SERVICE IT

Your caravan needs regular checkups and services – top to bottom and front to back, says Johannes. “How often you use it will determine when you’ll need to have it serviced. If you’ve already been to the Kgalagadi twice, as well as once through the Kruger National Park, its high time for a service. Some guys even service their caravans after every trip to the Kruger.”

According to Johannes, caravanners see the biggest issues around brake systems and wheel bearings that haven’t been taken care of or serviced properly. Another big issue is tyres that are too old, even though they still look new.

“If the drum brakes don’t look good anymore, the brake pad has to be replaced and the drum sanded clean. I’d estimate about half of the caravans on our roads don’t have properly working brakes, simply because they haven’t been tuned right or because the cable isn’t tight enough. It’s best to have your brakes serviced and tuned by someone who knows what they’re doing. I take my Land Rover to a Land Rover mechanic, because that’s how it should be done.

“Applying some grease to the wheel bearings isn’t enough; you have to remove them, clean them thoroughly and see if they’re still in good condition. If any of the rollers are damaged, you have to replace the bearing. And you can’t replace just one at a time – do them all. It’s when wheel bearings break that wheels come off. Also, when you apply grease, make sure it’s the heatresistant type for wheel bearings.”

If your caravan has been standing for a spell, check the wheel bearings, says Johannes. “The wheels carry an enormous amount of weight and withstand a huge amount of resistance. You don’t want to try getting from Cape Town to Gauteng on damaged bearings.

“One of the biggest mistakes caravan owners make is to think their tyres are still in good condition just because they haven’t see a lot of mileage. The tread might still look good on a tyre that’s five or six years old, but those tyres get porous and weak.

“Cracks on the tread area can cost you your caravan. I replace my tyres every three years.“the good news is that a caravan that’s been looked after can still look brand new after 15 years. Your kids could still use it to go camping one day!”