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Topic: Towed with handbrake on

jsparkes201148

via mobile 06/8/2024 at 6:49pm
Location: Stockton on Tees
Outfit: Lunar Clubman SB Kia Sorento

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Took caravan for service had to use mover to get it out of Service Yard
Walked round before I left and mover was not on the wheels
When I got home (15miles) handbrake was pointing vertical and wheels were hot and smelly
I’m not sure but I don’t think mover engaged when I got home
Service guy said if mover engaged while van is moving the handbrake will engage ??
My question
Could something have happened at the service that would cause the handbrake to engage as I drove off ?
I know in the past if I forgot to disengage the mover and tried to set off car wouldn’t move,
Hope someone can advise, van going back in tomorrow

navver

06/8/2024 at 7:54pm
Location: West country
Outfit: Mondeo

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If the handbrake is on 1st click, it's very easy for the wheels to be moved.
I used to put it on 1st click and rotate the wheel by grasping the wheel to line up the wheel lock.

My guess is you towed it home with handbrake on 1st click as evidenced by wheels being hot and smelly.

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G#Winger

06/8/2024 at 8:26pm
Location: south yorkshire
Outfit: coachman Amara 450

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i would have thought most modern hitches now dont have "clicks" lever is activated by gas strut so either on or off

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I predict a riot !!

664DaveS

via mobile 07/8/2024 at 1:19pm
Location: Shropshire
Outfit: Bailey Phoenix GT 75

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I towed a previous van with my old Land Rover,saw smoke from the wheels in the mirrors! The same handbrake not fully off! Stopped released brake and let it cool. Had a check after all ok.
We learn from our errors!
The modern ones do seem to be on or off.

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DS-There's more to life than football!!!

Colin21

08/8/2024 at 3:52pm
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail

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I did once try to move off with my movers still engaged. As my car is quite powerful compared to the weight of the van, it did move it a couple of feet until I realised what I had done. It stopped dead when I took my foot off the accelerator.

Being an older van mine has a ratchet handbrake and it would certainly cook the brakes if I drove with it on. I can't see how it could come on accidentally though.

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Best Regards,
Colin

albee

via mobile 08/8/2024 at 5:02pm
Location: None Entered
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Hi advice I was given if you have handbrake lever with a gas strut make sure your brake away cable isn’t too tight when connected as if it pulls slightly on the brake the gas strut can apply the handbrake

664DaveS

via mobile 08/8/2024 at 5:32pm
Location: Shropshire
Outfit: Bailey Phoenix GT 75

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We put the van onto the car, check it is properly hitched then if the van brake is on, release it and connect the breakaway cable. Connect electrics and check the lights.
If it's at home we usually use the motor mover to bring the van to the car and hitch up. Handbrake obviously off, but not forgetting to disengage the mover!

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DS-There's more to life than football!!!

jsparkes201148

08/8/2024 at 5:44pm
Location: Stockton on Tees
Outfit: Lunar Clubman SB Kia Sorento

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DS thats exactly what i did including a walk round check.
Anyway, new shoes, drums and bearings being fitted today.
Annoying that I don’t really know the cause.

John4703

08/8/2024 at 8:39pm
Location: Glasgow
Outfit: Elddis Avante 454

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I seldom use my handbrake. I store my caravan at home and it sits on plastic "whhel savers". I'm not sure they save the tyres but it does mean it is in the right place which is about 2 cm away from the fence behind it.
When I get to a site I tend to engage the motor mover, put the caravan in position then put down the steadies and then disengage the motormover.

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We camped for years. In 2019 we bought an Elddis Avante 454. We like it as it is short (6.9m) and fits in our driveway and has a fixed bed.
We had 127 nights away in the caravan in 2023.

gari

18/8/2024 at 11:02pm
Location: None Entered
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If you fit something like a Tyrepal system (TPMS Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) this will alert you to your tyres overheating (they monitor temp as well as pressure). I have the Tyrepal on my caravan and its reassuring to be able to keep an eye on caravan tyre temps and pressures.

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