Often overlooked when getting ready for that trip away, is your caravans' brakes and bearings. With so much to do before leaving, food, accommodation, clothes, route and fuel stops the list goes on, it's not until something happens or we see that trailer, boat or caravan on the side of the road with a wheel missing that we think how long ago was the caravan serviced.
Simple checks, like checking the hub temperature when you pull up, if it's hot to touch and you haven't been using the brakes this is a sign that the brakes are dragging or worst still the bearings are on their way out. Another indication of brakes not been serviced is when using the hand brake on the caravan and one side will hold and other side rolls, or the hand brake doesn't hold at all, this is usually a sign that the brakes need adjusting, not the hand brake cable. If this is happening and your brakes are not in adjustment, you can only imagine how much your braking will be affected at 100kph if you need to stop in an emergency. Simple things like listening for brakes dragging, rattling / clicking in a wheel are all signs of a problem heading your way.
Simple Checks
Raise each wheel and check for side-to-side movement. (ensure to use a stand under the axle, don't rely on the jack)
While raised spin the wheel and listen if the brake is dragging or for any unusual noises
Have someone apply the brakes while spinning the wheel, check brakes operate and release smoothly.
Remove the grease cap and check the color of the grease, if it black or hard this could indicate that the bearings are breaking down and should be checked and re-packed with fresh grease.
Make a habit of checking the hub temperature when you pull up.
Brakes and bearing should be serviced every 10,000km or 12months.
Enjoy your trip and remember Weightrite for weights, brakes and bearings.
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