Troubleshooting a Jayco FD19 Ducato Campervan - 26 April 2018
The FD19 Jayco user manuals are both cumbersome to read and inadequate in content. Here are some handy hints on what I learned by trial and error
1- The Ducato looses power above a speed of 30km per hour
Check that the speed limiter is not set to less than 100 km/h
2- The Ducato doors do not lock
Slam the sliding door a bit harder and try again. It may not be closed properly and a 2mm gap is virtually impossible to see.
3- The Ducato rolls back on a gentle slope
This is normal. Move your foot fast from break to gas in less than 2 seconds or use handbrake support if the slope is too light for the hill start support to kick in.
4- The auto transmission plays up or shows fault codes.
It is possible to press the break and gas pedal simultaneously with your right foot. Learn to move your right foot between the pedals in a distinctive motion. Avoid lazy sideways slides between the pedals. Yes it is possible to press both pedals with the right foot !
5- Water ingress into the motor bay
Clean leaves out of the ducts, check that the draining system still abuts the wind screen over the full width of the van !
6- Hotwater System (HWS) - Lukewarm &/or Error light on
Don't worry too much if the error light comes on, but make sure that you understand the system and set it up properly and that the water gets hot after 30 mins. The "rapid" hotwater system is not rapid. It has a 14 liter tank and runs off electricity or gas automatically, but requires water flow to automatically fill up the hot water tank and then some 30 mins to warm up the water in tank.
The HWS system requires:
The HWS selects automatically from energy sources, with first preference going to electricity if available. It is not clear when and how often energy source checks are performed. For example gas may be available first before electricity is plugged in or a fuse is blown for any reason. If at home check the fuse in the adaptor cable box as well.
If the vehicle is OFF GRID the HWS switches to gas and then requires that the plastic cover for the exhaust system is removed and that the gas bottle is opened. If this is not the case the HWS may blow the 240V fuse if the connector is used subsequently.
7- The 240V system does not work
Check fuses, both outside and inside the van (under the bed). Don't forget the one in the power cable adaptor if you operate the van in your driveway. Consider that vehicle inclination may cause problems for some devices to operate properly. Fridge comes to mind.
8- The fridge does not work off grid
Correct, the FD19 camper van does not have a 3 way fridge !
9- Draining the grey water tank, but no hose carried along
No problem, just open the tap underneath the vehicle (drivers side) .
The FD19 Jayco user manuals are both cumbersome to read and inadequate in content. Here are some handy hints on what I learned by trial and error
1- The Ducato looses power above a speed of 30km per hour
Check that the speed limiter is not set to less than 100 km/h
2- The Ducato doors do not lock
Slam the sliding door a bit harder and try again. It may not be closed properly and a 2mm gap is virtually impossible to see.
3- The Ducato rolls back on a gentle slope
This is normal. Move your foot fast from break to gas in less than 2 seconds or use handbrake support if the slope is too light for the hill start support to kick in.
4- The auto transmission plays up or shows fault codes.
It is possible to press the break and gas pedal simultaneously with your right foot. Learn to move your right foot between the pedals in a distinctive motion. Avoid lazy sideways slides between the pedals. Yes it is possible to press both pedals with the right foot !
5- Water ingress into the motor bay
Clean leaves out of the ducts, check that the draining system still abuts the wind screen over the full width of the van !
6- Hotwater System (HWS) - Lukewarm &/or Error light on
Don't worry too much if the error light comes on, but make sure that you understand the system and set it up properly and that the water gets hot after 30 mins. The "rapid" hotwater system is not rapid. It has a 14 liter tank and runs off electricity or gas automatically, but requires water flow to automatically fill up the hot water tank and then some 30 mins to warm up the water in tank.
The HWS system requires:
- A water connection or a sufficiently full water tank
- A properly operating electricity connection with a) HWS switch ON and b) fuse ON
- A properly operating gas system (a) open the gas bottle and (b) remove the exhaust cover on the opposite site of the van. (c) check gas flow by firing up the gas stove.
The HWS selects automatically from energy sources, with first preference going to electricity if available. It is not clear when and how often energy source checks are performed. For example gas may be available first before electricity is plugged in or a fuse is blown for any reason. If at home check the fuse in the adaptor cable box as well.
If the vehicle is OFF GRID the HWS switches to gas and then requires that the plastic cover for the exhaust system is removed and that the gas bottle is opened. If this is not the case the HWS may blow the 240V fuse if the connector is used subsequently.
7- The 240V system does not work
Check fuses, both outside and inside the van (under the bed). Don't forget the one in the power cable adaptor if you operate the van in your driveway. Consider that vehicle inclination may cause problems for some devices to operate properly. Fridge comes to mind.
8- The fridge does not work off grid
Correct, the FD19 camper van does not have a 3 way fridge !
9- Draining the grey water tank, but no hose carried along
No problem, just open the tap underneath the vehicle (drivers side) .
WHICH CAMPERVAN SUITS BEST ?
Choosing the right vehicle for us was not an easy task. Ultimately we wanted a rig that can be taken out alone with ease, has a strong motor and is not too big (campervan with max 6.4m length). It had to have a 240V aircon and also 4 seats, big enough to take along 2 grand kids and should come in under $100k. It should have a big service network and be of local manufacture. A 5 year warranty was a big bonus. That's why we chose the Jayco Conquest FD19. Below are pictures of some options which we considered before figuring out what's best for us.
