NZ Polaris 6 Gen 3 - Vehicle Manual

This article is the operator's manual for the Polaris 6 Gen3 motorhome - New Zealand Self Contained (JUCY / Star RV). It covers keys, fire extinguisher, smoke alarm and gas alarm, starting the vehicle, windows and vents, entry door, outdoor step, seatbelts, the 240-volt and 12-volt electrical systems, microwave, fresh water, grey water, water pump, hot water heater, toilet use and cassette, gas bottle, stove top and grill, heater, fridge, lights, television, bed conversion, awning, diesel fuel, AdBlue, and jack and spare tyre.

Need-to-know

• Fuel type: Diesel only. The fuel cap is marked "DIESEL" and is unlocked using the vehicle diesel key. If filled with unleaded, water, or AdBlue - do not start the engine. Call STAR RV Roadside Assistance immediately.
• AdBlue: Required every 2,500 km. AdBlue filler cap is below the diesel filler cap. Failure to refill causes limp mode. Do NOT add AdBlue to the diesel tank.
• 240-volt: Required for microwave, power points, and electric hob. Two circuit breakers located at the bottom of the back seat. Plug in every second night. You will know 240-volt is working when the microwave turns on and shows the time.
• 12-volt panel: Located on the side wall as you enter, just above the domestic switches. Needle should stay in the green section.
• Water pump: Push the PUMP switch down on the switchboard. Must be on for tap, shower, and toilet flush. Turn off when not in use. Do not run empty.
• Heater: Diesel-powered, runs off the domestic battery and diesel tank. Lights in the cabin will flicker during operation.
• Fridge: Runs off 12-volt battery. Automatically switches to 240-volt when plugged in. Optimal setting between 4–5.
• Gas bottle: Located in LP gas locker on exterior. Never drive with gas bottle open.
• Toilet cassette: Must be emptied and cleaned before returning to the depot.
• Smoke alarm: Powered by a replaceable 9V battery. Do not disconnect.
• Gas alarm: Located behind the back cabin seats. If it beeps and shows a red light, open all windows and move to fresh air.
• Emergency contact: STAR RV Roadside Assistance - call for wrong fuel, overheating, or any red dash light.

1. Description of keys

Ignition key: Must be kept close to the Start/Stop button for the vehicle to start.









Side entry door key: Lock/unlock the vehicle's side entry door.

Toilet cassette compartment key: Lock/unlock the toilet cassette compartment (key has THETFORD engraving).

External storage compartments key: Lock/unlock external storage compartments including the LP gas compartment (rear driver's side), storage compartment (rear passenger's side), and small storage compartment beside the driver's cabin door.

Water tank / gas locker / outdoor shower key: Lock/unlock the vehicle's freshwater filling point.
 

2. Vehicle equipment

Fire extinguisher

Each vehicle is equipped with a dry chemical fire extinguisher, selected to address both Type B fires (grease and liquids) and Type C fires (electrical). The fire extinguisher is attached to the interior of the vehicle.

To deploy the extinguisher:

1. Grasp the ring at the top of the bottle.
2. Direct the nozzle towards the top of the flames.
3. Press the lever down firmly.
4. Guide the nozzle from side to side across the base of the flames.

Smoke Alarms

Each vehicle is furnished with a smoke alarm powered by a replaceable 9-volt battery. If a replacement is needed during your rental, purchase a new battery, retain the receipt, and reimbursement will be arranged upon vehicle return.

Do not disconnect the smoke alarm. It must be connected at all times for your safety.

GAS ALARM

Each vehicle has a harmful gas alarm located behind the back cabin seats. If harmful gas levels are detected, the alarm will beep and a red light will illuminate. When this happens, open all windows and move to fresh air immediately.

3. Starting the Vehicle

The gear stick must be in PARK and your foot on the brake pedal in order for the vehicle to start. Start the vehicle using the Start/Stop button (ignition key must be nearby).

Gear stick in parking mode

With your foot still on the brake pedal, pull the gear stick down into the 'D' position. The dashboard will display a 'D' indicating drive.

Gear stick in driving mode

Handbrake: Located on the left, beside the driver's seat.

• To disengage: Pull slightly up with the button held. The handbrake will start to move down.
• To engage: Pull the handbrake button towards you. A white light will appear.

Note: Do not forget to disengage the handbrake before you drive.

4. Windows & Vents

Windows: 
Turn the handles inwards. Push the window out and click the latch in place. To use the sun blackout blind, pull the blind up using the handle indents.

Vents: 
Stand facing the driver's cabin. Grip the middle handle and twist so that the hooks move out of the lock. Push towards the driver's cabin until it stops. To close, twist and pull until it closes completely.

5. Entry Door

To open the door from outside: Pull the door handle outward.

To open the door from inside: Pull the door handle downwards and apply slight pressure to the door. When the door is locked, neither the inside nor outside door handle can be operated.

To lock from outside: Turn the key anticlockwise towards the lock symbol on the entry door lock.

To unlock from outside: Turn the key clockwise towards the unlock symbol on the entry door lock.

6. Outdoor Step

The motorhome is equipped with a manual side doorstep. Grip the middle of the step and pull out until it locks into place. To close, push it towards the cabin until it clicks back into place.

NOTE: Do not leave the step out while driving as this may cause damage to the cabin exterior, step, or surrounding objects.

7. Seatbelts

It is the law in New Zealand that all passengers in a motorhome must be properly restrained with seatbelts. Vehicles are equipped with both lap and shoulder belts. Only seats fitted with seatbelts can be occupied while the vehicle is moving. Insert the belt tongue into the correct buckle until you feel it click and latch.

The two anchor points for baby seats are located behind the large back squab. There are no ISOFIX points available.

NOTE: The table must be removed at all times while passengers are sitting at the dinette seats while in transit.

8. 240-Volt Electrical System

To run the microwave, power points, and to recharge the house battery, connect the motorhome's 15AMP electricity cord to a 240-volt external power source. These devices will only work when connected to 240-volt power. It is recommended that every second night the vehicle is charged at a powered outlet. You will know the 240-volt is working when the microwave turns on and shows the time.

The motorhome connects to powered outlets at caravan parks.





 

Circuit breakers: The 240-volt outlets and appliances are protected by two circuit breakers located at the bottom of the back seat. If a power surge trips the circuit breakers, locate them and switch back to the ON/UP position. Overloading the system can cause circuit breakers to trip.

Troubleshooting: If the 240-volt is not working:

1. Check that the 240-volt cord is connected properly to both the power site and the motorhome.
2. Make sure the circuit breakers on both the power site and the motorhome have not tripped.
3. If still not working, try a different 240-volt plug (usually available to hire at the campsite) or try another powered campsite.
4. If all of the above fails, call the Star RV helpline.
    

9. 12-Volt Electrical System

The motorhome has two batteries - one in the engine compartment and one under the passenger's seat (the auxiliary battery).

The auxiliary battery operates the TV, water pump, fridge, interior lights, extractor fan, and toilet. It is charged by both the alternator when the vehicle is being driven and by the 240-volt system when plugged into a mains power source. 

The 12-volt electrical panel is located on the side wall as you enter the motorhome, just above the domestic switches. The needle should stay between the green section. The more appliances you use, the faster the battery can drain.

10. Microwave

The microwave operates via 240-volt power only. The vehicle must be plugged into a powered site at a caravan park or campground.

Do not put the following in the microwave:

• Paper bags (except purpose-designed microwave bags such as popcorn bags)
• Aluminium foil
• Dishes with metal rims
• Plastic containers
• Wire ties from bread and metal utensils
• Styrofoam plates and cups
• Glass jars

Safe to use in the microwave:

• Microwave-approved glass, ceramic plates, and bowls
• Microwave browning dishes
• Microwave plastic wrap, wax paper, paper towel, and napkins
• Paper plates and cups

Troubleshooting:

• Microwave has no display: 240-volt power is not plugged in. Check the vehicle is connected to mains power and the powered outlet is working.
• Microwave has power but is not heating food: Microwave may be broken. Call the Star RV on roads team for assistance.
• Sparks or arcing when microwave is turned on: A metal object is in the microwave.

11. Freshwater Tank and Water Access

The vehicle has an onboard freshwater system consisting of a water pump and freshwater tank. The water tank has a 120L capacity and is located on the passenger side of the vehicle. This water is for the sink, shower, and toilet flush. The motorhome comes with a freshwater hose to fill the tank - there is no indicator for when it is full, it will simply overflow. 

PLEASE NOTE: You can check the water level on the domestic switchboard by pressing the test button. The more green lights illuminated, the fuller the water tank.

12. Grey Water Tank

The grey water holding tank collects wastewater from the kitchen, bathroom sink, and shower. You can check the level on the domestic panel switchboard - this is labelled "waste". Note: the grey water level indicator may give an inaccurate reading and show 100% even when empty. Empty the grey water tank as regularly as possible.

To empty the grey water tank:

1. Collect the grey water hose from the storage compartment.
2. Connect the hose to the outlet. Make sure it is firmly attached by pulling down the silver levers on each side of the attachment.
   
   
    
3. Place the other end of the hose into the dump station disposal opening.
4. Open the tank by turning the red lever towards you.
5. Once the grey water is empty, close the lever, remove the hose, and stow it away in the storage compartment.

13 Water Pump

To use water on board the vehicle, ensure there is water in the freshwater tank. On the switchboard, push the PUMP switch down. You will hear the pump quietly start up. The pump operates as part of the 12-volt system. When you are not using the water pump, ensure it is turned off.

The water pump must be on to operate the kitchen tap, shower, and toilet flush.

Note: Avoid running the pump when the water tank is empty. Operating the pump continuously with no water can cause damage.

14. Hot Water Heater

To operate the hot water heater:

1. Turn the gas bottle, located in the side panel on the driver's side, to the ON position. Twist the valve counterclockwise to open and clockwise to close.
2. Turn on the "water heater" switch. The red light next to the switch will illuminate bright red and the boiler will attempt to ignite.
   
   
    
3. Once the boiler has ignited successfully, the red light will dim. Hot water will take approximately 30–40 minutes to heat.

NOTE: The motorhome also has a 240-volt hot water system. When connected to mains power, this will automatically activate and heat the water. If water has already been heated via 240-volt, the gas hot water operation will be inactive.

If the light stays bright red after approximately 2 minutes:

1. Turn off the switch.
2. Check there is gas in the bottle, the tap is turned on, and the gas valve is on (located by the gas bottle locker).
3. Turn the switch back on.
4. If the light is still bright and has not dimmed, turn off the switch, wait 15 seconds, then turn back on. Repeat up to 3 more times.
5. If still not working, call the Star RV helpline.

15. Toilet use

1. Turn on the water pump on the 12-volt control panel.
2. Push the blue button on the toilet to fill the base with water (Diagram A).
3. Once finished, adjust the lever on the bottom of the toilet to empty into the cassette (Diagram B) 
4. Ensure the lever is in the closed position after use.

16. Toilet Cassette

It is highly recommended to regularly empty the toilet cassette. It is mandatory to empty and clean it before returning the vehicle to the depot.

To empty the toilet cassette:

1. Make sure the grey flush lever is in the closed position. Lift the blue lever and remove the entire cassette from the vehicle.
   
   
    
2. Head to the dump station and unscrew the blue lid.
3. Rinse the cassette thoroughly and repeat the emptying process. Add a toilet chemical along with half to one litre of water.
4. Insert the cassette back into the locker.
   
   

17. Gas Bottle

The gas bottle is located on the exterior of the vehicle in a locker marked with an LP Gas Storage label.

IMPORTANT: Never drive with the gas bottle turned to the 'open' position.

• To open: Rotate the valve fully anticlockwise.
• To close: Turn the valve clockwise until securely tightened.

If you smell gas:

1. Extinguish all open flames and smoking materials.
2. Do not touch any electrical switches.
3. Shut off the gas supply at the gas bottle valve.
4. Open doors, windows, hatches, and all other ventilation openings.
5. Evacuate the area until the gas odour dissipates.
6. Contact STAR RV for assistance.

18. Stove Top & Grill

Warning: Do not use cooking appliances for comfort heating. Always have sufficient ventilation when using the stove.

The motorhome is equipped with 1 electric hob, 3 gas hobs, and a gas stove which uses LPG.

To use the gas stove top:

1. Make sure the domestic switch labelled "STOVE IGN" is on.
2. Locate the gas bottle on the outside of the van and turn the valve on top fully to the open position.
3. Lift the glass stove lid so it is fully upright. If the lid is partially open, the burners will not work.
4. Push in, hold down, and turn the burner knob to your desired heat level.
5. While the burner knob is still being pushed in, press the igniter switch until the gas lights. Keep holding down the burner knob.
6. Wait approximately 15 seconds before slowly releasing the burner knob.

NOTE: If the flame extinguishes, the burner knob may have been released too soon. Start from step 2 and try again.

To use the electric hob: Make sure you are plugged into a powered campsite and that the hob switch next to the stove is on.

If using a match: Light the match first, hold it next to the burner, then open the burner valve.

NOTE: If the stove does not ignite there may be insufficient power in the battery. Connect to mains power or use a match. The stove top lid must be in a fully upright position for the hotplate to ignite.

19. Heater

The vehicle is equipped with a heater powered by the diesel tank and operated from the domestic battery.

To operate the heater:

1. Make sure the domestic battery has sufficient charge (needle in the green area of the voltage meter).
2. Rotate the dial clockwise to the desired setting. The triangle in the middle will illuminate green.
3. The fan will start blowing air in about 30 seconds. Heat should start flowing after approximately 90–120 seconds.

NOTE: The cabin lights will flicker during heater operation.

If there is an error, the green light will flash. The error code is communicated by a series of flashes from the error code light in the centre of the dial. After a sequence of 5 fast flashes, the error code will be communicated by a series of long flashes.

Example: F 03 = Pause Pause

20. Fridge

The fridge is operated on the domestic battery and 240-volt hook-up. Make sure the domestic switch is on. Once you plug into a powered campsite the fridge will automatically switch to 240-volt.

To adjust the temperature, rotate the dial to the desired number - the higher the number, the colder the fridge. Note: the higher the setting, the more power it will use. The optimal operating range is between 4 and 5.

 

** If above action fails please call Star RV helpline.

21. Lights

To use the cabin lights, turn on the light switch on the domestic panel by holding the power button.

Some lights can be individually switched off using switches located on the lights themselves. You can also control a section of lights using the switches located by the cabin door and by the bathroom door.

22. Television

Each vehicle is fitted with a DVD/television. The TV operates on both 12-volt and 240-volt mains power. Television reception may vary in rural areas and works better when plugged into a powered campsite. Bringing your own DVDs is recommended for use with the built-in DVD player.

23. Bed Conversion

There are three double beds on board your motorhome. To make up each of the beds, please follow these instructions:

Bed 1 - Middle dinette:

1. Remove the tabletop from the wall by pushing the clips down. Fold the leg and stow it behind the front passenger seat. 
   
   
    
2. Put aside squabs J and G on both seats (squabs have letter tags on them). 
   
   
    
3. Pull out the wooden frame under both seats and pull down the legs on both wooden bed frames. 
   
   
    
4. Lay squab F on the bottom of the seat closest to the backrest, with the higher angle tucked under the backboard. Lay squabs G on the middle wooden slats.
   
    
    

BED 2 - Rear Dinette

1. Remove the tabletop from the table leg. Store the table behind the driver's seat and the table leg in the cupboard by the cabin door. 
   
   
    
2. Put aside squabs B and D to access the 2 panel boards. 
   
    
    
3. Unclip the 2 panels (one on each side of the seat) and lay them in the gap where the dining table was. 
   
   
    
4. Restore squab B in the original position and add squab X on top of the 2 wooden panels. 
   
    
5. Store the spare squabs under the wooden panels.
   
   

BED 3 - Overhead Bed

The overhead bed can be accessed using the ladder stored in the cupboard next to the cabin door. This ladder must be connected to the gap provided.

24. Awning

To roll out the awning:

1. Release the 2 hooks from the bolts at the top of the awning arms by pushing them up with the pole.
   
   
    
2. Loosen (anticlockwise) the 2 black bolts on both arms of the awning.
   
   
    
3. Using the pole, hook into the eye bolt in the middle of the awning and pull away from the motorhome.
   
   
    
4. Pull back until the awning arms click into place. Tighten (clockwise) the 2 plastic bolts on the awning arms.
   
    

To roll up the awning:

1. Loosen the black bolts and using the pole, insert into the eye bolt. Push the awning up and towards the motorhome. The awning will automatically roll back into place.
   
   
    
2. Tighten up the black bolts and secure the top hooks.
   
    

25. Diesel Fuel

The vehicle accepts diesel fuel only. Do not refill with any other fuel or fluid.

• The diesel tank cap is marked with "DIESEL" and is unlocked using the vehicle diesel key.
• The fuel filling location is next to the passenger door.
• Open the lid using your hands, then use the diesel key to unlock. Turn the key anticlockwise to unlock the cap.
• Once filled, place the fuel cap on the inlet and turn the key clockwise to lock.

IMPORTANT: If you accidentally fill the vehicle with unleaded fuel, water, or AdBlue - do not start the engine. Call STAR RV Roadside Assistance immediately.

26. AdBlue

Every 2,500 km the vehicle will require AdBlue to be refilled. If the AdBlue level is low, a warning light or symbol will illuminate on the dashboard with a message to top up. The AdBlue filler cap is below the diesel filler cap.

Find the nearest fuel station or auto shop supplying AdBlue and refill as soon as possible. Failure to refill the AdBlue tank will result in the vehicle going into limp mode.

IMPORTANT: AdBlue is NOT a diesel fuel additive. Do not add or mix AdBlue with diesel under any circumstances.

27. Jack & Spare Tyre

To access the jack tools, look on the floor in front of the passenger seat. Use a butter knife or similar tool to gently unscrew the compartment cover. The jack tools are inside.

The spare tyre can be found underneath the rear of the vehicle. Use the provided tool to access it. Follow all safety precautions when handling the spare tyre.