CARAVAN BRAKES

[WatsonJohnG]

The Oklahoma is 1 year old and in for the first service.

I had a call from the dealer yesterday to say that the handbrake was not working much on one side and was binding on the other.

I wasn't aware of any problems and it held OK on my steepish drive.

Its on an Alko chassis.

Now to get to the point. Bailey do not specify removal of brake drums until the van is 2 years old.

I noticed on the service menu that one shot nuts are only specified at 2 years.

It seems to me to be short sighted not to check after 1 year as there has been a bedding in period and any faults in manufacture or assembly would otherwise go without attention for 2 years.

Has anyone else had the same problem?

 

[rob_jax]

Sorry John, No.

Eriba (Hymer) always specify a drums off inspection as part of the annual service.

But from your description, it (hopefully) should be sorted by twisting the brake adjuster.

Robert

 

[Hamer_5041128]

John,

If your dealer had done a full P.D.I.on your caravan when new I fail to see how at one year old the handbrake is not working much on one side but binding on the other.

You say the braking is ok. The same brake cables work the handbrake and the brakes when towing, so if it is as the dealer says I would expect the caravan to sway when braking as one brake would be coming on well before the other.

I would challenge the dealer.

Hamer

 

[WatsonJohnG]

I agree with what you are saying Hamer but they rang to say that they were taking the drums off to check which I am glad about.

Part of their concern was caused by the electric braking unit(IVRA) which I have fitted to this van and have had fitted to others over a 7 year period with no problems.

This works by pulling the main brake rod when it gets the signal from the brake light and means that the van brakes can be applied by the lightest touch on the car brake pedal.

It can in no way affect side to side balance and doesn't impeded the normal overrun braking .

I think that they took one look and thought none standard !!!!!!

 

[WatsonJohnG]

AL-KO service centre for caravans and trailers.

We are a service centre for Truma.

Reg No 200773

Truma single axle Motor Mover

 

[WatsonJohnG]

The dealer rang to say that the van was ready

When I asked about the brakes she just said that they had ticked the boxes !!!

So all must be well

 

[WatsonJohnG]

Got the van back OK

The handbrake feels different but the brakes were obviously working on tow judging from the squealing !!

IVRA left disconnected but soon reinstated and also performing as it should.