Starcraft Outback 18.55-3 Yabbietol = Terry and Ellie

[yabbietol]

Hello we have been a member of this forum for a few months and have already got some really good info. We have felt very welcome and found the feel of this forum is very positive. We thought it was about time we started a thread on our new van.

At the Penrith Caravan Show in September we ordered a Starcraft Outback 18.55-3, we were replacing our 3 year old Avan Cruiseliner which we liked a lot, but was too small for our planned travels and lacked a toilet and shower. The new van is due to come off the Jayco production line on December 8th and for us to pick up in Sydney in mid December.

The new van will have a few extras (besides Starcraft Outback options) as part of the deal:
outside picnic table, dealer fitted stone guard (should have got Stone Stomper after reading this forum), Washing Machine, Door hatch under double bed (inside), Coast to Coast Control Panel, Tri -fold table and extra 100 AH battery (total of 2 x 100AH).

We have also added a fridge fan after ordering, this was done after reading about issues with the Dometic 3 way fridges, we tried to change the fridge to 175l Waco 12V/240V, but Jayco would not do this after we placed the order. I wish we had thought of this at time of order, as we have plenty of battery storage and intend to build up the solar input of the van.

We are towing with a 2013 NW Pajero which has been modified with new Tow Pro brake controller, Polyair bags, Bilsteins shocks and Lovell springs. Hopefully getting an auto McHitch once out of Jayco warranty. We are also in the process of building a garage to store our new van, the existing garage we stored the Avan in was too small (even for a pop top).

We plan to get folding solar panels of around 200W as we sold our 120W folding panels with our Avan and found they were really useful. We could park in shade and still have good solar input. The standard 120W on the roof may be supplemented at a later stage. In the meantime I will fit an Anderson plug directly to the batteries for solar input via the folding panels regulator.

We will also most likely fit a grey water tank similar to what @Drover has done. I did ask Jayco after order, but it got too complicated and expensive so I will keep it simple. I really like the ability to easily flush out as per Drovers design. A short term measure will be a bucket with pipe.

 

[Dove]

Sounds like a nice van. I like your idea of additional folding solar panels.

How do you propose to plug them into the van? I'm thinking of doing something similar to our 16.5 Outback. I had thought of using the marine type connectors and running the wiring to the regulator under the bed?

 

[relgate]

A late but worthy 'welcome'

 

[yabbietol]

Sounds like a nice van. I like your idea of additional folding solar panels.

How do you propose to plug them into the van? I'm thinking of doing something similar to our 16.5 Outback. I had thought of using the marine type connectors and running the wiring to the regulator under the bed?

I do not think it is a good idea to connect to the vans Setec regulator. However, if you already have a fitted solar regulator check out its rating before adding more panels, also best to check out the web site below for your model Setec regulator.

My plan at this stage is to run a dedicated pair of (at least a bit heavier gauge than those on the panels) wires directly from the two batteries terminals to an Anderson plug (I have a few 50A grey Anderson plugs and the appropriate crimping tool). I will probably locate the Anderson plug inside the tunnel (boot), but will need to see where to put the plug once I get the van and check out the van wiring. Note, a separate Anderson plug will be fitted from the car to the Aux input on the Setec (as explained on page 3 of manual below).
The Setec manual I found on the web said it is best to fit solar panels straight on to the battery terminal after the folding panel regulator.
This web site was quite useful. You can download various setec manuals and look up their FAQ.
http://www.setec.com.au/jayco-customers/
The attached is the latest model Setec manual, this quote is from page 3
Solar power should be connected directly across the battery terminals with a voltage regulator in series. A solar panel voltage regulator with maximum output voltage not exceeding 14.8 volts must be used at all times. Failure to use a voltage regulator may result in power supply damage.
If you do not have crimp tool for Anderson plug the leads can be soldered

 

[Drover]

Your going to have so much fun and hair tearing too I suppose. The solar panel stuff gives me a headache, I think some vans could run 3 vans with the power they make, I have an anderson plug and long lead for just such times, I can plug in if I need more juice..lol.

My grey water tank you only need some 150mm sewer pipe a couple of end caps, T piece and a U joiner and a few other plumbing bits,silastic etc.............1 length across the van gives you about 40 lts add a U bend and a T piece to make up 2 lengths and thats heaps with nearly 80 lts, hose out and you don't end up with a sewer like the shop bought tanks.

 

[bigcol]

I like the Anderson plug idea for sure

I went on eBay and brought some yellow ones, as well as some red ones......

red will be for the Solar (I already have factory fitted, but will increase over time)
I figure one at each end of the Van - so a portable panel can be front or back
yellow will be for - compressor (pump up tyres) and any other 12v things I want to add
same, 1 at the front and 1 at the back......

this (@yabbietol ) has helped me, because as @Drover said - it gives me a head ache trying to work it otou

thanks man.......

 

[yabbietol]

Don't forget different coloured Anderson plugs will not plug into each other. The different colours are rated for different amps.
This can be good, but also a bit of a trap.
Most eBay folding solar panels come with the Grey 50A plug.
Also note that genuine Anderson Plugs have a fire resistant plastic, hence they cost a bit more, not sure about the clones.

 

[bigcol]

the "clone" 50amp ones I wouldn't put anything more than 35amp through them anyway
and I doubt if they would ever see above 10 / 15amp anyway

the idea is so that I have the plugs there, but cannot mix them up and stuff something (like the Van itself)

and anything I want to use (compressor etc will have the plugs fitted to it)

 

[Drover]

@bigcol, I also had the idea of multiple anderson's but when I sat down and looked at how often I use the gear it wasn't worth the effort , I'd need them in the Jeep, the ute,the shed and then if I'm in another vehicle I'm stuffed or need a converted cable............one day maybe.

@yabbietol , fire resistant plastic ????? if fire gets that close your anderson plug would be the least of your worries......... my soldiering iron has melted the genuine ones just as well as the after market........lol.

 

[bigcol]

I want to start to make up a dedicated "all sorts" box for the Van
compressor, pegs, tool box, stuff like that
so when away, the van is self sufficient in all ways........
when I lost the nut on the Carefree awning (because I was too carefree in making sure it was tight) I had to dig around in the back of my car, and in the "bits box" of the van to fix it......

dont want that head aches again......

same, noticed one of the tyres on the van was low when we were on holidays, took ages to dig out the compressor, move the car into position etc.....

 

[Drover]

I've always wanted to mount a compressor in or under the vehicle with air points at front and back to connect to...............the dream is over 30 yrs old...still a dream.......................but I have my stuff sorted with the cry "The shed doesn't need to go on holidays too" sometimes can be heard as I pack a few bits and pieces.......a small welder would be nice though.

 

[bigcol]

yeah, in a 4wd many many moons ago, I had endless air
another I forked out for a high quality compressor

this car, I haven't bothered, but to have a 12v point near the tyres, so I can pump them up or downs (as my want) appeals to me....

and its not rocket science
and its not that hard........

maybe............

 

[dagree]

Got a grey and red (Both 50amp) andersons on the back of the prado...... Grey to run the fridge and charge van battery.
Fitted the red prior to fitting ESC and supplied another to wire the ESC only to be told by Rob and Rodney at Caravanland that the ESC was already wired into the grey anderson on the van!!!!!!!
Will leave the red one there and fit red plugs to both compressors so no need to lift the bonnet.... And a handy spot to plug the little compressor into for pumping up the airbags

 

[Drover]

Well thanks you lot, I thought this morning I'll sort out my compressor so it will plug into the anderson on the van and I'll just make a anderson/battery clamp lead for it to plug into jeep which will cover other set ups........................only have 20amp cable, someone has used all his 30amp stuff, I wonder would 20 amp be okay for a compressor ?????????
Might just use some and run the pump in the shed and see how hot the cable gets..............!!!!!!!!...brilliant idea thanks fellas ............................meant I had to clean up my shed though, yuck.

 

[yabbietol]

Well thanks you lot, I thought this morning I'll sort out my compressor so it will plug into the anderson on the van and I'll just make a anderson/battery clamp lead for it to plug into jeep which will cover other set ups........................only have 20amp cable, someone has used all his 30amp stuff, I wonder would 20 amp be okay for a compressor ?????????
Might just use some and run the pump in the shed and see how hot the cable gets..............!!!!!!!!...brilliant idea thanks fellas ............................meant I had to clean up my shed though, yuck.

I am guessing you are using a 12V compressor?
Just check the Watts the (12V) compressor should use on start up. It should be written somewhere on the compressor or in its specs
Use P=VI
P in Watts = Voltage and Current
So 240Watts =12V x 20A
If the Max Watts is below 240W you should be fine with 20A cable.

Note same formula if it is 240V
4800W= 4.8KW= 240Vx20A

Also you could just see if cable gets hot or fuse blows.

 

[Drover]

Yep, I looked on my shed wall where I have those wonderful formulas for all sorts of things and went the truckies way, hooked it up with some 20A pumped 2 tyres up, all good so the extension is 20A cable also a good way of checking connections, after I had done it I thought the van cable is only 20a anyway.

Note when using heat on heatshrink don't hold the cable close to the source it doesn't like it, I usually use a candle but ran out so fired up the single burner on the gas bottle and got distracted by the TV. Probably why I also have about 3 extinguishers in my shed......lol.

 

[yabbietol]

Yep, I looked on my shed wall where I have those wonderful formulas for all sorts of things and went the truckies way, hooked it up with some 20A pumped 2 tyres up, all good so the extension is 20A cable also a good way of checking connections, after I had done it I thought the van cable is only 20a anyway.

Note when using heat on heatshrink don't hold the cable close to the source it doesn't like it, I usually use a candle but ran out so fired up the single burner on the gas bottle and got distracted by the TV. Probably why I also have about 3 extinguishers in my shed......lol.

I usually use a paint stripping heat gun on its lowest setting on heat shrink, but you still need to be careful of the surrounding area getting too hot. The heat gun does give a nice finish. A soldering iron will work, but can look a bit ordinary. I find using naked flame on heat shrink very challenging.

 

[yabbietol]

Good news from Jayco Sydney, our van is now ready for shipping from Melb. to Sydney.
If the gods of shipping and detailing are willing we should be able to pick it up from Sydney on Saturday the 13th of December.
It is now getting exciting only another week to pick up.

 

[relgate]

Good news from Jayco Sydney, our van is now ready for shipping from Melb. to Sydney.
If the gods of shipping and detailing are willing we should be able to pick it up from Sydney on Saturday the 13th of December.
It is now getting exciting only another week to pick up.

Getting closer. ..

 

[dagree]

Good news from Jayco Sydney, our van is now ready for shipping from Melb. to Sydney.
If the gods of shipping and detailing are willing we should be able to pick it up from Sydney on Saturday the 13th of December.
It is now getting exciting only another week to pick up.

Sleepless nights for the next 8 nights @yabbietol