CARAVAN REPAIRERS, ARE THE ANY THAT KNOW WHAT THEY'RE DOING?

Snippy · Senior Member

CARAVAN REPAIRERS, ARE THE ANY THAT KNOW WHAT THEY'RE DOING?

BAZZA44 · Senior Member

Kevin has anyone jacked a van wheel up, either one at a time or all wheels up, and then with one person using the brake controller slider to manually operate the brakes and another person to spin a wheel, then first person operates brakes while wheel is spinning and watch for wheel to grab.

If it grabs then all electrics would appear to be working. Next step are brake shoes adjusted out far enough. It is possible for brakes to grab in this test but on the road with weight they may not work as well as they should if not adjusted properly.

Has anyone actually taken any brake drums off and checked all components.

You mentioned that magnets click, I don't know what a click would be as they usually hum

With your awning rafters it seems like clips are fixed too low from the track. They should work out to sit near or just on the underside of the sail track, so would be able to fix to what the sail track is screwed to.

When the anti flap arm is in place and the clamp pulled down to trap the vinyl, does the vinyl stay in a straight line from track to roller ? If it pulls down out of line next to the track then the brackets are too low.

Barry

Whenarewethere · Guru

It's not only caravans. The number of trades we have had around our building leaves a lot to be desired. We were getting a new roof on the garages. They were laying down the metal roofing & I said there is supposed to be insulation. They didn't believe me & carried on.

So I went inside printed off the quote & nonchalantly handed up to the roofer the A4 document. 30 seconds later they all dropped tools & came back once the insulation & wire mesh turned up.

You really need to supervise & check everything down to the last 316 stainless screw!

The electrician wired the wrong garage to the wrong meter.

The new roller doors needed fixing.

New arch bars we wanted done a better way using a T section for the long term & happy to pay for it, there were arguments.

Brick repairs were not acid washed so had to get them back (still not brilliant).

No wonder everything is breaking.

outlaw40 · Guru

If the magnets are humming then it can only be mechanical within the brakes on the van themselves . have you checked the adjustment ? if not you need to pull the drums off and see whats going on. driving around for 2 years with no van brakes is one of the DUMBEST things that has been said on here for a while ...it your responsibility to get them fixed before you kill someone . dont blame the repairers , the magistrate wont . 2 years with no van brakes!!!!!!!!! they walk amongst us folks

Hetho · Senior Member

I'm with outlaw40.

No brake for 2 years; "REALLY" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!. And we share the road with YOU. I know a few words to describe your actions but the forum will not allow me to print them.

Its a pity you didn't have an insurance claim in that period (without injuring others), because I know what the outcome of the claim would have been.

Snippy · Senior Member

BAZZA44 wrote:
Kevin has anyone jacked a van wheel up, either one at a time or all wheels up, and then with one person using the brake controller slider to manually operate the brakes and another person to spin a wheel, then first person operates brakes while wheel is spinning and watch for wheel to grab.

If it grabs then all electrics would appear to be working. Next step are brake shoes adjusted out far enough. It is possible for brakes to grab in this test but on the road with weight they may not work as well as they should if not adjusted properly.

Has anyone actually taken any brake drums off and checked all components.

You mentioned that magnets click, I don't know what a click would be as they usually hum

With your awning rafters it seems like clips are fixed too low from the track. They should work out to sit near or just on the underside of the sail track, so would be able to fix to what the sail track is screwed to.
When the anti flap arm is in place and the clamp pulled down to trap the vinyl, does the vinyl stay in a straight line from track to roller ? If it pulls down out of line next to the track then the brackets are too low.

Barry

Barry,

That's what I pay these dickheads for, I am an IT person, not a mechanic.

Deflappers, The fittings are hard against the sail rail. THe brackets are the right height, just screwed into thin air.

THanks for your response.

Snippy · Senior Member

2 years of paying people to NOT DO THEIR JOB, i'll take my chances.

I turned to this forum in the forlorn hope that I might find a solution.

Van goes into workshop here in a few days and he is not getting paid until I test the brakes.

Thanks for all your replies.

Bobdown · Guru

Snippy wrote:
2 years of paying people to NOT DO THEIR JOB, i'll take my chances.

I turned to this forum in the forlorn hope that I might find a solution.

Van goes into workshop here in a few days and he is not getting paid until I test the brakes.

Thanks for all your replies.

I know of two occasions where the wires that plug into the controller were dislodged by a Toyota employee when working under the dash.

In saying that, you should have "felt" there was no braking from the van before taking 2 years to get it rectified.

Simple test by rolling along slowly and applying the van brakes only and it should pull you up, works good on a gravel road too, don't worry about trying to hear noises.

I do agree that some people have no pride in their work.....just chasing the almighty dollar.

Hope you get it sorted.

Cheers Bob

DeBe · Guru

I think calling Snippy (Dumb) is a bit over the top as he has paid some one to fix it. If theres an accident it would fall on the insurance company to go after the repairer that said it was fine. As a retired mechanic I could be called Dumb as im not an IT person like Snippy, I had to pay someone to set up my new laptop last week.

-- Edited by DeBe on Sunday 24th of May 2020 01:32:28 PM

outlaw40 · Guru

Hes not dump for being an it person not a mechanic he is dumb for allowing this to go on for 2 years. he says in his first post that he has been towing a van for 2 years without functioning brakes .... THATS DUMB , DANGEROUS , ILLEGAL AND DOWNRIGHT STUPID . the van should not have moved till it was rectified and i can guaranty if pulled up by the police the only place it would be going is on the back of a tilt tray .

Snippy · Senior Member

outlaw40 wrote:
Hes not dump for being an it person not a mechanic he is dumb for allowing this to go on for 2 years. he says in his first post that he has been towing a van for 2 years without functioning brakes .... THATS DUMB , DANGEROUS , ILLEGAL AND DOWNRIGHT STUPID . the van should not have moved till it was rectified and i can guaranty if pulled up by the police the only place it would be going is on the back of a tilt tray .

A bit like the "EXPERTS" that charged me to fix it and didn't. "DUMB, DANGEROUS AND STUPID, NOT TO MENTION FRAUDS"

I can't even try to tow it to a repairer, because my previous experience tellls me they will say they can fix it, will say the HAVE fixed it, will charge me for fixing it, and I will find out within 1 km that they have not.

Maybe I park on top of a cliff with the brakes on.....problem solved.

Umpie1 · Senior Member

Please don't tar and feather all the caravan repairers with the same brush. There are plenty of good ones out there. I have had my van/s serviced in Noosaville. The company started out with a one bay industrial shed. Now they have moved into a 4+ bay setup. They must be doing something right. If you are on the Sunny Coast in Queensland and want their details PM me and I will supply.

outlaw40 · Guru

Dont deflect just tell the truth Have you or Have you not been towing for 2 years without brakes on the van ,your original post says you were so the buck stops with you . get it fixed properly and stay off the road until you do.

Radar · Guru

Hi Snippy.

I am in your boat also with much the same problem.

If I take the caravan to a caravan repairer, well the 2 I have approached near me say "yes we will service your caravan". I don't need them to service my caravan, I just wont the brakes adjusted.

I tried that path with my previous caravan, I only to find they put in a new set of bearing and seals, extra labour for that. Expensive brake adjustment considering the bearing were not 12 months old.

Careful inspection of the bearing showed nothing wrong with them.

Sometimes being dumb, dangerous is a good way to go.

Possum3 · Guru

Snippy, The awning brackets should be screwed or riveted to a 3mm thick aluminium plate approx 100mm square securely riveted to the profiled aluminium cladding - not directly onto cladding. similarly any spreader mounting points.
Regarding the brake issue/s it would pay to download some technical information regarding their use and adjustments from Caravan Council of Australia www.caravancouncil.com.au/ I would then contact Colin Young at the Caravan Council and request the name of a reliable mechanic for you to take the van to or that can come to your premises. You could try looking for a local mechanic that will come to your place and adjust your brakes and regrease your bearings annually while you watch what and how the job should be done.

the rocket · Guru

I can recomnend a great repairer in brisbane. have had our van fixed by him and he did not rip us off.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Checking elect part of brakes is only half the job . Checking mechanical side too . Learning how to adjust and test brake systems . Brackets should be if I read it correct ? Should be plated to say 3mm alloy then Sikoflexed, pop riveted to Van . If theres an inner beam ? A long stainless screw into frame !!

Radar · Guru

the rocket wrote:
I can recomnend a great repairer in brisbane. have had our van fixed by him and he did not rip us off.

Hi Rocket

Better send us his name please.

Snippy · Senior Member

outlaw40 wrote:
Dont deflect just tell the truth Have you or Have you not been towing for 2 years without brakes on the van ,your original post says you were so the buck stops with you . get it fixed properly and stay off the road until you do.

Keep ya hair on! Car brakes stop the van ok on flat and moderate speeds. Downhill hill using low gear and light braking works, but not satisfactory.

Should have made this point, sorry.

Snippy · Senior Member

the rocket wrote:
I can recomnend a great repairer in brisbane. have had our van fixed by him and he did not rip us off.

Currently in South Australia.

Snippy · Senior Member

Radar wrote:
Hi Snippy.
I am in your boat also with much the same problem.
If I take the caravan to a caravan repairer, well the 2 I have approached near me say "yes we will service your caravan". I don't need them to service my caravan, I just wont the brakes adjusted.
I tried that path with my previous caravan, I only to find they put in a new set of bearing and seals, extra labour for that. Expensive brake adjustment considering the bearing were not 12 months old.
Careful inspection of the bearing showed nothing wrong with them.
Sometimes being dumb, dangerous is a good way to go.

Bloke in Beaudesert did that to me.

Snippy · Senior Member

Possum3 wrote:
Snippy, The awning brackets should be screwed or riveted to a 3mm thick aluminium plate approx 100mm square securely riveted to the profiled aluminium cladding - not directly onto cladding. similarly any spreader mounting points.
Regarding the brake issue/s it would pay to download some technical information regarding their use and adjustments from Caravan Council of Australia www.caravancouncil.com.au/ I would then contact Colin Young at the Caravan Council and request the name of a reliable mechanic for you to take the van to or that can come to your premises. You could try looking for a local mechanic that will come to your place and adjust your brakes and regrease your bearings annually while you watch what and how the job should be done.

THanks Possum, will check these out.

Old and Grey · Senior Member

Hi Snippy,

Of Topic, Do you also have a PPL in General Aviation or Higher. If so, do you do a required pre flight check before each flight. The reason I ask, Would you start up, knowing your ship is Not Safe.

If you tow a Van, knowing what you have said, in that state. I would report you to CASA without question. As you would give other aviators a bad name.

Grey

Snippy · Senior Member

Old and Grey wrote:
Hi Snippy,
Of Topic, Do you also have a PPL in General Aviation or Higher. If so, do you do a required pre flight check before each flight. The reason I ask, Would you start up, knowing your ship is Not Safe.
If you tow a Van, knowing what you have said, in that state. I would report you to CASA without question. As you would give other aviators a bad name.
Grey

As a Commercial Pilot I would know that maintenance is done by professional engineers and signed off. The walk around inspection is for issues with control surfaces, oil levels/leaks, loose fittings, bird nests or any obvious damage. The brakes are tested at start of taxi and if defective will be referred back to the L.A.M.E.

Bit different to paying some amateur f'wit to do a job that he knows nothing about and having no recourse when that work is defective. Caravan repairers are mostly unqualified cowboys.

outlaw40 · Guru

Snippy wrote:
outlaw40 wrote:
Dont deflect just tell the truth Have you or Have you not been towing for 2 years without brakes on the van ,your original post says you were so the buck stops with you . get it fixed properly and stay off the road until you do.
Keep ya hair on! Car brakes stop the van ok on flat and moderate speeds. Downhill hill using low gear and light braking works, but not satisfactory.
Should have made this point, sorry.

You have got to be kidding . and your a Pilot . Anyone still want to defend this member ... ok i give up i can only conclude that you are a troll nobody with even a single digit IQ especially with an aviation background would be making such statements . if any of this is true FIX THE BRAKES before you kill someone you w%#ker .

outlaw40 · Guru

Snippy wrote:
Old and Grey wrote:
Hi Snippy,
Of Topic, Do you also have a PPL in General Aviation or Higher. If so, do you do a required pre flight check before each flight. The reason I ask, Would you start up, knowing your ship is Not Safe.
If you tow a Van, knowing what you have said, in that state. I would report you to CASA without question. As you would give other aviators a bad name.
Grey

As a Commercial Pilot I would know that maintenance is done by professional engineers and signed off. The walk around inspection is for issues with control surfaces, oil levels/leaks, loose fittings, bird nests or any obvious damage. The brakes are tested at start of taxi and if defective will be referred back to the L.A.M.E.
Bit different to paying some amateur f'wit to do a job that he knows nothing about and having no recourse when that work is defective. Caravan repairers are mostly unqualified cowboys.

Heres another statement from op ... Anybody want to go for a ride in an aeroplane confuse as a commercial pilot which i dont believe as an IQ above single digits is required you should be reported and investigated because if your carrying on like this on the ground then you would be doing the same with your aircraft . Got to be a troll nobody is this thick .

Mike Harding · Guru

It is educating to watch the hyenas closing the circle for the kill - how they relish their work.

outlaw40 · Guru

tell us Mike do you think that ops admission he has been using a van with no operational brakes for 2 years acceptable . Nothing to do with close the circle for the kill as you put it but a matter of public safety this van should not be on the road in its present condition . i am sure you would change your tune if he wiped out your family with it.

Magnarc · Guru

Kevin there are some excellent repairers around. I have used Hardings Swift here in Melbourne for 15yrs very thorough people at what they do. When our van goes in for a check on the suspension they always look at the brakes and, when I go to collect it one of their guys comes with me around the block to check the controller settings and the braking. I have never had a problem with any work that they have done.

Please do not drive with no van brakes it is courting disaster. You have ridden your luck for two years but sooner or later....................

Disclaimer. I have no connection with the above company other than a satisfied customer.

iana · Guru

I've met some pretty crazy pilots, as long as that thing at the front that turns that whirly thing and goes put - put - put, they're happy. I've seen one aircraft with a 200lt drum strapped in the back as a fuel tank.