CAMPING THE KIWI WAY

When transporting any trailer or caravan, especially if it is new to you, it is essential to stop 15 minutes into the trip and check the temperature of the wheels with your hand. If they are excessively hot it indicates a problem.

Regrettably, this is a common occurrence. Yesterday, I collected a caravan for a lovely couple who had purchased it, but it failed to reach their home due to a brake fault that caused the wheels to lock up while in motion, resulting in damage. 

Although the caravan had a current Warrant of Fitness and registration, inspection of the brakes revealed that they were metal on metal and required replacement. 

I frequently emphasize the importance of transporting caravans for inspection and obtaining a new Warrant of Fitness prior to use.

When towing a new-to-you caravan, stop 15 minutes into the trip and check the temperature of the wheels with your hand

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Caravan parking and brake tip

Gary Stoneley, NZ Lifestyle Camping 

When parking up a caravan you should not leave the manual handbrake on for any length of time, particularly in winter: block the wheels instead. 

Park brake on

Park brake off

Don’t leave them on, of course, when you head off. (Easy to say!)

Having the hand brake on can cause the brakes to bind up, making the vehicle very difficult to move or tow with increased drag. While the brakes may free up after some movement, the brakes can heat up or seize and the brake pads will suffer excessive wear. 

Overheating the brakes and wheel can affect the wheel bearings causing the bearing to seize up and can cause a fire as a result. 🏕️