Just got back from our first ever caravan trip, to Whitby so only 100 miles each way.
Putting the wheel lock on i noticed both wheels were warm to touch, not burning hot just warm. Fuel consuption was well down at 28mph but as we've never towed 1300kg i dont know what to expect. And there was some knocking as we crawled along in traffic for 30 odd miles. Which i assume is the hitch knocking.
Wheels mostly the drums, not the hub centres so much will usually be warm after you stop because the brakes will have been used. To check your brakes are not binding jack caravan up & spin the wheels forward. Should spin easily for one & a half revolutions. You can also pull up carefully in a layby without using brakes & then check wheels, should be cold.
The knocking is a separate issue, could be hitch damper had it or on the way out, try greasing hitch nipples first though, you need a grease gun, pump in plenty of grease.
If caravan has not been serviced then I suggest you get it done. For just a service on the running gear should be £80odd+parts.
Warm wheels are not necessarily a problem as the tyres will warm up during use and will warm the rim. I usually touch the brake drum if possible as this should be only be just warm, not hot. Came back from one trip and the o/s wheel brake drum could fry an egg - detached lining and binding shoe was the problem. As already said could be binding brakes or handbrake linkage adjusted too far. Jack up each wheel and with handbrake off it should spin easily. If not = problem.
Knocking hitch could be worn towball, worn hitch coupling or maybe the hitch damper shaft needs greasing.
------------- Phil
Blood, Sweat and Beers.
The more I learn the more I know, the more I know the more I forget, the more I forget the less I know
Booked so far:
June: Charity Farm
July: Gullivers MK
August: Tregurrian, Cornwall
Sept: New Forest
So try greasing first. Where will the grease nipple be? Underneath at the back of the coupling would be my first guess.
Tow ball is new, and it was serviced prior to us collecting it.
You can tell if the brakes are binding by moving slowly and just put it in neutral. It should roll to a stop with no settling on it's haunches at all. You can detect the slightest rock back if they are binding.
Sounds like they are only warm so probably nothing to worry about. The knocking is more concern and should be looked into.
If the brakes are rubbing the wheels will be red hot not warm.
This happened to me on the way to a site, when I got there the wheels were so hot I couldn't even touch them.
I had to release the rod tensioner before I could drive home.
No one has mentioned your mpg figure,what car do you have?,30 miles stop start traffic,expect the mpg to drop quite a lot,as it will when towing at normal speeds but 28mpg when towing is better then mine,