Hi all, Just retired after 44 years in the RAAF - I have noted a few other ex-Raafies on here! Also recently separated from the missus, so a solo Grey! Always planned to travel around Oz on retirement, but the plan was to do it together - that isn't going to happen for now.
Anyways, I bought myself a 2012 Jayco StarCraft 13 footer at the weekend, not knowing diddly about caravanning, so it's going to be a steep learning curve. The first issue I have run into is I can't figure out how the 12v system works. No battery on board (is that supposed to be standard or an optional extra), no 12v lights when hooked up to the Kia, even with ignition on accessories. How difficult is it to wire up a battery, charger and possibly inverter to the van? I have all those items sitting in the shed, so any info on how and where would be appreciated! I also want to fit a microwave oven (must have been a base model) and a tele etc, but no mad rush on those. Then a weekend trip down the coast to see what I need and don't need to pack, and off on a small adventure in September to a RAAF reunion in Wagga, visiting family and friends along the way. Looking forward to it all. JC (Woffking)
Woody n Sue said
09:56 PM Jul 21, 2015
Welcome to this great forum JC that's not a trick initial is it you certainly have jumped I the deep end here haven't you
I will leave it for others much more qualified than me to answer your questions however it would be much more successful if you post this type of question in the techies section have a look through the previous posts and you just might find what you are looking for already posted you can also use the search button above to find previous posts on any subject you may be interested in .
Good luck and stay safe out there
Woody
Baz421 said
10:19 PM Jul 21, 2015
Hi John
Welcome to the forum mate heaps of ex RAAFies lurking here. See you at Wagga reunion in Sep.
Also heaps of solo nomads here to talk to about going around solo.
Battery and wiring ect there is heaps of info around just use the search button.
Here's a few to start you off. Sorry very random order.
Welcome to the team, my wife and I recently purchased the 2014 Jayco Starcraft 14ft and love it, it's perfect for us, hope you enjoy your new life on the road, see ya down the track somewhere.
Col & Annette
Dougwe said
07:38 AM Jul 22, 2015
Welcome to the gang JC, enjoy here and out in the playground.
As has been mentioned there is heaps of great info already written about so make a cuppa and start reading all about the great world of 12v and Solar Power as they really do go hand in hand.
Don't be afraid to ask questions in the appropriate sections and remember, no question is silly. If you know the answer you wouldn't ask in the first place.
Keep Safe out there.
Woffking said
01:06 PM Jul 31, 2015
Thanks for the responses. I have solved the problem - there was no wire going to the No 2 terminal on the car, so no power input. Ran a wire from a rear power outlet and voila, now have lights and 12v for the fridge. I have also fitted a microwave oven, purchased linen and am starting to fill the drawers with what I think will be essentials. Planning a trip down the Gold Coast for a day or two to see what I have forgotten, then off on an adventure at the end of August. In future I'll use the appropriate forum for questions. JC
Hi all, Just retired after 44 years in the RAAF - I have noted a few other ex-Raafies on here! Also recently separated from the missus, so a solo Grey! Always planned to travel around Oz on retirement, but the plan was to do it together - that isn't going to happen for now.
Anyways, I bought myself a 2012 Jayco StarCraft 13 footer at the weekend, not knowing diddly about caravanning, so it's going to be a steep learning curve. The first issue I have run into is I can't figure out how the 12v system works. No battery on board (is that supposed to be standard or an optional extra), no 12v lights when hooked up to the Kia, even with ignition on accessories. How difficult is it to wire up a battery, charger and possibly inverter to the van? I have all those items sitting in the shed, so any info on how and where would be appreciated! I also want to fit a microwave oven (must have been a base model) and a tele etc, but no mad rush on those. Then a weekend trip down the coast to see what I need and don't need to pack, and off on a small adventure in September to a RAAF reunion in Wagga, visiting family and friends along the way. Looking forward to it all. JC (Woffking)
I will leave it for others much more qualified than me to answer your questions however it would be much more successful if you post this type of question in the techies section have a look through the previous posts and you just might find what you are looking for already posted you can also use the search button above to find previous posts on any subject you may be interested in .
Good luck and stay safe out there
Woody
Hi John
Welcome to the forum mate heaps of ex RAAFies lurking here. See you at Wagga reunion in Sep.
Also heaps of solo nomads here to talk to about going around solo.
Battery and wiring ect there is heaps of info around just use the search button.
Here's a few to start you off. Sorry very random order.
http://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t35689943/battery-charger/
http://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t45528334/inverter/
http://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t59624924/inverter-question/
http://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t58406576/inverter/
http://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t41116606/smart-charger/
http://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t52876265/battery-charger/
Hope this helps you
Cheers Baz
Welcome to the team, my wife and I recently purchased the 2014 Jayco Starcraft 14ft and love it, it's perfect for us, hope you enjoy your new life on the road, see ya down the track somewhere.
Col & Annette
As has been mentioned there is heaps of great info already written about so make a cuppa and start reading all about the great world of 12v and Solar Power as they really do go hand in hand.
Don't be afraid to ask questions in the appropriate sections and remember, no question is silly. If you know the answer you wouldn't ask in the first place.
Keep Safe out there.