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 ??
New to towing
- Thread starter Andyjack
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- Nov 11, 2009
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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?
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Mel
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- Mar 17, 2007
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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
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
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
- Nov 11, 2009
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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.
I agree OC,has the hallmarks of glazed brake shoes,may be set up erroneously or some mechanism fault.
- Sep 4, 2011
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If you have only just bought the caravan you need to get a full service done on it,.Especially if it has been stood with the hand brake left on for some time
- Oct 21, 2020
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I’d be more worried about the damage done to a car that is in either 1st or 2nd gear flat out and struggling?
I’d agree with the probability that the van brakes are playing up and need sorting before the next trip out (assuming the van handbrake wasn’t left on)
Kev
I’d agree with the probability that the van brakes are playing up and need sorting before the next trip out (assuming the van handbrake wasn’t left on)
Kev
- Feb 6, 2025
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what brakes, car or van? S G Servicing are a great mobile service company, i suggest they have a look. good work at reasonable prices. Not sure where you are so you need to contact them and see if they do your area, they are on 07875 260862, hope that helps
Thats brilliant thank you i was looking at them just wondering how they could check the brakes if caravan isnt on ramps or do they have ability to lift it ?
- Feb 6, 2025
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Yes they come with a van and have all the parts etc, when they remove any hubs they refit new nuts. It is all done very professionally and the chap ( Jamie ) is a great guy. You wont go wrong with them if they cover your area, hope they do. (PS, We were thinking of moving west later but still will be having a few days in my current region for the annual service, that's highly i rate the guy.)
Mel
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- Mar 17, 2007
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There is a jacking point under the van. Just like when you have to change a wheel. Don’t be the muppet that applies the Jack to the caravan floor.
Mel
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