| To a caravanner, one of the most frightening experiences is having your caravan trying to overtake you in an emergency because its brakes have failed and the vehicle's brakes can't cope with the extra load.
Most modern caravans have electric brakes which are activated through a control unit within your vehicle when the brake pedal is applied.
The efficiency of your braking relies on a number of components operating efficiently. It is very possible that you may travel 100's of kilometres over many months without any warning that the brakes on your caravan may not be there when you need them in an emergency.
A brake drum at the centre of each wheel of your caravan has an electro magnet on a swinging arm that floats against the vertical inside surface of the drum. When an electric current is passed through the magnet, it adheres to the drum. This in turn moves the arm and applies outward pressure to the brake pads which are forced against the outer inside wall of the drum. This pressure slows the van.
The strength of the electric current that is passed through the magnets is governed by the brake control unit, the pressure applied to the brake pedal, the speed you are travelling, the condition of the wiring, connecting plug and brake pads. Wires can become damaged or broken, plugs can be poorly connected, control units faulty and pads worn.
Law only requires caravan manufacturers to put brakes on two of the four wheels on a dual axle caravan. Fortunately most manufacturers put brakes on all wheels
We all check our blinker and tail lights every time we hook up, don't we?
How many check the brakes are working as well?
The following simple checks could save your life.
A Very Simple Test:
At very low speed as you move away from your last night's camp, simply flick the override lever on your control unit to feel the van pull on the car. This will tell you that your wires are connected and the magnet is receiving current. It doesn't tell you if your brakes are being applied evenly and effectively though it is a good every time check.
A Better Test:
While at your site occasionally jack up each wheel in turn. Spin the wheel by hand and have someone apply the override lever on the control unit. The wheel should stop dead. Don't use the brake pedal as its effect is governed by the speed of the car.
An Even Better Test:
On a smooth gravel road at about 20 KPH (after checking no one is behind you) apply the brake pedal firmly as you would do in an emergency. The caravan wheels should skid on the gravel. Come to a stop and walk back to inspect the skid marks. Both right and left side wheels should lock evenly. On a bogie wheel caravan you may be helped by someone watching from the side of the road as well.
These checks are ongoing and don't replace the need to have the occasional full brake service which removes the drums and includes an inspection of all components.
Keep a regular eye on your brakes and they will be there when you need them.
© Chris Meadham June 2007
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