Vanmaster Accolade 480 User manual
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Vanmaster, Unit 5 Stone House Road, Martland Park, Wigan WN5 0LE
SPECIFICATION
Please use this section to record your Caravan information.
Remove from Handbook and keep in a safe place for further reference, if necessary.
Model
Number of Berth
Date Purchased
M.R.O
M.T.P.L.M
Pay Load
Shipping Length
Internal Length
Body Width
2.3m
Internal Width
2.133m
Internal Height
1.98m
Overall Height
2.57m
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Vanmaster, Unit 5 Stone House Road, Martland Park, Wigan WN5 0LE
Awning Size
C.R.I.S Number
Note: Overall height does not include TV aerial or air conditioning.
Note:
All dimensions are approximate overall sizes.
Illustration, photographs, descriptions, information and statements contained in the
companies brochure and literature are intended as a guide only and do not form any part
of any contract, not do the same constitute and representation by or on behalf of the
company. The company reserves the right to make amendments to the specifications
shown in the course of development.
Vanmaster Limited reserves the right to make amendments to the specifications shown
in the course of development.
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Vanmaster, Unit 5 Stone House Road, Martland Park, Wigan WN5 0LE
OWNERS HANDBOOK
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Vanmaster, Unit 5 Stone House Road, Martland Park, Wigan WN5 0LE
CONTENTS PAGE
SPECIFICATION .................................................................................... 1
WARRANTY STATEMENT ..................................................................... 6
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION ....................................................... 10
CARAVAN CONSTRUCTION................................................................ 13
GENERAL SAFETY............................................................................... 19
PREPARING FOR THE ROAD............................................................... 26
DRIVING AND TOWING ..................................................................... 45
ARRIVAL ON SITE ............................................................................... 53
CONNECTION OF SERVICES ............................................................... 56
GAS SAFETY ADVICE .......................................................................... 73
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM .......................................................................... 81
USING FITTED EQUIPMENT ............................................................... 94
ADE HEATING SYSTEM..................................................................... 119
FRIDGE............................................................................................. 120
OVEN ............................................................................................... 121
TOILET ............................................................................................. 122
MICROWAVE ................................................................................... 123
AIRCONDITIONING .......................................................................... 124
SOLAR PANELS................................................................................. 125
MOVER ............................................................................................ 126
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Vanmaster, Unit 5 Stone House Road, Martland Park, Wigan WN5 0LE
SECURITY ......................................................................................... 127
TAKING CARE................................................................................... 138
ANNUAL SERVICE INSPECTION RECORD .......................................... 150
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Vanmaster, Unit 5 Stone House Road, Martland Park, Wigan WN5 0LE
WARRANTY STATEMENT
VANMASTER Ltd. MANUFACTURES WARRANTY
All Vanmaster caravans carry a Six Year Manufactures Warranty, at a no
additional cost.
This Vanmaster warranty requires a full annual service to be carried out by
Vanmaster. This service must be carried out within 90 days either side of the
anniversary of the purchase date for interim years but before the
anniversary date of the 3rd and 6th year.
If any damage is caused to your caravan or any repairs needed to be carried
out for any reason then these repairs must be carried out by Vanmaster Ltd.
If you have a warranty problem
We sincerely trust you do not have any cause to complain about your
caravan. However if things go wrong the first course of action is to contact
Vanmaster Telephone 01942 212194 and we are confident that we will do
our utmost to resolve the problem to your complete satisfaction.
Warranty Coverage –First Twelve Months
During the first twelve months of operation the Vanmaster Manufactures
Warranty will cover faults arising from manufacturing defects but not those
which are the result of normal wear and tear or those which relate to tyres,
bulbs, florescent tubes and fuses.
Also not covered are faults resulting from accidental damage or damage
caused by misuse of any component part of the caravan and proprietary
products such as refrigerators, water heaters, toilets, ovens, chassis and
audio equipment which are covered by the respective manufacturer’s own
guarantee and service arrangements.
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Vanmaster, Unit 5 Stone House Road, Martland Park, Wigan WN5 0LE
Warranty Coverage –Years Two to Six
The Warranty will cover all original components of the caravan including
permanently fitted equipment forming part of the original manufacturer’s
specification plus water ingress and delimitation.
The specific exclusions of the Vanmaster Warranty during years two and
three are tyres, battery, glass, paintwork and all similar trims and finishes,
tables, hinges, knobs and handles, window catches, stays and associated
fittings, adjusting of blinds, catches, stays and doors, replacement of bulbs,
fluorescent tubes and electrical connections, entertainment /
communications systems and connected equipment. Additionally propriety
products such as refrigerators, water heaters, ovens, toilets, chassis and
audio equipment which are covered by the respective manufacturers own
guarantee and service arrangements are also excluded.
The Caravan is not covered if; the manufacturer’s identification (17 digit
vehicle identification number) has been removed or defaced. The
Vanmaster Three Year Manufacturer’s Warranty also excludes the following;
Failure due to reasons of fair wear and tear
Damage resulting from accidents
Misuse of any component
Replacement of parts which have reached the end of their effective
working life because of age/or usage
Cleaning or adjustment of any assemblies
The warranty will be invalidated if the caravan has been neglected, misused
or modified in any way without the prior agreement of Vanmaster Limited.
The caravan will be deemed to have been neglected if it has not been
serviced and maintained as stated in the service section of this handbook.
The warranty also excludes;
Caravan used for hire or reward
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Vanmaster, Unit 5 Stone House Road, Martland Park, Wigan WN5 0LE
Caravan used for other than recreational purpose, i.e. for living in
or business purpose
The cost of transporting the Caravan, by whatever means, to the
place of repair
Any consequential cost or loss arising
Damage by mould
Damage by forces of nature
Damage by vermin
You need to retain proof of servicing (invoices) in the event of a warranty
claim.
Remaining Benefits of the Vanmaster Six Year Warranty
The Warranty may be transferred to a new owner if the Caravan is sold
providing the Caravan has been serviced by Vanmaster Ltd and details of the
change of ownership have been supplied to Vanmaster Limited.
You have legal rights under UK law governing the sale of consumer goods;
this warranty does not affect your legal rights.
Water Ingress
We at Vanmaster recognise that while over recent years we, together with
our sealant suppliers, have made tremendous developments in sealants and
sealing techniques and are extremely confident in our products resisting
water ingress, it is water ingress above all other problems, which remain the
main worry and concern of potential and existing customers. Therefore, on
every new Vanmaster caravan, we make comprehensive lifetime water
ingress offer:
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Vanmaster, Unit 5 Stone House Road, Martland Park, Wigan WN5 0LE
For All Caravans Less than Six Years Old
Caravan to be serviced annually by Vanmaster within 90 days either side of
the anniversary of the purchase date. As part of the service schedule we will
reseal every 6 years. The current cost of a reseal is £1500. Where the
caravan has not been regularly serviced at Vanmaster then providing we are
informed of this and subsequent services are undertaken by us then the
caravan will be covered. This is also subject to passing a damp test.
For All Caravans Over Six Years Old
If the caravan has been regularly serviced by Vanmaster and resealed after
six years then it will be covered providing that it continues to be serviced by
Vanmaster. In all other cases providing that a reseal is undertaken by
Vanmaster and the caravan is then subsequently serviced annually at
Vanmaster then the caravan will be covered. In the event that damp is
discovered during the annual service then Vanmaster will undertake any
remedial work at no cost to the customer.
Repairs
We at Vanmaster Limited, together with our suppliers, are continually
undertaking extensive research and testing of repair procedures and
materials. Therefore if you damage your Caravan or if you require repairs for
any reason to your Caravan then these repairs must be carried out by a
competent Service Centre using Vanmaster genuine parts, recommended
sealants and following Vanmaster procedures.
The cost of towing or moving the Caravan by any means to and from the
place of repair is the responsibility of the owner.
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Vanmaster, Unit 5 Stone House Road, Martland Park, Wigan WN5 0LE
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
This Owner’s Handbook has been prepared for your guidance to help you
derive the greatest amount of pleasure from the use of your Caravan.
Many of the components used in the manufacture of our Caravan are
identical throughout our models ranges, so we produce a generic handbook,
which covers all models manufactured for that season.
If the literature supplied with your caravan does not answer your question
then please contact Vanmaster for further assistance.
Please read all the guidelines thoroughly so that you are fully aware of all
the caravan features, equipment and systems.
Additional information and detailed appliance instruction manuals are also
contained in your Owners Information Pack.
Vanmaster has designed and manufactured your caravan as a recreational
vehicle and is intended for this use only. It is not intended for permanent
habitation. Vanmaster accepts no liability if the caravan is used for any
purpose other than recreational/holiday use,
By following the instructions provided in this handbook and maintaining
your Caravan in a first class roadworthy condition, you are sure to have
many years of carefree use.
Your Caravan has been carefully and professionally built to BS 4626, which
applies to a large number of features such as:
Size of beds, Escape factor i.e. Windows and Exterior Doors, Materials,
Design and Construction, Insulation, Electrical Equipment, both 12V and
240V, Chassis, Under gear, Drawbar, Jockey Wheel, Wheels and Tyres,
Installation of Gas, Ventilation, Awning and Channel Fire notices and
Handbook.
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Vanmaster, Unit 5 Stone House Road, Martland Park, Wigan WN5 0LE
The electrical installations within your Caravan has been inspected and
certified by a member of the National Inspection Council for Electrical
Installation and Contracting (NICEIC).
Information
It is a condition of your warranty that your Caravan must have an ‘Annual
Service’ carried out by Vanmaster Ltd. And a record kept in the Annual
Service/ Inspection section in the back of this handbook.
Our Wigan factory Service Department is staffed by fully trained experts
who will carry out the yearly inspection, adjustments and replacement of
parts to maintain your Caravan in prestige condition.
Should you be unfortunate to suffer a major accident with your caravan it is
comforting to know that we have complete repair facilities at our Wigan
factory, which will undertake all types of major damage repair.
Most insurance companies approve the factory repair facilities.
Please note: Vanmaster will not accept any responsibility or uphold the
warranty if the caravan is altered or modified in such a way that would
adversely affect the reliability.
We have limited facilities at the factory but an overnight stay can be
arranged, while repairs or service can be carried out.
When you have read this handbook and familiarised with your new
Vanmaster Caravan and all its accessories, if you find any aspects that you
do not fully understand or we have not covered, please contact Vanmaster
tel. 01942 212194.
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Vanmaster, Unit 5 Stone House Road, Martland Park, Wigan WN5 0LE
Spare Parts
It is possible to purchase spare parts for your Caravans if needed from our
Wigan Factory, but with changing market and supply situations may prevent
us from maintaining the exact specification and we therefore reserve the
right to alter specifications as materials and conditions demanded.
Handbook
Finally, if for whatever reason you dispose of your Caravan would you please
leave inside this handbook so that the next owner can also enjoy the
pleasures that the Caravan has given you.
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Vanmaster, Unit 5 Stone House Road, Martland Park, Wigan WN5 0LE
CARAVAN CONSTRUCTION
Overview
The following is a brief description of the main components used in your
caravan construction.
More comprehensive descriptions can be found in the equipment
manufactures literature held in the Owner’s information pack.
AL-KO Lightweight Chassis
AL-KO is one of the largest producers of caravan and motor home chassis in
Europe. The chassis is galvanised special steel fitted with either a Delta or
Euro axle and suspension system.
The AL-KO rubber suspension system is designed and developed to suit all
road conditions and is maintenance free.
All Vanmaster Caravan chassis are fitted with AKS 3004 Hitch/Stabiliser,
heavy duty corner steadies, AL-KO spare wheel carrier, A.T.C and AL-KO
wheel lock receiver as standard.
Braking System
The braking system compromises a rod operated over running device.
A draw-bar force is produced at the coupling point by reducing the speed of
the towing vehicle.
After the threshold level has been passed, the draw shaft is pushed in, thus
actuating the overrun lever; the wheel brakes are then applied via the
expanding clutch.
An automatic reversing system is also built in.
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Vanmaster, Unit 5 Stone House Road, Martland Park, Wigan WN5 0LE
Brake adjustment instructions are given in the maintenance section of this
guide.
Wheels and Tyres
All models are fitted with 5 stud alloy wheels which are suitable for fitting of
the AL-KO wheel lock. Spare wheel normally steel.
Various makes of radial tyres are fitted but all are of the ‘heavy duty’ type
and are ‘type approved’ for use in Europe.
All tyres are rated at speed 130kmh/80mph (UK speed limit 60mph max.)
Note: Steel spare wheels are not fitted with Tyron Wheel Bands.
A pneumatic jockey wheel and wheel mud flaps are a standard fitting.
Body Shell
Caravan bodies are constructed from the highest quality materials.
A one piece roof and one piece front and rear panels are all manufactured
from pre coloured moulded GRP.
The gas bottle doors, mudguards, and side skirts are also constructed from
moulded GRP for strength and lightness.
The fully insulated floor is constructed from a timber frame with plywood
and insulation laminated together for strength.
The walls comprise an insulated foam sandwich having pre-coated
aluminium exterior surface and vinyl coated/wood veneer plywood interior
finish.
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Vanmaster, Unit 5 Stone House Road, Martland Park, Wigan WN5 0LE
Wooden framing is positioned within the sandwich to add strength and
furniture fixings points.
The front gas locker is accessible via two lockable doors and can
accommodate most size/types of gas bottle.
An exterior gas barbeque point is fitted as standard. A lockable battery
compartment is fitted normally to the offside exterior wall and can easily
accommodate a 110 amp battery.
Windows
Windows are all of a double glazed acrylic construction and the door frames
are extruded aluminium. CHRIS identity number etched to all windows and
Caravan chassis.
Cassette blinds/fly screens are fitted to all windows, and a sliding fly screen
to the entrance door.
Roof lights
Various Seitz/Heki or Omnivent roof lights are fitted, (model dependant), all
are fitted with blinds and fly screens.
Exterior Lighting
Front sidelights are fitted to a higher and lower level. Side skirt lighting is
fitted with the front lamps used also as a direction indicator.
Read lights are enclosed in a modern light cluster, which include a reverse
light and a high density fog light. A LED brake light is fitted to a higher level.
Awning lights are fitted to both offside and nearside walls.
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Vanmaster, Unit 5 Stone House Road, Martland Park, Wigan WN5 0LE
Interior Lighting
12V lighting is fitted to the roof and under various cupboards. Led lighting is
provided normally under kitchen and sideboards unit cupboards.
12V/LED lighting is provided in the toilet/shower areas
.
240V wall lights of various types are fitted in the lounge area.
240V/12V Sockets
At least 4 domestic type 240V sockets and 12V cigar type sockets are also
fitted, normally in the kitchen/lounge/bedroom area. A 240V socket is fitted
for external use inside the external storage locker.
Alarm System
A quality alarm system is fitted which when armed monitors both inside and
outside of your Caravan.
Air Conditioning
Air conditioning may be fitted to your Caravan and compromises of a roof
pod, internal roof mounted air distribution system and control panel.
Interior Fittings
A fully fitted washroom with fully lined shower cubical, half insert hand
basin with domestic pipes and brushed steel taps, shower mixer and
washroom accessories. There is a choice of either a Thetford or Dometic
cassette toilet.
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Vanmaster, Unit 5 Stone House Road, Martland Park, Wigan WN5 0LE
The caravan has ash furniture throughout, with low level cupboards and
drawers, high standard reflex foam upholstery, fixed bed models with
domestic bed or memory foam mattresses.
The carpets are either loose lay or fitted and there is an illuminated cocktail
cabinet with glasses.
Kitchen Fittings include a Dometic or Thetford fridge, microwave oven,
Spinflo or Stoves oven/hob/grill, sink and drainer unit with glass or wooded
covers.
The caravan has a full domestic style security System, with single key
operation to all exterior doors and lockers. Smoke alarm and Carbon
Monoxide alarm included as standard.
Aerial
Both TV and DAB Radio aerials are fitted, TV via a control mast through roof
assembly, Radio via a roof mounted flexi aerial. A DAB remote control radio
with 4 stereo speakers is fitted as standard. External satellite and TV
connections are also fitted.
Insulation
All walls, floor and roof of your Caravan are insulated in the highest
specification insulation materials. All under floor waste pipes are also
adequately insulated.
Awning Channel
Each Caravan is fitted, as standard, with an awning channel as an integral
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Vanmaster, Unit 5 Stone House Road, Martland Park, Wigan WN5 0LE
part of the rear and offside aluminium roof and body side moulding.
If it is necessary to fit additional attachments, care must be taken to ensure
that any holes which are drilled in the outside of the body are correctly
sealed. Awnings which employ rubbed sucker attachments rather than
screw fixings are recommended.
Please Note: Holes must not be drilled into the chassis.
Grab Handles
Stainless steel grab handles are fitted on each corner of front and rear
panels. These should be used at all times when manoeuvring your Caravan.
Accessories
Owner’s information Pack.
Double tread step.
Wheel brace, corner steady handle.
Locking wheel nut kit.
Tyron Band customer care pack.
Wheel locating pins. (Assist wheel change.)
25m hook-up lead.
Sink plugs and Grill pan.
Fiamma Waste master.
Male coaxial plug and 12V plug.
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Vanmaster, Unit 5 Stone House Road, Martland Park, Wigan WN5 0LE
GENERAL SAFETY
Please read this before using your new Caravan:
In order for you to get the most out of your new Vanmaster Caravan it is
necessary for you to be aware of the following:
a) Do not obstruct ventilators. They should be cleaned on a regular
basis. It is advisable to clean and check all the ventilators annually
for blockages and where necessary rectify any blockages found.
b) Inspect the high pressure flexible gas hoses regularly for wear and
damage. Hoses will be stamped with year of manufacture, and
should be exchanged at least every five years.
c) Turn off all gas appliances and turn off the gas supply before towing
your Caravan.
d) Never use portable cooking or heating equipment inside your
caravan.
e) Do not use your fitted cooking equipment as heating at any time.
f) Never allow modification to your gas or electrical system unless
qualified persons carry them out. All modifications to the gas
system should be carried out by a registered gas fitter.
g) Any modifications carried out on the electrical system should be
carried out by an electrician on the roll of the NICEIC or be member
of the ECA.
h) In the interest of safety, replacement parts for an appliance shall
conform to the appliance manufacturer’s specifications and should
be fitted by him or his approved agent.
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Vanmaster, Unit 5 Stone House Road, Martland Park, Wigan WN5 0LE
i) Never exceed your caravans Maximum Technical Permissible Laden
Mass.
j) The laden nose weight for your Caravan should not exceed the
lower of the following:
1) Towing vehicles maximum nose weight.
2) Tow bar maximums nose weight.
3) The caravan’s maximum nose weight which is 100kgs. (All
models)
k) Ensure heavy and large items are secured before towing to reduce
the risk of damage being caused while the Caravan is in motion.
l) When your Caravan is connected to your towing vehicle it should
be level or slightly nose down. An excessive nose down attitude or
a nose up attitude could lead to instability when towing.
m) When your Caravan is loaded to its MTPLM and the weight
distributed in accordance with the towing code, your Caravan is
designed to be towed at a maximum speed of 130kmh/80mph.
However, your attention is drawn to the fact that in the UK the
maximum speed allowed for towing a Caravan is 100kmh/60mph.
n) It is illegal to tow your Caravan whilst it is occupied.
Ventilation
All Vanmaster Caravans are ventilated at both high and low level in
accordance with Safety Ventilation regulations.
This manual suits for next models
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