New to towing

[Andyjack]

This is my first caravan so new to towing. I have a 2025 mazda cx-5 and a luna quasar. when towing my brakes are squeaky and it seems to be holding back especially on a hill im in 1-2 gear foot to floor and struggling to keep to 30mph. Is this normal ??

 

[otherclive]

This is my first caravan so new to towing. I have a 2025 mazda cx-5 and a luna quasar. when towing my brakes are squeaky and it seems to be holding back especially on a hill im in 1-2 gear foot to floor and struggling to keep to 30mph. Is this normal ??

Seems a strange phenomenon. What is the cars powertrain is it hybrid? If the car is suitably matched to the caravan then I’d suspect you have a sensor issue in the powertrain, but that would normally show a warning. Are the car bakes okay solo?

Or is it the caravan brakes? In which case it may have been stored with the handbrake on and the shoes can stick to the drums and cause overheating. Can you move the caravan easily on level tarmac with its handbrake off. If not get the brakes checked out. When was its last service?

 

[Mel]

You are right it’s not normal for that sort of struggle.
My first guess would be a brakes issue as Otherclive suggested or that your car and van and not suitably matched.
What is the Towing Capacity of your Mazda and the MPTLM of your Quaser. Look at the cars weight plate ( often in a door jamb) and the vans plate ( often next to the door)
Mel

 

[Andyjack]

According to the cars weight plate it can tow 2000kg and the caravans plate says its 1210kg and 1300kg fully loaded. The cars brakes are fine without the caravans plate says. Its a new 2025 plate car

 

[otherclive]

Looks like the caravan brakes are the problem. Given the description in your first posting they may have been subjected to severe overheating. So a full strip down and examination could be needed plus bearing check too.