Handbrake when reversing can caravan run away backwards?

[JTQ]

Dealer replaced rear panel and correctly adjusted the brakes.

That, I suspect was the difference!

 

[RogerL]

I tend not to use the AlKo lock, I set the caravan, ramp ,chock, handbrake on and motor move back until handbrake lever moves to vertical and then rechock the wheels, and then apply a different wheel lock.

But if you do that using a ramp, that one wheel ends up higher or lower and the caravan won't be level.

 

[RogerL]

It wont , but if it does not move then the handbrake does not need to do anything, its only when it moves, as is starting to roll away the handbrake is needed.
Then , if set as you state it will if inclined just move a bit backward and fly on with the handle going vertical. That is if you pulling it on hard enough has fully compressed the energy storing spring in the pull rod; that's why it has the spring.
As set it will be quite well on with respect to any inclination to move forward.

That sounds ok - I always reverse up the ramp so the natural tendency for the caravan is to roll forwards, but can't as the handbrake is applied?

 

[Hutch]

But if you do that using a ramp, that one wheel ends up higher or lower and the caravan won't be level.

On my caravan it fully engages the handbrake on moving back by 3 inches.

 

[Dustydog]

On my caravan it fully engages the handbrake on moving back by 3 inches.

There seems to be some different views .

Some Al-ko handbrakes are gas strut assisted , others purely manual.

Hutch your 3 inches whilst working for you may not for others. Al-ko themselves say 10 inches, with gas strut. 😜

The ultimate fail safe as recommended by the two clubs is to always pull forward a foot or so to release the auto reverse mechanism.
This may help.