Message Forums

Hi

We have just purchased a caravan which has been in storage for two years.  When you brake hard there is a loud clonking noise, which we have been told could be the damper... but this seems to be working ok.  When I jacked up one wheel tonight, I fully pushed the draw bar in at the front but the wheel still turned, should the brake not be on now that the draw bar is in?

Any advice is welcome as we are new to caravaning, previously owning a folding camper

Thank you

Hi Jacqui

My understanding is yes, when the coupling is compressed the brakes on the caravan are applied (unless you're going in reverse, when the brakes are overridden). As it's been in storage for a couple of years, it may be worth putting it into a local dealer for a service. It'll probably cost £200 or so, but if you're going to use the van regularly, better to be sure that everything works as it should.

If I can hijack this thread since my problem is similar. When I bought my caravan a few months ago I checked the handbrake and it seemed to work fine although I had to pull it full on before the brakes applied.

I've only used it 3 times but recently I discovered that the handbrake is no longer holding the van and I could still push it with the handbrake full on. If I really whack the handbrake home beyond the last notch the brakes work.

I'm no mechanic so could this be that the brake pads are worn right down or does it require the handbrake cable adjusting? I've no doubt I will need to spend a few bob and get it properly checked out but in the meantime how do you adjust the handbrake cable?

Hi Jacqui

If its an Alko chassis, it will be similer to HERE

It takes a while to get your head around, but if you follow the instructions it takes about 30 -40 minutes.

HTH

Paul

Thanks Paul for the infor hubbie is going to have a look tonight, then attempt to fix over the weekend

Hi Paul

Hubbie spent Friday night fixing the brakes from the instructions given & they work fine now, they were completely dry & locked up.... no wonder there was a loud banging noise when braking.  The only thing stopping the caravan was our car, we brought it all the way home from Oxford which is about 2 hours away from our home. Someone must have been watching over us that day.

Thanks again

Jacqui & Tony