Hino GT17 with H07C engine

Left Hand Side of vehicle
Starting at the front, and looking towards the rear:

Oil level
Dipstick located deep under cab. Check before you drive away each day.

Air Filter
Blow out air filter every now and then with an air line, more frequently in dusty conditions.

Holder
sized for two 20 litre jerry cans

Hatch
containing 15 amp power cord, and 15A to 10A cord adaptor (for use only where a 15A power connection is not available). Additional power cords and double adaptors. Also hose and fittings for water supply hose.

Front fuel tank
Locking cap. Use this tank under all normal conditions, as it has a fuel return line, and non-injected fuel will be returned to the tank.

Ladder
Lift hatch, pull ladder out (very tight), reverse, and hook over rail mounts under the motorhome door. Caution Lower the two braces near top of ladder, or ladder steps may collapse. Ladder can only be placed in recess under vehicle in one orientation; hooks must be on the outside, and facing down. Remember to leave at least two metres clearance on left side when parking, for ladder and awning.

Generator fuel tank
Small petrol tank for generator fuel (use unleaded petrol only). The inlet for it is under a shallow hinged edge (similar to steps). Leave petrol cap loose, or partial vacuum and loss of power will result. Red petrol container is in large outside bay under bed.
Water tank inlets (next to generator fuel)
Two hose fitting inlets, for the front tank and the rear tank. Connect to a standard garden hose plug on fitting. Open the two valves (lever points in same direction as the pipe) to fill. Caution Remember to close each valve when full (turn levers at right angles to pipe).

Generator hatch
2.3kVA Onan MicroLite 2800 series petrol generator, connected to 240 volt internal wiring via a mains or generator isolation switch inside motorhome electrical cupboard. Starting switch inside generator housing, and another remote starting switch inside motorhome electrical cupboard. Generator requires a 12 volt battery (at rear of Hino) for starting.

Shower drainage outlet
There are two drainage water hoses in rear compartment of Hino.

Blackwater (toilet) outlet
Hose is at left in compartment at rear of Hino. Clip hose onto tank outlet. Other end at dump point. Undo clip on blackwater outlet. Pull slider out. Flush water through system. Push slider in. Return clip to original position. Unclip hose. McAfferty bus depots make dump points available to CMCA members.

Rear End of vehicle

Rear compartment
Contains blackwater hose, and sink and shower water drainage hose (for use at caravan parks or where graywater drainage system is available).
The 12 volt battery for the Onan generator is also located here. We need to buy 3/8th inch nuts and spring washers for battery clips.

Roof ladder
Ladder to the roof, for access to spare tyres, solar cells and tarp. There is a clip down extension on the ladder. There is a hook for hanging a solar shower.

Bicycle rack
Hanger rack for two bicycles. Pull out pin to release arm. When arm is in correct position, reinsert pin in the other hole to prevent arm from moving.

Right Hand Side of vehicle
Starting at the front, and looking towards the rear:

Radiator external tank
Check and fill radiator as required with coolant, not straight water.

Air tank and outlet
There is an air tank outlet available. Air hose is in first compartment to the rear. Use for pumping up tyres. Engine must be running when doing this, to keep tank charged.

Locked compartment
Contains the jack, jack handle (also used for lowering bull bar prior to releasing cabin), air hose for pumping up tyres, adaptor to connect to tyre valves.

Gas Bottles
The two 9 kg gas bottles are located in a compartment under the body. There is a gas bottle selector switch, and a gas fuse. Bottle connections have been replaced with flexible tubing to reduce the chance of a break due to metal fatigue.

Air tank drains
There are four air tank drains, with pull rings, under the body. These should be released once a week to get rid of condensation that accumulates in air tanks.

Gas Hot Water Heater SW6PA
Located behind hatch mid body. Only needs to be run say once a day as there is a tank. Turn knob to "Pilot", insert long handled match into pilot area. Turn knob to "On" as soon as pilot lights. Turn knob "Off" when water is heated.
Suburban brand propane gas hot water storage heater model #SW6PA from Complete Caravan Services Pty Limited has a 22.6 litre storage tank, and can heat 38 litres per hour, generating a 38 degree temperature rise. It uses 10.5 mj per hour.
To start heating, depress and turn gas cock knob counter clockwise to "Pilot", press down, and light pilot. As soon as it is lit, depress and turn gas cock knob counter clockwise to "On" position. Set temperature dial to desired setting (factory setting is Low to reduce injury risk). To turn off, set temperature to Low, depress and turn gas cock knob clockwise to the "Off" position.
Periodically check that flame is blue or blue orange, and adjust air shutter back to factory settings if it is yellow or sooty. Check pilot flame. Water system must be used at least twice a week, even when van is not being used. Anodes must be checked every six months. Ensure heater water tank is filled with water before operating, as even momentary operation without water will damage it.

Motorhome batteries
Four Exide branded Trojan 6 volt home batteries, charged via solar batteries. Check distilled water level every few months.
There are two fuses on the batteries. There is also a 12 volt power connection available in this compartment.

Truck batteries
Two N70 size 12 volt truck batteries, located deeper in the body behind the motorhome batteries. Check water levels at same time as motorhome.

Water pump
Self contained 24 volt water pump. Pump starts automatically when taps are turned on. If the pump runs continually, it means you are out of water. On-off switch is in the cupboard under the kitchen sink.

Drain from sink
Use hose from back compartment if draining water to drainage outlet.

Direct water inlet
There is a connection for external water supplies behind the rear tyres. Caution Camping ground water pressure may damage pipes. Open valve lever only a little when first connecting, and check water flow from internal taps.
There is a water supply filter behind the connector. Unscrew and empty the filter from time to time.

Water tank selector
You can select to use either water tank or both. Use this to keep track of water usage, if required. This is underneath the truck.
Water tank drain plugs for cleaning out tanks, under body.

Rear fuel tank
Does not have a locking cap. Use this tank last, as it does not have a diesel return line. Use at least half the front tank before switching to the rear tank, or fuel will overflow.

Large storage area
Has 3 locked access doors (above rear fuel tank). Holds folding table, chairs, other camping gear, boxes of food and drink, and anything else too big to fit in other compartments. This storage is under the double bed, but cannot be reached from inside.

Awning
A&E 8500 automatic roll-up 8 foot extension awning. The legs can be mounted at an angle against the bottom of the awning sidewall attachment brackets, or extended to reach to the ground vertically. User instructions are also on laminated card.

Tyres
Front 80 psi
Rear 90 psi
Use 20-25 psi on sand

Inside Hino cab
Looking from the right hand side

To right of steering wheel

Spotlight switch
Linked to high beam. Spotlights go on only when high beam is on.

Fuel tank switch
Left is front tank, right is rear tank. Use front tank first, as it has diesel return line, while rear tank does not. If fuel is used from rear tank first, all fuel return goes to the front tank, which might overflow.
The fuel selector is a Pollak 42-103 model. See the installation sheet for details.

Idle setting
Can be used for setting speed on long trips. Engine will race when stopped if used.

To left of driver's seat

Hand air brake
Pull up shroud to release, then push down. Just pull up to put on. Don't use while in motion in case of damage.

Four wheel drive
Use only when not moving. Pull up to operate. Push down to disengage. All gearing ratios are much lower when in 4WD. Not suitable for road use. Can be used for tricky reversing.

Trailer lines
Hydraulic lines for a trailer. All disconnected.

To left of steering wheel

Truck cigar lighter
Caution - 24 volts. Don't touch!

Cigarette lighter sockets
Two 12 volt cigarette lighter sockets, for radios, computers or similar.

CB radio.
Try channel 8 for CMCA, 40 for trucks

Antenna lead
There is a flying lead from the outside antenna for an analog phone on the floor (plug does not suit modern phones).

Truck fuses
Under panel at far left of dash.

Vehicle Controls. Most are as per a standard manual transmission car, so only variations are mentioned.

Exhaust brake
Flick on forward to retard speed on downhill runs. May be noisy. Don't use in towns, especially at night. Located on left of steering column. Dash warning light will flicker on when it is being used (does not go on until exhaust brake acts, exhaust brake does not act while accelerator is being touched).

Vehicle instruments are generally standard for a car, so only variations are mentioned. Try to keep tacho within green zone, or fuel use will be excessive. Note that green zone top speed is well below normal speed limits, and that top speed at 3200 RPM is about 90 kph.

Air pressure light
Try not to start moving until air pressure light is off. Air pressure guage will show safe pressure slightly before light goes out.

Temperature gauge
Normally runs at about 3/4 level.

Murphy gauge
Measures block temperature directly. Gives a better warning of loss of coolant than standard temperature gauge. Not working.

Inside motorhome

Cooking
A four burner gas stove top and oven. Only electrical fitting in stove is the 12 volt oven light, with a switch on right hand side of oven front. Top surface can be swung up at right angles to provide access to burners, and part folded forwards to make a small shelf. There is a catch under the shelf.

Water pump
The Flojet 4405-343 water pump will start whenever taps are turned on. If water pump runs continually, it means the water tank is empty, and the pump is trying to pump air. Pump on-off switch is inside the kitchen sink cupboard.
The permanent magnet, ball bearing 24 volt Flojet four chamber diaphram pump can handle a 6 foot suction lift, draining 2 Amps from the battery for a 12.5 litre per minute (3.3 GPM) water flow. To set up for operation, charge the batteries, turn off the pump, fill the water tanks, open all taps, and then turn the pump switch on. Water will flow, and when the water is free of air, turn off the taps. Remember you are also filling the water heater tank, and the toilet and shower water lines. There is a 7 amp fuse in the positive battery lead to the pump. There should also be a Flojet water inlet strainer which would need inspecting and cleaning from time to time.

240 volt Selectronics SE-10 24 volt inverter
The Selectronics 240 volt inverter is inside the kitchen sink cupboard, as is a plug to connect it to two specially marked inverter power outlets one on each side of the cabin.

240 volt AC mains lights
Fluro light fitting in center of ceiling. One of the outside lights is 240 volt, switch near outside doorframe. These lights can also be run by the generator.

24 volt DC lighting
Most lights, including an outside light, are high efficiency 24 volt versions. These run from the motorhome batteries, and each draws about 0.5 amps. The outside light switch is just inside the motorhome door.

Fridge and Freezer
The 118 litre Vitrifrigo fridge includes a 26 litre freezer and runs from the 24 volt motorhome batteries. It draws 63 watts or 2.62 amps as a base load. If you need to turn it off, the switch is inside the fridge. Turn it to 0.
The temperature adjustment knob is set to 0 for off, and 1 to 5.5 for warmest to coldest setting. For maximum energy saving, set to A1. Defrosting is carried out automatically in absorption type fridges. Empty the drip tray every day (where is this?) The fridge uses a Danfoss BD3F compressor. A Danfoss 24 volt electronic unit is included to protect the fridge from excess or under voltages. See the Danfoss instructions for details.

Heron air conditioner
There is a 2 kVA Heron split system reverse cycle air conditioner by Air Command. The return air filter should be cleaned after every two or three weeks of normal running. The filter is located beneath the air handler enclosure. Check that condensate water outlet is not blocked and water goes outside cabin.

Windows
These have two locks at the bottom, and a lever on the side to push them open. Close them when travelling.

Air vents
Can be set to "shower proof", or to closed, or to fully open.

Toilet
Toilet flushes into 65 litre blackwater tank. Two levers at base, one for the tank slide, one for the water flush. Toilet chemicals are kept in bedside cupboard just outside door. The extractor fan switch is over the vanity unit.

Motorhome electrical cupboard
On left hand side, near ceiling, between dinette and vanity table. Contains a remote starting switch for the Onan generator, a GSL Electronics Nantron 24 volt to 12 volt DC reducer, and the 240 volt power isolation switch. The mains isolation switch in the motorhome electrical cupboard must be in the mains (up) position, to use outside power, not in the generator position. Battery charge Your-meter includes graphics and digital display, showing Voltage, Amps, Amp-hours, and Time the battery will sustain load.

Storage areas
Large drawer under double bed; 2 drawers under lower bunk; many shelves and drawers beside and above bunks and in vanity chest between the shower/toilet and the wardrobe (hanging space); under dinette seats; above, beside, and below sink (including two sets of pull-out pantry shelves).

Beds
Bunks and main bed have 100mm foam mattresses, reading lights, small shelf for personal items or books.

Electric Power
There are multiple power systems on board, both independent and linked. Some use the same wiring, but only one source can be connected at any time. There are a total of seven batteries.

240 volt AC mains
For use in caravan parks. This is connected via a 15 A cable and a plug high on the left hand side of the Hino. The mains isolation switch in the motorhome electrical cupboard must be in the mains (up) position, not in the generator position. This supplies several power points inside and out, some lights inside and out, and also the Heron reverse cycle air conditioner. Normal household appliances can be used while on mains power.

240 volt output Onan generator
The Onan Microelite generator can energise the same areas as the 240 volt AC mains, and also the low drain Heron air conditioner. It provides 2300 watts or 10 amps at 230 volts at 3000 rpm. The mains isolation switch in the motorhome electrical cupboard must be in the generator (down) position. If the generator is used, you can not run high drain appliances (bar heater, electric jug, any sort of heater) at the same time as the air conditioner. You can only run one high drain appliance at a time. There is a remote battery condition gauge and a power-on timer in the electrical cupboard.
The generator requires its own 12 volt starting battery. If used infrequently, this battery will be dead when you need the generator. Charge the battery if the specific gravity of the electrolyte is less than 1.215. Stop charging when the electrolyte reaches 1.260 (at 27 degrees C). Disconnect the negative (-) cable first when removing battery. There is a 5 amp fuse protecting the control circuits, and an AC circuit breaker. Let the generator run for a minute or so before connecting heavy loads.
The generator consumes between 0.8 and 1.5 litres of unleaded petrol an hour depending on load.
Use SAE 30 lubricating oil, unless temperatures will be lower than freezing. Change engine oil every 50 hours. Clean air filter periodically. See the periodic maintenance schedule in the Onan operators manual, page 14.

24 volt system
Four Canon Uni-solar US-64 solar electric modules in a 24 volt system charging four 6 volt Trojan home power batteries via a battery conditioning system. The triple junction thin film amorphpus solar modules are rated at 64 watts, maximum at 16.5 volts and 3.88 amps (no load, with 1000 watts sunshine per square metre) and are guaranteed for 10 years. The silicon is directly coated on stainless steel, and coated with a protective polymer. The cells are each 1366mm by 741mm and 32mm thick with an anodised aluminium frame. They weigh 9.17 kg each. The minimum blocking diode is 8 amps. The modules are said to reduce power loss during partial shade situations. The cell surfaces can be cleaned with mild soap and water, however this must be done at night (water and electricity don't mix). See the Uni-solar instructions for details.
A Plasmatronics PC2430 24 volt 30 ampere battery charge controller is fitted.
A base load is provided by the fridge. In cloudy weather, the fridge will need to be switched off after less than a week of drain.
A computer controlled voltage, current and ampere-hour E-Meter is fitted in the electrical cupboard. There is a heavy duty shunt above the batteries. Readings should be taken and recorded periodically to ensure batteries are not discharged too deeply (do something once batteries are discharged more than -100 AH)
A heavy duty cross connection switch is mounted above the batteries, and this can be used to connect the home and starter batteries for emergency starting, or for charging both sets at once. The removeable switch key is L shaped 3/8th inch steel. All battery leads have been upgraded to 50mm2 to easily handle starting currents.

Battery Charger
A 24 volt (also selectable 6 and 12 volt) Arlec Charger 9 BC924 battery charger is mounted under the rear dinette seat. This is switched on by the front (rightmost) circuit breaker in the electrical cupboard. When external 240 volt power is available, this can be used to boost the charge in the home batteries (or by using the cross connection switch, also the starter batteries).

12 volt system
A 24 volt to 12 volt GSL model VR 4P Nantron 14 ampere reducer powers several inside and outside 12 volt power sockets. An outside socket is in the battery compartment. An outside socket is on the roof near the tyres - caution, this outside socket is waterproof, and is not compatible with normal 12 volt sockets. An adaptor will be required.

24 volt truck starting system
Two 12 volt N70ZZ truck batteries, charged by the truck alternator. Auxiliary power in the truck is 24 volt, not 12 volt. Do not use 12 volt or automotive appliances. Caution The truck cigarette lighter socket is 24 volts. There are two extra cigarette lighter sockets wired for 12 volts in the cab.

240 volts from inverter
A 350 watt (1000 watt surge) 240 volt sine wave Selectronic SE10 inverter S/N 14308 is in the kitchen cupboard. As well as using the socket on the inverter, you can plug in the 240 V plug inside the kitchen cupboard to the inverter. This plug is wired to two specially marked 240 volt sockets, one on each side of the motorhome. This system is isolated from all other power systems, however the inverter can draw considerable power from the motorhome batteries.
The inverter will start operating at 4 to 16 watts drain, and draws 17.5 Amps from the battery at 350 watts, 50 Amp at 1000 watts (max of 5 seconds). With fully charged batteries, nothing else on, and using the maximum rating draw of 350 watts, this should give a working time of around 5-6 hours before the batteries are discharged to 50%, which is as low as is compatible with not damaging the batteries.