Volkswagen 1983 Camper User manual

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7
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WELCOME to the growing family of VW Camper owners!
You now own a Volkswagen lor day-to-day driving and a comfortable home away from home. Safe,
dependable transportation, custom equipped for recreation and fun
The VW Camper looks like a VW Station Wagon And it lS a VW Station Wagon at heart. Your Vanagon
Owner's Manual explains everything you should know about the vehicle Be sure to read the Owner's
Manual to learn how to operate your Vanagon safely
On the following pages, you'll see what makes your Vanagon a Camper. We'll tell you all about the
equipment in your Camper and how to use it. Take a few minutes to read this manual and make yourself
at home-literally.
NOTE TO OWNERS NOTE AUX PROPRIETAIRES
ln Canada, this manual is also Au Canada on peut se procurer un
available in French. To obtain a exemplaire de ce Manual en fran-
copy, contact your dealer or write gais auprds du concessionnaire ou
to: du:
Volkswagen Canada lnc.
Customer Assistance/Assistanca i la Clientdle
1940 Eglinton Ave. East
Scarborough, Ontario MlL 2M2
Test;illustrationsandspecilicationsinthismanualarebasedoninlormationavailableatthetimeotprinting lthasalwaysbeenvolkswagen'spolicf
to continuously improvb its products. Volkswagen, therefore, reseryes the right to make changes in design and specifications, and to make additi6ns or
improvements in its product, without incurring any obligation to install them on products previously manufactured
WESTFALIA.WERKE, FRANZ KNoBEL & S6HNE KG
/1840 WIEDENBRUCK, W. GERMANY
l\4ay not be reproduced or translated in whole or in part without the written mnsent ol Volkswagenwerk Specifications subject to change without notice
All rights reserued Printed in W -Germany W 42-023-960- 1
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Contents
B
Battery . .... .12,18
Beds . ....... ..19
c
Camperseat .....4
Campinggear..... ....24
Capacities-watertank ........7-8
Ceilingcabinet ..........5
Circuitbreaker..... ....11
Citywaterconnection ........7,9
Cleaning . 10,17 ,24
Clothescloset..... .....5
Curtains ........20
D
Defrostingrefrigerator . . . . . . . . .18
Doors. .........5
Drainage-water.... ..9, 18
Drainboard ......6
E
Electricrefrigeration. ....18
Electricalsystem... .11-13
F
Fireextinguisher... ....14
Floorplan . lnside backcover
Fuses . ........13
G
Gasrefrigeration... ....17
Gasstove ......14
Gastank .......14
H
Heatshield .......6
I
lnsectsceens .........20
lnteriorlight .....13
L
Linencloset . .....5
Luggagerack .. ........22
P
Pop-uproof ..21-22
Propanegastank... ....14
R
Reardeckmattress .. .........19
Rearseatbench . ... ..4,19
Refrigeration-electric ... .17
-gas.. .....16
-fuse . . .13/16
Refrigerator .....16
Refrigeratordefrosting .........17
Roofbed .......19
Roofhinges .....22
S
Sinkcabinet...... ......6
Sinkcabinetcover.. .....6
Storagechest .,... .....4
Storagelocker. .........4
Slidingdor... .........23
T
Tables. ...;....15
v
Ventilation-cooking. ...14
-general .....23
-refrigeration ....... 18
-sleeping . .20,21
-watertank ....8
w
Waterdrainage..... ....9
Waterpumpfuse ... ...13
Waterpumpswitch . .. .. . 7
Watersupply ....7
Watertankreserve.. ....8
Watertankfilling ... . . ... I
Wintercampinghints . ........ 23
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STORAGE AND CABINETS
Storage locker
The large storage compartment is under the seat cushion
of the rear bench.
To gain access to the storage space, pull release knop A up and Iift
the seat cushion Secure the seat cushion lid with support rod B
provided on the left-hand side.
4
Another storage chest is located between the sink cabinet and clothes
closet
The watertank is located in the storage chest. (See page 8-10).
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Clothes closet
The clothes closet comes with a hanging rod and a vanity mirror
Linen closet
A roomy linen closet is built into the left rear side wall. The three com-
partments are most easily accessible through the open hatchback.
The ceiling cabinet is located in the rear of the vehicle above the rear
deck mattress. Store only light items in the ceiling cabinet. The
maximum weight must not exceed 20 lbs or 10 ko.
Doors
To open cabinet and storage
chest doors, lid covers and
utensil drawer, pull the re-
cessed handles.
Ceiling cabinet
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Sink cabinet
The sink cabinet is divided into two sections'
The left section is equipped with a 1'5 cu' ft' (45 liters) refrigerator
(see "Ref rigerator" for details).
The right section holds a utensildrawerand a pantryforstorage of non-
perishable items
Food and drink items should not nough
room for the necessary air circul c bott-
les and containers. Avoid glas ps All
containers should be sealed tightlyto avoid spillage'
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Sink cabinet cover
Before opening the Lld cover, slide the driver's seat forward to make
rside of the lid cover has a stainless steel heat shield'
The heat shield can be unsnapped to cover the gas
e leaving the sink open for dish washlng' the heat shield
provides convenient drain board space'
in the Canadian version the heat shleld cannot be unsnapped and
used as a drainage board.
CAUTION
Do not put the heat shield over an open flame or a hot burner-
Never attemPt to use the heat shield as a hot plate or grille'
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WATER AND ELECTRICITY
Water supply
City water connection
To provide you with the convenience of an ample water supply at
campsite, a hose fitting B has been installed in the left side panel of
the vehicle.
When city water is not available, you can carry your own supply in
the built-in water tank, located in the storage chest between sink
cabinet and clothes closet. The water tank can be filled from outside
through the lockable filler cap A installed in the left side panel of the
vehicle.
Tank capacity is 13.2 US gal. or 50 liters.
RememQer that any weight carried affects fuel economy. Con-
sider filling your water tank shortly before you reach the camp-
site and not at home.
Water pump switch
The electric water pump is immersed inside the water tank.
After filling the water tank, and the green indicator light in the control
panel comes on, activate the water pump by turning the switch knob
on top of the faucet to the left; in direction T (Tank). Turn the knob
several times in 10-second intervals to bleed the hose until water
runs into the sink.
NOTE
When the city water hose connection has been made, turn the
water pump switch knob on top of the faucet in direction >C<
(city).
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The water pump and all lights in the control panel can be turned on or
off with switch G. The left light column indicates how much water
is left in the tank. The rlght light column indicates the condition of the
battery explained on Page 12.
C green: 13.2-10.5 US gal. or 50-40 liters
D yellow: 10.5- 4.0 US gal. or 40-15 liters
E red: 4.0- 0.8 US gal. or 15- 3 liters
Watertankfilling
To unlock the filler hose stopper, turn the key clockurise one qualF
ol a turn and pull stopperout.
To lock the filler hose opening, insert stopper, tum key cqflE-
clochrise one quarter of a turn and rernove key.
The water tank vent pipe opening is located above the filler 1e
stopper.
The potoctlve cover should not be removed, nor must the rfr
plpe opcnlng be closed dl.
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Water drainage
The sink drain pipe extends through the underbody of the vehicle to
an opening aft of the left front wheel. The drain pipe opening has a
screw-on plastic cap. Remember to remove the cap before using the
sink, and always replace the cap securely when the sink is not in use.
Water from the sink drains onto the'ground. Therefore; be
mindful of where you drain the sink water.
The drain plug for the water tank is located under the vehicle in f ront
of the left rear wheel. Always replace the srew-on cap securely after
cleaning the water tank.
When danger of frost
exists, make sure water is
not left in the city water
connection. Press screw-
driver into valve opening
until water is drained.
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Water tank
We recommend you drain the water tank after every trip.
Tilt up storage chest lid.
Unscrew the cover shield and remove the plastic stopper A.
Unscrew the drain plug to empty the tank. Close the drain plug but
leave the stopper open to allow the tank to air out. Should there be
an odor, flush the tank with a solution of baking soda and water.
Rinse the tank thoroughly with clear water and allow it to dry.
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Electrical system (110-125 Volt AC)
Your Camper is equipped with an electrical system that can be
connected to regular house current available at many campsites.
ln the left side panel of the vehicle, there is a three-prong hook-up
receptacle A. The 15 Ampere AC electric cord for this purpose
is standard equipment with your Camper.
On Canadian models, the outside electrical cord connection is
permanently installed. To make the outside hook-up, pullthe cord out
of the receptacle. Push the cord back into the receptacle before
leaving the campsite.
On the inside of the vehicle, in the kick panel of the storage chest,
next to the rear bench, are two three-prong outlets and the circuit
breaker with the master switch. These outlets can only be used when
connected to outside current and for electrical appliances requiring
1'10-125 Volt.
ln case of a short circuit or overload, the circuit breaker will inter-
rupt the power flow. Eliminate cause of overload first by
unplugging appliances. Then reset the circuit breaker by de-
pressing the switch.
Two three-prong outlets for electric refrigeration are located on the
upper left side wall of the pantry section in the sink cabinet.
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Battery (12 Volt)
You will find detailed information in your Owner's Manual as to the
location, maintenance and charging of the battery. Bear in mind
that in addition to, the normal vehicle electricity used lor lights,
ignition, radio, etc., your battery also feeds the interior light over
the sink, the refrigerator, water pump, control lights in sink cabinet,
and any appliances plugged into the plug on the dashboard.
The rlght light column indicates the condition of the battery when the
swilch in the center of the panel is switched on.
A green light > 12.5 Volt
B yellowlight < 12.5Volt
C redlight < 12.0Volt
Should the yellow light come on, your battery is near the point
where you should preserve battery power needed to start the
engine.
All lights in the control panel, as well as the electric water pump
can be turned on or ofl with switch G.
12
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. lnterior light (12 Volt)
The light housing is located above the sink cabinet. To turn the
light on or off, depress the switch in the center of the housing.
The cornice above the light housing can be used to store small items.
Fuses (12 VolQ
A small fuse box, located on the door post behind the driver's seat
just below the seatbelt retractor reel housing, holds the following
two fuses:
Refrigerator
Water pump and lights in sink cabinet control panel
You will find detailed information in your Owner's
location of the main fuse panel in your Camper.
When a fuse is blown, it is not sufficient to merely replace it.
The cause of the short circuit or overload must be lound and
corrected first. On no account should a fuse be patched up
with tin foil or wire as this may cause serious damage else-
where in the electrical circuit. Make it a habit to always carry
a few spare fusqs in your Camper.
1 6 Amp.
8 Amp.
Manual on the
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STOVE AND TABLES
Propane gas tank
The liquid propane gas tank is located under the left side panel of the vehicle. The
equipment includes two pipe lines; one for cooking and one for refrigeration. lnstruc-
tions for refilling the tank are listed on the sticker and in a separate pamphlet.
The propane gas tank capacity is 3 gallons/12 liters.
Gas stove
PRACTICE SAFETY AT ALL TIMES !
DO NOT USE THE GAS RANGE WHILE DRIVING !
Keep combustible materials clear of lighted burners.
The burner orifices have been set by the factory for safe operation.
DO NOT CHANGE THEIR SIZE I
Keep a lighted match ready when turning on the burners.
Keep windows or door open when cooking. Gas flames consume oxygen.
Never light the burners to heat the interior of your Camper.
Make sure the propane tank is securely fastened in place.
Check tank and lines from time to time to be sure they are tight. When testing for
leaks, use soapy water. DO NOT USE MATCHES !
Do not put the sink cabinet cover over an open flame. Wait till the burners and the
cooking rack are cold.
After cleaning the stove, make sure to anchorthe cooking rack securely in the slots
provided.
IN CASE OF FIRE!
The dry chemical fire extinguisher is located behind the passenger seat.
Release fire extinguisher from holding bracket
Remove the tape over the white discharge button.
Hold the fire extinguisher upright and press the button all the way down.
Aim the spray at the base of the flame. Do not test the fire extinguisher. Partial
discharge may cause the contents to leak.
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Dinette table for passenger compartment Dinette table for driver cab
The swivel type table top can be moved out of the way to a storage
position above the storage chest. For meal time comfort, the table
can be adjusted with the two rotary knobs A and B.
When in use, be careful that the table top edge does not press
against the gas range knobs.
For meal time comfort, adjust the swivel table top with two rotary
knobs, one below the table top and one at the table leg.
Please refer to the Owner's Manuals for adjustment proce-
dures of the front bucket seats.
CAUTION
Do not climb ontothetabletopsto gettothe upper bunkbed. The
table top swivel mountings cannot support heavy weights.
15
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Refrigeration
The controls for gas/electric refrigeration are arranged along
top edge of the refrigerator. They are accessible by opening
refrigerator door.
Start-up procedure for propane operation:
1) Turn the gas valve on propane tank to ON.
2) Move voltage selector switch (D) to GAS (center position).
3) Turn gas valve knob (E) to ON.
4) Turn thermostat control knob (C) clockwise'to MAX.
5) Pull knob (A) and pump in and out at least 15 to 20 times.
6) Press and hold safety valve switch (B), at the same time push
knob (A) in completely until an audible click is heard.
7)
8)
e)
Continue to hold safety valve button (B) until the flame indicator
light (F) in the sink cabinet control panel comes on and remains
on. This should require about 15-30 seconds'
lf the flame indicator light (F) does not come on or, if it flickers on
but goes out again, the pilot light has'failed to ignite to a steady
burn. This might happen if the refrigerator has not been used for
some time, or if the outside temperature is low. Repeat steps 5'7.
After a few minutes, check the flame indicator light (F) again, to
assure yourself that the pilot light is still burning. The pilot light
flame can also be observed through the sight glass in the lower
left hand corner of the rear wall inside the refrigerator.
10) Should the pilot light snuff out unexpectantly, the flame indicator
light (F) will also go out, and the thermocouple safety valve will
automatically shut off the gas flow.
11)Temperature inside the refrigerator can be regulated with ther-
mostat control knob (C). The center position will usually maintain
sufficientcooling. ln hotweather, orwhen morecooling is required,
turn the knob toward MAX.
To discontinue gas operation:
1) Turn knob (A) to OFF.
2) Turn gas valve knob (E) to OFF.
3) Turn thermostat control knob (C) to GAS MlN.
O To assure yourself troublefree gas refrigeration at altitudes above
6500 feet or 2000 meters, it is necessary to install a smaller gas
burner jet. Therefore, if you use yourcamper predominatly at high
altitudes, the no. 24 jet installed in the burner tube should be
replaced by a no. 22 jet. Contact the Dometic Ref rigerator Service
I center in your area for this service.
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NOTES
O When the liquid propane tank is refilled, air will remain in the gas
line. Before using gas refrigeration, we recommend bleeding the
system by lighting the burners of the gas stove. Let burners burn
for about one minute. This will help air escape more rapidly.
Procedure for electric operation:
Move voltage selector switch (D) to AC 120 V
Make sure gas valve knob (E) is in OFF position.
Turn thermostat control knob (C) clockwise to MAX. When the
refrigerator interior is sufficiently cold, turn knob (C) from MAX to
an intermediate setting.
The 12 Volt power supply from the vehicle battery can be used only
when the engine is running and the voltage selector switch (D) is set
-bn€C 12 V.
The 12 V circuit isnot*hemostatically controlled.
To discontinue electric operation:
Move voltage selector switch (D) to GAS (center position).
Turn thermostat control knob (C) to GAS MlN.
Defrosting the refrigerator
Keep an eye on the ice formation on the evaporator core. Too much
ice build-up reduces cooling efficiency. We recommend frequent
defrosting. Never let the ice thicken more than 1/a" (3-4 mm).
Make sure that gas valve knob (E) is in OFF position, and that
thermostat control knob (C) is in the GASiMIN position.
Empty the refrigerator, leave the door open and let the ice melt into
the catch basin below. Pull the basin out to empty the water and dry
off before reinstalling.
Cleaning the refrigerator
Clean the refrigerator interior with a solution of lukewarm water and
baking soda.
To keep the door seal air tight, clean the seal around the door
with clear water only. Ghemical additives, oil and grease must
not come into contact with the seal.
1)
2)
3)
1)
2)
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Ventilation
Keep all vent openings clean and unobstructed to assure effi-
cient cooling. Vent openings are located below the refrigerator
door, behind the heat shield of the gas range, in the left sidewall
of the sink cabinet, and in the left outside panel of the vehicle.
lnspect the propane tank and lines periodically for tightness and
leaks. Use soapy water to test for leaks - NOT MATCHES!
Start refrigeration several hours before storing food. Precool or
freeze food items at home before loading your Camper refrigerator.
Leave spaces between food and drink items for the necessary
air circulation. Use unbreakable plastic containers and bottles,
and seal them tightly to prevent spilling.
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Condensation
The FLU VENT must be kept uncovered at alltimes.
Only when you wash the Camper, or while taking the vehicle through
an Automatic Car-Wash, should the FLU VENT be covered.
To drain accumulated water due to normal condensation, open
the screw on the condensation drain pipe (arrow).
When the refrigerator is operating, be sure to park on level
ground to maintain efficient cooling. lf the vehicle remains
stationary for any length of time on gradients exceeding
*/-8", the cooling output will be considerably reduced.
Should level ground parking be unavailable, it is best to dis-
continue operation to prcvent overheating of the core which
can lead to permanent damage of the refrigerator.
(
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BEDS
Lower bed
The rear seat bench unfolds to become a full-size double bed.
To set up the bed
- move dinette table to storage position
- push safety belts between seat cushion and backrest
- pull release knob A up while lifting the seat cushion slightly
- pull seat cushion toward you until backrest folds flat onto
support between seat and rear mattress.
When returning the rear bench to an upright position, lift the
seat cushion up till the side hinges snap the backrest into position.
Then swing the entire unit toward you and make sure the safety
catch on the storage locker is securely engaged.
CAUTIONS
O Do not place heavy or sharp edged obiects on the rear deck
mattress to avoid damaging the upholstery. Such obiects
may also become dislodged while driving and cause iniury.
o Do not use the double bed to carry passengers.
o Do not allow children to sit or kneel on the rear deck while the
vehicle is in motion.
o When the car is in motion, make sure that the seat bench is
securely locked in an upright position and that passengers
wear safety belts.
Roof bed
A double bed mattress is built into the pop-up roof. The bed is
folded away when the roof is down. With the roof up, pull the
mattress toward you about 4" (10 cm) and then fold open.
19
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