This article is the operator's manual for the Polaris 6 Gen2 motorhome - New Zealand Self Contained (JUCY / Star RV). It covers keys, fire extinguisher and smoke alarm, starting the vehicle, windows and vents, cabin 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, fridge, air conditioner, stereo, heater, lights, 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 on the driver's side. Failure to refill causes limp mode. Do NOT add AdBlue to the diesel tank.
- 240-volt: Required for microwave, power points, and air conditioner. Two circuit breakers located outside the motorhome. Plug in every second night.
- 12-volt panel: Located in the control cabinet near the microwave. Battery indicator shows 12–13 volts maximum.
- Water pump: Press the water PUMP symbol once on the switchboard. Must be on for tap, shower, and toilet flush. Turn off when not in use. Do not run empty. Do not drink tap water unless boiled first.
- Gas bottle: Located in LP gas locker. Can be refilled at LPG stations or swapped for a full bottle. Never drive with gas bottle open.
- Fridge: 3-way fridge. Use AUTO mode at all times. Requires level ground for gas operation.
- Air conditioner: 240-volt only. Always turn off via remote before unplugging from mains.
- Toilet cassette: Must be emptied and cleaned before returning to the depot.
- Smoke alarm: Powered by a replaceable 9V battery. Do not disconnect.
- Emergency contact: STAR RV Roadside Assistance - call for wrong fuel, overheating, or any red dash light.
1. Description of keys
Ignition key: Start the vehicle and lock/unlock the fuel tank cap.
Cabin door key: Lock/unlock the vehicle's side entry cabin door.
Toilet cassette compartment key: Lock/unlock the toilet cassette compartment (key has THETFORD engraving).
External storage compartments key: Use this key to lock or unlock the vehicle’s external storage compartments.
Please note: This key is applicable to LP Gas compartment on rear driver’s side, storage compartment on rear passenger’s side and small storage compartment beside driver’s cabin door.
Water tank key: Lock/unlock the vehicle's freshwater filling point.
Bottom storage compartment key: Lock/unlock the horizontal bottom storage compartment on the driver's side.
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). A fire extinguisher is attached to the interior of the vehicle.
To deploy the extinguisher:
- Grasp the ring at the top of the bottle.
- Direct the nozzle towards the top of the flames.
- Press the lever down firmly.
- Guide the nozzle from side to side across the base of the flames.
Smoke alarm
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.
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.
Gear stick in park mode
- The dashboard will display a 'P' indicating that the vehicle is in park.
- Start the vehicle using the ignition key.
- 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-hand side of the steering wheel.
- To disengage: Click the handbrake down once. A white light will disappear from the dashboard.
- 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 and vents
Windows: Turn the handles inwards. Push the window out and click the latch in place. To access the blind and flyscreen, pull the bottom metal handle up and the top metal handle down.
Vents: Push the handle up and slide along the frame to open.
5. Cabin 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 an electric side doorstep. The step will only operate while the vehicle is off.
- To open: Press the down button. The switch is located on the right-hand kitchen wall.
- To close: Press the up button.
Please note: Do not try to manually open or close the step.
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 on the forward-facing seat at the dinette behind the driver's cabin. Anchor points are located behind the headrest.
Please 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, air conditioner, 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.
The motorhome connects to powered outlets at caravan parks.
Circuit breakers: The 240-volt outlets and appliances are protected by two circuit breakers located outside the motorhome. If a power surge trips the circuit breakers, locate them outside and switch back to the ON/UP position. Overloading the system (e.g. using the air conditioner and microwave at the same time) can cause circuit breakers to trip.
Troubleshooting: If experiencing difficulty charging the vehicle:
- Ensure the power point at the caravan park is in working order.
- Unplug the van from the powered outlet.
- Attach an alternative device (mobile phone, toaster, etc.) into the power lead on the van and check the lead is working.
- Plug the device directly into the powered outlet at the caravan park.
- If there is an issue with the powered outlet, inform caravan park staff.
9. 12-volt electrical system
The motorhome has two batteries - one in the engine compartment and one in the rear of the cabin (the auxiliary battery). The engine compartment battery is located under the passenger's side in the main driver's cabin.
The auxiliary battery operates the TV, water pump, fridge, and interior lights. It is charged by both the alternator when the vehicle is being driven and by the 240-volt system when plugged into mains power.
The 12-volt electrical panel is located in the control cabinet near the microwave. The battery indicator shows 12–13 volts as the maximum and will drop the more domestic appliances you use.
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. Fresh water tank
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.
To check the water level, press the button on the Tank panel. A blue line will indicate how full the tank is (F = full, RES = empty).
To fill the freshwater tank, use the hose provided and connect it to a tap. Open the fresh water flap, insert the hose, and turn on the water. When the tank is full, the water will overflow from the water inlet.
Please note: We recommend emptying the grey water tank every time you fill the fresh water tank.
12. Greywater tank
The grey water holding tank collects wastewater from the kitchen, bathroom sink, and shower. You can check the level on the 12-volt switchboard. 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:
- Collect the grey water hose from the storage compartment.
- Connect the hose to the outlet. Make sure it is firmly attached by pulling down the silver levers on each side of the attachment.
- Place the other end of the hose into the dump station disposal opening.
- Open the tank by turning the red lever towards you so it is parallel with the pipe. Wait for it to empty.
- 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, press the water PUMP symbol once. The pump operates as part of the 12-volt system.
The water pump must be on to operate the kitchen tap, shower, and toilet flush.
Please note: Avoid running the pump when the water tank is empty. Operating the pump continuously with no water can cause damage.
Caution: Do not drink the water from the tap unless it has been boiled first.
14. Hot water heater
The switch to activate the gas-operated water heater is in the domestic control panel.
To operate the hot water heater:
- Turn the gas bottle to the ON position, ensuring the valve is fully opened. Twist the valve counterclockwise to open and clockwise to close. The system will not function if there is insufficient gas.
- Activate the water heater switch on the switchboard.
- Adjust the Boiler switch upwards to the 60-degree mark.
- A brief red light will flash on the Boiler switch then extinguish, indicating the system is operating. If the red light persists (burner has not ignited), cease all operations, reset the switch to the neutral O position, and retry. You may attempt this up to three times. If ignition is not achieved by the third attempt, allow the system to rest for 10–15 minutes before retrying.
Water typically takes around 20–25 minutes to reach the desired temperature.
Please 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.
15. Toilet use
- Turn on the water pump and toilet switch on the domestic control panel.
- Push the blue button on the toilet to fill the base with water.
- Once finished, adjust the lever on the bottom of the toilet to empty into the cassette.
- 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 cassette:
- Lift the blue lever and remove the entire cassette from the vehicle.
- Rotate the pour-out spout and unscrew the cap.
- Dispose of waste at a designated black water dump point.
- Rinse the cassette thoroughly and repeat the emptying process.
- Add a toilet chemical along with half to one litre of water.
- Click the cassette back into position so it aligns with the toilet above.
If the cassette becomes jammed: Do not apply excessive force. Ensure the toilet cavity inside the vehicle is securely closed, then remove the cassette.
Please Note: It is crucial for the cassette to click back into position to align with the toilet above.
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.
Gas bottles can either be refilled at gas stations that sell LPG or swapped for a full bottle.
If you smell gas:
- Extinguish all open flames and smoking materials.
- Do not touch any electrical switches.
- Shut off the gas supply at the gas bottle valve.
- Open doors, windows, hatches, and all other ventilation openings.
- Evacuate the area until the gas odour dissipates.
- Contact STAR RV for assistance.
18. Stove top and grill
Warning: Do not use cooking appliances for comfort heating. Always have sufficient ventilation when using the stove. The stove top lid must be in a fully upright position for the hotplate and grill to ignite.
To use the stove top:
- Locate the gas bottle on the outside of the van and turn the valve on top fully to the open position.
- Lift the glass stove lid so it is fully upright. If the lid is partially open, the burners will not work.
- Push in, hold down, and turn the burner knob to your desired heat level.
- While the burner knob is still being pushed in, press the igniter switch until the gas lights.
- Keep holding down the burner knob.
- Wait approximately 15 seconds before slowly releasing the burner knob.
Please note: If the flame extinguishes, the burner knob may have been released too soon. Start from step 2 and try again.
To operate the grill: Select the knob marked "grill" at the far end. Operate the same way as the stove top. Make sure the stove top lid is fully open when using the grill.
If using a match: Light the match first, hold it next to the burner, then open the burner valve. If the stove does not ignite there may be insufficient power in the battery. Connect to mains power or use a match.
Danger: Misuse of the gas stovetop can result in fire and explosion in a motorhome/campervan just as it can in a kitchen. Use extreme caution when lighting the stovetop burners with a match. To prevent too much unburned gas from accumulating, first light the match, hold it next to the burner then open the burner valve.
Please Note: The stove top lid must be in a fully upright position for the hotplate and grill to ignite.
19. Fridge
To turn on the fridge, turn on the domestic switch. The fridge should already be set to AUTO mode - this will appear on the display screen as the word "AUTO". In AUTO mode, the fridge automatically selects the best available power source.
This motorhome is equipped with a 3-way fridge that operates on three power sources:
Gas - using LPG from the gas bottle.
240-volt - power from the powered campsite.
Battery - using the domestic battery.
Note: When driving, the fridge uses the domestic battery. When the vehicle is off, it will search for gas or 240-volt - make sure the LPG is on or you are plugged in.
Shut-off symbol: When you turn off the vehicle, this symbol will appear. It means the fridge will shut off and automatically come back on after 15 minutes. This is a safety feature for when you are refuelling.
To set the temperature:
- Push the circle dial in. The icons on the screen will dim and the icon you want to change will be illuminated.
Scroll the dial until the temperature symbol is illuminated, then press the dial in.
- Adjust the temperature by turning the dial left (warmer) or right (cooler). Push the dial in to confirm.
The fridge is set to the correct temperature which is 3 bars illuminated.
Error codes:
Error 50 or 51 - Gas lockout: The fridge has attempted to light on gas 3 times without success.
- Check that the gas bottle is full and turned on. If empty, swap to a new one.
- Check the vehicle is parked on a flat surface.
- Press and hold the dial button for 3 seconds. The screen will go blank and restart.
- If the error appears again, repeat step 3 up to 3 more times.
If still not working, call the Star RV helpline.
20. Air conditioner
The vehicle is equipped with a reverse cycle air conditioner that generates both hot and cold air. The air conditioner only works when plugged into 240-volt power.
To operate the air conditioner:
- Plug the vehicle into 240-volt mains power.
- Turn on the unit by pressing the power button on the remote control.
- Select the mode by pressing the mode button (hot air or cold air).
Hot air
Cold air
- Adjust the temperature using the + button (higher) or - button (lower).
On the Air conditioner unit is a small black circle called the function indicator. This is for the communication between the remote and the unit to show what function the unit is operating at.
LED indicator on the air conditioner unit:
- LED 1 blue - illuminated: Cooling mode.
- LED 1 blue - flashing: Cooling mode, compressor starting up.
- LED 2 yellow - illuminated: Heating mode.
- LED 2 yellow - flashing: Heating mode, compressor starting up.
- LED 3 red - flashing: Data being transmitted.
- LED 3 red - illuminated: Fault. Switch the device off, wait briefly, and switch back on. If the red LED continues to illuminate, call the Star RV helpline.
Important: Always turn off the air conditioner using the remote before disconnecting the vehicle from 240-volt mains power.
21. Stereo
The media player is for use when the vehicle is off. There are speakers inside and on the outside of the vehicle.
To operate:
- Turn on the media switch on the domestic control panel, then turn on the stereo.
- Select the source by pressing the source button:
- Radio: Tune to a station by holding down the next button
- Bluetooth:
- Select
and choose DISCOVERABLE to make the stereo visible.
- Enable Bluetooth on your device. Search for Bluetooth devices on your device.
- Select the stereo from the list the name is the model number on the top right-hand corner of the stereo or the vehicle registration.
- Select
- Radio: Tune to a station by holding down the next button
Volume control by zone:
There are two zones - inside (INS) and outside. You can control the volume of each zone either individual or together.
To control the volume of an individual zone:
Push the dial in once. On the screen it will show the zones.
The zone that is thicker is the one you can control the volume e.g the image below zone INS is darker. Adjust the volume as needed.
To move to the next zone, push the dial and the next zone will be highlighted.
22. Heater
The vehicle is equipped with a heater with the following controls:
- Heating symbol.
- Operating button.
- LED ring.
- Back button.
To operate the heater:
- Press the operating button (2) and scroll to the heating symbol wavy arrows (1). Press the button to confirm.
- Scroll left or right to the desired time you want the heating to run and press the dial to confirm. A red ring will illuminate.
- You will hear the fan running and in approximately 3–5 minutes hot air will come out of the vent.
To turn off: Hold down the operating button for 3 seconds.
Tip: A long press (3 seconds) of the operating button will automatically turn on the heater with the last timer setting used.
Fault display:
| Display | Description | Remedy |
|---|---|---|
| Fault in the heater that can only be remedied by a specialist. | Call Star RV helpline. | |
| Undervoltage at the heater control box without interruption for at least 20 seconds. | Check battery for voltage drop. Charge the battery. | |
| Fault in the fuel supply or fuel pump. | Call Star RV helpline. |
23. Lights
To use the cabin lights, turn on the light switch on the domestic control panel. Use the switches on the wall of the motorhome to turn on the lights.
Switches by the cabin door control: kitchen, outside, dining area, and front ceiling lights.
Switches by the TV control: toilet and shower lights.
Each light can also be operated individually by turning on the button on the light itself.
Please note: Once finished using the lights, turn them off at the device and at the 12-volt panel to conserve battery power.
24. Bed conversion
The motorhome has three double beds.
Bed 1 - Middle dinette:
- Remove the tabletop from the attachment on the seat.
- Press the button halfway down the table leg to fold the leg in half.
- Insert the tabletop between the two seats so it rests on the ledges. Place the middle backrest cushions on top of the table.
- For a wider bed, pull out the extension located on the side of the seats. The long insert is located in the overhead bed storage.
Bed 2 - Rear dinette:
- Pull handle 1 out and rotate right. Clip back in and rotate left - repeat to loosen and remove the tabletop. Repeat for handles 2 and 3 and remove the table leg. Set aside.
- Unlock the two latches and pull out the panel from the side until it extends halfway. Align the locks with the holes on the floor and lock into place.
- Use the table to cover the gap.
- Add the 2 side cushions to fill the gaps.
- Store the remaining cushions under the bed.
Bed 3 - Overhead bed:
Access the overhead bed using the ladder stored next to the compartment. Connect the ladder to the attachment points horizontally to ensure it is secure. The bed can then be secured with the provided net.
25. Awning
Warning: Do not set up the awning in windy conditions as it may damage the awning.
To roll out the awning:
- The awning handle (crank) is located in the back compartment.
- Connect the hook on the end of the crank to the awning.
- Partially deploy the awning about halfway so you can reach the front to access the legs.
- Pop out the legs by grabbing them near the end and pulling towards the van to fold them out and adjust.
- Continue rolling out the awning with the crank.
- Adjust leg placement and height as needed by twisting the bolt. Retighten when the desired length is reached.
- Slide the rafter arms up until they click securely into the side mounts.
- Tighten the locking knobs on both rafter arms.
- Retract the awning to the height you need.
Note: If there are no side mounts, the legs can be pegged to the ground. Pegs are in the back compartment.
To roll up the awning:
- If using side mounts, remove the legs from the side mounts and set them on the ground.
- Connect the hook on the end of the crank to the awning.
- Wind up the awning about halfway so you can reach the front of the awning.
- Shorten each leg all the way, fold up, and push back into the front.
- Continue rolling up the awning with the crank until it clicks into the awning case and is not hanging.
- Put the crank away in the back compartment.
Warning: Do not set up the awning in windy conditions as it may damage the awning.
26. 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.
27. 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 on the driver's side.
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.
28. Jack and spare tyre
The jack tools are located under the front driver's seat.
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.