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Subject Topic: Hydraulics Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonGothaven
25/7/2013 at 7:32pm
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We have just noticed that the hydraulic fluid in the towing part of caravan has run dry and we are meant to be going away tomorrow ....could someone tell us if it still ok to use or do we have to get this sorted before we leave please ? Sorry to sound a bit dim but we have never owned a caravan before ....many thanks


PersonSkoda Bob
25/7/2013 at 8:02pm
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There are no Hydraulics on a caravan, if you mean the tow hitch has dried out, once you hitch it up it will free itself off, there should be enough grease. left in the spring hitch

If you have the normal hitch and a red lever, make sure the towball is clean and dry do not put grease into the tow hitch, the bit the towball goes into.


PersonGothaven
25/7/2013 at 9:59pm
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Thank you......is it safe to use please ?


Persontango55
25/7/2013 at 10:24pm
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The part you are referring to is called the draw bar or draw shaft and as Skoda Bob has already said there isn't any hydraulic fluid on a caravan. There should be two grease nipples on top of the draw bar (inside the front cowl cover) so all you have to do is obtain a grease gun and squeeze some grease via the two grease nipples. It is safe to tow but if you get a creaking sound then this more likely to be down to a dirty towball so clean it first and apply a spray of brake & clutch cleaner to the internal hitch pads if you have an Alko stabiliser hitch fitted and keep both the hitch and ball free of grease.


PersonGrampian91
25/7/2013 at 11:30pm
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Sounds like it needs a service..

If the hitch has not been greased it may have seized and wont apply the brakes.
If thats the case then it's not safe to tow it.


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Persontango55
25/7/2013 at 11:42pm
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Grampian91:   

That's good advice actually as it never occurred to me about the draw bar being seized up and of course if this IS the case then I agree that the caravan brakes will fail to operate which I have to agree that it is not safe to tow.


PersonGrampian91
26/7/2013 at 1:42am
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Yeah its something i do before each trip if its been standing for a few months.

A couple of squirts with the grease gun to make sure it works properly.

Make bought an old ABI van. On the way back from picking it up he braked for an island and BANG!

It had been seized for so long the damper had also seized. As he braked it decided it was time to move again. Snapped the damper.

A slow drive home and there was actually play in the hitch when he arrived back. None previously when buying it.

If you dont know you need to get someone that does to check it.


PersonGothaven
26/7/2013 at 8:03am
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Thank you all....will get someone to check it



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