, and switch on again. Maintenance Do not modify this appliance Servicing should only be carried out by authorised personnel.
Water Heater Trouble Shooting Gas Operation Symptom Cause Remedy When switching on, the heater does No 12 V DC supply voltage. Check the power supply (operation voltage min. not operate. 10.5 V). Check the Truma UltraRapid fuse (refer to maintenance “Fuses”). When switching on, the heater does –...
Water Pumps The pump when switched on is activated by the release of pressure at the tap and will pump water continuously until the tap is turned off and pressure restored. Should the pumps activate while the taps is turned off this could indicate a leak and require investigation and rectification.
Connecting the Gas Your caravan is fitted with plumbed gas with the regulator and gas bottle placement at the front of the trailer. Always ensure gas bottles are serviceable and within the 10-year service life. This information is stamped on the bottle base. Once you connect your gas bottle you can connect the external BBQ gas hose to the bayonet connection provided.
“Cassette Tank Cleaner” is the Kem Green for better recommended product for this environmental performance. Flush Water Tank: Only suitable for MDC models that have a toilet flush tank. Grey Water Tank: ***Do not add to main water tanks! www.marketdirect.com.au...
Useful Accessories Levelling Blocks These are excellent for levelling your trailer on set up. Stabiliser legs are not meant for correcting the trailer angle, they are there to keep it stable when people are in it. Using levelling blocks will extend the service life of the stabiliser legs and make set up much safer and faster.
Stone Protection There are proprietary devices available that assist in protecting your trailer from stones thrown up by the tow vehicle. Rock Tamer and Stone Stomper are two of the most commonly used. Rock Tamer Stone Stomper www.marketdirect.com.au Ph: 1300 494 494...
Trouble Shooting Electrical Mains Power Symptom Possible Cause Remedy Mains power not connected Connect mains power No power to power outlets RCD tripped Reset RCD Fig. 1 Mains power not connected Connect mains power RCD tripped Reset RCD Fig. 1 Aircon main turned off (Dometic) Switch on air con on unit Air Conditioner not working...
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NOTES* Expectations of a 300 watt solar charging system need to be reasonable. Running two fridges without adding additional solar and following best practice with pre-cooling and packing will greatly reduce battery life and the ability of the solar panels to keep up with power needs. Using inverters will very quickly diminish battery capacity.
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Control Panel & Accessories Symptom Possible Cause Remedy Flat batteries Charge batteries Control panel won’t switch on Reset circuit breaker CB1 Fig.1 & Tripped circuit breaker Fig. 2 Reset circuit breaker above circuit Accessory circuit not working Tripped circuit breaker switch by pushing in.
Resetting Breakers There are primarily 3 types of breakers in MDC caravans and campers. The most obvious are the push to reset breakers on the control panel. These you simply push and if it resets you will hear a click.
Trouble Shooting Water Problem Possible Cause Remedy No power from control panel Check circuit breaker Flat Battery Charge battery Pump not working (no noise) Faulty pressure switch Replace pump, Contact dealer for replacement Bad electrical connection Check connections with multimeter or test light Airlock in water lines Turn on tap and hold finger over nozzle for 5 seconds and release.
Trouble Shooting Brakes Problem Possible Cause Remedy Open Circuits Find and correct Severe under adjustments Adjust brakes No Brakes Faulty controller Test and correct/replace Short circuits Find and correct Great or oil on linings or magnets Clean or replace Corroded connection Clean or replace connectors Worn lining or magnets Replace...
Handy Tips Driving Off Road Towing your caravan off road adds many dimensions to the driver’s responsibilities and factors to be considered. When travelling remote always carry enough spare parts and supplies to cater for a “worst case scenario.” Always perform preventative maintenance and daily checks. Minimum trailer spares would consist of: •...
Creek and River Crossings These crossings can be extremely dangerous even in low water levels and should never be attempted in times of even mild flooding. Towing a camper or caravan greatly elevates the risk in this situation and should never be attempted unless you are completely assured it is safe to do so.
Warranty Statement These Warranty Terms form part of the contract between you and Market Direct Group Pty Ltd (ACN 115 038 483) (“we” or “us”) for the purchase of your new Off-road Caravan or Camper Trailer. Please read these Warranty Terms carefully.
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Any affiliates, representatives, associates, agents, suppliers, resellers or similar of ours have no authority to approve or deny warranty claims on behalf of us. We shall not be liable, (in part or whole) for any warranties, either express or implied, made by agents or resellers unless we give an express written agreement to be bound by such a warranty, and such liability shall be strictly limited to the extent of that written agreement.
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Any items sold as “factory seconds”, “ex-demonstration” or “damaged” items are sold on an “as is” basis. Due to the nature of such items, i.e being “ex-demonstration”, “factory seconds” or “damaged”, it is reasonable to expect that some imperfections or flaws may exist even where it is not initially apparent. While we will notify you of any defects or damage to such goods of which we are aware, you purchase the goods on notice that we may not be aware of all such defects and damage, and that the price you pay for the goods includes a discount to allow for the risk of you discovering further defects or damage.
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If you act or fail to act in a way which either prevents us from determining the true cause and extent of the subject of a claim, or which substantially constrains or limits our capacity to provide a remedy, this will adversely affect the handling of your claim.
Travel Record Your camper service record booklet and logbook will help you keep track of kilometres travels and service records. Trip Name Date Km Start Km Finish Cumulative Km www.marketdirect.com.au Ph: 1300 494 494...
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Trip Name Date Km Start Km Finish Cumulative Km www.marketdirect.com.au Ph: 1300 494 494...
Mechanical Maintenance Maintenance is essential to keep your caravan in a safe and usable condition. Caravans are no different to any other motor vehicle and require servicing at regular intervals which may vary according to use and the environment in which it is used.
Suspension Suspension maintenance should be done as per the schedule contained in this booklet. Regular lubrication and in- spection are critical, and the grease points are indicated below. Regular checks of the torque on the trailing arm bolts indicated will prolong correct wheel alignment. Trailing arm suspension should not be reversed up gutters and obstructions in a heavy matter.
Service Record 500 KM FIRST SERVICE CHECKED • Check hitch bolts to 90Nm. Hitch • Lubricate with high temp bearing grease Handbrake • Inspect and adjust handbrake Brakes & Bearings • Inspect and adjust brakes. Check bearings are well greased and crown nut is correctly tightened.
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Every 6 MONTHS / 5,000KM SERVICE CHECKED • Check hitch bolts to 90Nm Hitch Handbrake • Check cable and adjust if necessary Hand winch • Check brake function and webbing Suspension • Lubricate and check bushes for excess movement. • Torque bolts to 190Nm Brakes •...
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12 MONTHS / 10,000KM SERVICE CHECKED Chassis and Suspension • Inspect for damage and lubricate. Check bolt Torque to 90Nm Hitch Jockey Wheel • Inspect for condition and operation Breakaway • Check for correct operation. • Inspect lanyard and clip Drawbar •...
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Body • Inspect joint sealants inside and out. • Ensuite joints checked for damage and adhesion. • Inspect for soft spots on floor General fixings • Check all structural fixing are secure. Ventilation • Inspect for obstruction and vents operating correctly Fire Extinguisher •...
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18 MONTHS / 15,000KM SERVICE CHECKED • Check hitch bolts to 90Nm Hitch Handbrake • Check cable and adjust if necessary Hand winch • Check brake function and webbing Suspension • Lubricate and check bushes for excess movement. • Torque bolts to 190Nm Brakes •...
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24 MONTHS / 20,000KM SERVICE CHECKED Chassis and Suspension • Inspect for damage and lubricate. Check bolt Torque to 90Nm Hitch Jockey Wheel • Inspect for condition and operation Breakaway • Check for correct operation. • Inspect lanyard and clip Drawbar •...
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Body • Inspect joint sealants inside and out. • Ensuite joints checked for damage and adhesion. • Inspect for soft spots on floor General fixings • Check all structural fixing are secure. Ventilation • Inspect for obstruction and vents operating correctly Fire Extinguisher •...
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30 MONTHS / 25,000KM SERVICE CHECKED • Check hitch bolts to 90Nm Hitch Handbrake • Check cable and adjust if necessary Hand winch • Check brake function and webbing Suspension • Lubricate and check bushes for excess movement. • Torque bolts to 190Nm Brakes •...
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36 MONTHS / 30,000KM SERVICE CHECKED Chassis and Suspension • Inspect for damage and lubricate. Check bolt Torque to 90Nm Hitch Jockey Wheel • Inspect for condition and operation Breakaway • Check for correct operation. • Inspect lanyard and clip Drawbar •...
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Body • Inspect joint sealants inside and out. • Ensuite joints checked for damage and adhesion. • Inspect for soft spots on floor General fixings • Check all structural fixing are secure. Ventilation • Inspect for obstruction and vents operating correctly Fire Extinguisher •...
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42 MONTHS / 35,000KM SERVICE CHECKED • Check hitch bolts to 90Nm Hitch Handbrake • Check cable and adjust if necessary Hand winch • Check brake function and webbing Suspension • Lubricate and check bushes for excess movement. • Torque bolts to 190Nm Brakes •...
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48 MONTHS / 40,000KM SERVICE CHECKED Chassis and Suspension • Inspect for damage and lubricate. Check bolt Torque to 90Nm Hitch Jockey Wheel • Inspect for condition and operation Breakaway • Check for correct operation. • Inspect lanyard and clip Drawbar •...
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Body • Inspect joint sealants inside and out. • Ensuite joints checked for damage and adhesion. • Inspect for soft spots on floor General fixings • Check all structural fixing are secure. Ventilation • Inspect for obstruction and vents operating correctly Fire Extinguisher •...
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54 MONTHS / 45,000KM SERVICE CHECKED • Check hitch bolts to 90Nm Hitch Handbrake • Check cable and adjust if necessary Hand winch • Check brake function and webbing Suspension • Lubricate and check bushes for excess movement. • Torque bolts to 190Nm Brakes •...
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60 MONTHS / 50,000KM SERVICE CHECKED Chassis and Suspension • Inspect for damage and lubricate. Check bolt Torque to 90Nm Hitch Jockey Wheel • Inspect for condition and operation Breakaway • Check for correct operation. • Inspect lanyard and clip Drawbar •...
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Body • Inspect joint sealants inside and out. • Ensuite joints checked for damage and adhesion. • Inspect for soft spots on floor General fixings • Check all structural fixing are secure. Ventilation • Inspect for obstruction and vents operating correctly Fire Extinguisher •...
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66 MONTHS / 55,000KM SERVICE CHECKED • Check hitch bolts to 90Nm Hitch Handbrake • Check cable and adjust if necessary Hand winch • Check brake function and webbing Suspension • Lubricate and check bushes for excess movement. • Torque bolts to 190Nm Brakes •...
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72 MONTHS / 60,000KM SERVICE CHECKED Chassis and Suspension • Inspect for damage and lubricate. Check bolt Torque to 90Nm Hitch Jockey Wheel • Inspect for condition and operation Breakaway • Check for correct operation. • Inspect lanyard and clip Drawbar •...
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Body • Inspect joint sealants inside and out. • Ensuite joints checked for damage and adhesion. • Inspect for soft spots on floor General fixings • Check all structural fixing are secure. Ventilation • Inspect for obstruction and vents operating correctly Fire Extinguisher •...
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78 MONTHS / 65,000KM SERVICE CHECKED • Check hitch bolts to 90Nm Hitch Handbrake • Check cable and adjust if necessary Hand winch • Check brake function and webbing Suspension • Lubricate and check bushes for excess movement. • Torque bolts to 190Nm Brakes •...
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84 MONTHS / 70,000KM SERVICE CHECKED Chassis and Suspension • Inspect for damage and lubricate. Check bolt Torque to 90Nm Hitch Jockey Wheel • Inspect for condition and operation Breakaway • Check for correct operation. • Inspect lanyard and clip Drawbar •...
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Body • Inspect joint sealants inside and out. • Ensuite joints checked for damage and adhesion. • Inspect for soft spots on floor General fixings • Check all structural fixing are secure. Ventilation • Inspect for obstruction and vents operating correctly Fire Extinguisher •...
Guide to Video Library Handover Video Setup Tutorial Watch this handover tutorial which will explain all the View this video for setup instruction features and their correct use Scan the code or go to Scan code or go to https://youtu.be/M4zfmti-uD0 https://youtu.be/7Zr3PdzcfmQ Pack Down Tutorial External Ensuite Setup...
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