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Caravanning News is registered with the National Library of Australia's PANDORA archive |
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August 2014 |
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'Protecting your second home' Maintenance vital
You have invested a lot of money in your caravan, and it is important to protect your "second home" by looking after it and maintaining it in good condition. Maintenance - or rather, preventive maintenance - is like a safety inspection and needs to be done on a regular basis, so your 'van won’t let you down on the road or when you should be relaxing in a park. The most important consideration is that you and your family arrive safely at your destination and arrive safely back home. Looking after your 'van gives you the best insurance that it won't let you down. Both your caravan and your tow-vehicle must be legal/compliant and in a safe condition. They must fully comply with all applicable ADRs (Australian Design Rules) and Australian Standards. If there have been any modifications to either the tow-vehicle, or the ‘van, the compliance may now be invalid. If you are not mechanically knowledgeable and experienced, you should have an accredited automotive engineer or mechanic conduct the technical aspects of the maintenance, and make any necessary replacements or adjustments. Only licensed gas-fitters and electricians are permitted to service gas and 230 volt AC electrical appliances and installations.It is expected that all dealers will supply all the necessary information (in writing) for proper servicing and maintaining of their 'vans. If any information is apparently missing - or you do not understand something - do not hesitate to contact the dealer who sold the 'van. Of course, with used 'vans, some of this information may well have got lost, hence owners should try to obtain a copy of anything that has seemingly disappeared. The most important documents are the Owner’s Manuals - often jokingly called Moaner’s Annuals - for the ‘van, and all of the appliances and additional equipment fitted. Again, if you do not feel confident in doing any of the inspection and maintenance items, have them done by an experienced technician, so as best prevent causing any personal or product damage. Cleaning is a basic first-step in maintaining your 'van in good condition, and also for allowing proper inspection of components for any damage. Following instructions provided, and do not use harsh chemicals, when just soap and water are recommended. Likewise, do not use excessive force when rubbing the various surfaces.
1: Hard surfaces, such as all exterior surfaces and all interior surfaces of the 'van, cabinets, appliances, toilet/shower, and vinyl and fibreglass surfaces. 2: Soft surfaces, such as canvas, carpets, curtains, bedding, tyres, and all rubber seals. 3: Under-side and running-gear, such as the chassis, floor, axles, suspension components, hub assemblies, brakes, wheels, tyres, stabilisers, jockey-wheel, and coupling assembly. Do not use full pressure as a "jet" but use moderate pressure as a "spray" to simulate a severe rain storm as may reasonably be experienced to tests all seals (around the 'van door and compartment doors, windows, hatches, and body/roof panels) for effectiveness. Carefully inspect the interior panels and seams to see if any water leakage has occurred; if so, have the leaks professionally repaired. Ratings & Masses : It is extremely important to understand all of the relevant Ratings and Masses. It is illegal to exceed any of the Ratings that are set by the manufacturers. If any are exceeded, there may well be prosecutions, civil actions, refusals of warranty and insurance claims… and of course, serious accidents and nasty incidents on the road.
It is highly recommended that you obtain a certified weighbridge certificate, stating both the Tare Mass, and the Ball-Loading at the Tare Mass condition. Record the readings and retain the certificate. Measured Tare Mass: …………… kg Ball-Loading at the Tare Mass condition: ……… kg The Ball-Loading is critical regarding proper handling and stability. It is also recommended that you obtain a weighbridge certificate, for both the Total Mass, and the Ball-Loading, when you are fully-loaded, just to be certain that you are not overloaded. Legal Load-Carrying Capacity (LLCC) = Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) Rating – Tare Mass How much water do you really need to carry??? Remember, water is included in the "Pay-Load", and not in the "Tare Mass". Has the manufacturer
supplied the "Ball-Loading at the Tare Mass (empty) Condition", and
the "Maximum Permissible Chassis & A-Frame : Are all structural members - and welds - free of damage, cracks and rust?Is the underside f ree from damage, timber rotting, mud accumulations and loose components?Are all tubes, hoses and electrical wires properly protected, secured and in good condition? Fill the water tank(s) using a hose at normal pressure. Check all lines and connections for leaks. 50 mm Ball & Coupling : Is the coupling in good condition, and the mounting bolts in good condition and torqued correctly? Is the "anti-rattle" stud correctly adjusted?Is the ball nut tightened to the prescribed torque, and fitted with a lock-washer/nut? If a friction-type anti-sway coupling is fitted, is the ball physically prevented from rotating? Safety Chains & D-Shackles : Are the safety chains securely welded to the A-Frame?Do the D-shackles have a stamped Load Rating? Never use light alloy spring-loaded tie-down hooks. Always use steel D-Shackles, that are as strong as the safety chains and have a threaded securing bolt.
They are the vital items that connect the vehicles with the road surface, to provide traction for cornering, acceleration and braking. Does the Tyre Placard state the fitted tyre size; Minimum Load Rating; Minimum Speed Rating? Does it also state the recommended tyre pressures for both the empty and fully-loaded conditions?If not, consult a specialist tyre supplier for advice on tyre sizes and inflation pressures for the various tyre loadings. Recommended Tyre Pressure (empty): …………….. kPa Recommended Tyre Pressure (fully-loaded): …………….. kPa Carefully inspect all tyres (entire treads & side-walls) for any damage, cracks or unusual wear. Wheels : It is important that the wheel nuts are fully compatible with the wheel hubs and studs, and are tightened in the proper sequence to the correct torque using a torque-wrench.Recommended Wheel-nut Torque: Nm: ……………
Carefully inspect all wheels to ensure they are properly located on the hub, are undamaged and are in sound condition. Caravan/Trailer & Tow-Vehicle Wiring : Are the socket and plug - and the breakaway switch assembly - in good condition and positively latched when connected?Lamps & Reflectors : Do all lamps work correctly? Are all reflectors clean and in good condition?Appliances : Test all appliances and systems properly … on gas, 230 volt AC,and 12 volt DC.Important: If you suspect even the slightest problem, have a licensed technician inspect the 'van. LPG : Is there a valid certificate of compliance with AS 5601 for the LPG system?Electricity : Is there a valid certificate of compliance with AS 3000/1 for the electrical system?Is the Residual Current Device (RCD) operating correctly? Are extension leads approved and in good condition? Ensure that each battery and solar-panels are serviced as per the manufacturers’ requirements. Wheel Hub Assemblies : Are the hubs, bearings, stub axles, cap and seals clean and in good condition?Are the bearings correctly grease-packed, correctly tensioned and secured with split pins? Suspension Components : Are all springs in sound condition and positively located?Are all pins, bushes, hangers and shackles in good condition and lubricated as required? Tow-Vehicle Inspection : It is highly recommended that you have a qualified mechanic inspect all safety-related items on the tow vehicle, as would be done for a Road-Worthiness inspection.
Connect the Combination :
Braking System : Because of the higher mass of the combination, the braking systems of both the 'van and tow vehicle must be in sound condition and adjusted correctly to provide the best possible straight-line braking. It is imperative you test the braking system for proper "balance" - before you head off on vacation - on a safe gravel or wet road before testing them at a higher speed on a dry sealed road.It is important to know what brake pedal effort is required to provide the required stopping performance.
If the over-ride braking system is hydraulic-actuated, check that the fluid in good condition, the hydraulic system is free of leaks and the brakes are adjusted correctly. If in doubt, have a trained technician replace the fluid with new fluid and bleed the system of air.Towing Equipment : Ask a specialist caravan equipment supplier if you should be using any towing aids:(a) Weight-Distribution Hitch (WDH), (b) Anti-Sway System, (c) Extended Mirrors. If you are using a towing aid, ensure that you understand how to install - and correctly adjust - it. Personal Protection : Do you have suitable current insurance for the caravan and tow-vehicle?Do you have a fire extinguisher, smoke-detector, CO [carbon monoxide] detector and a First Aid kit? Are they accessible and in good condition? Ensure that everyone who will be in the caravan reads and understands all safety notices and knows what to do in an emergency. Happy & Safe Travels!!! Note: Detailed articles on "Caravan - and Tow-Vehicle - Inspections" and "Tyres" can be downloaded from: www.caravancouncil.com.au/#!technical-articles/cbu9 Disclaimer: This information is not to be deemed to be legal advice. It is supplied in good faith and is believed to be correct. However, no liability whatsoever is accepted from the use or reliance of this or other information available on the CCA web-site. Caravan Council of Australia: www.caravancouncil.com.au Email: caravancouncil@optusnet.com.au BACK TO CARAVANNING NEWS MAIN PAGE
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publication may be reproduced or transmitted without Copyright 2005
Dennis Amor |
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Cleaning covers
three areas: 
It is strongly
suggested that pencil 
