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Subject Topic: Brakes Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonAaronR
08/10/2016 at 11:13pm
 Location: Ipswich
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I recently had my caravan undergo a "running gear" service although I am not covinced they done much for the £130 charged, I already knew I had issues with my brakes as when I brake nothing happens on the van and it shoves into the car, I told them this and asked them to take a look, they seem to think I need all new brake pads and shoes etc as they are worn and are quoting me approx £500! But I only paid £600 for the van, so I am not sure what to do! It doesn't even cost that much to get one of our proper truck trailers relined at work! Also, they left a note saying we had to retorque the wheel nuts so before our trip to Dorset last week I done that, but on taking the hubcaps off I was surprised the wheels underneath were still filthy and full of debris, why wasn't this cleaned on a "running gear" service!!

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PersonOpensauce
09/10/2016 at 8:15am
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Sounds like you need a better workshop. Probably best idea is to get a mobile caravan mechanic to come to your home. That way you can watch him at work. A chassis service without parts should cost around £80. The work would consist of hub/drum removal, clean/adjust brakes. Repack wheel bearings with grease if up to early 1990s. After that there were sealed bearings & new hub nuts should be fitted at each service.

Then it would be grease hitch mechanism & check lights. Obviously if extra work was required this should be done & charged for as part of the service.

No MoT for caravans so it is owner's responsibility that caravan is in roadworthy condition. In the unlikely event of a roadside check a prohibition can be issued on a caravan/trailer considered in dangerous condition & driver would not be allowed to continue his journey.

From what you describe. Hitch damper which is the damper inside the hitch draw tube could well have had it. This would be around £60 for part & around an hour for fitting.

If brake shoes need replacing then £60-£80 for full set of brake shoes & an hour or so labour for fitting.

So complete bill for all work described incl vat might be over £300.


PersonAaronR
09/10/2016 at 2:24pm
 Location: Ipswich
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Thanks for your reply opensauce. They did replace the Hub nuts and there was evidence of fresh grease but that's it. He said it definitely wasn't the damper as that works as it should, he said it needs new pads, shoes and drums as they had been wrongly adjusted and worn at an angle. He knew we were travelling from Suffolk to Dorset but never said we shouldn't go, I was very disappointed to feel that they were no better at all when I picked up the van from storage before we went. I also asked him to look at the carver Fanmaster blown heater as it only blows out cold air, I'm pretty sure the thermal fuse has gone as it isn't a model that has the reset switch, all he said after was they need to get it back to their workshop and take it apart, sounds like again they are trying to fleece me, what do you think?

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PersonOpensauce
09/10/2016 at 4:06pm
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Caravan brake drums are all in one with hub & bearing. They are over £100 each so final bill for drums/shoes fitted could be getting on for £500. If caravan is 20 odd yrs old I wouldn't bother trying to fix a gas heater. Use an electric heater on ehu, I would.

Google for Western Towing website to get an idea of genuine OE part costs. You will find cheaper on ebay but they might be rubbish.

Post last edited on 09/10/2016 16:11:06


PersonAaronR
09/10/2016 at 6:53pm
 Location: Ipswich
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Ok thanks for your help. I thought the Fanmaster blown heating might be an easy fix replacing the thermal fuse

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PersonAaronR
09/10/2016 at 8:11pm
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How can I find out what type of brakes they are?

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Personchrisn7
14/10/2016 at 12:25am
 Location: West Yorkshire
 Outfit: Bessacarr Cameo 625 2011 View chrisn7's Profile View Profile   Reply to chrisn7 Reply   Quote chrisn7 Quote  
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Quote: Originally posted by AaronR on 09/10/2016
Ok thanks for your help. I thought the Fanmaster blown heating might be an easy fix replacing the thermal fuse


If you already know its the thermal fuse than this is an easy fix. However, you will need to access the existing one first, as these fuses have a temperature marked on the side which will of course determine the replacement. Various temps from Maplins for a few pence. Remember you can't solder these - crimping or terminal blocks only!


PersonOpensauce
14/10/2016 at 2:42pm
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Chassis will most likely be Al-ko or less likely BPW. Parts for both are available. Look on chassis for name of maker.



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