Caravan Safety and Maintenance
Let’s Look at Those Shoes of Yours
For about half of the readers, you’re probably thinking footwear and “Why is Dayv telling me about heels and flats?” (there… I do know something).
Well, no. I’m taking brake shoes on the caravan and more importantly, the electric brakes that make them work when you’re driving – or, more importantly, wanting to slow down or stop.
Who’s Your Caravan Mechanic?
A great friend of mine, Craig, owns and runs Gascoyne Garage out Ipswich way.
So, when Craig told me that he was maintaining the electric brakes on a caravan that was brought in, I jumped at the opportunity to have a chat and take some video to share with you guys.
Doing your own caravan maintenance
Now, if you don’t know the open end of a spanner from the ring end, I’m not saying that you should jack up the van and have a poke around yourself. Shit!, it’s dangerous enough as it is just to jack the caravan up (and safely hold it there) if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Taking care of caravan electric braking systems
What I am saying is… be aware of what makes your electric brakes work; be aware that they need to be maintained; and have some knowledge when you talk with your mechanic about what’s going on and what it’ll take to maintain fix it. If you’re in any doubt on how to set up your brakes or how to tune them, please see your brake specialist or mechanic.
The leftover screw that mattered.
The true cost of doing your own caravan safety and maintenance checks
Just be aware that when the mechanic has a poke around, they’ll also be looking at the wiring, the drums, the shoes themselves and the bearings – plus whatever else they see. Just keep in mind what this is worth.
Be aware too that if you let this stuff drag on without someone (who knows) looking at them, you may be up for recovery / tow costs, plus parts (and delivery) and possibly accommodation costs etc etc. Do the sums… an once of prevention may well be worth that pound of cure.
So, please have a look at the video, and my chat with Craig, and see what you can learn. If you already know this stuff, then you may be able to use it as an aid when you chat with your mates or others.
I know I’ll be taking my van for a check before I drag it down to Tassie next year.
Please enjoy and please Share / Follow.
Keep safe on the roads – you may be heading my way (and I yours).
