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Subject Topic: Novice seeks `level` headed advice Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonDandB
29/3/2016 at 7:30pm
 Location: Northamptonshire
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Hi all

We have a lightweight van, and have just had our second short trip in it. When we got to the pitch and looked at the spirit level, we saw that we had some side to side to deal with.

No problem I thought, we have a levelling ramp. Line everything up, gently edge the car forward to pull the van up the ramp, perfect. Put the van handbrake on, raise the jockey wheel to unhitch, then panic as the van swings to the side because the wheel rolled back down the ramp!

So what did I do wrong? Should I put a chock behind the wheel when it is up the ramp? I'd struggle to put the handbrake on more firmly.

Any suggestions to help us avoid our next trip spent leaning to one side greatly appreciated!

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PersonOpensauce
29/3/2016 at 7:36pm
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Yes, put a chock behind wheel on ramp. Your leveller will probably have serrated surface that will link into serrated chock. You can get them from a caravan shop.

Due to autoreverse mechanism handbrake will hold better going forward so it is a good idea to reverse caravan onto leveller.


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PersonRay Clayton
29/3/2016 at 7:54pm
 Location: Ilkeston. Derbyshire
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put a chock under the opposite wheel to stop the van swinging, this will also stop the swing

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Cheers
Ray

Discovery 4 & Bailey Barcelona 4







PersonJTQU
29/3/2016 at 7:56pm
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The issue is because it was a "wedge"; better by far to have a multi-stepped plank offering a series of horizontal surfaces. Nailing a few bits of decking together gets you one.

A refinement I have seen is to bolt together a series of planks close to their end so you can swing those not required out of the way. Slope the front ends to ease climbing up to the required height.

Post last edited on 29/03/2016 20:02:14


Personswaggy
29/3/2016 at 8:02pm
 Location: Reading. Berkshire
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Maybe its me Opensauce but reading your last sentence has me confused. The OP states he pulled forward onto the ramp which to my mind is correct. Agreed that certainly a chock would be needed.

If he reversed onto the ramp surely this would activate the autoreverse mechanism thus rendering the handbrake ineffective.

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PersonOpensauce
29/3/2016 at 8:17pm
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On properly serviced brakes the handbrake should be effective at all times. If brakes & mechanism are worn then handbrake will tend to hold caravan better if you try to move it forward rather than backwards ime.


PersonDandB
29/3/2016 at 8:36pm
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Thank you for your replies.

As I already have a pair of chocks, I'll try that first, but I like the idea of the bolted together lengths of decking.


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Personnaturlist123
29/3/2016 at 9:17pm
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You can get a wheel clamp leveller which you will have to fit on side required raising.
The lock covers wheel bolts to stop removal and your steady crank adjusts bolt to raise or lower also comes with two different keys for clamps around wheel which cannot be drilled out, even if tyre is deflated still cannot be removed


Personchrisfreelander54
31/3/2016 at 3:13pm
 Location: Stoke on Trent
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Quote: Originally posted by naturlist123 on 29/3/2016
You can get a wheel clamp leveller which you will have to fit on side required raising.
The lock covers wheel bolts to stop removal and your steady crank adjusts bolt to raise or lower also comes with two different keys for clamps around wheel which cannot be drilled out, even if tyre is deflated still cannot be removed



Whats the name of this item please?

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Personnavver
31/3/2016 at 8:06pm
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I have a brand new van and after putting the hand brake on it is easy to rotate the wheels by hand. Makes fitting the also lock a doddle without a mover.

If you reverse up the ramp the hitch will retract right in. When you then unhitch it will move out and probably hit the car.


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PersonOpensauce
31/3/2016 at 8:33pm
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If it's a new 'van the wheels should be solid in either direction with handbrake on. I suggest you get it adjusted properly. My suggestion to op was because his brakes sound badly adjusted as caravan moved backwards with handbrake applied. It is less likely to move forward but obviously he should get his brakes serviced.


VangoMan02
31/3/2016 at 8:37pm
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Quote: Originally posted by navver on 31/3/2016
I have a brand new van and after putting the hand brake on it is easy to rotate the wheels by hand. Makes fitting the also lock a doddle without a mover.

If you reverse up the ramp the hitch will retract right in. When you then unhitch it will move out and probably hit the car.


That was my thoughts as well?

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It is a wise man who has something to say.
It is a fool who has to say something.



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