GENERAL CARE OF YOUR T4
As with any automotive product it is important to maintain your T4. This includes regular servicing of wearing components and thoughtful storage of the van. It is important to have your van serviced by a TRACK service agent prior to undertaking any substantial trips to ensure that your T4 is performing at the highest levels. Contact your TRACK service agent to make a booking.
Your T4 is covered by a 3 year warranty on all TRACK manufactured components and a manufacturer’s warranty on all fitted parts from the date of purchase. The chassis and suspension are covered for 5 years. A copy of the warranty statement is included at the back of this manual.
Do not drill holes into the drawbar or chassis as this may compromise the structural integrity of the T4 and will void warranty.
EXTERIOR
- Storage conditions and maintenance, including cleaning, can have a big impact on appearance and long term value of your TRACK T4.
- It is a fact that many campers and caravans will be stored for months at a time between uses. It is easy to overlook the need to maintain your van while it is in storage.
- Ideal storage would be indoors, in a dry and well ventilated garage or factory, with a light dust cover.
- This ideal storage circumstance is not enjoyed by all vans throughout their life, but with a bit of cleaning and care your van can be maintained to look its best for many years to come.
- All TRACK RVs are finished in the best quality materials available for their function. Each of these finishes can be looked after quite simply, to maintain appearance.
- Your T4 can be washed using general automotive cleaning products, with care to remove any build up of dirt, moss in crevices etc. Do not use truck wash on the body of the T4.
- Truck wash and high pressure water can be used to remove some red dust staining on galvanised parts under the van. Take care not to remove under body protection coatings and sealants.
- If in doubt about a cleaning product, trial it on a small out of sight area prior to applying it to the entire van.
- Take care when using pressure washers not to damage seals or glue lines.
- The frequency of cleaning will be determined by storage conditions If stored in ideal circumstances a yearly clean and wax will suffice. Stored uncovered outdoors will require monthly washing and three monthly waxing.
- Wax is important to preserve the surface finish as it provides a barrier to staining from rotting leaves, sap, bird droppings etc.
- TRACK recommends against polishing or cutting powder-coated surfaces as this can lead to discoloration or flattening of the finish. Windows and fibreglass both benefit from the occasional polish.
- TRACK RVs use a combination of materials for body hardware. Most commonly these smaller steel parts are protected with a zinc plate finish (shiny silver, or gold passivated) which generally provides a good life but this will be enhanced by the application of protective coatings, including car wax or silicone sprays.
- Constant corrugations and fine dust can lead to nuts and bolts unavoidably loosening over time even when fitted with locking washers or nyloc nuts. TRACK recommends inspecting all possible nuts and bolts including wheel nuts regularly to ensure they are tight.
- The stone guards on the front of the van provide protection for the front of the van and rear of the tow vehicle by deflecting the stones downwards. Fitting larger mud flaps to your tow vehicle or a product such as a Stone Stomper will assist in reducing stone damage to the front of the van.
- Underbody mudflaps are available as an option to further protect the bottom of the T4.
- Fasteners, Latches & Hinges
- TRACK use a combination of materials for these parts, most commonly these smaller steel parts are protected with a zinc plate finish (shiny silver, or gold passivated) which generally provides a good life, but this will be enhanced by the application of protective coatings.
- These coatings include car polish, silicone sprays etc. In zinc plating a coating thickness of 15 microns will give a good life in dry conditions, but polish or silicone spray will provide a temporary barrier that fills the voids and protects the zinc from weather and adhesion of contaminants.
- Stainless Fasteners
- TRACK uses zinc plated rivets and bolts in most applications.
- 304 grade (A2) stainless steel is commonly used for bolts, because it is reasonably workable in bolt and screw manufacture and offers good corrosion performance. However, 304 stainless will rust if in contact with corroding steel and so it’s best to maintain it similarly to zinc plated steel.
- It has limited application in Track products, mainly because it has less than 80% of the tensile strength of zinc plated high tensile steel bolts, required by most applications.
- For similar reasons zinc plated rivets are used where high strength is required, but this is also dictated by availability of sizes, grip lengths general quality and reliability. In low strength applications Track generally uses aluminium rivets.
- Hot Dipped Galvanised Parts
- Sheetmetal used in TRACK products, when not more exotic materials is generally starts life as galvanised steel sheet. Pre-galvanised materials are fine where welding is very limited which would destroy the galvanised coating.
- The major structure of the chassis is raw Australian steel sections or sheet metal which are welded in a jig at TRACK.
- Before the completed chassis is transported to for galvanising where the whole chassis is dipped into a bath of molten zinc. After being removed from the bath while hot the excess zinc coating is allowed to drip off the chassis and this results in a minimum 30micron zinc coating both inside and outside all the chassis parts.
- This is effectively the ‘gold standard’ for corrosion protection of a chassis and supports TRACK’s superior warranty on the chassis. However, even this robust finish benefits from cleaning to remove moisture retaining dirt and especially any salt that may be there from a beach camp.
- The porous nature of the zinc coating means it is normal for it to be discoloured by the entrapment of minerals in the fine red outback dust.
- Powder Coated Suspension Parts
- There are a number of fabricated components in the suspension which are not plated but simply protected by an industrial powdercoat finish (usually black).
- Like any painted surface rust generally doesn’t start until the paint is scratched and chipped, to expose the raw steel underneath. The suspension links are a good example of this. In use they are in the path of stones thrown up by the tow car and over time most of the powdercoat will be chipped off at least the leading faces.
- These parts aren’t galvanised because components such as the axles and high tensile bolts are welded into them and these can’t be dipped into molten zinc, but also because the gal would end up being sandblasted off them anyway.
- Such parts should be hosed off so they aren’t holding dirt or salt and their condition inspected at least annually of during a service.
INTERIOR
- The interior of the T4 can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soapy water.
- The floor of the T4 can be mopped as per a house using a fairly dry mop. Take care not to allow excessive water to spill onto the floor as this may become trapped.
- Domestic household cleaning products can be used on the cooker and sink. Take care not to use abrasive cleaners or cleaning products on gloss finished surfaces.
- Seat covers can be removed and machine washed on a gentle cycle, do not tumble dry.
CANVAS AND TENT FABRICS
- The T4 has a combination of outdoor fabrics. These have been selected for optimal design and performance characteristics.
- It is important to maintain these fabrics to ensure they continue to perform at a high level.
Canvas and Other Tent Fabric Care - New canvas should be thoroughly wet before use and allowed to dry fully. This should be repeated 2-3 times and ensures the sealing up of seams.
- Do not allow bird droppings, earth, sand or other matter to remain in contact with your fabric. These will stain or otherwise damage the fabric, remove using a soft brush. Droppings should be removed asap due to their acidity.
- Clean only with cold water and a brush, do not use soap or detergent. Do not rub vigorously as this will damage the fabric.
- Ensure the fabric is completely dry prior to storage.
- Do not expose to petrol, oil or solvents.
- Reapply water proofing products to canvas when wear becomes evident.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
- Your T4 is fitted with a battery charging system suitable for maintaining your batteries when the van is in storage and protecting the batteries for damaging discharge levels. Do not leave your batteries discharged in storage.
- Turn off master power switch and leave 240v connected to ensure batteries stay charged. For vans fitted with RedVision set the RedVision to storage mode.
- Vehicle connections should also be inspected regularly for corrosion, damage and security to ensure correct lighting, braking and charging.
FIBREGLASS
- Fibreglass Care
- Do not cover fibreglass with sheet plastic or other non-porous materials which can trap moisture between the sheet and the fibreglass.
- Wash the surface with a mild detergent, for best results use a cleaner recommended for fiberglass and follow the label directions.
- Do not use automatic dishwasher detergent, harsh abrasives, bleaches, strong chemicals with acids or bases or ammonia.
- Wax at least twice yearly to restore gloss and to protect the finish. Use only wax recommended for fibreglass and follow the instructions carefully. Never wax a gelcoat surface in direct sunlight.
- Fibreglass Corrective Procedures
- Scratches and Nicks
- Most will be removed by using a rubbing compound followed by waxing. Deep marks or gouges should be professionally repaired.
- Stains
- Most will be removed by washing with a mild detergent.
- For stubborn stains, use a fine abrasive household cleanser followed by waxing to restore the original lustre.
- Non water-soluble stains such as grease and oil, rubber marks etc. can often be removed using a solvent such as acetone, rubbing alcohol, toluene or xylene, followed by a mild detergent.
- If these solvents are not effective, try a rubbing compound or fine sanding followed by waxing.
- Cracking
- Occasionally around fittings and corners, slight hairline cracking of the gel coat (coloured surface of the fibreglass) may become evident. This is a normal characteristic of fibreglass and should be expected.
- Scratches and Nicks
SERVICING
- TRACK T4s require servicing every 10,000km or 12 months. These services checks a large variety of safety critical and maintenance items. When planning a trip, it is advisable to ensure you schedule maintenance of your T4 as part of your trip preparation.
- For heavy offroad use, especially with a lot of water crossings, please consider shorter service intervals.
WHEEL BEARINGS
- TRACK recommends changing wheel bearings every 10,000km. Do not simply repack bearings as the cost saving is minimal and there may be wear or damage on the bearing which is not easy to pick up visually.
- Regularly inspect bearings for dust or water ingress, as this can lead to premature bearing failure. The factory grease will look brown if dust contaminated and light blue if water contaminated. If there is any doubt about the bearings condition, replace them.
- When travelling it is advisable to regularly check bearing temperatures by feeling the bearing cap, a spike in temperature will be an indicator of increased friction leading to bearing failure.
- HI-CAPL68149/10
- LM501349/10
SHOCK ABSORBERS
- On an offroad caravan or camper some of the hardest working components are the shock absorbers and their bushes. TRACK products are fitted with high quality Koni shock absorbers, which include a 3 year warranty.
- Koni shock absorbers are very reliable and can be reconditioned if needed. The shock absorbers fitted to TRACK products have been specially valved to suit the MC2 suspension system; as such, they can only be purchased from TRACK. Due to the critical nature of this component, failure to fit factory shock absorbers or bushes will impact warranty on chassis and suspension.
- Shock absorbers should be inspected for leaks and physical damage daily when operating on corrugated outback conditions. Slight oil dampness on the outside of the shock absorber on corrugated roads is normal, due to temperature build up within the shock absorber, causing some oil to be expelled. Wipe the surface of the shock absorber clean.
- Extreme use or sustained very high speed on corrugations can lead to shock absorber overheating and failure. We recommend carrying at least one spare shock absorber in remote areas, just as you would for the tow vehicle. Some pitting due to stone damage is also okay as the shock absorbers are of twin tube design.
- 3 CHO 11434 TC 1.875 3.000 0.375
- Regularly inspect the upper and lower bushes for excessive movement and loose nuts in rough conditions. The lifespan of shocker bushes is influenced by road conditions, load and driving style but is usually about 20,000km. If in doubt, replace the bushes to prevent subsequent damage to other suspension components.
- Do not replace rubber shock bushes with urethane bushes as they will increase load transfer to chassis and suspension.
SUSPENSION
- It is important to have suspension inspected and aligned regularly, this will help to ensure that all components are in good working order and that your TRACK product will ride smoothly without excessive tyre wear.
- TRACK uses high quality automotive bushes in our MC2 and MC2-R type suspensions. These have a very long service life often exceeding 100,000km.
- Regardless, bushes should also be inspected for damage on a regular basis. They require no lubrication and only minor checking and adjustment of wheel alignment at the 10,000km service intervals.
- The main suspension nuts at the end of each arm should not be adjusted between services as this will affect wheel alignment settings.
- Note that the bolts joining the trailing arms to the asymmetric links are used as pins and are not compressing the bushes. There may be some visible gaps between the bushes and the carrier plates, this is normal.
COUPLING
- TRACK products are fitted with a Cruisemaster DO35 coupling. To ensure a long service life we recommend the following periodic maintenance procedures.
- Keep Tow Pin and Universal mating surfaces clean and lightly greased at all times.
- Check condition of Tow Pin O-Ring and replace if necessary (VC part no 18D-DO35-101).
- Regularly lubricate grease points with multi-purpose grease.
- Check all bolts regularly for tightness.
- Periodic adjustment of Slotted Nut & Pin may be required if coupling head loosens excessively and should be performed by a competent person.
- Flush with clean water if locking mechanism does not open fully due to dirt ingress.
BRAKES
- The TRACK T4 uses Cruisemaster 12 inch offroad electric drum brakes. These are controlled via a brake controller from the car giving the driver maximum control of trailer braking.
- Cruisemaster recommends the following initial check and service intervals.
- If at any stage the handbrake becomes ineffective, this indicates the brake shoes may require adjusting. If you feel your van pulling unevenly under braking or otherwise displaying poor braking performance please contact the TRACK service department for a booking.
- Refer to the Cruisemaster Electric Brake guide included with your T4 for instructions on running in and setting up and adjusting your electric brakes.
WARRANTY
INTRODUCTION
TRACK is strongly focused on preventing mission critical failures. As an owner, no doubt, TRACK’s reputation for durability was a significant factor in your decision to purchase a TRACK T4.
It is also reasonable to assume that we all understand that there is a difference between normal and abusive use. We would all know of instances where relatively fragile equipment in sympathetic hands has survived, where stronger and more robust equipment in unsympathetic hands has failed.
TRACK’s warranty provides customers with the reassurance of support in the event that there is a material or manufacturing fault discovered in normal service. In normal service, owners are expected to operate the equipment with due regard for the circumstances, particularly appropriate speed, matching tyre pressures to the surface and operating within the designated loading limits. Such operational adjustments not only preserve warranty, but also reduce risk of crash damage and mission critical failures.
TRACK understands where these RVs are being operated (we have been there ourselves) and that in these environments it is difficult to avoid all incidents.
TRACK’s warranty does not apply where there is evidence of abuse, although TRACK will endeavour to assist owners in repairing any resulting damaged TRACK product.
TRACK’s design, production control and risk management is biased to the mission critical aspects, which are also the TRACK designed and manufactured elements of the RV.
Non mission critical failures are also covered by warranty and TRACK understands such failures are both inconvenient and annoying. Such failures can come from many sources including TRACK designed and manufactured components and in the many ‘industry standard components’ installed in TRACK RVs (appliances, electrical, water and gas equipment etc).
Clearly TRACK warranty applies to TRACK designed and manufactured chassis and body, while all the ancillary equipment has individual supplier warranty. Owners are not expected to deal with these suppliers – TRACK and its dealers will diagnose, repair or replace as efficiently as possible, reclaiming warranty costs from the suppliers after meeting the customer needs. In some instances, especially outside capital cities, customers may be directed to supplier agents for service.
MANAGING RISK
- TRACK designs and manufactures RVs, with the intention that the mission critical reliability of each unit is matched to the operating environment it can reasonably access.
- Specifically, its product groups, Tvan and T4, are designed for long distance outback touring on all tracks and terrain, where their dimensions and clearances permit their passage, without dragging or bashing the body, underbody or chassis on the ground. Clearly with the difference in dimensions between these product groups, the T4 is more restricted than the Tvan.
- TRACK assumes and requires that the operator uses the correct tyre pressures for each surface and operates at appropriate speeds.
- Customers must manage risk, by operating their vehicles with due care, at or below the rated loading, moderating their pace and managing vehicle placement.
- TRACK recognises that its customers are human and may occasionally come upon a washout or similar, at too high a speed. TRACK RVs are designed to withstand the suspension impact of occasional incidents, resulting from such errors of judgement.
- TRACK’s warranty is focussed on TRACK designed and manufactured, mission critical items of chassis, suspension and body, recognising the importance of maintaining mobility especially in remote places.
- TRACK and its customers do recognise that there are many 3rd party supplied components, built into, or attached to the TRACK RVs, that are not necessarily specifically designed for the rigour of off-road operation.
- TRACK sources what it believes to be best of breed components, with good history of reliability, from reputable suppliers. However, some of these components will suffer wear and tear and are subject to shorter manufacturer warranty than the TRACK manufactured chassis, suspension and body.
- Of course, TRACK dealers will service and obtain replacement of such 3rd party supplied items, whether under warranty, or at customer cost.
WARRANTY DETAILS
Track Trailer ("TRACK") of 1/640 Dorset Road, Bayswater, Victoria, 3153, provides the following warranty in relation to the TRACK Campers, Caravans and Trailer products ("T4").
For safety and use instructions, please refer to the Owner’s Manual provided with the T4.
TRACK warrants that, subject to the exclusions and limitations below, the chassis, suspension and body of the T4 will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for the duration of the applicable warranty period specified below.
- T4 body has a 3 year warranty on materials and workmanship.
- T4 chassis and suspension has a 5 year warranty on materials and workmanship.
- 3rd party components fitted to the T4 have individual warranties which apply (see below).
- Note:
- Any T4 used in a commercial application carries only a 1 year warranty for body, chassis and suspension.
- Warranty period begins on the date of handover to the first owner of the T4.
- Showroom and Display stock warranty period begins on the date of handover to the first owner of the T4.
- Unless otherwise indicated, any T4s which have been used for any purpose other than display will have a warranty period beginning on the date of manufacture.
- Balance of warranty is transferable to a subsequent purchaser if the T4 is sold by the original purchaser during the warranty period.
- During the warranty period, TRACK will assess any claims of material or workmanship failure and will at its sole discretion either:
- Replace or repair the defective part of the T4 free of charge.
- Or, arrange for the defective part of the T4 to be replaced or repaired by a qualified repairer free of charge.
- See below for warranty claim details.
- This warranty is in addition to any warranties imposed by Australian State and Federal legislation.
- Nothing in this warranty is to be interpreted as excluding, restricting or modifying any State or Federal legislation applicable to the supply of goods.
- TRACK reserves the right to change the T4 specification or design at any time without notice and without liability.
- TRACK reserves the right to replace defective parts of the T4 with parts and components of similar quality, grade and composition where an identical part or component is not available.
WARRANTY CLAIMS
- If an Owner believes that a fault covered by warranty has occurred, the Owner must first contact TRACK or an authorised TRACK distributor.
- Any warranty claim must be accompanied by:
- Proof of purchase.
- Full details of the alleged defect.
- Appropriate documentation (such as historical and maintenance records).
- The Owner must make the T4 available to TRACK or its authorised service agent for inspection and testing.
- If TRACK assesses the alleged fault as wear and tear or as being caused by the Owner (accidental damage for example), the Owner will be required to pay normal service charges for the assessment and any subsequent Owner approved repairs.
- The Owner must bear the cost of the transport of the T4 to and from TRACK or the authorised TRACK distributor, and all insurance of the T4.
EXCLUSIONS
- Warranty will not apply where:
- The T4 has been altered or modified by someone other than TRACK or an authorised TRACK service agent.
- The T4 has been subjected to substandard repairs or maintenance.
- The alleged defect in the T4 is within acceptable industry variances.
- TRACK determines that there is no fault (after testing) or that the fault is due to normal wear and tear.
- The T4 has been used other than for the purpose for which it was designed.
- The defect has arisen due to abuse, misuse, neglect or accident.
- The Owner has failed to operate or maintain the T4 in accordance with TRACK's instructions or specifications, including applicable maintenance schedules.
- Unauthorised parts or accessories have been used on or in relation to the T4.
- The T4 has been overloaded.
- The T4 has been used in competitive activities.
- The Customer is aware of a fault and continues to use the T4, exacerbating the problem, increasing the loss and damage.
- This warranty does not apply to supplied components or maintenance items. For clarification of the supplied components and maintenance items, see below.
- This warranty does not extend to damage or defects caused by normal wear and tear.
LIMITATIONS
- TRACK makes no warranties or representations other than set out in this warranty. The warranties are subject to, and the exclusions apply to, the extent permitted by State and Federal legislation.
The repair or replacement of the T4, or part of the T4, is the absolute limit of TRACK's liability. - TRACK will not be liable to the Owner or any other person for any direct or indirect consequential loss, damage, costs incurred or suffered by the Owner or any other person, including but not limited to damage to persons or property damage to a third party or, loss of turnover, profits, business or goodwill.
- TRACK assumes no responsibility or liability for defects in workmanship, materials or operation of supplied components that are separately warranted. TRACK will, however, assist in obtaining repairs and replacements on behalf of the Owner, including warranty claims. Please note that the length of warranty periods provided for the supplied components and their terms may vary.
MAINTENANCE AND SUPPLIED COMPONENTS
- Maintenance Items
- TRACK warranty does not apply to normal maintenance items. Maintenance items include but are not limited to:
• Shock absorbers and bushes.
• Wheel bearing servicing and adjustment.
• Brake adjustment or replacement due to wear.
• Wheel alignment adjustment after 3 months.
• General greasing and tightening of components.
• Filters.
- TRACK warranty does not apply to normal maintenance items. Maintenance items include but are not limited to:
- 3rd Party Supplied Components
- In the event of a warranty claim against a supplied component, it may be necessary for the Owner to purchase a replacement component (such as a shock absorber), following which the faulty component will be returned to the manufacturer for testing to confirm that the failure occurred due to a warrantable reason. The repaired item will be returned or refund will be issued from the manufacturer if the item is found to have failed due to warrantable reason.
- The items listed below are not manufactured by TRACK and are not covered by TRACK's materials and workmanship warranty. Instead they are warranted by their individual manufacturer's warranty.
- Description of Supplied Item - Manufacturer's warranty period
- Brakes and Stub Axles etc (Cruisemaster) - 36 months
- DO35 Coupling (Cruisemaster) - 36 months
- Springs for Suspension (Kings Springs) - 12 months
- Shock Absorbers (Koni) - 36 months
- Break Away (Breaksafe) - 12 months
- Dexter Sway Control - 24 months
- Dynaproofed Canvas (CE Bartlett) - 60 months material warranty 12 months workmanship warranty
- Tent Components (catches etc) (CE Bartlett) - 12 months
- Tent Fabrics (other than canvas) (CE Bartlett) - 12 months
- Poles and Tent Hardware - 12 months
- Upholstery - 12 months
- Foam Mattress - 12 months on foam 3 years on fabric
- Recreation 'Pocket Spring' mattress - 10 years
- Perfect Camper Elite - Innerspring - 5 years
- Drawer Slides, Hinges & Locks - 12 months
- RedVision TVMS (Redarc) - 24 months
- Manager 30 (Redarc) - 24 months
- Inverter (Redarc) - 24 months
- Battery Charger (Projecta) - 12 months
- Inverter (Projecta) - 24 months
- DC-DC (Projecta) - 24 months
- Battery Monitor (Victron) - 60 months
- AGM Battery (Fullriver) - 12 months
- Lead Crystal Battery (Betta Batteries) - 36 months
- Lithium Battery (Orange - Revolution Power) - 60 months
- Lithium Battery (Red - Revolution Power) - 24 months
- Solar Panel (Projecta) - 20 year performance warranty for 80% output 12 months materials and workmanship warranty
- Stereo (Fusion StereoActive) - 24 months
- TV (Chiq) - 36 months
- Other Electrical Hardware - 12 months
- Fans (Sirocco) - 24 months
- Fire Extinguisher - 60 months
- Smoke Alarm (Safety) - 60 months
- Gas Cylinder - 10 years
- Gas Regulators & Hoses - 12 months
- Gas Struts - 12 months
- Jerry Can & Gas Cylinder Straps - 12 months
- Jockey Wheel - 12 months
- Deck Springs - 12 months
- Porta Potty (Camec) - 12 months
- Toilet (Dometic) - 12 months
- Water Pump - 12 months
- Other Plumbing Hardware - 12 months
- Wheels & Tyres - 12 months
- Rangehood (Sphere) - 12 months
- Stove Internal (Minigrill MK3 - Thetford) - 36 months
- Sink Internal (Smev) - 12 months
- Stove Sliding Kitchen (Thetford) - 36 months
- Sink Sliding Kitchen (Thetford) - 36 months
- Microwave (Sphere) - 12 months
- Air Conditioner (Truma) - 12 months
- Gas Heater (Truma) - 12 months
- Gas Hot Water (Truma) - 24 months
- Diesel Cooktop (Webasto) - 24 months
- Diesel Water and Heating (Webasto) - 24 months
- Fridge Internal (Isotherm) - 24 months
- Fridge External (Evacool) - 24 months
- Awning (Dometic) - 12 months