Hi, I'm hoping someone can help! I have a Conway Cardinal circa 1993 and I've used it on several holidays now, love it! But every time I drive it I notice when I get to my destination that the handbrake is up about half way to fully engaged. I know that can't be good for the campers brakes and I've just had to get my rear car discs and pads done (even though they were done in November) because they were blue. The garage said it was strange and when I said about the camper was convinced it was the cause (not that I trust everything a garage says). Now I'm going to get a service ok the brakes which will hopefully fix it but I'm going ok holiday in 2 days so don't have tone for that.
My question is, is there any reason me strapping down the handbrake during transit will cause issue? Any help would be appreciated.
I personally can not think of any reason why you could not strap it down. I was thinking the same thing when reading your post. It will work on the same process as a car handbrake.
I do not see how that would cause the issue on your cars rear brakes tho! If they are blue then that is due to overheating (poss stuck on / catching on the pads). that would be more of an issue with what and how they were fitted with in my opinion.
Didn't think of that, there's definitely slack in the cable but I worry it's too slack so loop it once round the towbar. Do you see any issue with strapping down? If I give more slack and tie down.
I don't have anywhere to attach my breakaway cable so I loop it round the tower and back on itself. I was told at the caravan dealership this is an okay thing to do.
Should I be worried about this though.....reading this?
Quote: Originally posted by Dr-Bell on 09/8/2018
Didn't think of that, there's definitely slack in the cable but I worry it's too slack so loop it once round the towbar. Do you see any issue with strapping down? If I give more slack and tie down.
Cheers
Yes you should NOT strap it down because if it did come off your motor it won't apply the brakes will it!
There is always a way to take up too much slack if indeed there is any, all it needs to do is to stay clear of the road surface and not be wearing its self away on the ground and if you do find a way check it's not too short by driving both ways in a circle and getting someone to watch what happens and see if it tightens up enough to lift the handbrake lever which indicates it's applying the brakes.
The issue with the rear brakes on your car isn’t anything to do with your camper. Sounds like bad workmanship where they were fitted.
As for your break away cable it should never be wrapped around anything to shorten it. It needs a straight pull to activate the brakes if the trailer comes detached. You should be able to shorten the cable near the carabiner. Mine has a clamp that can be undone and the shorten the cable and re clamping it. The handbrake on most trailers have white a bit of travel before they actually activate the brakes.
Update, just drove 100miles with it giving lots of slack and brake still finished 1 click up. So you don't think that is a huge issue? Also when braking it makes a horrible squeak. I definitely need to get a service!
If the hand brake is being applied in this way and you drive 100 miles like it, then the trailer brakes are going to be hot and worn.
If the trailer brakes are not working properly, the car brakes will have to do a lot more work and that might cause them to wear prematurely.
The overrun damper and bushes can become tight. The brakes apply and do not become fully released.
You can feel if the brakes are binding by moving forward slowly on level ground then slip the car into neutral. You should find the car stops very smoothly with no settling back. You will feel when the brakes are applied as there will be a slight force pushing you forwards. When the car stops that force is removed and that is what I mean by settling back.
You can do this with just the car and with the trailer attached. It's a good way to feel if the brakes are binding.
I have to ask! Are there two separate issues here?
1) rear brakes on tow vehicle turning "blue" which somebody said would be overheating.
2) problem with the handbrake on the trailer clicking on.
I can't see why the two would be linked, why would the tear brakes of the car affect the handbrake on the trailer, am I missing something here?
This past will demonstrate I am not a mechanic!
Thanks for the advice navver, ill try. Whatever the result the answer is a good service!
It is 2 separate issues Bramidan. The issue on here is really the handbrake going up. I only mentioned the car brakes because the garage did. It wasn't the rear brakes forcing the camper handbrake but the camper handbrake putting undue stress on the rear brakes. So IF they are linked then fixing the handbrake issue will ensure my brakes last longer.
sorry, i dont know who told you that but the camper handbrake wont put stress on the rear brakes.
the handbrake being applied will affect the performance of the vehicle, but not the braking. it will mean extra clutch wear, extra fuel and be "heavier" to pull, putting wear and tear on the drivetrain...
but it absolutely categorically wont affect the brakes one single iota.
It will if the trailer brakes don't work. The car will have to brake the trailer as well as the car. That will overload the car brakes causing overheating.