New & Seeking advice!

[Pink Assassin]

Hi all we are new to the group, expecting delivery of our new Expanda OB 17.56-2 end of November. Our tow vehicle is 2012 Nissan Navara XT. We are a family of 4 (Mum, Dad, 2 girls 14 & 11). Previous owners of Swan OB which we loved. Womdering a couple of things as this is our first new van.... Any tips on what to look out for in handover?? Also we are looking to purchase rear camera, however need it for rear viewing whilst travelling on the road amd to assist with reversing, so any feedback would be greatly appreciated. We have been reading and enjoing this site for some time as non members and have found lots of helpful information, good job to all. Thanks in advance

 

[Capt. Gadget]

With rear view cameras go for a hard wired one the wireless ones are a bit hit n miss as for hand over just take note of all the set up n pack up and how things work info maybe get one of the kids to video with the phone while the dealer is explaining there is a lot to take in , I wouldn't worry too much about trying to find issues with the van as any jayco owner will tell you , there will be a few , it's better to have a good more relaxed look at that when you get it home and Jayco have a really good warranty reputation

 

[bigcol]

welcome @Pink Assassin

good job on your choice of Van, it is a very hard decision on what you want V's what you need..............
Camera's, reversing and others are a "personal choice" type thing -I have the Polaris, and think its the ants pants - once I turn it on, its on....(I dont have to be in reverse)....
others have different setups, Ebay is a good place to look and see what you can do and what you may need...........
my sister has a "wireless" one on her car, and it only gets turned on, when in reverse, when she is in drive, she gets siganals from the nearest "Wireless" ones - very confusing

one of our Members ( @burnsie ) did a "Handover List" which I have copied,


1) Check all extras are there - Any additional accessories or cables or cords
2) Check for any screws sticking out or anything that is loose
3) Open and close roof and awnings yourself, our roof on one side folded out instead of in, because of the extra wiring for the additional solar panel, they used some extra memory foam to tell it the right way to go...all good now
4) Take notes and ask how to setup everything including HWS, Fridge, Toilet, bed ends and anything else you have concerns about or want to ask a question on.
5) Check all doors (hinges and latches) including hatches and cupboards. We had a couple that did not work properly, one of the service guys came out and sorted it out whilst we were doing the paperwork.
6) Check inside all storage areas (take a small LED torch with you so you can see inside.) make sure no problems
7) Check for correct functioning of all taps and drainage. Get them to hook up the main water and test the pressure and also check for any leaks where the filler comes into the van, usually under the seats backing onto the fridge wall I think in the new 17.56-2 OB, if you do this when you first arrive usually when they plug the power in then by the end it will be a good 2 hours you will get an idea about any leaks from the mains connection into the van
8) Connect up mains water (As Above)
9) Check 12v pump
10) Check all lights and power points 12v & mains.
11) Check gas operation...stove, HWS, etc.
12) Check Air Conditioner works on both Cold and Hot
13) Carefully go around body, make sure there are no dents, cracks, double check the bed end doors as yours will be the new model, on some of the bigger versions some forum members have noticed cracks, worth double checking
14) Check wiring underneath not hanging down. (A couple of cable ties will sort this out so not a big deal)
15) Check TV and Antenna if you got one fitted make sure the wiring for the coax cable is all good



some good and interesting points raised in there......

 

[Dobbie]

I'd add to that excellent list.

Check fridge operation on both 240 and gas and do it yourself. Ours had been checked on 240 and had been on gas for two days when we collected. Boxes were ticked.....all working...and it was.

BUT....while on gas they'd fitted the safe and to get access had disconnected the 240 plug which was tucked in very low and we couldn't see it unless we opened up the rear bed.

When at home we tested fridge on 240....nothing so after endless stuffing around we finally found the problem.

I'd also start from the list of items, standard and extras ordered, that Jayco send with the plans for you to sign off on. If you go through that list, item by item before handover and make a list of questions needing answers or clarification then you're close to being comfortable. ....and, of course, items to check.

Eg...we'd never had a hot water system before so were a bit vague as to how it operated. All sorted at handover and we went to the lolly shop to get a spare anode before we left as we understood it would be needed.

Saved time and memory later.

I think the best attitude to have is to increase your comfort level at the handover and to have enough info so you can get plenty of practice when you get home.

It's fun putting the awning out several times after you've had a Swan bag awning....we still can't take the smiles off our faces.

 

[dagree]

Hi @Pink Assassin and welcome to the forum. Agree with all the above advice and I'm sure there will be more to follow.

A lot of good ideas on here so sit back, relax and have a good read!

 

[Pink Assassin]

Hi @Pink Assassin and welcome to the forum. Agree with all the above advice and I'm sure there will be more to follow.

A lot of good ideas on here so sit back, relax and have a good read!

Looking forward to a relax when Expanda arrives that for certain!

 

[Pink Assassin]

I'd add to that excellent list.

Check fridge operation on both 240 and gas and do it yourself. Ours had been checked on 240 and had been on gas for two days when we collected. Boxes were ticked.....all working...and it was.

BUT....while on gas they'd fitted the safe and to get access had disconnected the 240 plug which was tucked in very low and we couldn't see it unless we opened up the rear bed.

When at home we tested fridge on 240....nothing so after endless stuffing around we finally found the problem.

I'd also start from the list of items, standard and extras ordered, that Jayco send with the plans for you to sign off on. If you go through that list, item by item before handover and make a list of questions needing answers or clarification then you're close to being comfortable. ....and, of course, items to check.

Eg...we'd never had a hot water system before so were a bit vague as to how it operated. All sorted at handover and we went to the lolly shop to get a spare anode before we left as we understood it would be needed.

Saved time and memory later.

I think the best attitude to have is to increase your comfort level at the handover and to have enough info so you can get plenty of practice when you get home.

It's fun putting the awning out several times after you've had a Swan bag awning....we still can't take the smiles off our faces.

 

[Pink Assassin]

Wow thanks for the hint re anode.... We too cant wait for the ease of a roll out awing and no poles!!!

 

[Pink Assassin]

I'd add to that excellent list.

Check fridge operation on both 240 and gas and do it yourself. Ours had been checked on 240 and had been on gas for two days when we collected. Boxes were ticked.....all working...and it was.

BUT....while on gas they'd fitted the safe and to get access had disconnected the 240 plug which was tucked in very low and we couldn't see it unless we opened up the rear bed.

When at home we tested fridge on 240....nothing so after endless stuffing around we finally found the problem.

I'd also start from the list of items, standard and extras ordered, that Jayco send with the plans for you to sign off on. If you go through that list, item by item before handover and make a list of questions needing answers or clarification then you're close to being comfortable. ....and, of course, items to check.

Eg...we'd never had a hot water system before so were a bit vague as to how it operated. All sorted at handover and we went to the lolly shop to get a spare anode before we left as we understood it would be needed.

Saved time and memory later.

I think the best attitude to have is to increase your comfort level at the handover and to have enough info so you can get plenty of practice when you get home.

It's fun putting the awning out several times after you've had a Swan bag awning....we still can't take the smiles off our faces.

With rear view cameras go for a hard wired one the wireless ones are a bit hit n miss as for hand over just take note of all the set up n pack up and how things work info maybe get one of the kids to video with the phone while the dealer is explaining there is a lot to take in , I wouldn't worry too much about trying to find issues with the van as any jayco owner will tell you , there will be a few , it's better to have a good more relaxed look at that when you get it home and Jayco have a really good warranty reputation

With rear view cameras go for a hard wired one the wireless ones are a bit hit n miss as for hand over just take note of all the set up n pack up and how things work info maybe get one of the kids to video with the phone while the dealer is explaining there is a lot to take in , I wouldn't worry too much about trying to find issues with the van as any jayco owner will tell you , there will be a few , it's better to have a good more relaxed look at that when you get it home and Jayco have a really good warranty reputation

 

[Pink Assassin]

Thanks so much for the information..will get kids to record great idea. Planning on picking up van and heading to a caravan pakr close to home for a couple of nights to sought out issues....planning on hardwire option for camera just not sure of brand though so many choices....

 

[Crusty181]

Welcome @Pink Assassin and congrats on the new van. Youve got a quality tow vehicle to, and come from one of our favourite places. Bit of a trifecta

 

[Drover]

Great pointers from the fellas, I'll just add check wheel nuts (don't take word for it) and make sure 240 point for HWS turned off everytime you pack up as power can be connected well before water sometimes.
I bought my cameras and stuff from Brash Imports, http://www.brashimports.com.au/ a rear view camera opposed to a reversing camera should be no more than a 90 deg as a reverse cam is usually 120 deg and you won't see a Kenworth until they are 20ft away.

 

[Tricky]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on the new van.

 

[Pink Assassin]

Welcome @Pink Assassin and congrats on the new van. Youve got a quality tow vehicle to, and come from one of our favourite places. Bit of a trifecta

Yes we think so too...

 

[Pink Assassin]

welcome @Pink Assassin

good job on your choice of Van, it is a very hard decision on what you want V's what you need..............
Camera's, reversing and others are a "personal choice" type thing -I have the Polaris, and think its the ants pants - once I turn it on, its on....(I dont have to be in reverse)....
others have different setups, Ebay is a good place to look and see what you can do and what you may need...........
my sister has a "wireless" one on her car, and it only gets turned on, when in reverse, when she is in drive, she gets siganals from the nearest "Wireless" ones - very confusing

one of our Members ( @burnsie ) did a "Handover List" which I have copied,


1) Check all extras are there - Any additional accessories or cables or cords
2) Check for any screws sticking out or anything that is loose
3) Open and close roof and awnings yourself, our roof on one side folded out instead of in, because of the extra wiring for the additional solar panel, they used some extra memory foam to tell it the right way to go...all good now
4) Take notes and ask how to setup everything including HWS, Fridge, Toilet, bed ends and anything else you have concerns about or want to ask a question on.
5) Check all doors (hinges and latches) including hatches and cupboards. We had a couple that did not work properly, one of the service guys came out and sorted it out whilst we were doing the paperwork.
6) Check inside all storage areas (take a small LED torch with you so you can see inside.) make sure no problems
7) Check for correct functioning of all taps and drainage. Get them to hook up the main water and test the pressure and also check for any leaks where the filler comes into the van, usually under the seats backing onto the fridge wall I think in the new 17.56-2 OB, if you do this when you first arrive usually when they plug the power in then by the end it will be a good 2 hours you will get an idea about any leaks from the mains connection into the van
8) Connect up mains water (As Above)
9) Check 12v pump
10) Check all lights and power points 12v & mains.
11) Check gas operation...stove, HWS, etc.
12) Check Air Conditioner works on both Cold and Hot
13) Carefully go around body, make sure there are no dents, cracks, double check the bed end doors as yours will be the new model, on some of the bigger versions some forum members have noticed cracks, worth double checking
14) Check wiring underneath not hanging down. (A couple of cable ties will sort this out so not a big deal)
15) Check TV and Antenna if you got one fitted make sure the wiring for the coax cable is all good



some good and interesting points raised in there......

Thank you so much @bigcol lots of great tips there.

 

[Pink Assassin]

T

Great pointers from the fellas, I'll just add check wheel nuts (don't take word for it) and make sure 240 point for HWS turned off everytime you pack up as power can be connected well before water sometimes.
I bought my cameras and stuff from Brash Imports, http://www.brashimports.com.au/ a rear view camera opposed to a reversing camera should be no more than a 90 deg as a reverse cam is usually 120 deg and you won't see a Kenworth until they are 20ft away.

Thanks Drover so much to think of!

 

[bigcol]

welcome @Pink Assassin

good job on your choice of Van, it is a very hard decision on what you want V's what you need..............
Camera's, reversing and others are a "personal choice" type thing -I have the Polaris, and think its the ants pants - once I turn it on, its on....(I dont have to be in reverse)....
others have different setups, Ebay is a good place to look and see what you can do and what you may need...........
my sister has a "wireless" one on her car, and it only gets turned on, when in reverse, when she is in drive, she gets siganals from the nearest "Wireless" ones - very confusing

one of our Members ( @burnsie ) did a "Handover List" which I have copied,


1) Check all extras are there - Any additional accessories or cables or cords
2) Check for any screws sticking out or anything that is loose
3) Open and close roof and awnings yourself, our roof on one side folded out instead of in, because of the extra wiring for the additional solar panel, they used some extra memory foam to tell it the right way to go...all good now
4) Take notes and ask how to setup everything including HWS, Fridge, Toilet, bed ends and anything else you have concerns about or want to ask a question on.
5) Check all doors (hinges and latches) including hatches and cupboards. We had a couple that did not work properly, one of the service guys came out and sorted it out whilst we were doing the paperwork.
6) Check inside all storage areas (take a small LED torch with you so you can see inside.) make sure no problems
7) Check for correct functioning of all taps and drainage. Get them to hook up the main water and test the pressure and also check for any leaks where the filler comes into the van, usually under the seats backing onto the fridge wall I think in the new 17.56-2 OB, if you do this when you first arrive usually when they plug the power in then by the end it will be a good 2 hours you will get an idea about any leaks from the mains connection into the van
8) Connect up mains water (As Above)
9) Check 12v pump
10) Check all lights and power points 12v & mains.
11) Check gas operation...stove, HWS, etc.
12) Check Air Conditioner works on both Cold and Hot
13) Carefully go around body, make sure there are no dents, cracks, double check the bed end doors as yours will be the new model, on some of the bigger versions some forum members have noticed cracks, worth double checking
14) Check wiring underneath not hanging down. (A couple of cable ties will sort this out so not a big deal)
15) Check TV and Antenna if you got one fitted make sure the wiring for the coax cable is all good



some good and interesting points raised in there......

Thank you so much @bigcol lots of great tips there.

the pleasure was all @burnsie I stole it from one of his posts

I should update it with the things that @Dobbie added..............

 

[dagree]

the pleasure was all @burnsie I stole it from one of his posts

I should update it with the things that @Dobbie added..............

Just like the rest of us @bigcol ... But we "Borrow" others ideas

 

[Dobbie]

And share them....all for a better outcome.

 

[bigcol]

the pleasure was all @burnsie I stole it from one of his posts

I should update it with the things that @Dobbie added..............

Just like the rest of us @bigcol ... But we "Borrow" others ideas

And share them....all for a better outcome.

I stand corrected - my bad

I "borrowed" this list from @burnsie and have now added some more from @Dobbie

tis a "joint venture" of minds............